We've been on Twitter for a few months now (@advcyclingassoc), and I'm finding the spirited public interaction to be quite addictive. And we've been getting feedback from all kinds of cyclists that Twitter is the place to be if you're traveling by bicycle. For one thing, it's simple to update your blog from your phone — no need to schlep your laptop along with you, or to track down a library and then wait for a computer. Plus, the limit of using 140 or fewer characters keeps observations short, sweet, and more in the moment, and tools such as TwitPic allow you to share images easily from the road — again, using your phone.
We're also thinking that Twitter could be a great tool for us to use in serving traveling cyclists (and we're hearing from cyclists that they agree), not only for publishing inspiring blurbs and news from our organization's Twitter community, which we already do, but also for things like receiving and then sharing up-to-the-minute route update info from cyclists on the road, and responding to member questions and concerns. While we're taking a little time to research how best to use this tool, we wanted to ask you now: are you on Twitter? How would you like to see us use it to better serve bicycle travelers and inspire more people to travel by bicycle?
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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Outside Over There
Sleeping outside is, in my opinion, one of life’s greatest pleasures (but I do know not everyone will agree!) The wind in the trees, the evening crickets, the rushing river nearby: all harmonize in the creation of the ultimate lullaby.
Camping really doesn’t require any special gear, besides a tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. During bicycle tours, it’s especially fun to relax in the evening inside your tent, reading, or writing. Group campsites offer an ideal atmosphere to get to know your neighbors (just find out ahead of time who snores!) Of course, most of Adventure Cycling's supported tours offer motel options, but if you’ve ever been interested in sleeping outdoors, I urge you to give it a try! You might just find you love the entire experience as much as I do.
photo by Aaron Teasdale
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Camping really doesn’t require any special gear, besides a tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. During bicycle tours, it’s especially fun to relax in the evening inside your tent, reading, or writing. Group campsites offer an ideal atmosphere to get to know your neighbors (just find out ahead of time who snores!) Of course, most of Adventure Cycling's supported tours offer motel options, but if you’ve ever been interested in sleeping outdoors, I urge you to give it a try! You might just find you love the entire experience as much as I do.photo by Aaron Teasdale
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Legend in His Own Time
If expeditionary travel by bicycle ever had its own Lance Armstrong—or maybe its version of Sir Edmund Hillary would be a better comparison—I would have to say it was the late Ian Hibell (HIGH-bell). Ian, small in stature but huge in spirit, was killed by a hit-and-run motorist in Greece in August of 2008 while on a 'training ride' from his home in Britain for a planned trip to Tibet.
In his more than 40 years of nearly continuous travel by bicycle, Ian went the equivalent of ten times around the world, or more than 250,000 miles. Many of his travels are documented in his 1985 book Into the Remote Places.
Talk about remote. En route from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, Ian even crossed the soggy Darien Gap, if not BY bicycle, then WITH bicycle.
We at Adventure Cycling are proud and honored to know that Ian traveled to our office early in 2007 to contribute to our historic bike collection the Argos expedition bicycle he pedaled from Norway to South Africa in the mid-1970s. The toughest part of that trip, Ian told us, "undoubtedly was riding or dragging the heavily laden bicycle through the Sahara."
Rest, and ride, in peace, dear friend.
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BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
In his more than 40 years of nearly continuous travel by bicycle, Ian went the equivalent of ten times around the world, or more than 250,000 miles. Many of his travels are documented in his 1985 book Into the Remote Places.
Talk about remote. En route from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, Ian even crossed the soggy Darien Gap, if not BY bicycle, then WITH bicycle.
We at Adventure Cycling are proud and honored to know that Ian traveled to our office early in 2007 to contribute to our historic bike collection the Argos expedition bicycle he pedaled from Norway to South Africa in the mid-1970s. The toughest part of that trip, Ian told us, "undoubtedly was riding or dragging the heavily laden bicycle through the Sahara."
Rest, and ride, in peace, dear friend.
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BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Touring Wheels
There are few touring components that have been neglected by the industry more than wheels. Most stock touring bikes incorporate their own custom-built wheels to accommodate the rugged conditions they will face. This is great if you're purchasing a new bike; however, it can be frustrating if you're searching out a new wheelset for your existing bike. While discouraging, there are still ways to obtain the perfect wheelset in this situation, a custom build being among the best choices.
Custom wheel builds are available through most bike shops, so the first thing you will want to do is find a mechanic that you trust. If you can't find the right person locally, most online bike retailers can do the job.
Designing the proper build from the ground up isn't as intimidating as it may sound. There are four wheel components to take into consideration: hub, spokes, nipples, and rim.
Starting at the center (and working our way out), we have the hub. Cartridge sealed bearings are ideal for minimal maintenance and extended life. Chris King, Paul Components, and White Industries are three companies that make some of the best hubs available — but they're not the cheapest. For a more economical choice, the Shimano XT hub is an outstanding option. Just be sure the spoke count on the hub matches the spoke count on the rim you wind up choosing.
When it comes to spokes, you want a high count. For single bikes, 36 spokes per wheel is a good number. Tandems can go as high as 48 spokes per wheel. I like to have my front wheel laced two-cross (in other words, a spoke will weave past two other spokes), and my rear wheel laced three-cross. This not only helps strengthen the rear wheel, but also makes the ride a little smoother, which you'll enjoy over the long haul. DT Swiss makes some outstanding spokes, and the double-butted variety will give you very durable build. Couple these with some nickle-plated brass nipples, and you'll be in great shape.
Last up is the rim. Wide-box section rims distribute weight very well and they are more accommodating for the wider tires preferred for touring bikes. I have had great luck with the Alex Adventurer rims, and Freedom Bicycle (a side project of WTB) also makes some touring-specific rims.
