Since I live in the US they are very stingy with time off. Add in the fact I have 3 small kids, limited income, and cycle touring gets pushed down the list of priorities. I've contented myself with doing "mini" tours i.e. a long weekend. Unfortunately, the last tour I did was the Summer before last, and it was a disaster (cancelled and flew back early from Canada).
Since time is my enemy, I can't really have a substantial travel time to make it worth its while, so I try to do mini tours that allow me to travel from my back doorstep or are a couple of hours away (e.g. flying to Canada when I got some really cheap air tickets). Unfortunately I'm now at the point where I've cycled so much in the New England area, I'm really looking for something new.
The best thing I can think of at the minute is a long weekend in Rhode Island -in an area I've not cycled called Point Judith. The good news is that it's only a 30 minute train ride away and I can cycle to the train station in about 20 minutes or less. Other things I've entertained are the Finger Lakes and canal paths in New York State, but the problem really is I'd have to drive there which would easily take up a good half or more of the day. I'd also be willing to try Canada again near Montreal or Ottawa, but then we're getting into the issue of flight costs.
Either way, I know I'll get out somehow!
