Bicycle touring in Europe in the 1970s

In 1969, Christian College offered its first bicycle class for one hour’s physical education credit. In 1970, ’71 and ’72 , I planned and led 45-day bicycle tours in Europe. The dean asked whether I could plan and budget the tours, overnights, meals, mechanics and special events; I had done that for our family previously. I charged a $50 emergency fee for each student, and in three trips, all of the emergency fees were returned unused. A few nonstudents in each trip paid the college an extra $15 fee.

To ensure a place to stay each night, I planned overnights to be in youth hostels, cooking our breakfasts in the "members’ kitchens." Students bought their noon meals. Evening meals were reserved ahead for the hostel dining rooms so that we’d get to know people from various parts of the world.

In three tours and with 30 students, we had one near-calamity: One student forgot which side of the road to use in England and dumped her luggage in the street as a driver saved her by bouncing his vehicle over a curb. I saw this happen and went to the crying, frightened girl at once. She was not injured. I hugged her in the middle of the street, and she whispered, "Mrs. G., I’m wetting my pants." No harm done!