No matter which parts you choose, I can't stress enough how important it is to have a mechanic you trust do the work, even if that person is you. The very best parts can still create large problems if not assembled correctly, with a careful eye toward detail.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Custom wheel builds are available through most bike shops, so the first thing you will want to do is find a mechanic that you trust. If you can't find the right person locally, most online bike retailers can do the job.
Designing the proper build from the ground up isn't as intimidating as it may sound. There are four wheel components to take into consideration: hub, spokes, nipples, and rim.
Starting at the center (and working our way out), we have the hub. Cartridge sealed bearings are ideal for minimal maintenance and extended life. Chris King, Paul Components, and White Industries are three companies that make some of the best hubs available — but they're not the cheapest. For a more economical choice, the Shimano XT hub is an outstanding option. Just be sure the spoke count on the hub matches the spoke count on the rim you wind up choosing.
When it comes to spokes, you want a high count. For single bikes, 36 spokes per wheel is a good number. Tandems can go as high as 48 spokes per wheel. I like to have my front wheel laced two-cross (in other words, a spoke will weave past two other spokes), and my rear wheel laced three-cross. This not only helps strengthen the rear wheel, but also makes the ride a little smoother, which you'll enjoy over the long haul. DT Swiss makes some outstanding spokes, and the double-butted variety will give you very durable build. Couple these with some nickle-plated brass nipples, and you'll be in great shape.
Last up is the rim. Wide-box section rims distribute weight very well and they are more accommodating for the wider tires preferred for touring bikes. I have had great luck with the Alex Adventurer rims, and Freedom Bicycle (a side project of WTB) also makes some touring-specific rims.
No matter which parts you choose, I can't stress enough how important it is to have a mechanic you trust do the work, even if that person is you. The very best parts can still create large problems if not assembled correctly, with a careful eye toward detail.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Friday, September 25, 2009
In the Interbike Candy Store
What follows is a special post from our executive director, Jim Sayer, who will soon become a regular, here on the blog. He just finished up his visit to Interbike and shares some of his thoughts...
"I just attended the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas for the fourth time, but this year I decided to go early for the “outdoor demo days” in Bootleg Canyon, about 30 miles outside of the city. Understatement of the year: it was a great decision.My kids love to go wild in a candy store; similarly, I went wild on the dirt and pavement in and around Bootleg. Many of the world’s best bike makers come with thousands of bikes – and an unsettling but gratifying eagerness to let you ride them. I enjoyed some terrific single track (IMBA calls it “epic”) on a bunch of different bikes, including Salsa’s Big Mama (with 29 inch wheels) and Surly’s Pugsley (the kind of bike that Popeye would have ridden, with engorged 4 inch tires that roll easily over sand or ice). I also sampled hybrid, touring, and commuter bikes from Electra, Civia, Co-Motion and Brompton.
All of this left a huge grin on my face, and a little ache in my thighs, but the highlight had to be my ride from the demo headquarters to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. 18 miles of red rock and blue sky. Long downhill and headwinds going. Long uphill and tailwinds coming back. (As a Zen master might put it, "very balanced conditions.") Bypassing RVs with ease on the crowded dam. All of it taking place on Masi’s excellent touring bike, the Speciale Randonneur, a supple and solid ride.
I have to admit a real ambivalence about coming to Las Vegas – probably a latent Calvinism, plus the dicey in-town riding conditions – but after doing demo days, and experiencing all these awesome bikes on such spectacular terrain, I think I’ll be returning with a quicker step next time."
in this photo: Tim Jackson of Masi with Jim Sayer of Adventure Cycling
photo courtesy of Jim Sayer
Bicycle Travel Friendly Communities
Yesterday's tale from Coyville, Kansas, was hardly an anomaly. There have been some really amazing stories about things done to accommodate bike travelers around the country. For example, some generous folks in Twin Bridges, Montana, created a campground specifically tailored to bicycle tourists. On the other side of the country in Chester, Illinois, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles created their own cyclist-only campground, inspired by a visit with some TransAmerica Bicycle Trail riders.
If you are interested in making your community more bicycle tourist-friendly, you can check out our Bike Travel Friendly Town Info Sheet, which includes a listing of the basic needs of bike tourists, and information on how to make it happen in your town. Ideas include:
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
If you are interested in making your community more bicycle tourist-friendly, you can check out our Bike Travel Friendly Town Info Sheet, which includes a listing of the basic needs of bike tourists, and information on how to make it happen in your town. Ideas include:
- Communications. Having a phone available for use by bicyclists is great. If you do not already have a library offering Internet access in your community, making a computer available for traveling bicyclists to use is another well-appreciated service. It allows them to keep in touch with loved ones, pay bills back at home, and stay connected to the outside world.
- Bike Tools. Cyclists are often in need of some basic bike tools and supplies; things like tubes, spokes, chain lube, patch kits, and so on. Lacking a local bike shop, some communities' hardware stores will stock a basic array of bicycle supplies. Make sure to let those bicycling through town know about these products by way of a small sign in the window saying something to the effect of “Basic Bike Parts Available." Having a bicycle floor pump available to borrow at a local gas station or hardware store is also a real service.
- Welcoming signage. Many communities, including our headquarters city of Missoula, put up signs on either end of town that say “Bicyclists Welcome” or “Bicycle Friendly Town.” Such signs are a terrific way to convey the fact that your town welcomes those riding on Adventure Cycling routes. Individuals businesses can be encouraged to put up signs in their windows saying “Bicyclists Welcome,” as well.
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Putting out the Welcome Mat
It seems to me that stories like the following are becoming more frequent. I'm not sure if it's due to the current ease of sharing information, or if the actual number of such incidents is going up. I hope it's the latter—though if it's simply that more of the stories are being reported on, there's nothing wrong with that, either.
In December of 2008, we received an email from the city treasurer of Coyville, Kansas. Apparently, this town of 75 souls on section 8 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail has been putting out the Welcome Mat for cyclists for years. "Each summer we have tried to welcome as many cyclists as we can—the whole town does," said the message. "We have had cyclists eat with us, do laundry, and sleep in the community center."
