There are a lot of questions a person can ask about bike touring equipment, but if I were to pick the one question that I get more than any other, it would easily be in regards to bike racks. On the surface, it would seem as though finding a front and/or rear rack for your bike would be a simple task, but as soon as you begin your search, the list of options can quickly become overwhelming.
In an attempt to simplify matters, here's a breakdown on styles of bikes that necessitate certain racks:
1. Standard touring bike with necessary eyelets: Most standard touring bikes available are equipped with a set of eyelets on the rear seat stays, the front and rear dropouts, and a set of low-rider eyelets on the fork. This opens you up to just about any rack out there, and generally eases the process of installation by reducing the amount of hardware involved. Some options include the Arkel AC Lowrider front rack, and the Old Man Mountain White Rock Rear Rack.
2. Suspension forks and disc brakes: This is where we get the most questions concerning racks. For the most part, this refers to mountain bikes, but can also become an issue with newer touring bikes with disc brakes. Old Man Mountain made some of the first racks for this purpose, and have been doing it for over a decade. Take a look at the Old Man Mountain Cold Springs series for front and rear options, as well as the Ultimate LowRider front rack to keep your load a little lower to the ground. The racks are pretty simple in their design, and mount at the skewer and brake posts (if you don't have V-brake or cantilever brake posts, take a look at the next category).
3. Bikes without eyelets: If your bike doesn't have the necessary eyelets or brake posts for mounting racks, you may find band clamps useful. The Old Man Mountain band clamps we carry are designed to prevent slippage, and are available in different sizes to match up to the diameter of your frame and fork tubes. If you are going to take the band clamp route, make sure you are band clamping to a sturdy steel material. I wouldn't recommend using band clamps on an aluminum or carbon frame.
Hopefully this helps simplify matters a little bit. While racks can sometimes be a headache at first, once you have them installed, they are generally worry-free.
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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.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Reflections of Summer Travel
Sometimes a photo sums it up.
My buddy Dave Maynard and I were cycling through the bits and pieces of the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. No traffic. Lots of climbing. Sleeping under the stars. And your typical camp food ... oatmeal or eggs in the morning, pasta at night.
We coasted down out of the mountains and into a valley plain. The temperature soared. We came upon the only intersection within 30 miles. Low and behold there was the quaintest little roadside diner I'd seen in twenty years. The light and shadow were just right, so when I snapped a photo it caught the vivid lonesome landscape (with blue sky and puffy clouds) on one side, and the interior of the diner on the other.
This is a classic bike travel moment. You come upon a diner with an old fashion register and swivel stools that offers burgers and handmade milk shakes, berry pie, cobbler, chicken fried steak ... the works. And due to the fact that you have been cranking hard on the pedals for days ... you've earned it. You can sit down and eat until the cows come home, and no matter how hard you try, you won't be able stuff as many calories into your mouth as you've burned.
To add to the intensity of it all, you're so thirsty, that even a simple glass of ice water will taste as good as most meals back home.
And only one little detail of this scene keeps it from being the most beautiful food/travel photo memory I've ever snapped.
The diner was closed!
photos (Reflection,Idaho-2005) by Willie Weir
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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS appears on Friday afternoons. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His latest book Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist compiles his favorite writings over the last twelve years. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at www.yellowtentadventures.com.
Finding Your Way
I don't know about you, but I like to have an idea of what's up ahead of me when I take off on a bicycle trip. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy adventure and exploring the unknown, and maybe even taking a few uncharted side trips along the way. However, the bottom line for me is knowing at the end of the day, I will have a place to sleep and some food in my belly.These simple things allow me to enjoy my day and relax enough to take in scenery, notice the hawk gliding above me and the beautiful waterfall I might have missed if I'd kept my head down worrying about my next stop.
Some people maybe call that Type A or high-strung. For me, it's just how my brain works.
That's why I'm so thankful for Adventure Cycling maps. Our latest appeal letter (you probably received it a couple of weeks ago) delves into why your financial contributions are necessary to keep those maps as up-to-date as possible. From another perspective, British cyclist James Bowthorpe, who recently set the world record time for circumventing the globe on a bicycle, said:
I like to think about maps as conversations between the map user and the map maker. In the case of my Trans Am ride this conversation was between someone who had to move fast, know where to turn, where to buy food, where to sleep, and where to get their bike repaired, with someone who knew all those things. The Adventure Cycling Association maps were indispensable, especially as my ride was unsupported.
Your donation ensures those maps stay indispensable, helping fund the effort to keep new routes coming and the existing routes updated. Donating is quick and easy so please donate today.
P.S. If you donate $250 or more between August 1, 2009 and August 1, 2010, you are eligible to participate in an extraordinary trip with a group of extraordinary people. The Wine Country Special supported bicycle tour will bring Adventure Cycling's donors and leadership together for sublime riding, locally grown and expertly prepared food, tasty after-ride beverages, a special chef's dinner, and the chance to discuss the future of Adventure Cycling's programs and initiatives.
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BICYCLING INSPIRATIONS is posted the second and fourth Friday of each month by Julie Emnett, associate development director, and examines stories that illustrate why and how cyclists support our programs. Learn how you can support Adventure Cycling.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Northern Tier and Lakes Map Set
Plus, a brand new map compilation, the Northern Tier + North Lakes Route, has been added to the line-up. Our Tours department has been taking groups on this modified Northern Tier Route for a while, and now we are offering it to you as a package deal for your own trip. (See week 8 on this year's Northern Tier tour itinerary to read about the route variation.) By riding this option, instead of the standard Northern Tier, you'll experience four of the five Great Lakes, missing only Lake Superior.
This set of maps is merely one option of many that could be combined for a journey as personal and individual as you. Check out the new overview map of our routes (pdf), what's your daydream of the perfect map combination?
image by Routes & Mapping department
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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. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps
Today's blog was written by Mike Higgins.
Over one hundred years ago, one of the original bands of “adventure cyclists” made the first American long-distance group tour ever. The riders were twenty black soldiers. They were led by a young white Southern officer, and accompanied by an Army surgeon and newspaper reporter named Boos. They called themselves the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, and were based out of, where else, Missoula, Montana.
Lt. James A. Moss, their energetic leader, was fresh out of West Point and only twenty-four years old. He was eager to prove that the newly invented “safety bicycle” (i.e. a bicycle with two wheels of equal size) could be useful to the Army. To test his theories. he and eight enlisted men made test rides in 1896, first to northern Montana and then through Yellowstone Park.
The next year, a bigger group, 23 all total, pedaled from the fort at Missoula all the way to St. Louis — a trip of nearly 1,900 miles. During the 41 days it took them, the corps rode through mud so thick they had to scrape it off their tires with butter knives. They experienced snowstorms in the Rockies, sand and scorching heat in Nebraska, and riding on railroad tracks that numbed their hands.
Mean spirited farmers gave them bad directions, warm-hearted immigrant families fed them and veterans bought them drinks. When the 25th made their triumphant entry into St. Louis on June 24, 1897, they were escorted by an enthusiastic entourage of wheelmen into the city and then welcomed by over 10,000 people.
Among other things, Moss learned that spoon brakes were no match for the eastern slopes leading into Helena, Montana; that Buffalo Bill’s Inn, at Sheridan, Wyoming, served a mean slice of pie — Boos tells us Moss ate three pieces; and that precious weight could be shaved off the riders loads by having them share combs.
Riding through the grandeur of the Rockies once inspired Moss to declare, “this was the very poetry of cycling”. Riding against relentless headwinds and rain inspired his more sober-minded men to cry, “A mule! A mule! My kingdom for a mule!”
For the past six years I have been researching the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps and the trips they made. To celebrate Black History Month, I invite you to check out Bicycle Corps, a set of blog pages I’ve created, in an attempt to deepen our understanding of the men and this fascinating chapter of American bicycling lore.
in this photo: Young boys admire the “wheels” of the 1897 25th Bicycle Corps. One of my favorite bicycle corps photos, likely taken by Eddie Boos, Corps reporter.
photo courtesy of the Archives & Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula
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CONNECTIONS is posted twice a month by Ginny Sullivan, Adventure Cycling's special projects director and features the cultural, historical, geographical, and human connections created through bike travel. Find out about our award-winning Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
Lessons From Heinz Stücke
Today for News, Networking, and New Media, we have a wonderful guest post from Friedel Grant, former journalist and world traveler, who writes and creates podcasts for Travelling Two.
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He's the world's most travelled man. A true bicycle nomad, who left his home country of Germany in 1962 - the year when Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy and Ringo Starr joined the Beatles. Now 70 years old and with 600,000km of touring under his wheels (enough to go 15 times around the globe), Heinz Stücke's experience contains lessons for other bike tourists.
