Transit Touring

We've officially left on our trip to explore America by folding bike, trains, and transit. Right now, we're updating from the Book and Bean in Prineville, OR, a town on Eastern Oregon which is along the TransAmerica Trail. While we haven't intercepted an Amtrak route yet, we have had the interesting experience of combining bikes and buses.

We've met many cyclists that start their Pacific Coast bike tour from Portland. There is, of course, a little matter of the coastal range to get over before one gets to the Pacific ocean. For the time constrained -- or those that don't want to ride over the mountains (though we highly recommend it for the gorgeous scenery!) -- there is a great multi-modal option from Portland Union Station -- The Wave bus.



Operated by Tillamook County Transportation District, the bus very conveniently leaves from downtown Portland and drops you off at Tillamook (a shortish ride from the famed Tillamook factory).

What is remarkable about The Wave, is how bicycle-friendly it is. We did a short loop from Portland to Tillamook and back utilizing The Wave. By the time we got to Tillamook, there were no less than 5 bicyclists on board and four of us were touring! While only equipped with a 2-bike front rack, the drivers are friendly and helpful. We were able to store our bikes folded in the rear luggage area. The driver even took on other bikes inside as the rear luggage area filled up.

The Wave is a great option if you're riding the Pacific Coast and want to beeline to the coast form Portland, or if you want to make an excursion into Portland during your coast tour without taking up 4 days going back and forth.

Another great bus option from the Portland area is The Breeze bus, that leaves from downtown Union Station and drops you off at central Oregon's bicycling gem -- Bend. The Breeze bus does not have front bike racks and you must box your bike, though we were able to get on board with our Bromptons after some reasoning with the driver. It's rather unfortunate since it's a great connector between two excellent cycling cities. Hopefully, with VisitBend's big push to promote Bend as a cycling destination, they will add more accommodations for bikes (especially car-free Portlanders that want to escape the gloom of the valley).

Once in Bend, you have access to days of beautiful and quiet riding on country roads. Bend is home to many professional cyclists and hosts many large cycling events every year. It is also very bicycle-friendly, with bike lanes, roundabouts and no less than 10 bicycle shops in town! After exploring Bend, you can also ride to Redmond or Prineville and hop on the TransAmerica route.



We already know that transit and bikes are a great combination in urban areas, but it is also a great way to vacation with your bicycle! It can help the time-constrained tourist visit areas that would have been difficult by bicycle alone. It can also afford the curious cyclist a way to explore beyond what they could typically cover in a day.

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RUSS ROCA and LAURA CRAWFORD sold all their belongings to travel by bicycle in 2009 and started PathLessPedaled.com. Since then, they have been bicycling around the United States and documenting bicycle culture.

Possible Ferry Closure on North Lakes Route

We were recently alerted to the pending closure of the Lake Michigan car ferry serviced by the SS Badger. This ferry is an integral part of the Northern Lakes Route, whether a cyclist wishes to travel the route as a loop, or incorporate it into their Northern Tier Route cross-country journey.

The SS Badger is an older, coal-fueled ferry, and the Environmental Protection Agency is shutting it down due to the coal-ash it deposits in the lake. The intended end date is December 2012. There is an option on the table to convert the ferry operation over to natural gas, a cleaner fuel alternative. A group has been formed -- S.O.S. (Save Our Ship) -- to help explore this option and gather support for the continued ferry operation.

While it's not super cheap ($76/one way), a ferry ride is a novel experience to include on a bicycle tour, and we think it should remain an option for all who want to travel between Luddington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. If you agree, we encourage you to support S.O.S. in their efforts.

Photo by milesizz on Flickr.

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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.

Exciting Updates about the U.S. Bicycle Route System

Wow, what a month!

Good news abounds for the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). Recently, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood blogged on Fast Lane that the recent approval of new U.S. Bike Routes for this emerging network will help more Americans use their bikes for transportation and recreation. Like last summer's post, LaHood's recent comments sparked new media interest in the project.

My favorite line from the Secretary's post might be his statement that, "Thirty states are now working on routes to serve as easy-to-ride trunk lines connecting city, regional and statewide cycling trails (and routes). These will provide transportation, tourism, and economic development opportunities across the country."

But that line also made me pause; we've been touting our total number of states involved in USBR development at thirty since March, when we announced that grand total at the National Bike Summit. However, in updating the Getting It Done: Status Report, I see that the grand total of states involved now sits at 40 -- plus the District of Columbia.

Yes, since March, states that have come on board include Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.

And the good news doesn't end there.