And they aren't just tooting their own horn. Six months after we got the message from the city treasurer, a traveling cyclist sent us an email extolling the virtues of this small town, right down to Mayor Steve Blubaugh giving them a ride around a bridge that was under three feet of water at the time.
When I spoke to Steve recently he told me this: "When I see a cyclist riding past my house, I know he's missed the turn, because the road soon becomes dirt!" To help keep this from happening, the town has put up signs directing cyclists along the correct route.
Access is available to the community center for sleeping and cooking by asking the right person for the key (hint: she lives across the street from the center). There is also a park for resting, and a couple of open spaces the city keeps mowed for easy tent pitching.
A Welcome Mat, indeed!
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.
In December of 2008, we received an email from the city treasurer of Coyville, Kansas. Apparently, this town of 75 souls on section 8 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail has been putting out the Welcome Mat for cyclists for years. "Each summer we have tried to welcome as many cyclists as we can—the whole town does," said the message. "We have had cyclists eat with us, do laundry, and sleep in the community center."
And they aren't just tooting their own horn. Six months after we got the message from the city treasurer, a traveling cyclist sent us an email extolling the virtues of this small town, right down to Mayor Steve Blubaugh giving them a ride around a bridge that was under three feet of water at the time.
When I spoke to Steve recently he told me this: "When I see a cyclist riding past my house, I know he's missed the turn, because the road soon becomes dirt!" To help keep this from happening, the town has put up signs directing cyclists along the correct route.
Access is available to the community center for sleeping and cooking by asking the right person for the key (hint: she lives across the street from the center). There is also a park for resting, and a couple of open spaces the city keeps mowed for easy tent pitching.
A Welcome Mat, indeed!
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Opening a Can of Worms
I’ve shied away from this subject for some time because I know emotions run high in the area. However, because it’s so important on our self-contained tours, I feel like some time should be devoted to this incredibly important topic: how will you carry your gear? With a few exceptions, most people tend toward either a trailer or panniers. Which is better? Only you can decide.
This is an age-old debate that will not be settled anytime soon. Trailers are fantastic for tours involving rugged riding surfaces, where you may want a narrower profile and a lighter front end. Panniers, on the other hand, have lots of compartments, and you can unload them in your tent if it’s raining. Depending on your tour, you may find that one suits your needs better than the other; or, perhaps your bicycle better accommodates one or the other—either a trailer or racks, that is.
This blog entry relies a lot on reader comment. What have your experiences been? Do you prefer trailers or panniers—and why?
photo by Sarah Raz
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
This is an age-old debate that will not be settled anytime soon. Trailers are fantastic for tours involving rugged riding surfaces, where you may want a narrower profile and a lighter front end. Panniers, on the other hand, have lots of compartments, and you can unload them in your tent if it’s raining. Depending on your tour, you may find that one suits your needs better than the other; or, perhaps your bicycle better accommodates one or the other—either a trailer or racks, that is.
This blog entry relies a lot on reader comment. What have your experiences been? Do you prefer trailers or panniers—and why?
photo by Sarah Raz
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
When you see or hear the words "Laramie, Wyoming," the first thing that comes to mind might be things like guns, horses, and classic westerns—say, The Man from Laramie, a great 1955 shoot-'em-up starring Jimmy Stewart.
But today in Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming (my alma mater, by the way), bicycles are as big as horses ... if not bigger. The weeklong Tour de Wyoming, which follows a different route through the Cowboy State every year, is organized by a crew out of Laramie. And the 111-kilometer Laramie Enduro, held each summer in the nearby Laramie Range, has grown into an extremely popular regional mountain-bike race.
And trails, trails, trails. For beginners, try the network at Curt Gowdy State Park, named for the legendary sportscaster who grew up in Green River and Cheyenne, Wyoming. The park is nestled in the hills between Cheyenne and Laramie. Then there's Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, a newly designated preserve that's actually in Colorado, but situated just south of the state line. Finally, for something a little more leisurely but no less scenic, steer your tires onto the 21-mile-long Medicine Bow Rail-Trail.
Yee-haw, let 'em roll!
Photo: The Man from Laramie movie poster, 1955, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.
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BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Schwalbe Marathon Tires
Designing a touring tire with the optimal mix of puncture resistance, durability, a plush feel, and a low rolling resistance is nothing short of difficult. Fortunately, Schwalbe has put out a plethora of touring style tires that balance out the different tire characteristics to fit a wide variety of rider preferences and terrain. On the flip side, having a large quantity of options can also be intimidating. Instead of running down all of the tires in Schwalbe's Marathon lineup, I'll hit three tires that provide a good representation of what they have to offer.
Marathon Extreme HS 402: Pavement or gravel, wet or dry, this is a heavy duty expedition style tire that will tackle just about any road from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego. There is a puncture resistant belt built into the tire that helps keep glass and other sharp objects from working their way towards your tube, and the actual tire compound is soft enough to contribute to a comfortable ride. The tread may look better suited for off-road use, but in addition to providing excellent grip, it also rolls surprisingly smoothly on pavement. The $77/tire price is a bit intimidating, but the durability and piece of mind that comes with it is hard to beat.
Marathon HS 368: The jack of all trades. Priced well at just under $40/tire, they balance durability, puncture resistance, and low rolling resistance with the best of them. The shallow tread is best suited for pavement, and will channel water nicely for sure footed handling in the rain. The durable casing and light tread pattern will allow you to venture out into the world of gravel as well. This tire is available through our store in sizes 700x28, 700x35, and 26x1.75. If we don't have the size you're looking for, check out the Schwalbe website for more sizes that will fit your road, mountain, and even Bike Friday wheels!