1. Use A Mirror
He doesn't wear a helmet (it gives him headaches) and he hates cycle paths but Heinz Stücke is adamant about one thing when it comes to safety: a rear view mirror will save your life.
“It must be a law to have a rear-view mirror. I think without that, I would be dead by now. You must see what is coming from behind,” he says.
“If there is a truck from the front and a truck from behind and there is no shoulder you have to know that. And you can know exactly where they will come together when you look in the mirror.”
2. A Simple Bike Can Go A Long Way
In an era of touring bikes that test the wallet with custom-built frames, belt drives and Rohloff hubs, Heinz Stücke is still travelling on the same 3-speed bike he started out with. He could have upgraded it many times but, aside from the sentimental attachment to his “old clonker”, Stücke is also proud of his bike's ability to stand the test of time.
“The frame has been welded so many times, broken so many times,” he says.
There have been the usual break downs but perhaps the worst was a trans-Atlantic flight, which left the frame fractured in 3 places. The solution? Not a new bike, but an overhaul that left it in better shape than ever.
“We stripped it down to nothing. Sandblasted the whole thing and then the welder went at it and it was reinforced just about everywhere. The bicycle became at least a kilogram heavier with all the reinforcements and then it was beautifully painted. It's in beautiful shape now.”
3. Bike Touring Isn't Just For The Young
Think you're too old to bike tour? Take a leaf out of Heinz Stücke's book. Rather than slowing down with age, these days he's riding further than ever. All of his last 10 years have made it into his 'top 20' in terms of distance. Sometimes he rides for up to 16 hours a day. And in 2008, Stücke covered 22,000km – his biggest year yet.
“The reason is that I like more and more those lonely stretches in the desert and in the forest so I can do more cycling. In the olden days it was like more living: going into the city, staying 3-4 weeks, participating in the culture of the country, which is also interesting. But as I'm getting older somehow it seems more a daily rhythm of progress, of camping, of independence, of nobody bothering you,” he says.
“I can really meditate on my bicycle when I'm riding alone in the bush. And I still have that feeling of progress. I think it's the motion. You're riding into the unknown and that is what keeps you quite happy.”
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Check out the lively, full podcast interview.
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Friedel Grant gave up life as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They pedaled 48,000km through 30 countries before settling down to ride bikes in The Netherlands. Friedel writes about bike touring on her website, Travelling Two and you can follow her on Twitter (@travellingtwo). She also contributes to Transitions Abroad and has written about Central Asia for the Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook.
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He's the world's most travelled man. A true bicycle nomad, who left his home country of Germany in 1962 - the year when Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy and Ringo Starr joined the Beatles. Now 70 years old and with 600,000km of touring under his wheels (enough to go 15 times around the globe), Heinz Stücke's experience contains lessons for other bike tourists.
1. Use A Mirror
He doesn't wear a helmet (it gives him headaches) and he hates cycle paths but Heinz Stücke is adamant about one thing when it comes to safety: a rear view mirror will save your life.
“It must be a law to have a rear-view mirror. I think without that, I would be dead by now. You must see what is coming from behind,” he says.
“If there is a truck from the front and a truck from behind and there is no shoulder you have to know that. And you can know exactly where they will come together when you look in the mirror.”
2. A Simple Bike Can Go A Long Way
In an era of touring bikes that test the wallet with custom-built frames, belt drives and Rohloff hubs, Heinz Stücke is still travelling on the same 3-speed bike he started out with. He could have upgraded it many times but, aside from the sentimental attachment to his “old clonker”, Stücke is also proud of his bike's ability to stand the test of time.
“The frame has been welded so many times, broken so many times,” he says.
There have been the usual break downs but perhaps the worst was a trans-Atlantic flight, which left the frame fractured in 3 places. The solution? Not a new bike, but an overhaul that left it in better shape than ever.
“We stripped it down to nothing. Sandblasted the whole thing and then the welder went at it and it was reinforced just about everywhere. The bicycle became at least a kilogram heavier with all the reinforcements and then it was beautifully painted. It's in beautiful shape now.”
3. Bike Touring Isn't Just For The Young
Think you're too old to bike tour? Take a leaf out of Heinz Stücke's book. Rather than slowing down with age, these days he's riding further than ever. All of his last 10 years have made it into his 'top 20' in terms of distance. Sometimes he rides for up to 16 hours a day. And in 2008, Stücke covered 22,000km – his biggest year yet.
“The reason is that I like more and more those lonely stretches in the desert and in the forest so I can do more cycling. In the olden days it was like more living: going into the city, staying 3-4 weeks, participating in the culture of the country, which is also interesting. But as I'm getting older somehow it seems more a daily rhythm of progress, of camping, of independence, of nobody bothering you,” he says.
“I can really meditate on my bicycle when I'm riding alone in the bush. And I still have that feeling of progress. I think it's the motion. You're riding into the unknown and that is what keeps you quite happy.”
--
Check out the lively, full podcast interview.
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Friedel Grant gave up life as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They pedaled 48,000km through 30 countries before settling down to ride bikes in The Netherlands. Friedel writes about bike touring on her website, Travelling Two and you can follow her on Twitter (@travellingtwo). She also contributes to Transitions Abroad and has written about Central Asia for the Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Our Photo Contest Winner
After completing the daunting task of sorting through over 700 entries for our 1st Annual Adventure Cycling Photo Contest, our diligent publications team has chosen an excellent winner, along with a handful of runners up.
Drumroll, please...
Marco Meijerink, a Dutch photographer and cyclist submitted the winning entry for this year's contest. His shot of a rider in red winding through the lush mountains of Tenerife in the Canary Islands took the prize.
The competition was so good that we gave an additional five photos a runner up distinction. Here they are, in no particular order:
Eric Schambion's Malian boys.
These photos are featured in a beautiful spread in the soon-to-hit-your-mailbox March issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine, but here's a sneak peak of the spread (pdf) for our diligent followers. We are already dreaming about next year's photo competition so look for more great photos next fall. Until then, you can peruse the full set of Flickr entries and get inspiration for your next ride.
But before we show you the good stuff, I want to thank everyone who took the time to comb through their photos to submit their best works from bicycle travel. The response was phenomenal and many of the photos were too. So, now on to the photos.
Drumroll, please...
Marco Meijerink, a Dutch photographer and cyclist submitted the winning entry for this year's contest. His shot of a rider in red winding through the lush mountains of Tenerife in the Canary Islands took the prize.
The competition was so good that we gave an additional five photos a runner up distinction. Here they are, in no particular order:
Eric Schambion's Malian boys.
These photos are featured in a beautiful spread in the soon-to-hit-your-mailbox March issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine, but here's a sneak peak of the spread (pdf) for our diligent followers. We are already dreaming about next year's photo competition so look for more great photos next fall. Until then, you can peruse the full set of Flickr entries and get inspiration for your next ride.
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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is typically posted the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. This is a special post to announce the winners of our photo contest. Membership Highlights 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.
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is typically posted the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. This is a special post to announce the winners of our photo contest. Membership Highlights 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.
Something for Everyone
Here in the Tours Department, we get frequent questions about the different types of tours we offer. In order to clear things up, I'm going to offer some quick definitions for anyone still struggling with the whole self-contained vs. supported thing.
Self-contained - On a self-contained tour, you'll carry all your own gear, and do all your own cooking on a rotating basis. Your overnights will be at state parks, national forest campgrounds, private campgrounds, school fields, or city facilities, with some primitive camping on back country trips such as the Great Divide. Amenities range from RV parks boasting hot tubs to wilderness locations with no running water, depending on the nature and location of the trip. Indoor facilities such as hostels and churches are occasionally used. You will need a good freestanding tent with a ground cloth, a sleeping bag rated for below-freezing temperatures, and a sleeping pad. Self-contained tours range from week long trips, such as the Adirondack Loop, to several month long expeditions, such as the Northern Tier. The group sizes are limited to allow for the best possible experience.
Supported - A supported tour is fully catered, including snack stops. In keeping with Adventure Cycling's outdoor tradition, these tours are also camping tours, but hotel options are also available. A luggage truck carries each participants gear and tents from point to point, allowing for an unencumbered riding experience. Supported tours, such as Cycle Montana and Farm Fresh, can support more riders than self-contained rides, and also range in time from a few days to a few months.
Van-Supported - Recently, Adventure Cycling has begun offering a few van-supported tours--small groups who participate in shared cooking but are supported by a vehicle and therefore ride without any baggage. Van support allows riders to travel light and fast; perfect for heading across the country on the Transam or the Southern Tier.
Education - Adventure Cycling considers it part of our mission to educate members, and we make it a point to offer different classes all around the country. Check out our Intro to Road courses: where we teach beginners the basics of self-contained touring, or our Leadership Training Courses if you've ever been interested in leading bicycle tours.
photo by Wally Werner
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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.