My good friends Mike and Joan wrote to tell me that they witnessed new U.S. Bike Route Signs going up along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail in Kentucky (remember, USBR 76 was designated in 1982). You can see more photos of the county transportation workers placing the signs along the roadway and read about their experience in Mike and Joan's journal. A year ago, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet promised they would provide the signs -- and they followed up on that commitment. Thank you, Kentucky!

This week I am off to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada for the Ontario Bike Summit to talk about the economic and other benefits associated with bike tourism and travel. One of my goals will be to inspire growing interest in developing a regional bike network -- possibly similar to Quebec's La Route Verte, but with ties to U.S. Bicycle Routes, such as the newly designated USBR 20 through Michigan.

All in all, a great month for the project. Thanks to the many helpers I have out there working to make this happen! You know who you are.

Top photo of Secretary LaHood by Jonathon Maus of Bike Portland; middle photo by Mike Weingarten.

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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM (USBRS) is posted 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.

Best Bike Touring Eateries: TransAmerica Trail

My week-before-last's post -- Mix It: Food & Bikes -- inspired me to dive into an exploration of the best, not-to-be-missed eateries on well-traveled sections of our 40,000+ mile Adventure Cycling Route Network. Let's start with the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail!

This list will necessarily be entirely reader-driven. Here's how to get involved: Post (in the comments below) or email me (pressATadventurecyclingDOTorg) the following:

1. The name and location (city, state) of your favorite eatery on the TransAm
2. A 2-3 sentence statement about why it's the best -- which delicacy put you over the edge?
3. A photo of the place -- or of you and your buddies eating something delicious -- from your own TransAm adventure

I'll post the top 10 recommendations -- based on the very subjective drool factor (good description, mouth watering photo, etc.) -- in a few weeks!

Photo from the National Library of Scotland on Flickr

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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is posted 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 email: pressATadventurecyclingDOTorg. Visit our media room, view our news releases, or follow us on Twitter.

Out of Bikecentennial, Came Adventure Cycling

Backstories have always fascinated me. This summer I'm interning in the publications department of Adventure Cycling, and in the last several weeks I've found a treasure trove of historical material — documents and photographs which also intrigued me as a relatively new member of the organization.

Adventure Cycling’s membership has shot up 6.6% over the last four years. That's over 2500 people! Considering most members say they joined primarily to support the mission of the organization, I’m betting there are many out there who are equally unaware of how the organization began as I was when I got here in May.

Over the next two months, I’ll be sharing some interesting finds in the archives as well as exploring some other history-related topics here at Adventure Cycling.



What does Bikecentennial have to do with the Adventure Cycling Association?

Bikecentennial was a cross-country bike tour that commemorated the the U.S. bicentennial in 1976. Leveraging momentum from a 10-speed craze sweeping the country, the ride boasted 4,000 riders. Mostly young adults, many had never done long-distance bike touring, if they had even ridden a bike at all since their childhood.

But wait — who thought up Bikecentennial? Two couples: Dan and Lys Burden; and Greg and June Siple. Young, idealistic bicyclists in Ohio, they decided to ride their bikes from Alaska to Argentina. Dubbed “Hemistour,” an article about their trip later appeared in National Geographic and inspired the small group to dream bigger.

Out of that dreaming, came Bikecentennial.



After the inaugural cross-country event in 1976, Bikecentennial dedicated itself to inspiring people to travel by bike and in 1994, the organization renamed itself Adventure Cycling. That first cross-country route became today’s TransAmerica Trail (still used by thousands of cyclists each year) and provided the foundation for the organization’s routes and mapping efforts, which are heavily relied upon by today's Adventure Cycling members undertaking their own adventure.

If you’ve got some time, check out the whole story (pdf), written for Adventure Cyclist in 2006. If you’re better with timelines than detailed narratives, check out the timeline of Adventure Cycling's history.

Photo: Teton Mountains, near Yellowstone National Park. This rider was one of more than 4,000 who participated in Bikecentennial in the summer of 1976. Photo by Dan Burden.

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BACKSTORIES is written by Heather Andrews, publications intern. Sifting through the Adventure Cycling archives, the series presents interesting and unusual documents that illuminate the organization's history.

I Heart My Tent, Part 2

I feel like every little while I have to write a blog post about how much I love sleeping in my tent. Last weekend we went on a bike overnight on the beautiful Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes in northern Idaho. The weather was fairly cold and wet (I was wearing my down jacket and it's almost July!), but at the end of the day I was happy to climb in and dry off in my cozy tent and hear the rain drumming on the rainfly.

We have a great selection of tents at Adventure Cycling. I'm partial to the Hubba Hubba.

Photo by Kerri Rosenstein

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!).