Marathon HS Slick 341: Smooth, quick, and quiet is a good way to describe this tire. Available only in a 26x1.75 size, this is a great way to get your mountain bike ready for the pavement. These high mileage tires will keep you rolling consistently with just enough traction to keep them from getting too slick.
I'm still in denial that summer is on its way out, so I won't say anything about their studded winter tires for a few more months. If you're interested in what else Schwalbe has to offer, check out their website and browse through their many selections available.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Marathon Extreme HS 402: Pavement or gravel, wet or dry, this is a heavy duty expedition style tire that will tackle just about any road from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego. There is a puncture resistant belt built into the tire that helps keep glass and other sharp objects from working their way towards your tube, and the actual tire compound is soft enough to contribute to a comfortable ride. The tread may look better suited for off-road use, but in addition to providing excellent grip, it also rolls surprisingly smoothly on pavement. The $77/tire price is a bit intimidating, but the durability and piece of mind that comes with it is hard to beat.
Marathon HS 368: The jack of all trades. Priced well at just under $40/tire, they balance durability, puncture resistance, and low rolling resistance with the best of them. The shallow tread is best suited for pavement, and will channel water nicely for sure footed handling in the rain. The durable casing and light tread pattern will allow you to venture out into the world of gravel as well. This tire is available through our store in sizes 700x28, 700x35, and 26x1.75. If we don't have the size you're looking for, check out the Schwalbe website for more sizes that will fit your road, mountain, and even Bike Friday wheels!
Marathon HS Slick 341: Smooth, quick, and quiet is a good way to describe this tire. Available only in a 26x1.75 size, this is a great way to get your mountain bike ready for the pavement. These high mileage tires will keep you rolling consistently with just enough traction to keep them from getting too slick.
I'm still in denial that summer is on its way out, so I won't say anything about their studded winter tires for a few more months. If you're interested in what else Schwalbe has to offer, check out their website and browse through their many selections available.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bicycle Travel Photo Contest
Adventure Cycling invites you to enter our 1st Annual Bicycle Travel Photo Contest. We are looking for the photo that captures the beauty and wonder of your bicycle touring adventures, both past and present. We are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of bike-touring experiences: road and dirt riding, rural and urban settings, scenery, people, and the emotions.
The winner's image will be printed in the March 2010 issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine — reaching over 50,000 people worldwide. It will also be featured on Adventure Cycling’s website, adventurecycling.org, which is visited by more than a million people annually.
How to Enter
To enter one or more images, upload your photo(s) to Adventure Cycling’s Contests Flickr™ group and tag them with Adventure09. Not familiar with Flickr? Find out more about this easy way to enter.
Or, if you prefer, you can email each photo with a brief description of the where and when of the trip, send to flickr_contest@adventurecycling.org with the subject of Adventure09.
Be sure to review the full rules before entering. Entries accepted through December 31st, 2009.
photo by MsBicycle on Flickr
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Why Salt Lake City?
Since the Adventure Cycling Route Network doesn't go near Salt Lake City, I started by checking the Department of Transportation sites for Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. This search didn't yield much outside of some suitability maps. While helpful, these weren't quite what I wanted. Then I thought to check tour journals for ideas. I happened across one that went from Yellowstone to Orem, Utah. Orem is only 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, so it seemed that their itinerary would fit the bill quite nicely. I forwarded all this on to Katherine and Liz. I hope to hear from them regarding how it went.
It was not the first request I've received this summer for routing information to Salt Lake City. Not that I'm knocking Salt Lake City. On my one visit there, I thought it was a lovely city. It just never occurred to me that traveling cyclists would want to go there specifically. While talking with Katherine and Liz at the coffee shop, I asked them why it was their destination. The answer? Train access. Apparently, though there is a train to Glacier National Park, there isn't one to Yellowstone. Salt Lake City is the closest place to catch a train back to California. Aha! Mystery solved. I wonder how many of my other route requests have been driven by a need to catch a train?
photo by Dennis Struck on flickr
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TransAm Meditation
Take a break and travel across the country on the TransAmerica Trail with this soothing, 11-minute video meditation from one of our YouTube friends, blakemarshall1983. Great shots of our beautiful nation, the ubiquitous dog, sweeping vistas, leaping bovines, some fairly mundane stuff, and a number of surprisingly sublime moments (albeit a bit shaky).
This particular ride was also a fundraising effort for Montaña de Luz, a home for children with HIV/AIDS in Honduras.
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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
This particular ride was also a fundraising effort for Montaña de Luz, a home for children with HIV/AIDS in Honduras.
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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Clif Bars: A Real Winner
Well, I don’t usually blog about my own doings, but, for this special occasion, I think I’ll make an exception. I recently entered a contest with Clif Bar, and, to my absolute amazement: I WON. This December, a friend and I will be heading to Patagonia, for the cycling adventure of a lifetime. Did I mention I got a ton of Clif and Luna Bars to top it off?! Did I mention I can hardly contain my excitement?Readers of this blog probably know that long bicycle rides make you hungry. Long, self-contained days can turn even the most demure cyclist into an unstoppable, calorie-consuming monster. But it’s the pits when you’re starving, and, upon stopping at a scenic overlook for a snack, you’re presented with an unpleasant choice: either crushed trail mix from a few days ago, or a tasteless “energy bar.” Clif Bar to the rescue! I hate to sound like a pusher here, but their organic bars, gels, chews, and drinks are without a doubt the best tasting, most nutritious cycling snacks I’ve ever tasted. Personal favorite? Mojo Mountain Mix.
