I've ridden cross-country for several years, but this was my first cycling tour and I'm looking forward to the next one. It was spring, there was still some snow on the slopes and the countryside was green and full of wildflowers. I could smell the fresh scent of the plants in the air when the breeze blew against my face. Biking much more fun than being stuck inside a car or on a tour bus. I love to be in contact with nature and hear all the sounds the birds, the trees, the water in the streams. can be tiring sometimes, but the views are worth the effort.