I started the website: www.bicycletouringpro.com in the autumn of 2007 and have worked relentlessly since that time to build the website, the YouTube channel and my book, The Bicycle Touring Blueprint, into one of the most popular and informative bike travel brands on the Internet. My work as the Bicycle Touring Pro was not only a passion project, it was my life!
But over the past several years, and since developing cancer in 2016, I’ve spent a lot of time wondering if this whole “bicycle touring” thing was something I should continue to do.
The truth is… yes, many of the best moments in my life have come from traveling the world on the back of a bicycle. But my time on the road has also been incredibly lonely.
As the Bicycle Touring Pro, I would often spend months by myself, traveling through foreign countries where I did not speak the language and could not converse with the locals, only to then be working in an environment (on the Internet) where I was doing everything by myself – once again, with very little human interaction.
There’s no ONE reason I came to the decision I did, but I ultimately decided to move on from my work as a professional bicycle traveler.
Approximately three months ago (in the autumn of 2022), I handed over the reigns of my mini “bike travel” empire to a young man named Sam. Watch the video above for a detailed explanation of who Sam is, why I decided to move on from Bicycle Touring Pro, and what I ultimately plan to do in the future.
The reality is… I don’t know what I want to do now that I’m not a professional cyclist / vlogger / Internet entrepreneur. But now that I’m no longer working on Bicycle Touring Pro, I have the time and freedom to pursue other things, which is, honestly, something I’ve been very much obsessed with since I started traveling by bike – THE FREEDOM.
So, after years of inactivity, I’m re-activating my personal website: www.darrenalff.com and will be posting here with new photos and videos from my everyday life… and chronicling my adventures as a “normal person.”
5 replies on “The End of an Era”
Hi
I can totally understand your decision and wish you all the best and many enjoyable moments in company!
Hi Darren, it’s great to see you. I am sending best wishes your way in your new “season” of life. I hope that whatever you choose will be fulfilling and bring you joy. I’m looking forward to reading and hearing about your new adventures. Wishing you great success in 2023 and beyond.
God luck with your life. Can totally understand your feelings of loneliness , even if my longest trip was only for 2 month.
Enjoy cooking with all your spices and tell us about your dishes.
Tailwinds, mate. Appreciate your info and encouragements that helped guide my later-in-life touring adventures.
Hi Darren,
Your work is very inspirational. As a cyclist, a tourist, and a person, over the years my life has been enriched by your contributions to the cycling community.
I trust you are well and this ‘retirement’ is a joyful direction for you.
Adventure awaits!
Jef