Best, Clif Bar donates 1% of their net sales to charitable causes, so I can feel good about myself while I’m refueling. So, thanks Clif Bar — for the fantastic product and for my upcoming trip! And thanks, blog readers, for humoring me as I gush about my impending adventure. I’ll send pictures…
photo by Josh Tack
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Monday, September 14, 2009
WANTED: Young skinny wiry fellows
For about a year and a half, from April 1860 to November 1861, young horsemen working for the Central Overland California & Pike's Peak Express Company — better known as the Pony Express — maintained communications between the East Coast and the West Coast by carrying the official mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. This means 2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
Young men on fast horses riding day and night (they'd change horses every 12 to 15 miles) managed to move the mail 1,800 miles from St. Joseph to Sacramento, or vice versa, in about ten days' time. However, the late October 1861 completion of the coast-to-coast telegraph lines put an end to this short-lived equestrian mode of moving the mail.
According to the National Park Service, most of the original Pony Express Trail no longer exists, as it's been obliterated by time and/or human activities; in many places, the actual route is a matter of speculation. In the western states, the majority of it has been converted to double track dirt roads. This includes portions of the trail shared with the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in the Sweetwater corridor of central Wyoming's Great Divide Basin. Short segments of what are believed to be traces of the original trail can be seen only in Utah and California.
So, you ask, other than a brief mention of the Great Divide, what does this all have to do with bicycle travel? Answer: to help mark the sesquicentennial of the trail, a group based in Fernley, Nevada, is attempting to recruit 500 road cyclists and mountain bikers for a relay race next spring along the trail as it exists today. The organizers' ultimate goal, or hope, is that the army of cyclists can better the original Pony Express record time of around seven days and 16 hours.
Stay tuned. This could get interesting if they're successful in putting it together.
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BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
Young men on fast horses riding day and night (they'd change horses every 12 to 15 miles) managed to move the mail 1,800 miles from St. Joseph to Sacramento, or vice versa, in about ten days' time. However, the late October 1861 completion of the coast-to-coast telegraph lines put an end to this short-lived equestrian mode of moving the mail.
According to the National Park Service, most of the original Pony Express Trail no longer exists, as it's been obliterated by time and/or human activities; in many places, the actual route is a matter of speculation. In the western states, the majority of it has been converted to double track dirt roads. This includes portions of the trail shared with the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in the Sweetwater corridor of central Wyoming's Great Divide Basin. Short segments of what are believed to be traces of the original trail can be seen only in Utah and California.
So, you ask, other than a brief mention of the Great Divide, what does this all have to do with bicycle travel? Answer: to help mark the sesquicentennial of the trail, a group based in Fernley, Nevada, is attempting to recruit 500 road cyclists and mountain bikers for a relay race next spring along the trail as it exists today. The organizers' ultimate goal, or hope, is that the army of cyclists can better the original Pony Express record time of around seven days and 16 hours.
Stay tuned. This could get interesting if they're successful in putting it together.
--
BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bike Pumps
Few things are more frustrating than having to fix a flat tire on the road. If the weather is ideal, it's little more than an interruption to an otherwise excellent day. But if the weather is miserable, prepare to prolong your misery.
No matter what the situation is, you want to get the tire fixed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, a good frame pump or mini-pump will never compare to a good floor pump, but there are some out there that come close, and will get you back on the road in a hurry. Here are a few pointers to help you select the right pump for your needs.
There are three main types of pumps available for carrying when you're out on the road: frame pumps, mini-pumps, and CO2 devices. Before you decide on your model, it's important to know the tire pressure you want to achieve. If you run 90+ psi (road tires), you will want a high-pressure pump. These don't put out as much air with each stroke, but they make it easier to achieve higher pressures. For many touring and mountain-bike tires, a low-pressure pump will do very well; these put out larger volumes of air with each pump stroke.
Once you have this piece of the puzzle in place, you can select your weapon of choice.
Mini-pumps: Best suited for road riders looking for a lightweight option, and for mountain bikers. For a long time, these were pretty inefficient, but they are making big strides in performance. Most will fit in a jersey pocket, while a few will make it into your saddle bag. Lately, I've been a big fan of Blackburn's Air Stik, which has a dual air chamber that not only inflates the tube as you pump in, but as you pull the handle out, as well. Mini-pumps started out mainly as low pressure pumps, but they are catching up on the road scene, and many now will switch between high and low pressures.
Frame Pumps: These are ideal for road, touring, or cyclocross bikes. Just fit it under your top tube and forget about it until its moment of glory arrives. They are a popular choice among touring cyclists, thanks to their durability and ease of use. The traditional frame pump will fit under your top tube, so you will want to measure that space to find the appropriate size. They are longer than a mini-pump, which helps them put out more air per stroke. One thing to pay attention to when searching for a frame pump is the barrel material. Aluminum barrels and shafts tend to be more reliable than plastic models. Zefal puts out a solid frame pump that will last a good long while.
CO2 Devices: If you want to fix a flat fast, this is your best option. These are best suited for day trips, unless you want to carry a lot of CO2 cartridges. I tend to carry these along when the weather is miserable, when I wouldn't want to deal with pumping a tire in the snow or rain. If you use these on a road tire, try to release the air slowly from them to make sure you don't overinflate or pinch the tube under the tire bead.
One thing I did not mention is valve stems. This used to be an issue with travel pumps, but these days most pumps are interchangeable between Presta and Schrader valve stems. Regardless, it's a good idea to check and make sure the pump you choose will match up with your valve stem of choice.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
No matter what the situation is, you want to get the tire fixed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, a good frame pump or mini-pump will never compare to a good floor pump, but there are some out there that come close, and will get you back on the road in a hurry. Here are a few pointers to help you select the right pump for your needs.
There are three main types of pumps available for carrying when you're out on the road: frame pumps, mini-pumps, and CO2 devices. Before you decide on your model, it's important to know the tire pressure you want to achieve. If you run 90+ psi (road tires), you will want a high-pressure pump. These don't put out as much air with each stroke, but they make it easier to achieve higher pressures. For many touring and mountain-bike tires, a low-pressure pump will do very well; these put out larger volumes of air with each pump stroke.
Once you have this piece of the puzzle in place, you can select your weapon of choice.