Bicycle the Oregon Coastal Odyssey

Craggy cliffs tumbling down to the ocean bordered by lush forests -- no, it's not a fantasy novel, it's the Oregon Coast! As one of the most incredible, unique landscapes in the U.S., it is even more amazing by bicycle. Plus, it just so happens that Adventure Cycling offers a great guided tour that hits some of the highlights; add in van support and catered meals and you know you're in for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

So don't wait; grab a spot on this late-August tour and send summer out with a bang! Trust me, you won't regret it. Check out the Oregon Coastal Odyssey now.

Photo by Robin Campbell on Flickr

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team -- Mo, Paul, Madeline, and Steve -- tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to Adventure Cycling's tours department. Check out our 2011 guided tours today.

Route Creator Hits the Great Divide

Yesterday was a first. I received a subscription pitch in the mail from Sunset magazine, with “Senior Citizen Special” emblazoned across the front of the envelope.

Okay, I do turn 60 this summer, which in itself is quite unthinkable. But Senior Citizen? Balderdash!

After all, as you read this I should be into day three of my planned two-summer ride — one month this summer and one month next — of the U.S. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. (I plan to put the Canadian extension on hold for an even later adventure.) It’s a route I mapped out for Adventure Cycling back in the 1990s, but I did most of the research in a Jeep. So far I’ve ridden approximately 20 percent of the route, and I want to up that percentage to 100 before I truly am too old to do it. I feel that I deserve it — deserve both the joys associated with riding the world's longest mountain-bike route, that is, and deserve experiencing the pain and suffering that I have in a sense dished out to hundreds of other cyclists.

This summer I plan to pedal the northern half of the Great Divide in two stages, sometimes solo and at other times with companions. Stage one goes from Bannack, Montana, to Steamboat Springs, Colorado; stage two, from Port of Roosville, Montana/British Columbia, back to Bannack. The reason for this hopscotching approach is the inordinately high snowpack the northern Rockies have experienced this winter (and spring, and summer). If you’ve been following the Tour Divide at all, you’ll know that racers were forced to follow several snowpack-induced alternates on pavement in Montana and Wyoming. The snow is starting to melt out, although late last week Justin Simoni — the only racer sticking entirely to the mapped route — called in to MTBcast, reporting that he’d walked and pushed through nine miles of snow between Ashton, Idaho, and Flagg Ranch, Wyoming, at the northern end of the Teton Range.

I'll be aboard a most excellent ride for the summer: a dropped-bar, front-shock, 29er Salsa Fargo off-road adventure bike. Jason Boucher (aka "Gnat") over at Salsa had some nice things to say in a recent blog post about my ride as well as those of some others, including my neighbor, endurance racer Jay Petervary. Jay has embarked upon an incredibly ambitious three-stage adventure this year in his No Idle Tour 2011. For him, the entire Great Divide is just one piece of a very long puzzle.

Please wish me luck in my efforts to avoid the bears, lightning, and physical or mechanical breakdown, and become a Great Divide “through-biker.” Watch for an update later this summer.


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.

Keeping Dry While Touring

Just because we're moving into summer doesn't mean that you're in the clear as far as rain is concerned. Getting soaked is one thing, but getting yourself and all of your gear drenched can really dampen your mood. Fortunately, staying dry doesn't require a ton of additional gear that will fill up your panniers/trailers when the sun is out. Here's a quick rundown on some solid rain gear for your body and equipment.

Rain Jacket: This can be as pricey or as inexpensive as you like, but the nice thing about summer storms is that you generally don't have to worry about a lot of insulation or heavy duty fabrics, as long as you stay dry. The Shower's Pass Club Pro jacket is a great summer rain jacket with a lot of features to keep you from overheating, such as a back vent and pit zips. The color itself provides good visibility, but just to make sure, they've added a lot of reflective material to help you stand out in heavy overcast conditions. If you're on a budget, I'm a big fan of the simple clear vinyl cape, such as the Performance Clear Rain Jacket for $20. It isn't fancy, but it gets the job done.

Rain Pants: I always remember rain pants at the last minute, and I'm always happy to have them. There are few things worse than riding in a wet chamois. I've been a huge fan of the Showers Pass Storm Pants, which pack down very well. They also have angled Velcro straps at the ankle mid-calf, which ensures that they won't get caught in any moving parts on the bike.

Panniers: If you don't have waterproof panniers, Arkel makes some great rain covers that stand up to a lot of abuse. You can pack them away when the rain isn't coming down, or leave them attached at all times to make yourself a little more visible. One great feature is the outside mesh pocket, which you can toss your rain jacket and pants into to dry out when the storm passes. They also cinch down pretty well for a tight, uniform fit.