Self-contained - On a self-contained tour, you'll carry all your own gear, and do all your own cooking on a rotating basis. Your overnights will be at state parks, national forest campgrounds, private campgrounds, school fields, or city facilities, with some primitive camping on back country trips such as the Great Divide. Amenities range from RV parks boasting hot tubs to wilderness locations with no running water, depending on the nature and location of the trip. Indoor facilities such as hostels and churches are occasionally used. You will need a good freestanding tent with a ground cloth, a sleeping bag rated for below-freezing temperatures, and a sleeping pad. Self-contained tours range from week long trips, such as the Adirondack Loop, to several month long expeditions, such as the Northern Tier. The group sizes are limited to allow for the best possible experience.
Supported - A supported tour is fully catered, including snack stops. In keeping with Adventure Cycling's outdoor tradition, these tours are also camping tours, but hotel options are also available. A luggage truck carries each participants gear and tents from point to point, allowing for an unencumbered riding experience. Supported tours, such as Cycle Montana and Farm Fresh, can support more riders than self-contained rides, and also range in time from a few days to a few months.
Van-Supported - Recently, Adventure Cycling has begun offering a few van-supported tours--small groups who participate in shared cooking but are supported by a vehicle and therefore ride without any baggage. Van support allows riders to travel light and fast; perfect for heading across the country on the Transam or the Southern Tier.
Education - Adventure Cycling considers it part of our mission to educate members, and we make it a point to offer different classes all around the country. Check out our Intro to Road courses: where we teach beginners the basics of self-contained touring, or our Leadership Training Courses if you've ever been interested in leading bicycle tours.
photo by Wally Werner
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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, February 22, 2010
My Bicycle Travel Hero, Clarence Pickard
Even today, nearly 30 years after his death in 1982, you're likely to hear the name "Clarence Pickard" mentioned with reverence by a fellow cyclist or two if you brave the crowds, July humidity, and miles of cornfields to ride the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).In a piece titled "Proud of Pickard" (pdf) that I had the pleasure of writing for the November/December 2000 edition of Adventure Cyclist magazine, I told about the origins of RAGBRAI and of Clarence's involvement: "In 1973, Des Moines Register feature writer John Karras and 'Over the Coffee' columnist Donald Kaul, both avid cyclists, agreed to pedal their bicycles across the great state of Iowa and report in the Register on what they saw and experienced. ... One of the more intriguing individuals to appear [out of the 300 who showed] was Clarence Pickard, an 83-year-old retired farmer from Indianola, Iowa. Pickard admitted that he hadn't ridden a bike much in recent years, yet he was one of just 114 riders to complete the entire state crossing from Sioux City to Davenport, and he did it aboard a used lady's Schwinn."
(A personal aside: While researching the Adventure Cyclist piece, I had the opportunity to visit with Clarence's two sons, who were intrigued to learn that my dad also grew up on a farm in Indianola. "I remember McCoy Hardware," Jack Pickard told me, referring to a business owned by a great-uncle of mine. Jack said he remembered accompanying his father on trips to the store to buy all sorts of things, including 16-penny nails that cost only about five cents each. "Now, as a young boy," Jack said, "I thought we were getting a real deal.")
Today in Indianola you'll find a park named after Clarence, who lived a long life characterized by unbending personal integrity and a youthful spirit of adventure. In 2009, RAGBRAI overnighted in Indianola for the first time in its 37 years. In honor of that milestone and the memory of one of its favorite sons, the city developed and sold The Official Clarence Pickard Pith Helmet, modeled after the unusual, duct-tape-covered headgear Clarence wore while cycling to shield his bald head from the sun. (He also bicycled in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and woolen long underwear, but that's another story.)
By the way, in the opening paragraph of this post I mentioned Clarence's death, but I didn't say how how he died at age 92: he was struck and killed by a truck while out for a jog. You can read more about this singular adventure cyclist at the RAGBRAI "Remembering Clarence Pickard" page.
in the photo: Not far west of Indianola is Winterset, where you can visit this modest house where an American even more famous than Clarence Pickard came into the world. Born Marion Morrison, he became better known as John Wayne, aka The Duke.
photo by Michael 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. Mac also compiles the organization's twice-monthly e-newsletter Bike Bits, which goes free-of-charge to more than 40,000 readers worldwide.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
TrackMyTour iPhone App Review
This is the first post in a series looking at various programs, electronics, gear and tips for the new tech-savvy tourist.
TrackMyTour is an iPhone application written by a bike tourist for bike tourists. Christopher Meyer, the developer of the application is originally from Canada but currently lives in Switzerland. He was bitten by the touring bug in 2004 and has since toured through Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
The idea for the app started in 2006, when Chris wanted a way to post short updates and micro blog while on tour. He toyed with using a website as a means to do it but found it cumbersome. Chris says that, “everything came together after Apple released the iPhone 3G. Here we had a device that was mobile, internet-enabled, a GPS, camera, and allowed text-input. The iPhone app was an obvious next step.”
TrackMyTour is a simple to use “location-based mobile blogging app.” You simply drop waypoints while you are on tour to show your location, which you can then enrich with a blog entry or photo. You then submit your entry and the application communicates with the TrackMyTour.com website and updates your Google map which your friends and family can follow along.
TrackMyTour differs from many current GPS bicycle apps in that it isn’t a “real-time” tracker. It doesn’t turn your iPhone into a Garmin which tracks every single inch of your route. While this may not be ideal for those that are accustomed to more training based applications that records constantly while you are riding, IT IS ideal for the bicycle tourist that plans to go into remote areas or do extended tours. Because of this “bread crumb” method of plotting your route, you are able to conserve the iPhone’s battery life considerably. TrackMyTour also lets you save the waypoints you’ve created and submit them later when you have access to the Internet.
I’ve been using TrackMyTour for about 6 months during our around-the-US bicycle tour and have found it extremely easy to use and a great way to document your trip. One of the quirks of the iPhone 3G is that although the GPS is always working (except in the Redwoods!), the internet is hit or miss depending on how remote you are. TrackMyTour lets you work around this limitation by saving your geocoded way points for later when you have access to the Web. I have also found that by not having a “real time” GPS app to document our tour, I’m able to stretch out the battery life of the iPhone. For comparison’s sake, if I were to use a real time GPS app, I could probably only track about 4 hours worth of riding. By having on-demand GPS bread crumbs, you can stretch out the life for days depending on how heavily you use your iPhone.
While created for bicycle touring, TrackMyTour could also be used as a general travel app for hiking, commuting, etc., We recently met someone who was running across the country in New Mexico during our travels and I turned him on to TrackMyTour and now he is tracking his RUN across the country!
TrackMyTour also integrates with Twitter and can be set to tweet your updates and includes a link to your TrackMyTour Google map. Future updates may include integration with Facebook, Google Buzz and more editing options in the application.
TrackMyTour is a great and thoughtful application for the tech savvy tourist that has an iPhone. At the princely price of FREE, it can’t be beat. While not the best app for those that want to record every bit of your ride data, it is a great way to track your journey and share it with others.
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TOURIST 2.0 is written by Russ Roca a photographer who recently sold his worldly possessions to tour around the United States with his girlfriend. You can follow Russ and Laura's continuing adventure around these United States at PathLessPedaled.com.
TrackMyTour is an iPhone application written by a bike tourist for bike tourists. Christopher Meyer, the developer of the application is originally from Canada but currently lives in Switzerland. He was bitten by the touring bug in 2004 and has since toured through Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
The idea for the app started in 2006, when Chris wanted a way to post short updates and micro blog while on tour. He toyed with using a website as a means to do it but found it cumbersome. Chris says that, “everything came together after Apple released the iPhone 3G. Here we had a device that was mobile, internet-enabled, a GPS, camera, and allowed text-input. The iPhone app was an obvious next step.”
TrackMyTour is a simple to use “location-based mobile blogging app.” You simply drop waypoints while you are on tour to show your location, which you can then enrich with a blog entry or photo. You then submit your entry and the application communicates with the TrackMyTour.com website and updates your Google map which your friends and family can follow along.
TrackMyTour differs from many current GPS bicycle apps in that it isn’t a “real-time” tracker. It doesn’t turn your iPhone into a Garmin which tracks every single inch of your route. While this may not be ideal for those that are accustomed to more training based applications that records constantly while you are riding, IT IS ideal for the bicycle tourist that plans to go into remote areas or do extended tours. Because of this “bread crumb” method of plotting your route, you are able to conserve the iPhone’s battery life considerably. TrackMyTour also lets you save the waypoints you’ve created and submit them later when you have access to the Internet.