Mini-pumps: Best suited for road riders looking for a lightweight option, and for mountain bikers. For a long time, these were pretty inefficient, but they are making big strides in performance. Most will fit in a jersey pocket, while a few will make it into your saddle bag. Lately, I've been a big fan of Blackburn's Air Stik, which has a dual air chamber that not only inflates the tube as you pump in, but as you pull the handle out, as well. Mini-pumps started out mainly as low pressure pumps, but they are catching up on the road scene, and many now will switch between high and low pressures.
Frame Pumps: These are ideal for road, touring, or cyclocross bikes. Just fit it under your top tube and forget about it until its moment of glory arrives. They are a popular choice among touring cyclists, thanks to their durability and ease of use. The traditional frame pump will fit under your top tube, so you will want to measure that space to find the appropriate size. They are longer than a mini-pump, which helps them put out more air per stroke. One thing to pay attention to when searching for a frame pump is the barrel material. Aluminum barrels and shafts tend to be more reliable than plastic models. Zefal puts out a solid frame pump that will last a good long while.
CO2 Devices: If you want to fix a flat fast, this is your best option. These are best suited for day trips, unless you want to carry a lot of CO2 cartridges. I tend to carry these along when the weather is miserable, when I wouldn't want to deal with pumping a tire in the snow or rain. If you use these on a road tire, try to release the air slowly from them to make sure you don't overinflate or pinch the tube under the tire bead.
One thing I did not mention is valve stems. This used to be an issue with travel pumps, but these days most pumps are interchangeable between Presta and Schrader valve stems. Regardless, it's a good idea to check and make sure the pump you choose will match up with your valve stem of choice.
--
TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Unexpected Kindnesses
Last year, I was out of the office on maternity leave for much of the summer, so I missed out on seeing and meeting the majority of the visiting cyclists who came through our office, as they do each year.
This year, however, I've had the opportunity to meet some of them, hear stories about many others, and generally feel encouraged about the work that we do here at Adventure Cycling. One of the most common types of stories we hear is that of the "unexpected kindness of strangers" along a cyclist's path. The random encounter that leads to a place to stay, a warm shower, and a good meal. A bike shop mechanic coming in on his day off to do repairs for a stranded traveling cyclist, sometimes at no charge. An offer to store a bike and gear when a family emergency cuts an adventure short. A veteran tourer lending her gear to a cyclist she just met, with no fear that it will not be returned in great shape and with much gratitude.
These stories are in some way common to almost every bike traveler's experience. They come as part of the larger revelation that many bicycle tourists discover: that the world is full of good, generous, helpful, wonderful people.
Our Bicycle Travel Awards Program for 2009 is open for nominations through the end of September, so if you have a story about someone like this, of a stranger who reminded you of the goodness in the world, nominate them! Winners will be recognized in Adventure Cyclist magazine as well as on our website and will receive a sweet pair of shoes, generously donated by KEEN.
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
This year, however, I've had the opportunity to meet some of them, hear stories about many others, and generally feel encouraged about the work that we do here at Adventure Cycling. One of the most common types of stories we hear is that of the "unexpected kindness of strangers" along a cyclist's path. The random encounter that leads to a place to stay, a warm shower, and a good meal. A bike shop mechanic coming in on his day off to do repairs for a stranded traveling cyclist, sometimes at no charge. An offer to store a bike and gear when a family emergency cuts an adventure short. A veteran tourer lending her gear to a cyclist she just met, with no fear that it will not be returned in great shape and with much gratitude.
These stories are in some way common to almost every bike traveler's experience. They come as part of the larger revelation that many bicycle tourists discover: that the world is full of good, generous, helpful, wonderful people.
Our Bicycle Travel Awards Program for 2009 is open for nominations through the end of September, so if you have a story about someone like this, of a stranger who reminded you of the goodness in the world, nominate them! Winners will be recognized in Adventure Cyclist magazine as well as on our website and will receive a sweet pair of shoes, generously donated by KEEN.
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bicycle Parking at DC Hostel
Earlier this summer, we heard some good news from Mark Schneider at Hostelling International in Washington, DC. They have added secure, covered parking for cyclists to their facility.
"Though it has taken some time, I am happy to report that with the help of some grant money from the HI-USA National Office, we were able to purchase and install a wonderful new bike shed and bike rack. It is free for HI-DC hostellers and is located on our Patio, inside an eight-foot tall fence with a locking gate."
This is especially helpful to traveling cyclists planning to ride the Tidewater Potomac Heritage Bicycle Route, the Rock Creek Park Trail system that leads to the C&O Canal Tow Path (BTW, if you don't want to go it alone, there are still a few spaces left on our C&O Canal/GAP tour leaving in about a week), or the Mount Vernon Trail which passes the Ronald Reagan-Washington National Airport -- with bike parking available!
A whole host of area cycling maps are available for purchase and download from Washington Area Bicyclist Association to keep you pedaling from the hostel and around the capital for days.
image courtesy of Hostelling International – Washington, DC
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Free Web Resources for Traveling Cyclists
If you're like most of us in the office, you're already planning your 2010 cycling adventures, so we thought that this might be a good time to offer a rundown of some of the free trip planning and how-to resources available on our website.
The Cyclists' Yellow Pages is our worldwide directory of bicycle resources for planning a bike trip of any length or duration. It is searchable, listing tour operators, bike shops, clubs, rentals, accommodations, and much more.
Our How-To Department and our Discussion Forums -- which boast over 4,000 users -- are great places for the cycling neophyte or seasoned bike tourist to get more info about how to improve their touring experience, or research an upcoming ride.
Adventure Cyclist's annual Touring Bike Buyer's Guide offers expert insight on procuring the best bike for your tour. The most recent, Q&A with the Technical Editor (PDF/924k) features conversations between John Schubert and Adventure Cyclist readers. Plus, the Buyer's Guide page allows you to access all of the Buyer's Guides from 1996 on, including some intriguing articles such as A History of Touring Bicycles (PDF/576k) by Jan Heine.