Trailers: Dry bags are a really good option for trailers, and if you have a BOB trailer, you may already be covered with their optional cargo bag. With water resistant trailers, such as the Burly Nomad, you may be able to get away with simply tossing select gear in garbage or grocery bags.

This should keep you in pretty good shape for those unexpected storms. Still, my favorite maneuver is to find some good company, grab a hot beverage, and wait it out.

Photos by Josh Tack


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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.

Alternate Route

There is an art to knowing which travel advice to embrace and which to ignore.

Every touring cyclist has had the experience of some local telling them that the road up ahead is flat, only to discover that it is hillier beyond belief. Or that the next town is just over the ridge, when there are three ridges to climb over.

Most cyclists learn to favor advice from someone else pedaling a bike before someone driving a truck or motor home. When driving a motorized vehicle, one tends to only notice the grade getting steeper when the motor shifts into low gear.

Kat and I asked several people in the pituresque town of Yusufeli, Turkey which route to take to get to the Black Sea Coast. We asked dozens of people and got only one answer. We needed to pedal toward Artvin on the main highway and cross over the mountains.

"No other way?"

None.

This was depressing. This route meant trucks and buses and traffic we always tried to avoid.

We were just about ready to pedal out of town, when we stopped at a bakery for a loaf of bread. For some reason I asked one more time. The man gave the same answer. But as I was headed out the door he said, "There is one other route. It goes toward Ispir. But it is a bad road."

Our ears perked up. We had learned from months of travel in Turkey that every time someone said the way we were headed was a bad road, that it was actually incredible ... and just what we were looking for.

This particular "bad road" ended up being a little-traveled, barely two-lane road that wound it's way through green rice fields surrounded by stark mountains. We encountered a handful of vehicles and were treated to some of the most fabulous scenery the country had to offer.

Sometimes it pays to ignore all the popular advice and follow your traveler's instinct. Even if it means your headed for the bad road.

Photo: Turkey-2002 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 will inspire you to hit the road and just might change the way you approach bicycle travel. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at http://YellowTentAdventures.com/.

Adventure Cycling is Headed to Ottawa

Join Adventure Cycling Association for a presentation in Ottawa, featuring Special Projects Director Ginny Sullivan. Ginny will share information about Adventure Cycling’s program work, including the special ways in which the organization supports bicycle travel and touring, its upcoming guided tours, new resources such as BikeOvernights.org, the new Underground Railroad Detroit Alternate, which will continue into Ontario from the U.S., and efforts to develop a national bike route network (U.S. Bicycle Route System) that will also tie into local Ontario efforts. 

Details: 

Tuesday, June 28 — 6-8 pm in the Councillors Lounge (2nd floor) at City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West)

Please RSVP for this event by contacting Sarah Raz at sraz(AT)adventurecycling(DOT)org or call her at 800-755-2453 x 210.

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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is typically posted on Fridays by Amy Corbin, membership and marketing coordinator. 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.

Underground Railroad Route: Working on the Alternate

Kevin McManigal, Ginny Sullivan, and I are knee deep in finishing the new Underground Railroad Detroit Alternate, due to hit Cyclosource (our online store) in mid-August. Kevin has actually been doing all the heavy lifting on this one; I'm just coming in at the end to help with some proofing, tweaking, and layout work. Ginny will be providing historic points of interest that are 'must see' locations on or near the route.

Due to the clandestine nature of how the historic Underground Railroad worked -- there wasn't one straight course to transport slaves to freedom -- when we released our Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, we always envisioned that there would be alternates and spurs developed off the main route over time. The first of these extensions was the Underground Railroad Pittsburgh Spur(available as a pdf downloadable map).

The section Kevin and I are working on travels just over 280 miles, from Oberlin, Ohio, to Sombra, Ontario, Canada. It passes through some large cities, including Toledo, Ohio, and Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan.

There will be a second section of this alternate available in early 2012 that will go from Sombra to Owen Sound, Ontario.

Now, back to work for us!

P.S. If you're a business or organization located on our Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (or new Detroit Alternate), you might be interested in displaying the route decal to let cyclists know that they're welcome, and that you support the route.

Underground Railroad image by Ed Jenne. Underground Railroad Corridor map by Routes & Mapping Staff.

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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.

Colorado Launches Bike the Byways Program & Maps

Adventure Cycling recently received an exciting press release announcing a new program to encourage bicycle tourism visits to Colorado. Bike the Byways, a joint Bicycle Colorado and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) initiative, promotes bicycling along the state’s 25 designated scenic byways, a statewide system of outstanding touring routes which afford the traveler identification and interpretation of key points of interest and services, while providing for the protection of significant resources.