I’ve been using TrackMyTour for about 6 months during our around-the-US bicycle tour and have found it extremely easy to use and a great way to document your trip. One of the quirks of the iPhone 3G is that although the GPS is always working (except in the Redwoods!), the internet is hit or miss depending on how remote you are. TrackMyTour lets you work around this limitation by saving your geocoded way points for later when you have access to the Web. I have also found that by not having a “real time” GPS app to document our tour, I’m able to stretch out the battery life of the iPhone. For comparison’s sake, if I were to use a real time GPS app, I could probably only track about 4 hours worth of riding. By having on-demand GPS bread crumbs, you can stretch out the life for days depending on how heavily you use your iPhone.
While created for bicycle touring, TrackMyTour could also be used as a general travel app for hiking, commuting, etc., We recently met someone who was running across the country in New Mexico during our travels and I turned him on to TrackMyTour and now he is tracking his RUN across the country!
TrackMyTour also integrates with Twitter and can be set to tweet your updates and includes a link to your TrackMyTour Google map. Future updates may include integration with Facebook, Google Buzz and more editing options in the application.
TrackMyTour is a great and thoughtful application for the tech savvy tourist that has an iPhone. At the princely price of FREE, it can’t be beat. While not the best app for those that want to record every bit of your ride data, it is a great way to track your journey and share it with others.
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TOURIST 2.0 is written by Russ Roca a photographer who recently sold his worldly possessions to tour around the United States with his girlfriend. You can follow Russ and Laura's continuing adventure around these United States at PathLessPedaled.com.
SRAM Apex Component Group
Just this week, the US based bicycle component manufacturer SRAM released details on a road component group that may find a good home on touring bikes. The model name will be called Apex, and will cover your full drivetrain with 10-speed front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette, bottom bracket, crankset, brake calipers, and SRAM's double tap brake/shift lever system.
Why should this be of any interest to touring cyclists? At first glimpse it looks a little bit on the racey side of the cycling spectrum, however, the crankset will be available as a compact double with 50 and 34 tooth chainrings, while the medium-cage rear derailleur will accommodate the new Apex 10-speed 11-32 cassette. This combination yields plenty of range to tackle the climbs, and cruise through the flats.
When mounted to a touring bike, the double tap brake/shift levers have an aggressive look to them, but they also pack some handy features. Both the brake and shifter cables are routed under the handlebar tape, which clears up plenty of space for handlebar bags. The brake levers also have a reach adjustment screw, which allows people with smaller hands to move the brake levers into a more accessible position. If an integrated brake/shift lever system is not for you, SRAM also makes alternative options with bar end and flat bar shifters.
As far as the braking is concerned, the brake levers are fully compatible with cantilever style brakes, which may be a better option for loaded touring. If you do choose the Apex brake calipers, you can use tires up to a size 700x28 without fenders.
As far as cross compatibility is concerned, the SRAM shift levers will only work with SRAM derailleurs, however, the chain and cassette are Shimano 10spd compatible. Just make sure you have a medium or long cage derailleur if you are going to use the 11-32 wide range cassette.
Right now the price is looking as though it will be close to $800 for the entire group. To provide a frame of reference, the level of performance and quality should be somewhere between the Shimano Tiagra and 105 component range, but we'll have to wait until later this summer to give it a good test and see where it stands. Regardless, it's nice to see another component company stick their neck into the world of bicycle touring.
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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.
Why should this be of any interest to touring cyclists? At first glimpse it looks a little bit on the racey side of the cycling spectrum, however, the crankset will be available as a compact double with 50 and 34 tooth chainrings, while the medium-cage rear derailleur will accommodate the new Apex 10-speed 11-32 cassette. This combination yields plenty of range to tackle the climbs, and cruise through the flats.
When mounted to a touring bike, the double tap brake/shift levers have an aggressive look to them, but they also pack some handy features. Both the brake and shifter cables are routed under the handlebar tape, which clears up plenty of space for handlebar bags. The brake levers also have a reach adjustment screw, which allows people with smaller hands to move the brake levers into a more accessible position. If an integrated brake/shift lever system is not for you, SRAM also makes alternative options with bar end and flat bar shifters.
As far as the braking is concerned, the brake levers are fully compatible with cantilever style brakes, which may be a better option for loaded touring. If you do choose the Apex brake calipers, you can use tires up to a size 700x28 without fenders.
As far as cross compatibility is concerned, the SRAM shift levers will only work with SRAM derailleurs, however, the chain and cassette are Shimano 10spd compatible. Just make sure you have a medium or long cage derailleur if you are going to use the 11-32 wide range cassette.
Right now the price is looking as though it will be close to $800 for the entire group. To provide a frame of reference, the level of performance and quality should be somewhere between the Shimano Tiagra and 105 component range, but we'll have to wait until later this summer to give it a good test and see where it stands. Regardless, it's nice to see another component company stick their neck into the world of bicycle touring.
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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, February 19, 2010
The Language Barrier--Get Over It
Most people assume that because I've spent so much time pedaling my bike in foreign countries that I am a multi-lingual master.
Nothing could be further from the truth. I am living proof that you can travel and have the time of your life ... all while being completely inept at speaking foreign languages.
This audio clip of me trying to learn how to say the simple phrase, "My name is ..." in tribal South Africa. I've mixed in music I recorded in a shabeen in the highlands of Lesotho.
A Roadside Language Lesson
I'm hopeless. I can't even get the one phrase out of my mouth.
If you are intimidated to take that bicycle trip overseas because you don't have a couple of foreign languages under your belt ... go anyway. All you need is your loaded touring bike and a smile (OK. ... and a passport ... and some money) and you are good to go.
Here's the column I wrote for Adventure Cyclist:
"The Language Barrier (Get Over It!)" (pdf)
Of course, being able to speak the local language is going to enhance your travel experience. But fortunately for me (and so many other travelers) it isn't a necessity.
audio recording (Roadside Language Lesson, South Africa, Lesotho) by Willie Weir
photo (Die Top, South Africa 1995) by Willie Weir
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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS appears on Friday afternoons. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His latest book Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist compiles his favorite writings over the last twelve years. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at www.yellowtentadventures.com.
With New Eyes
Adventure Cycling Association was established (as Bikecentennial) to inspire cyclists to celebrate the United States' Bicentennial by traveling across the U.S. one pedal stroke at a time. In 1976, 4,000 riders put wheel to pavement to honor this anniversary.
And the first Adventure Cycling Association route was born from this effort -- the TransAmerica Trail. Still one of our most celebrated and ridden routes, it is now joined by a total of 38,158 miles of bicycle routes in North America.
I recently sent a letter (authored by Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling's executive director) to our members about why it's important to financially support our routes and mapping efforts. My most simple and heartfelt answer to this question is that this base of 38,158 miles is a true American treasure that we need to protect, maintain, and expand.
Be sure and read this letter. It contains information on our newest route -- Sierra Cascades -- and information on the great work we're doing to make sure you have the information you need to travel by bicycle.
One of the great stories in this letter is about Bob Siebert and his son Kevin, who traveled the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Kevin is pictured above). Here's what Bob had to say about his experience on the Great Divide:
"I am not exaggerating when I say the experience was life changing. Since that trip, I look at every day of my life with new eyes. Those 51 days de-stressed my life, and I am glad that I will never be the same again."
Bob's story summarizes the passion I have for our routes and maps. Traveling by bicycle is life changing. And I want everyone to have the chance to experience the self-discovery that comes hand-in-hand with bicycle travel.
photo by Bob Siebert
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BICYCLING INSPIRATIONS is posted the first and third Friday of each month by Julie Emnett, associate development director, and examines stories that illustrate why and how cyclists support our programs. Learn how you can support Adventure Cycling.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Point-to-Point Mileages
Recently I was scanning some reviews left by cyclists who have purchased our maps from the online store. These reviews often hold little nuggets about map features for me to think about--such as this question: "why not have a between miles dot at each matchline?" (I think the reviewer is referring to what we call 'point-to-point mileage dots'.) Interestingly, we came to the same conclusion as the reviewer about a year ago.
In the past, if the point-to-point distance didn't end on the matchline, the mileage in between points would be repeated on both map panels causing puzzlement. This change should eliminate that situation and resulting confusion. In addition to changing the convention, we have also altered the look by changing the black dot and type to a red carat and italicized, red type, similar to ones seen on other maps.
image by Routes & Mapping department
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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. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Rumble Strip Mayhem!
Probably with the best intentions, transportation agencies across the country are inadvertently putting cyclists at risk by adding rumble strips on secondary highways.
Rumble strips are a low cost treatment that yield high safety benefits when applied to long, continuous stretches of road (think Interstates) where a driver might drift across the white line. They rattle a driver back into consciousness with a thudding noise designed to startle the people in the vehicle, as well as the nearest neighbor.
