Web Resources for Touring Cyclists: Updates, Routes, Accommodations

Last year I wrote several posts about free online resources that may be helpful for cycle tourists. My September 2009 post listed Adventure Cycling's core website resources, while my second post in October 2009 reported on updates to our online Adventure Cyclist features archive, listed our website's mountain bike touring info, and more. So, I figured, it's time for another update on our own resources and on some of the other tools out there that may be useful to bicycle travelers gearing up for late summer and fall trips, or for those dreaming of their 2011 adventures.

Inspiring stories and practical advice
It's easy to search Adventure Cycling's publications archive for useful how-to information, inspirational touring stories, and practical advice about trip planning, such as features from our first annual Cyclists' Travel Guide (in pdf format) including "What to Look for in a Touring Bike," "How to Photograph Your Tour," and "The Secret of Going Small." Search the archive by keyword or author. If you love what you see and you're not yet a member, feel free to grab a free sample issue of Adventure Cyclist.

In the archive you will also find past issues of Bike Bits, our free bi-monthly newsletter. While not a web resource, Bike Bits is a text-only e-newsletter featuring brief articles of interest to recreational cyclists, upcoming events, and bicycle industry news, plus organization information, and special deals. Check out the most recent issue or sign-up for Bike Bits now.

Also, be sure to follow Josh Tack's weekly blog column, Touring Gear and Tips, for useful information on topics such as saving cash on a custom built touring bike, essential touring items, touring bike reviews (such as Bike Friday's New World Tourist, and Surly's Long Haul Trucker), and more. There's a lot of inspiration to be found on Adventure Cycling's blog as well. Willie Weir writes of his world-wide cycling adventures in his weekly Sights and Sounds column, and Julie Emnett pens Bicycling Inspirations twice a month.

Since listing our Discussion Forums in my posts last fall, our Forums' community has grown from just over 4,000 users to more than 13,000! It's an active bunch too. To participate in the forums, all you need to do is create a simple log in and password, then you can join discussions about routes, gear, and more. Get (or give) advice, tips, tricks of the trade, etc. There's even a classifieds board. Just doing research? You do not need a log in to read the posts.

Another great site for inspiration -- and now travel scholarships -- is the new Bicycle Travel Network.

Routes and accommodations
With the release of our new Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route this spring, Adventure Cycling has officially mapped more than 40,000 miles of cycling routes throughout North America! Download our Adventure Cycling Route Network map (pdf) and then read our online route descriptions to get a feel for some of what to expect before you go, or simply to start dreaming about where you could go. Remember, you can also download GPS waypoints for each route to use in conjunction with your maps. Have a correction for one of our maps? Let us know! Please fill out our simple map correction form.

Online accommodation services for budget-minded travelers are popping up everywhere and generally there seems to be something for almost everyone. Of course, many touring cyclists are keen on WarmShowers.org and CouchSurfing.org. Some bicycle travelers may also be interested in the recent article "Europe without Hotels," in which New York Times' writer, Benji Lanyado, reviews a list of "social bed and breakfast" sites that connect travelers with local contacts wishing to rent their space. Of course the "B&B" option costs real money, but for some cyclists this kind of arrangement might be preferable to crashing on a couch and is likely more affordable than many hotels.

Shipping Your Bicycle
Ah...a lovely topic that ignites all sorts of conversations across the web, especially as regards airlines. One promising online service is BikeFlights.com, which helps make arrangements for cyclists flying with their rig. According to their website, BikeFlights.com is "your one-stop shop for bicycle shipping, airline tickets and travel insurance." You can also find a list of airlines with links to their shipping pages (along with ground shipping options) on our Shipping & Bike Cases page. And, be sure to download Dan D'Ambrosio's recent (and excellent) Adventure Cyclist feature on "Traveling with a Bicycle" (pdf).

That's a wrap. I'd love to hear about your favorite web resources for touring cyclists. 

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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is written by Winona Bateman, Adventure Cycling's media director, and highlights cool media (articles, videos, photos, etc.) and meet-ups related to Adventure Cycling and bicycle travel. Writing a story about bicycle travel or Adventure Cycling Association? You can contact Winona via pressATadventurecyclingDOTorg. Visit our media room, view our news releases, or follow us on Twitter.