Select features from past issues of Adventure Cyclist are also available for free, offering hours of inspiration, nuts and bolts advice on specific adventures, gear reviews, and more.
See you out there!
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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
The Cyclists' Yellow Pages is our worldwide directory of bicycle resources for planning a bike trip of any length or duration. It is searchable, listing tour operators, bike shops, clubs, rentals, accommodations, and much more.
Our How-To Department and our Discussion Forums -- which boast over 4,000 users -- are great places for the cycling neophyte or seasoned bike tourist to get more info about how to improve their touring experience, or research an upcoming ride.
Adventure Cyclist's annual Touring Bike Buyer's Guide offers expert insight on procuring the best bike for your tour. The most recent, Q&A with the Technical Editor (PDF/924k) features conversations between John Schubert and Adventure Cyclist readers. Plus, the Buyer's Guide page allows you to access all of the Buyer's Guides from 1996 on, including some intriguing articles such as A History of Touring Bicycles (PDF/576k) by Jan Heine.
Select features from past issues of Adventure Cyclist are also available for free, offering hours of inspiration, nuts and bolts advice on specific adventures, gear reviews, and more.
See you out there!
--
NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Spotlight on Tour Leader: Larry Brock
Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream: The one I’m eating, obviously!
Touring Bike: I’m a big fan of Cannondales. I have a Cannondale Silkpath 300 with front suspension for trail riding bike trips, and a Cannondale Sport for road touring.
Dream Bicycle: I’m not picky about bikes. My dream bicycle is the one I’m on!
Favorite Quote: “What’s for dinner?!”
When Larry isn’t working on or leading Adventure Cycling Tours, he resides in Maryland with his wife, dotes on his grandsons, roots for the Steelers, and, of course, puts his discerning palate to the test by sampling pies as frequently as possible.
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Going Helmetless: "Right" or Wrong?
A couple of weeks ago, during his oft-interrupted vacation on Martha's Vineyard, President Obama made the news for riding a bicycling while not wearing a helmet (his two daughters were wearing protective headgear). Andrew Malcolm, in a tongue-and-cheek piece about the episode that appeared in the Los Angeles Times, wrote: "In the interests of protecting Bay Staters whether they want it or not, Massachusetts does require helmets on motorcycle riders and anyone on a bicycle from age 1 through 16. ... Interestingly, Obama's home state of Illinois, where he was a state senator, is one of only two states that has no helmet laws about anybody riding anything anywhere. ... Twenty-one states—plus, predictably, the District of Columbia—[do] have laws requiring helmeted bicyclists."
Should bicyclists be required to wear helmets? Adventure Cycling, like most North American bike-tour organizers, requires trip participants to wear them. The rule brings very little resistance or criticism. But what about the lone individual cyclist out minding his or her own business? Should there be a federal law requiring cyclists of any age to wear a helmet? That is the case in New Zealand and Australia where, critics contend, mandatory helmet laws have actually damaged the public health by reducing the popularity of cycling.
In Europe, the wearing of helmets is far less common than it is in the U.S. and Down Under. A fear of making cycling less popular is one reason that even the European Cyclists' Federation is opposed to mandatory helmet laws, stating in a position paper that "Cycle helmets make cycling less convenient and should, therefore, by no means be compulsory."
It's a real head-scratcher. Think I'll snap on my helmet, go for a ride, and try to sort it all out.
C&O Canal photo courtesy of M. McCoy
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BIKING WITHOUT BORDERS is posted every Monday by Michael McCoy, Adventure Cycling’s field editor, and highlights a little bit of this or a little bit of that—just about anything, as long as it’s related to traveling by bicycle.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Axiom Trekk Seat Collar
It's not often a seat collar can take on a such a big role.
The Trekk Seat Collar by Axiom is an excellent fix for riders who want to add a rear rack to their bicycle, but whose bikes lack the necessary eyelets. The seat collar provides two threaded eyelets that can be reached by most rear racks. The seat post clamp doesn't take on a great deal of load, so you can continue to figure your maximum load based on the recommendation of your particular rack. The only requirement for your bike is a set of fender eyelets near the rear dropouts, which most non-racing models will have.
The product is available in four sizes to accommodate most seat posts (28.6mm, 29.8mm, 31.8mm, and 34.9mm). If you are unsure about the size required for your bike, you may find it printed on the inside of your stock seat collar.
The Trekk Seat Collar is a simple and inexpensive way to add versatility to your road bike.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
The Trekk Seat Collar by Axiom is an excellent fix for riders who want to add a rear rack to their bicycle, but whose bikes lack the necessary eyelets. The seat collar provides two threaded eyelets that can be reached by most rear racks. The seat post clamp doesn't take on a great deal of load, so you can continue to figure your maximum load based on the recommendation of your particular rack. The only requirement for your bike is a set of fender eyelets near the rear dropouts, which most non-racing models will have.
The product is available in four sizes to accommodate most seat posts (28.6mm, 29.8mm, 31.8mm, and 34.9mm). If you are unsure about the size required for your bike, you may find it printed on the inside of your stock seat collar.
The Trekk Seat Collar is a simple and inexpensive way to add versatility to your road bike.
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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's Member Services Department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Get a Free Sample of Adventure Cyclist
You say you're not a member of the Adventure Cycling Association, but you'd like to see what all the hubbub is about? You can request a sample issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine for FREE!
Adventure Cyclist is hands-down the premier magazine published today covering bicycle travel. It will keep you informed with technical information, product news, and articles on nutrition and training. Plus, it will entertain you with feature stories written by cyclists about their bicycle travels in North America and abroad. Produced nine times a year for Adventure Cycling members, Adventure Cyclist is regularly mentioned as one of the most inspirational and valuable member benefits we offer.