According to the federal transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU), “highway safety improvement projects" can include "installation of rumble strips or another warning device, if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians, and the disabled." And the Federal Highway Adminstration sponsored report "Shoulder Rumble Strips and Bicyclists" (pdf) is a thorough documentation of rumble strip affects on cyclists.
Clearly roads that are receiving this treatment, like the one pictured above, pose a danger to cyclists. If going over the strip doesn't jar you into the ditch, it just might throw you into the traffic you're moving over to avoid!
Concerned over the recent application on numerous recreational cycling routes, the New York Bicycling Coalition posted a position statement (pdf) on their website which explains how the state has adapted their policy in order to apply the rumble strips to secondary highways.
New York isn't alone. In the last month, I've spoken to numerous bicycling organizations about this very concern. It is a case of a good idea gone awry and it's a growing concern as states look to use their stimulus dollars for safety improvements.
But the good news is that many states have good guidelines in place for addressing rumble strip applications. For example, California, Arizona (pdf), and Colorado have all done due diligence when it comes to where and when a rumble strip will be added. California states that the road must warrant the application (crash data), have proper dimensions (shoulder width), and provide provisions for cyclists and motorcyclists to "safely traverse through or around raised rumble strips."
Much of the U.S. Bicycle Route System will be on rural and secondary highways. While that is not to say there won't other roads and trails used (and there will be gaps where infrastructure is needed), the majority of the designated roads will be "as is." Route developers will consider roads with low vehicle counts (and/or shoulders) as well as accessibility to services as important factors when choosing the suitable roads within the corridors.
But what if our choices for U.S. Bicycle Routes are suddenly limited due to rumble strip application?
Luckily, Adventure Cycling Associaton is a member of America Bikes and the Alliance for Biking Walking and works closely with the League of American Bicyclists. These groups are are working to bring awareness to this growing concern and highlight best practice guidelines like those I've mentioned above.
Rumble strips are a low cost treatment that yield high safety benefits when applied to long, continuous stretches of road (think Interstates) where a driver might drift across the white line. They rattle a driver back into consciousness with a thudding noise designed to startle the people in the vehicle, as well as the nearest neighbor.
According to the federal transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU), “highway safety improvement projects" can include "installation of rumble strips or another warning device, if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians, and the disabled." And the Federal Highway Adminstration sponsored report "Shoulder Rumble Strips and Bicyclists" (pdf) is a thorough documentation of rumble strip affects on cyclists.
Clearly roads that are receiving this treatment, like the one pictured above, pose a danger to cyclists. If going over the strip doesn't jar you into the ditch, it just might throw you into the traffic you're moving over to avoid!
Concerned over the recent application on numerous recreational cycling routes, the New York Bicycling Coalition posted a position statement (pdf) on their website which explains how the state has adapted their policy in order to apply the rumble strips to secondary highways.
New York isn't alone. In the last month, I've spoken to numerous bicycling organizations about this very concern. It is a case of a good idea gone awry and it's a growing concern as states look to use their stimulus dollars for safety improvements.
But the good news is that many states have good guidelines in place for addressing rumble strip applications. For example, California, Arizona (pdf), and Colorado have all done due diligence when it comes to where and when a rumble strip will be added. California states that the road must warrant the application (crash data), have proper dimensions (shoulder width), and provide provisions for cyclists and motorcyclists to "safely traverse through or around raised rumble strips."
Much of the U.S. Bicycle Route System will be on rural and secondary highways. While that is not to say there won't other roads and trails used (and there will be gaps where infrastructure is needed), the majority of the designated roads will be "as is." Route developers will consider roads with low vehicle counts (and/or shoulders) as well as accessibility to services as important factors when choosing the suitable roads within the corridors.
But what if our choices for U.S. Bicycle Routes are suddenly limited due to rumble strip application?
Luckily, Adventure Cycling Associaton is a member of America Bikes and the Alliance for Biking Walking and works closely with the League of American Bicyclists. These groups are are working to bring awareness to this growing concern and highlight best practice guidelines like those I've mentioned above.
photo by Pat Clements via flickr
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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM is posted twice per month by Ginny Sullivan, USBRS coordinator at Adventure Cycling, and features news and updates related to the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. The USBRS project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by a task force under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Members of the task force include officials and staff from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, and nonprofits like the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Mississippi River Trail, Inc.
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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM is posted twice per month by Ginny Sullivan, USBRS coordinator at Adventure Cycling, and features news and updates related to the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. The USBRS project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by a task force under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Members of the task force include officials and staff from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, and nonprofits like the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Mississippi River Trail, Inc.
Time to Crack the Whip
I received a letter from an Adventure Cyclist reader recently about the sometimes bad behavior of cyclists on public roads, and it got me to thinking, well, more like rethinking. I hear from a lot of cyclists who tell me about the dangerous treatment they receive from automobile drivers, and I have not doubt that what they say is absolutely true. They also often report that law enforcement officers treat them like second class citizens when they are called in to deal with an automobile-bike collision or other circumstance that requires their involvement. Again, I don’t doubt their stories and I have my own experiences regarding all of these scenarios to go by as well.
Most of the time I get pretty irate, both when these things happen to me or when I hear about them, but recently I’ve tried to be more sedately honest with myself about what’s going on. I’ve noticed that when I drive, the behavior of other drivers about sends me over the edge. Some people clutch the wheel with such intensity and seem so nervous, as if the car were going to fly in any possible direction if they let go. Others drive so unnecessarily slow and cautiously that other drivers around them become agitated and pissed off, willing to do anything to pass them, and yet, when these slowpokes make a turn, they don’t bother to use their turn signal. So much for cautiousness. And, of course, there’s the drivers who are speeding, texting, talking, looking for cigarettes or matches, are drunk, or all of the above. How people aren’t smashing into each other all of the time is beyond my ability to comprehend.
When I ride my bike instead of drive, I have a much better time. In Missoula, I can take a multi-use path (otherwise known as a dog-walking path around here) about 75 percent of the way from my house to downtown. I like this. I know I have my rights to the public roadway and use those rights, but I’ll take a separate path anytime thanks. The 25 percent of the time that I’m on the road, I feel about the same toward drivers as when I’m in my own car, except I’m more careful. I’ve been hit a few times, once head on, and I’m not interested in that anymore.
None of this surprises me, but what does is how I feel toward cyclists when I’m driving or riding. I actually get angrier with cyclists when they act like morons than I do with motorists. Maybe it’s because I like to think of drivers as the bad guys — even when I’m driving — and cyclists as the good guys. But sometimes, this just isn’t the case. I’ve seen cyclists do some of the dumbest, most dangerous things from the perspective of my car and from my saddle. You probably have too. It’s time, as the letter writer stated, to stop cutting these cyclists slack just because they’re not driving a car.
I spend hours reading the comments posted after an article online about car-bike collisions or reports about how a particular city is trying to make infrastructure improvements for cyclists, and the bitterness on display there isn’t really surprising. What is surprising, to me at least, are the justifications made by and for cyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road yet clamor for the same rights as motorists. They usually go something like this, “Well, I’m only on a bike and can’t hurt anyone but myself if I do something stupid, inconsiderate of other road users, or outright dangerous. A motorist is driving a dangerous 3,000- to 4,000-pound weapon that can seriously injure or kill people.” Agreed. But think about that for a minute. I mean, think about it without your cyclist-colored glasses on. I know if I were driving and a cyclist did something that resulted in me injuring him or a bypassing pedestrian, I’d be pretty upset about it, even if I knew that what happened wasn’t my fault. And if the cyclist or pedestrian were killed because of my reaction? Let’s just say there’s the potential for a ton of long-term emotional damage to the innocent motor vehicle operator. Yup. That’s right. I said it. A driver can be innocent in such circumstances.
Another canard goes like this, “The rules of the road were made for automobile drivers, not bicyclists.” So then, there are no rules for cyclists on roadways? Yeah, that works great. Big help. And let’s roll through stop signs, too. It’s always a good idea to introduce subjective decision making to an already potentially dangerous situation. Look, we all know we’re going to do that. Cars do it too. But do we have to push to make it law?
Here’s just one example of bad behavior that astounded me, and it’s happened more than once. I’m at a busy intersection on my bike waiting at a red light. Another cyclist approaches from behind, I guess wondering why I’m stopped there, and blows by me and through the red light. The words that emanated from my head should not be heard by children or nuns and yet the scofflaw is the one who flips me the bird. Well, you could of fried an egg on my head.
