Expeditions vs Tours

[Iain Harper]

Curious to know others' thoughts on the subjective difference between a "tour" and an "expedition" (as per the title of this section of the forum).

In my mind, a tour is something that might take anything from a few days to a few weeks, and an expedition is something more adventurous over a much more extended period of time (eg. cycling to Cape Town, or down the length of the Pan American Highway, or round the world, etc)

Anyone on here done any expeditions of that sort or have aspirations to?

 

[psmiffy]

Its all in the mind - for me the difference is between whether its a tour or a challenge - the former where you go is more important than the cycling and the latter the cycling is more important than where it is.

Myself I tend to do Jaunts - The old adage of it is the journey not the destination coming to mind.

 

[mickle]

... a tour is something that might take anything from a few days to a few weeks, and an expedition is something more adventurous over a much more extended period of time (eg. cycling to Cape Town, or down the length of the Pan American Highway, or round the world, etc ... )

This.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Length of time and road conditions, what you need to carry - things like water purification (not just chlorine tablets), solar panels to recharge electronics, 4 spare tyres, new chains & cogs, 4 season sleeping bag, ski gloves with merino wool liners etc.
On a 2 week "tour" on mtbs we didn't take any of those and have been back to that country.
On our 12 month "tour" on 'expedition' bikes we needed that and more. I think an 'expedition' carries on regardless of the weather and the conditions and probably covers more challenging conditions. Probably going to places you are unlikely to go to again - once in a life time stuff.

 

[Brains]

Tour = Something organised or planned by other people where sleeping is in pre-booked places
Expedition = You do the organisation and the planning and you have no idea where your sleeping bag will be tonight.

 

[psmiffy]

Tour = Something organised or planned by other people where sleeping is in pre-booked places
Expedition = You do the organisation and the planning and you have no idea where your sleeping bag will be tonight.

As I said "it is all in the mind" -

 

[barnesy]

Strange one, id have roughly said an expedition is something tht takes months or years and to far flung locations rather than a tour which would seem more local or somehow easier.

Im planning an "expedition" of my own, from Alaska to Argentina and over to Cape Town, I will cycle the length of Africa and home through the Middle East. During which i will not only be cycling but also Hiking, sailing across the Atlantic and hopefully climbing and canoeing.

Ive referred to this as both a "tour" and an "expedition". Ive always used expedition to describe it to potential sponsors as it sounds more impressive.

Early stage site can be seen here: www.thebigcycle.com

 

[Iain Harper]

Im planning an "expedition" of my own, from Alaska to Argentina and over to Cape Town, I will cycle the length of Africa and home through the Middle East. During which i will not only be cycling but also Hiking, sailing across the Atlantic and hopefully climbing and canoeing.

Fantastic - sounds like a great adventure

 

[Iain Harper]

Do you have a fixed leaving date in May? Are you flying to Alaska?

 

[barnesy]

I don't, I just know im getting my last pay check on the 25th of April. My friend who is currently en route to meet me (hes 3 weeks into his world tour in Budapest) docks in Anchorage on the 14th May and together we will head to Prudhoe bay.

Im planning on flying over 2 weeks early and getting the miles in as he will be much fitter and faster in his routines

 

[Iain Harper]

Good plan Looking forward to following your journey online.

 

[barnesy]

Thanks, i will be updating my blog as i go, doing a bit on it tonight as the new bike has arrived.

Planning on a 3 week tour of Ireland and Scotland in october to test the gear.

Sorry to sidetrack from the thread, a quick question of everyone, do many of you guys ever look at "expeditions" and feel its something that cant be done or something that is crazy? Most people I know think im just mad, im sure they are jealous deep down though

 

[samid]

I sure am jealous. Would probably like to do something like this but don't see how I can with family obligations etc. It certainly sounds like an expedition - good luck!

 

[Crankarm]

This guy Peter Gostelow does serious tours/expeditions. Now back in the UK for a rest.

http://www.thebigafricacycle.com/

Then there is Helen Lloyd

http://takeonafrica.com/

 

[Crankarm]

I don't, I just know im getting my last pay check on the 25th of April. My friend who is currently en route to meet me (hes 3 weeks into his world tour in Budapest) docks in Anchorage on the 14th May and together we will head to Prudhoe bay.

Im planning on flying over 2 weeks early and getting the miles in as he will be much fitter and faster in his routines

You'll need more than 2 weeks riding a loaded bike before hand. Have you done any touring with the amount of kit you will be carrying? Will you be carrying camping or cooking equipment which adds significantly to weight? Also you will need warm clothing for Alaska which again will increase weight and volume. Have you done a pre-tour tour?