On the Road.

Jack Kerouac's magnum opus 'On the Road' has no doubt led many young people astray since it was first published way back in 1957. The idea of constantly moving, never being stationary is incredibly appealing, in fact Bob Dylan has cited the novel as one of his biggest influences, thats one hell of an endorsement. The lifestyle Kerouac describes is not for the faint hearted, debauchery, substance abuse and theft are part of the day to day search for 'kicks'.

'On the Road'

Now don't get me wrong, i'm talking about bike touring, not getting loaded and being promiscuous, I don't need that to get my kicks. However I feel that Kerouac's description of life on the road runs parallel to cycle touring, never being in the same place for very long and exploring the whole of a country is exactly what he preached. Our lives are are too predisposed to routine and to be able to escape from the everyday rat-race can only make us realise what it is to be free. I guess what i'm trying to say is, don't take drugs, get a bike instead.