One major problem toward this end, however, is that many people who use bikes to get around are not necessarily cyclists. They use a bicycle because it’s the only vehicle available to them and they don’t really care about the results of the bad road behavior. Vehicular cycling advocates hope to one day have a community that rides in perfect unison with each other and all other road users, having perfected all the required and necessary riding skills to exercise their rights and protect themselves. Good luck with that, especially when there’s a population that rides bicycles out of necessity and not because they like to or want to.
So what am I up to here? I’m a cyclist, have been my entire life, with thousands upon thousands of miles under my wheels, both as a bike tourist and as a commuter. I’m the editor or a cycling magazine and the director of publications for an organization that promotes cycling, so why am I harping on cyclists? Because to make progress towards a more harmonious transportation mix, cyclists are going to have to behave better than motorists, not equal their bad behavior, and certainly not behave worse. I think we as cycling advocates of whatever stripe have to make this unequivocally clear.
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AND THEN, THE MENTAL CALISTHENICS is written by Mike Deme, editor of Adventure Cyclist and publications director for Adventure Cycling Association.
Most of the time I get pretty irate, both when these things happen to me or when I hear about them, but recently I’ve tried to be more sedately honest with myself about what’s going on. I’ve noticed that when I drive, the behavior of other drivers about sends me over the edge. Some people clutch the wheel with such intensity and seem so nervous, as if the car were going to fly in any possible direction if they let go. Others drive so unnecessarily slow and cautiously that other drivers around them become agitated and pissed off, willing to do anything to pass them, and yet, when these slowpokes make a turn, they don’t bother to use their turn signal. So much for cautiousness. And, of course, there’s the drivers who are speeding, texting, talking, looking for cigarettes or matches, are drunk, or all of the above. How people aren’t smashing into each other all of the time is beyond my ability to comprehend.
When I ride my bike instead of drive, I have a much better time. In Missoula, I can take a multi-use path (otherwise known as a dog-walking path around here) about 75 percent of the way from my house to downtown. I like this. I know I have my rights to the public roadway and use those rights, but I’ll take a separate path anytime thanks. The 25 percent of the time that I’m on the road, I feel about the same toward drivers as when I’m in my own car, except I’m more careful. I’ve been hit a few times, once head on, and I’m not interested in that anymore.
None of this surprises me, but what does is how I feel toward cyclists when I’m driving or riding. I actually get angrier with cyclists when they act like morons than I do with motorists. Maybe it’s because I like to think of drivers as the bad guys — even when I’m driving — and cyclists as the good guys. But sometimes, this just isn’t the case. I’ve seen cyclists do some of the dumbest, most dangerous things from the perspective of my car and from my saddle. You probably have too. It’s time, as the letter writer stated, to stop cutting these cyclists slack just because they’re not driving a car.
I spend hours reading the comments posted after an article online about car-bike collisions or reports about how a particular city is trying to make infrastructure improvements for cyclists, and the bitterness on display there isn’t really surprising. What is surprising, to me at least, are the justifications made by and for cyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road yet clamor for the same rights as motorists. They usually go something like this, “Well, I’m only on a bike and can’t hurt anyone but myself if I do something stupid, inconsiderate of other road users, or outright dangerous. A motorist is driving a dangerous 3,000- to 4,000-pound weapon that can seriously injure or kill people.” Agreed. But think about that for a minute. I mean, think about it without your cyclist-colored glasses on. I know if I were driving and a cyclist did something that resulted in me injuring him or a bypassing pedestrian, I’d be pretty upset about it, even if I knew that what happened wasn’t my fault. And if the cyclist or pedestrian were killed because of my reaction? Let’s just say there’s the potential for a ton of long-term emotional damage to the innocent motor vehicle operator. Yup. That’s right. I said it. A driver can be innocent in such circumstances.
Another canard goes like this, “The rules of the road were made for automobile drivers, not bicyclists.” So then, there are no rules for cyclists on roadways? Yeah, that works great. Big help. And let’s roll through stop signs, too. It’s always a good idea to introduce subjective decision making to an already potentially dangerous situation. Look, we all know we’re going to do that. Cars do it too. But do we have to push to make it law?
Here’s just one example of bad behavior that astounded me, and it’s happened more than once. I’m at a busy intersection on my bike waiting at a red light. Another cyclist approaches from behind, I guess wondering why I’m stopped there, and blows by me and through the red light. The words that emanated from my head should not be heard by children or nuns and yet the scofflaw is the one who flips me the bird. Well, you could of fried an egg on my head.
One major problem toward this end, however, is that many people who use bikes to get around are not necessarily cyclists. They use a bicycle because it’s the only vehicle available to them and they don’t really care about the results of the bad road behavior. Vehicular cycling advocates hope to one day have a community that rides in perfect unison with each other and all other road users, having perfected all the required and necessary riding skills to exercise their rights and protect themselves. Good luck with that, especially when there’s a population that rides bicycles out of necessity and not because they like to or want to.
So what am I up to here? I’m a cyclist, have been my entire life, with thousands upon thousands of miles under my wheels, both as a bike tourist and as a commuter. I’m the editor or a cycling magazine and the director of publications for an organization that promotes cycling, so why am I harping on cyclists? Because to make progress towards a more harmonious transportation mix, cyclists are going to have to behave better than motorists, not equal their bad behavior, and certainly not behave worse. I think we as cycling advocates of whatever stripe have to make this unequivocally clear.
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AND THEN, THE MENTAL CALISTHENICS is written by Mike Deme, editor of Adventure Cyclist and publications director for Adventure Cycling Association.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A Long Day in the Saddle
It wasn't actually until I'd ridden a few days consecutively on a tour through Montana that I figured out just how really, really, TRULY important a comfortable saddle is for a bicycle tour. I know it's not something brought up in polite conversation, but, let's talk as cycling buddies, shall we? There is nothing more miserable than pedaling along, mile after spectacular mile, the sunlight dappling the trees, your new friends conversing about their latest bicycle upgrades, and you, consumed by discomfort, unable to focus on anything other than your poor, painful, rear end.
Luckily, a good saddle can make all the difference, and, although some folks are blessed with bottoms that can take almost anything, most of us spend some time, like the Princess and the Pea, figuring out just what saddle works best. Personally, I'm a fan of the Terry Liberator X Gel Saddle for women; it's not too hard, not too soft, and has a nice, streamlined fit. I spent some time figure out just what tilt worked for me and how far back I needed the saddle to sit and now I can pretty much ride all day long without complaint. Pretty much.
Josh Tack, writer of our much loved Gear Review weekly update, and also my frequent bicycle touring companion, trends towards the more traditional when it comes toward bicycle travel. He goes for the Brooks Standard Saddle, and loves it for, among other features, the way it breaks in so uniquely.
A good saddle investment can make all the difference in the world--especially during the latter miles of your tour, when you're tiring anyway, and tend to push more weight down your backside. Take your time choosing what works best for you, ask around, and don't forget those bike shorts and chamois cream. In the end, your gluteus maximus and your traveling companions will thank you!
photos by Terry and Brooks
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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.
Luckily, a good saddle can make all the difference, and, although some folks are blessed with bottoms that can take almost anything, most of us spend some time, like the Princess and the Pea, figuring out just what saddle works best. Personally, I'm a fan of the Terry Liberator X Gel Saddle for women; it's not too hard, not too soft, and has a nice, streamlined fit. I spent some time figure out just what tilt worked for me and how far back I needed the saddle to sit and now I can pretty much ride all day long without complaint. Pretty much.
Josh Tack, writer of our much loved Gear Review weekly update, and also my frequent bicycle touring companion, trends towards the more traditional when it comes toward bicycle travel. He goes for the Brooks Standard Saddle, and loves it for, among other features, the way it breaks in so uniquely.
A good saddle investment can make all the difference in the world--especially during the latter miles of your tour, when you're tiring anyway, and tend to push more weight down your backside. Take your time choosing what works best for you, ask around, and don't forget those bike shorts and chamois cream. In the end, your gluteus maximus and your traveling companions will thank you!photos by Terry and Brooks
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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, February 15, 2010
Power to the People
Coming to my attention a few days ago was a Newswise piece concerning a group of Furman University seniors who are raising money to purchase 15 Precor elliptical cross-training machines for installment in the Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center. The goal is not only to provide a means for a daily dose of exercise, but to help power the Greenville, South Carolina, campus's electrical grid. According to the story, "A student, faculty, or staff member will be able to step onto an elliptical machine equipped with a ReRev kit and power a light bulb to show the electricity being generated."
Then there's this experiment that took place on a British Broadcasting Company show called Bang Goes the Theory. It sought to determine how many riders on generator-equipped stationary bikes it would take to power a shower fed by an electric water heater. It took 78 of them, "pedaling as hard as they can," says the host in the video.
I've often wondered, half jokingly and half not, if all the rapid calorie burning we active people do doesn't add to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. So maybe capturing all that effort and directing it to the grid is a smart thing.