Adventure Cyclist is hands-down the premier magazine published today covering bicycle travel. It will keep you informed with technical information, product news, and articles on nutrition and training. Plus, it will entertain you with feature stories written by cyclists about their bicycle travels in North America and abroad. Produced nine times a year for Adventure Cycling members, Adventure Cyclist is regularly mentioned as one of the most inspirational and valuable member benefits we offer.
Request your free sample issue and see what we are all about, or simply join today and get a full-year subscription (9 issues) with your membership.
Cover photo of the May 2009 edition by Pierre Bouchard and Janick Lemieux
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Going Solo
Honestly, I had a few fears myself. I hadn't camped alone before nor had I used a camp stove. My previous bicycle travel experiences were on supported tours. To ease the fears of us all, I planned my trip such that I stayed with a different friend nearly every night thus no tent to set up, or food to cook on a one burner stove. I had a blast and did a second, similar trip a few years later.
The 'friends and family' strategy is only one way to reassure your loved ones you'll be okay. You could also show them the maps you intend to use, ones full of helpful information that follow well-established routes like those found on the Adventure Cycling Route Network. In addition, a short reading list can be helpful. My two best suggestions are articles from Adventure Cyclist magazine, one by John Schubert and another by Christina Uss. Lots of people, men and women alike, do solo bike tours every year and document them online so you could choose a couple of journals for them to read as well.
Mostly, you have to decide it's in your best interest to go and then do it in spite of anyone's fears. They will get used to the idea, especially when you return grinning from ear-to-ear, brimming with new found confidence and ready to tackle your next big adventure.
photo courtesy of Jenn Milyko
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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
So many visitors!
What follows is a special post from our executive director, Jim Sayer, highlighting the visitors we have had throughout the summer of 2009.
"Wow, it’s the start of September, and over the spring and summer here in Missoula we have welcomed what must be a record number of visiting cyclists. Pictured above is Beth Petersen, our 'office czarina' (as some of us lovingly call her), standing next to our 'Wall of Fame' in the front foyer of Adventure Cycling’s HQ. The wall contains digital photos of all the folks who have visited this year during regular weekday business hours and on Saturdays in summer. It became so crowded that we started putting photos on the other pin board you can see in Beth’s hands – and now that’s full!
"It’s really a wall of dreamers (and achievers), featuring people from around the world of all ages and backgrounds seeking fitness, fun, and self-discovery cycling around North America – or even the planet! This year, the 'visitation' started on April 15 when Mike Petty of Scotland trundled into our office, riding from Kelowna, British Columbia, to Boston. Next up in early May were Martin and Nadine from Cologne, Germany, who are spending seven years pedaling and paddling (a foldable, packable canoe, that is) around the world. They’d logged over 50,000 miles so far!
"Since then, we’ve hosted many hundreds of traveling cyclists and also Adventure Cycling members visiting Missoula via other modes of travel. You can now 'meet' many of our visitors on the Internet; because of our switch from Polaroids to digital snaps, we have been able to upload these images to our Flickr site.
"Thanks to everyone who’s come by this year, said hello, filled our pin boards with their smiling faces, and pedaled on in search of adventure. If you haven’t come to our Missoula office yet, please make plans to ride here, enjoy the free ice cream and soda, and pick up the friendly vibe of America’s bike travel mecca."
Share Your Photos from Our Routes
Thousands of cyclists use our maps every year to cross the country or to take shorter excursions. No matter how far you rode this summer, if you traveled all or just a part of one of our routes, we've created a Flickr group where you can share your photos from your adventures.
If you're not familiar with Flickr, learn more. We chose Flickr as the place to post our photos because we can share them with a lot of different cycling and photo groups. This social piece was important to our efforts to reach out to new cyclists.
If you use Picasa to organize and edit your photos, you can still share your images in our Flickr group. You'll need a Flickr account, and then you can use one of the image migration tools out there such as Migratr - a tool born to make image transfer between services easier. Each image service has its perks, so why not be able to move between them? What services are you using? Do you use Picasa and Flickr? Have you tried Migratr? Others?
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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
If you're not familiar with Flickr, learn more. We chose Flickr as the place to post our photos because we can share them with a lot of different cycling and photo groups. This social piece was important to our efforts to reach out to new cyclists.
If you use Picasa to organize and edit your photos, you can still share your images in our Flickr group. You'll need a Flickr account, and then you can use one of the image migration tools out there such as Migratr - a tool born to make image transfer between services easier. Each image service has its perks, so why not be able to move between them? What services are you using? Do you use Picasa and Flickr? Have you tried Migratr? Others?
--
NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Sorensen, Adventure Cycling's media director, and appears weekly, highlighting cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Get media updates from Adventure Cycling.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
2010 - Get The Wheels in Motion
Have a hankering to cycle across the country? In 2010, it will be easier than ever with our supported Southern Tier ride — pedal unencumbered from San Diego to St. Augustine in just 58 days. Or, follow in the footsteps of thousands of other adventurers, and pay tribute to the historical TransAmerica Trail by traversing on your own two wheels from Yorktown to Astoria with our self-contained TransAm trip or our van supported tour.
Don’t forget, as well, that a great summer of riding must be preceded by a little bit of training! Get your legs in shape in the easy way by joining the sun-drenched California Winter Warmer, or check out Lance’s old stomping grounds in Texas Hill Country.
Make 2010 your year to join Adventure Cycling Association on a fun-filled cycling tour that has the potential to change your life forever. See you on the open road!
photo by Joe Golden
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
Don’t forget, as well, that a great summer of riding must be preceded by a little bit of training! Get your legs in shape in the easy way by joining the sun-drenched California Winter Warmer, or check out Lance’s old stomping grounds in Texas Hill Country.Make 2010 your year to join Adventure Cycling Association on a fun-filled cycling tour that has the potential to change your life forever. See you on the open road!
photo by Joe Golden
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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
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