It's no secret that cycling trips can forge strong friendships and whet the appetite for new experiences on two wheels. That said, the group of friends who call themselves "Pajala Pedagoger På Pedal", PPPP, are an exceptionally good example of both.
It started back in 1998 when some acquaintances gave away a bicycle package as a present to a jubilarian. Ann Isaksson Pelli and her friends, who were all educators, were inspired, tried a bicycle trip themselves and that's the way it is.
Since then, there have been many trips, from Tornedalen to Provence, and the group of friends have become pensioners along the way and the three-speed bikes have been replaced by electric bikes.
"Opportunity to cultivate and deepen friendship and cohesion"
It's been 27 years since that first trip. What is it that makes the desire to go out still there?
- There are lots of reasons; to combine benefits in the form of physical activity with a lot of joy, pleasure and many laughs, to get the opportunity to cultivate and deepen friendships and cohesion through an intense and long-standing socializing, to see and experience new places and environments from the bicycle saddle, to meet new exciting people and create new contacts across the country, says Ann Isaksson Pelli.
The importance of planning
In Sweden, the group of friends has cycled in Norrbotten and Västerbotten, on Österlen, along the Kattegatt Trail, along the Näckros Trail, around Lake Mälaren, in Småland and on Öland and Gotland. Several trips have also been made abroad; Fyn and Bornholm, southern Finland, Åland, along the Loire Valley, along the Moselle Valley and in Provence are some examples.
- The summer cycling trip always starts in the fall with at least one evaluation. During the spring, several planning meetings are then required before it's time for the big adventure. Always a good and important reason to meet, and an important part of cycling, says Ann.
Clothing is an important factor
With 27 years of bicycle travel under your belt, you have a lot of experience of what works and what doesn't when you're out on the road. Clothing is an important factor to consider.
- Get cycling shorts, good rainwear and a rainproof cycling bag or rain cover to put over your bag. Remember that your shoes can also get wet. It's a good idea to have a small backpack in a bike basket at the front and preferably a reflective vest to be seen in traffic.
The group of friends has had their own shirts printed to further mark the community. Shirts that have changed over the years.
- We have printed the hometown Pajala, and also text about where we have cycled which has attracted attention and been a good basis for many conversations with people on the road.
Exercise your butt and good mood
It's also a good idea to think about physical fitness when you're going out cycling for a few days. The mental attitude is also important,
- You do not need to be particularly fit, but feel free to cycle a few miles at home before the trip to feel and train your "butt".
Then a good mood in all situations is worth its weight in gold, and a must even when the rain is pouring down, everything is wet and it is a long way to the day's stage destination. Furthermore, it is important to have good bikes, good accommodation, restaurant and café suggestions along the way, detailed descriptions of the stages and proper cycling maps.
”Well organized, interesting and exciting bike tours"
When it comes to accommodation, bike packages and tips on where to go, Sweden By Bike has been very helpful with its knowledge and contacts.
- We have used Sweden by Bike and their ready-made packages on several occasions. We have experienced well-organized, interesting and exciting bike tours.
We have had very good communication with Sweden by bike and have been able to change a lot in the arrangement of the trips to suit us and our wishes. We think that they have usually offered affordable alternatives.
Some examples of ready-made packages we bought are "Näckrosleden", "Castles and lakes in Sörmland", "Sydkustleden grand tour", "Cycling in the world heritage, southern Öland". This year we will cycle in the area of Karlstad and Lake Vänern.
Will continue for many years to come
A rich history of pleasant experiences in Sweden and abroad. Finally, one wonders how Ann and her friends see the future when it comes to bicycle travel.
- Cycling is an important part of our lives and our friendship and most importantly - we will continue to cycle for many years to come!