But wait a minute — all 78 of those sweaty indoor cyclists will need their own showers. Now I'm really confused.
Have you run across any cool stories recently that relate to power generation by bicycle?
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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. Mac also compiles the organization's twice-monthly e-newsletter Bike Bits, which goes free-of-charge to more than 40,000 readers worldwide.
Then there's this experiment that took place on a British Broadcasting Company show called Bang Goes the Theory. It sought to determine how many riders on generator-equipped stationary bikes it would take to power a shower fed by an electric water heater. It took 78 of them, "pedaling as hard as they can," says the host in the video.
I've often wondered, half jokingly and half not, if all the rapid calorie burning we active people do doesn't add to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. So maybe capturing all that effort and directing it to the grid is a smart thing.
But wait a minute — all 78 of those sweaty indoor cyclists will need their own showers. Now I'm really confused.
Have you run across any cool stories recently that relate to power generation by bicycle?
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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. Mac also compiles the organization's twice-monthly e-newsletter Bike Bits, which goes free-of-charge to more than 40,000 readers worldwide.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Last Minute Valentine for the Cyclist
Oh no you didn't! Valentine's Day is less than 24 hours away, and you're empty handed? If you're reading this, there's a decent chance both you and your sweetheart are cycling aficionados, and that might be all it takes to save the day. Here are some cycling related gifts that require little effort, and don't need to be shipped to your door.
1. Bike Tuneup - Sneak out to the garage tonight and give the bike of your significant other a quick tuneup. It doesn't have to be a complete overhaul, or require a lot of bike maintenance knowledge. Wipe down the frame, clean the chain, tighten the brakes, air up the tires, and maybe adjust the derailleurs. So long as you put some work into, you're off to a good start.
2. Bike Fit - This is a little more advanced, but if you have the know-how and a rear-mount trainer, it's a good way to show you care.
3. Casual Ride - The duration of your ride depends on your local climate and fitness, but regardless of what you choose to do, make sure to keep it at a conversational pace. If the weather won't let you get out on the bike, perhaps you can jump on an indoor trainer, or find some spin bikes at a nearby gym.
4. Dinner and Cycling Movie - There are plenty of great cycling movies to choose from, and you'll pick up some bonus points by pairing the dinner theme with the movie theme. Some examples would be Italian food with Breaking Away, French cuisine with Triplets of Belleville, or burgers and fries with American Flyers.
5. Plan a Bike Tour - Look at your calendar through the 2010 season, and think about possible tours you can take together. Perhaps you might find a 3-day weekend where you can depart from your doorstep, or even set aside a week, or longer, to explore a corner of the country you have been wanting to experience.
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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, February 12, 2010
Portland: An Urban Adventure
When I think bike trip ... I think three months plus, thousands of miles, exotic locations. But that isn't always possible.In the Dec/Jan issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine I wrote about a seven day bicycle journey in Portland. That's right IN Portland. Within the city limits. Most folks would approach an urban trip by booking a hotel and using it as a base for day trips.
We, my partner Kat and I, decided to approach it like all our other bike trips. Fully loaded touring bikes--tent, stove, sleeping bag, etc. No hotel reservations. No guided tour. Just let the travel Fates guide us.
It was fabulous ... and inexpensive. We met lots of friendly people. Camped in backyards and gardens. Slept on floors and futons. Ate at pubs and food carts. And soaked up the beautiful city of Portland and marveled at its bike culture.
I carried a digital recorder with me and asked the people of Portland what they loved about their city. Check out the compilation of voices and photos.
Sometimes a different approach can transform a trip into an adventure.
photo (Portland commuters-2009) by Willie Weir
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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS appears on Friday afternoons. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His latest book Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist compiles his favorite writings over the last twelve years. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at www.yellowtentadventures.com.
Bike Shop Membership
Many of you may not realize that Adventure Cycling offers a membership specifically for bike shops. Local bike shops are key players in getting more folks on bicycles and we want to support them in that effort. We offer benefits that help bike shops connect with our members, stay informed about what's new in bike touring, and share their knowledge with the cycling community.
Here are just a few of the benefits we offer:--
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 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.
Here are just a few of the benefits we offer:
- An annual subscription to Adventure Cyclist magazine
- A shop listing in the Cyclists' Yellow Pages, our premier trip planning guide
- A listing in our printed Cyclists' Travel Guide
- Wholesale pricing on all Adventure Cycling route maps with over 38,158 miles of bicycle routes
- A 25% discount on display ads placed in Adventure Cyclist magazine
"We support Adventure Cycling because it supports and encourages bicyclists in their quest for human powered transportation and recreation. Adventure Cycling legitimizes the bicycle as an authentic vehicle for exploring our world."~Excelsior Cycle, Kellogg, ID
"Adventure Cycling allows us to dream about the possibilities of adventure on two wheels. Your magazine is, IMHO, the best cycle touring magazine and it provides inspiration for all of us wannabe cycle tourists. Those two reasons are enough for me personally, and they should certainly justify any bike shop's support. The promotion of cycling is tantamount to the promotion of our business."~Gear-To-Go Tandems, Saranac Lake, NY
"Almost all of my best customers dream of the day they can ride on a cross country tour. Adventure Cycling helps keep the dream alive and achievable."
~Mycle’s Cycles, Georgetown, OH
"We’re happy to support Adventure Cycling ‘cuz they are the #1 supporter, instigator & enabler for bicycle touring in this country and always have been, and we think that rocks!"
~Velo City, Holland MI
"For me Adventure Cycling is the 'Keeper of the Faith'. I rode Bikecentennial in '76 and went on to open a bike shop and tour with my family. Now my son works with me. Adventure Cycling continues to develop routes, tours and leaders and keeps all of us in touch with our cycle touring heritage."~Rock 'n' Road Cycle, Grand Haven, MI
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 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, February 11, 2010
Rock Stars & Wheel Urbanism, Seattle & Portland
Earlier this month, in about 48 hours, Adventure Cycling's Ginny Sullivan and I raced around the Northwest (mostly in a car, alas), spreading the good word about bicycling and meeting with a lot of interesting folks. We even got some blue skies in Seattle (how often does that happen in early February?). So here were the Top 10 highlights of our trip:1. Rock Star: Ginny (who as many of you know is our go-to person for the U.S. Bicycle Route System project) was interviewed in Portland by one of the best bike bloggers in America, Jonathan Maus, on stage at Plan B, a club in the Hawthorne neighborhood. The place was packed and better yet, the event was webcast live with more than 9,000 people logging in. Watch the webcast and check out the great photos (of Ginny in her cool USBRS jersey) by Kleen Kanteen's Ethan Jewett. Thanks Adventure Cycling members for turning out!
2. Sierra Surprise: I got together with my old friend Steve Frisch, president of the Sierra Business Council (where I used to work in Truckee, CA) and told him about our new Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route, which will debut in early April. Steve promptly told me how they could promote it through their new geotourism initiative with National Geographic. Sweet!
3. Smart Growth and Bikes: If you follow real estate development trends, you'll know that more traditional urban communities are coming back into favor, prompted in part by the "smart growth" and "new urbanist" movements. Both of these movements are premised on "walkable communities", which kind of irks me -- not because I'm anti-walking (I'm not, I love it, ask my dog) but rather because I think bikes should also be a bigger part of the urban equation. So I submitted a proposal for a panel discussion to the biggest smart growth conference in America - and they accepted! Called "Wheel Urbanism: Bicycling's Innovative Contributions to Smart Growth," the panel attracted 100 people, and focused on the American revolution in bikes for transportation, and the explosive growth in new cycling facilities.
4. Perfect Panel: The reason it was such a great session was that we had such great speakers -- Steve Meineke, CEO of Raleigh America, and head of the Board of Bikes Belong, the bike industry's leading trade group (and supporter of the USBRS); David Hiller, Advocacy Director of the Cascade Bicycle Club, the biggest local cycling group in the U.S.; and Jeff Miller, President of the Alliance for Biking and Walking. Let me know if you want more info about the session, email me jsayer AT adventurecycling DOT org.
5. Maximum Momentum: Ginny and I met with the new Seattle editor and ad rep for the lively urban cycling magazine, Momentum. Great breakfast at Roxy's in the Fremont neighborhood, and we're going to provide some bike travel stories for future issues.
6. Open for Cycling: Our timing was perfect -- Ginny and I got to attend the open house for the new offices of Bicycle Alliance of Washington, one of the best statewide groups around. Special treats: seeing Barb Culp, who is back for her second stint as executive director (they're lucky to have her) and enjoying the adjacent BikeStation, which provides secure bike parking and more for Seattle commuters.
7. New U.S. Bicycle Routes in Oregon? We had an excellent meeting with Jerry Norquist, one of the top cycling promoters in Oregon (and impresario of Cycle Oregon, an awesome state ride which announced its 2010 route while we were there). Jerry and many others are helping us figure out the best candidate routes in Oregon for the USBRS.
8. Ditto for Washington? Not to be outdone by its neighbor state ... we had a great meeting with state cycling advocates, the state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator, and an editor for Bicycle Paper (see the photo below) to figure out resources for creating routes.
9. No Burden at All. We saw many friends at the Smart Growth Conference, but one of the nicest encounters was with Dan Burden, one of the founders of Adventure Cycling. Dan has started yet another non-profit (this time devoted to walking) and is in the process of moving from Florida to Port Townsend, WA. Big smiles and hugs from Dan!
10. OK, so there were some bike rides. (Really, this should be #1.) I was able to ride around between meetings for an entire day in balmy Seattle. I also commuted from a friend's home on Mercer Island over to downtown Seattle. The city has a new bicycle master plan and is girding to be the #1 cycling city in the nation. Watch out, Portland, Davis, Boulder, and all you other cycle-friendly cities!
And thanks to everyone - especially Adventure Cycling members -- who made our whirlwind trip so delightfully productive.
in this photo (l to r): Dave Jamis, Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW); Darren Dencklau, Bicycle Paper; Barb Culp, BAW; Jim Sayer; Ian
photo credits: Cycle Oregon, above, and Bicycle Alliance of Washington, below
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JIM SAYER is the executive director of Adventure Cycling Association.
Designating Route Intersections
Over here in Routes & Mapping, we're hip deep in the process of producing Adventure Cycling's newest route, the Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route (maps available in April).
As I work, I am reminded that much of the first section of the Sierra Cascades shares mileage with two other routes within the Adventure Cycling Route Network: Washington Parks and Northern Tier. Surprisingly, for all the miles we have mapped -- we'll be over 40,000 once the Sierra Cascades is published -- there are not many places of repetition, but multiple points of intersection.
Is this a good or a bad thing? Sometimes I think it's more confusing than anything else. However, we attempt to alleviate confusion by showing the concurrent routing on our Route Network overview map (pdf, 648k) as parallel lines. And, on the map panels themselves, we point out the specific spot where routes intersect or share routing as depicted in the graphic below.
Let's say you want to mix it up and design a loop tour in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana using the Great Rivers, Underground Railroad, and Southern Tier routes. On the map panels where these routes intersect, you will find a box and pointer showing you the location of the intersection. This is your signal to trade out the map in your hand for the one referred to in the text before you.
By calling attention to these details, we hope to make your map reading and planning experience a little easier.
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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.
As I work, I am reminded that much of the first section of the Sierra Cascades shares mileage with two other routes within the Adventure Cycling Route Network: Washington Parks and Northern Tier. Surprisingly, for all the miles we have mapped -- we'll be over 40,000 once the Sierra Cascades is published -- there are not many places of repetition, but multiple points of intersection.
Is this a good or a bad thing? Sometimes I think it's more confusing than anything else. However, we attempt to alleviate confusion by showing the concurrent routing on our Route Network overview map (pdf, 648k) as parallel lines. And, on the map panels themselves, we point out the specific spot where routes intersect or share routing as depicted in the graphic below.
By calling attention to these details, we hope to make your map reading and planning experience a little easier.
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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, February 10, 2010
Touring Nowhere Soon
An article about a couple of young Canadians, Meredith Lewis and Alex Neuman, caught my eye the other day. After graduating from college, they decided to tour the coast, starting in Victoria, BC, and ending in Panama.
As my friend Ken McGuire, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for CalTrans, says, "hundreds of cyclists pick the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route every season; it draws people from all over the world."
What made this couple unique is that they didn't worry about the details, like training or reviewing the exact route they'd take. They just did it.
That kind of tour isn't for everyone (thank goodness, or our Routes and Mapping department wouldn't have any thing to do!) And really, at my age, I like to know where I'll be going in the day, and where I'll be resting in the night.
However, for young twenty-somethings, it seems a perfect way to explore self reliance, perseverance, endurance, human compassion, and, dare I say it, adventure.
They've obviously been rewarded with all these things and more. Read more about their trip and listen to their podcasts by visiting nowheresoon.com.
photo courtesy Meredith Lewis and Alex Neuman
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CONNECTIONS is posted twice a month by Ginny Sullivan, Adventure Cycling's special projects director and features the cultural, historical, geographical, and human connections created through bike travel. Find out about our award-winning Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Spotlight on Tour Leader: Caitlin Giddings
Caitlin is a grad student/bike-messenger/comic-book-reading/tour-leader extraordinaire! Read on to find out about a few of her favorite things.
1. Current Touring Bicycle: Surly Cross Check
2. Favorite Flavor of Ice-Cream (important): Cookies and Cream
3. Favorite Feline Companion: My Cat, Pirate
4. Personal Hero: Puzzle Master of the New York Times, Will Shortz
5. Shoe Fetish: I actually only own one pair of shoes, Adidas soccer shoes. I wear them for everything, until they wear out. Then I get another pair.
6. Tours led for Adventure Cycling Association in the past: TransAm 2008, Southern Tier 2009...
7. 2010 Tour: Georgetown to Steeltown
photo by Greg Siple
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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.
1. Current Touring Bicycle: Surly Cross Check
2. Favorite Flavor of Ice-Cream (important): Cookies and Cream
3. Favorite Feline Companion: My Cat, Pirate
4. Personal Hero: Puzzle Master of the New York Times, Will Shortz
5. Shoe Fetish: I actually only own one pair of shoes, Adidas soccer shoes. I wear them for everything, until they wear out. Then I get another pair.
6. Tours led for Adventure Cycling Association in the past: TransAm 2008, Southern Tier 2009...
7. 2010 Tour: Georgetown to Steeltown
photo by Greg Siple
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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, February 8, 2010
ColoRADo Riding
As detailed in the "Waypoints" column of an upcoming edition of Adventure Cyclist magazine, an Adventure Cycling member by the name of Jeff Nussbaumer has researched and mapped a new high-elevation mountain-bike route in Colorado. He's calling it Ride Along the Divide, or RAD.
“It begins in Encampment, Wyoming, and ends in Chama, New Mexico," Jeff said. "It is at its worst technical and strenuous, but can be relatively easy, too. The 36 mountain pass crossings range from 13,500 to no lower than 10,000 feet in elevation. Preliminary measurements show an overall elevation gain of 16.5 vertical miles.
"Compared to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route," Jeff added, "RAD investigates different parts of the Rockies. It is about getting the mountain trekker over 13,000 feet above sea level and remaining within 3,000 feet of the Continental Divide for most of the trip."
Jeff is planning on publishing a guidebook to the route in late 2010 or early 2011. In the meantime, you can read a description of his own adventures finding and riding RAD at the Crazy Guy on a Bike website.
Also, in case you missed it last Thursday, be sure to have a look at Jenn Milyko's Geopoints Bulletin post about the creation of the Great Divide.
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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. Mac also compiles the organization's twice-monthly e-newsletter Bike Bits, which goes free-of-charge to more than 40,000 readers worldwide.
“It begins in Encampment, Wyoming, and ends in Chama, New Mexico," Jeff said. "It is at its worst technical and strenuous, but can be relatively easy, too. The 36 mountain pass crossings range from 13,500 to no lower than 10,000 feet in elevation. Preliminary measurements show an overall elevation gain of 16.5 vertical miles.
"Compared to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route," Jeff added, "RAD investigates different parts of the Rockies. It is about getting the mountain trekker over 13,000 feet above sea level and remaining within 3,000 feet of the Continental Divide for most of the trip."
Jeff is planning on publishing a guidebook to the route in late 2010 or early 2011. In the meantime, you can read a description of his own adventures finding and riding RAD at the Crazy Guy on a Bike website.
Also, in case you missed it last Thursday, be sure to have a look at Jenn Milyko's Geopoints Bulletin post about the creation of the Great Divide.
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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. Mac also compiles the organization's twice-monthly e-newsletter Bike Bits, which goes free-of-charge to more than 40,000 readers worldwide.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I Love Bicycle Travel, Episode 2: Mont Ventoux
Check out our latest episode of "I Love Bicycle Travel" featuring one of our favorite volunteers, Chuck Pengilly, recounting a memorable day on Mont Ventoux.
Tell us why you love bicycle travel! Then check out Episode 1: Mine to Explore.
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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 press AT adventurecycling DOT org. Visit our media room or view our news releases.
Tell us why you love bicycle travel! Then check out Episode 1: Mine to Explore.
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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 press AT adventurecycling DOT org. Visit our media room or view our news releases.
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