Dan Grunig, executive director of Bicycle Colorado, said in the release, "We hope this program will encourage folks to get out and visit areas of the state they may not have bicycled in before. We have such a vast array of geography and terrain here in Colorado that the byways really do provide something for everyone.”


Later, in an email, Dan went on to say he thinks the byways closest to metro Denver will see the most bicycling trips (Peak to Peak, Lariat Loop [pictured above], and Mt. Evans) and that several byways feature classic Colorado high alpine routes (Top of the Rockies [top photo], San Juan Skyway, and West Elk Loop). The full range of Colorado's different environments can be found on amazing routes like the Santa Fe Trail, Pawnee Pioneer Trails, and the Dinosaur Diamond. You can even mountain bike on some byways, including the Gold Belt Tour and the Alpine Loop (which is good news to Dan, a retired mountain bike racer).

The other great result of this collaboration is that CDOT combined the state bicycling map and scenic byways map into one suitability map, with roads color-coded based on shoulder width and daily motorized traffic volumes.

Cyclists are encouraged to register for free on the Bike the Byways website, and check off each byway that they complete, similar to the popular 14ers hiking checklist. Dan said, "People around the world set a lifetime goal to climb all 58 of Colorado's 14,000+ mountains. We thought bicyclists needed a similar checklist, and it fit perfect with our 25 Scenic and Historic Byways. Bicyclists also ride a pace that makes it easy to visit cultural sites along the routes." Website visitors can also include their experiences and provide tips about the routes.

Of course, one of the aspects I love about this project is the opportunity for people to come together in partnership. Betsy Jacobson commented on the fact that Bicycle Colorado and CDOT are not new allies: "This type of collaboration is nothing new; we frequently work together to enhance bicycling throughout the state," she said.

And as Lenore Bates, CDOT Scenic Byways Coordinator, said, “My expectation is that this program will form a collaboration among bicyclists and local byway communities, as well as integrate the byway experience with bicyclists.”

If you'd like to obtain a Colorado Bicycling and Scenic Byways map, send an e-mail to Byways@dot.state.co.us.

Photos by Sally Pearce.

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CONNECTIONS is posted 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.

Packing Your Panniers Animation

Check out this new, short video, "Packing Your Panniers," created by our wonderful intern, Luke Regan. While he interned here, Luke helped out in the media department, and in his spare time created this animation based on our standard how-to article on "What to Take and How to Pack." Thanks Luke!

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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is posted 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 email: pressATadventurecyclingDOTorg. Visit our media room, view our news releases, or follow us on Twitter.

There's Still Time to Sign Up for a Tour!

There's still time for a cycling getaway this summer with Adventure Cycling Association! So, get your bike tuned and pack a quick bag, and choose one of our fully-supported tours for instant riding gratification: You provide the style and we'll provide the comfort. Bring your friends or come alone and ride with new cycling friends!

We’ve got options from coast to coast, from Cycle Vermont in the rolling Green Mountains to our Freedom Flyer tour from Philadelphia to Washington D.C., from our Great Lakes Relaxed tour in Michigan to the ierra Sampler way out West. We've got the scenery, the camaraderie, and great adventures from east to west!

It’s simple to sign up and meet some new fellow cycling adven-tourists on one of our fully-supported tours. (It’s also easy to plan and to pack by using our "Before You Go" materials). Let us take care of all the planning and carry your load. You’ll be able to relax and be a kid again ... just eat, sleep, and ride!

Photo Courtesy of Arlen Hall, the Southern Tier Riders get ready to leave San Diego.

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team -- Mo, Paul, Madeline, and Steve -- tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to Adventure Cycling's tours department. Check out our 2011 guided tours today.

Riding Socially

The truth of the matter is that I'm a shy person. I'm a friendly person, I'm just shy. I feel nervous around new people, and it takes me awhile to think of things to say. Sometimes I blurt out really awkward things at first, just to top it all off. Needless to say, doing the traditional things new friends do isn't that appealing to me: sitting around over a cup of coffee trying to think of conversation topics is basically a fate worse than death.


Bike rides are another story. For me, social bike rides are perfect for making new friends. Ideal for groups or duos, the bike ride really is, in my opinion, the perfect social outing. Everyone can enjoy being outside, chatting as they feel like it, and reveling in their mutual adoration of the bicycle. At least you know you have that in common!


There are a few things to keep in mind when you're going on a social ride. Try to pick an area that's not super trafficky, so you can ride close to your friends and talk to them. Ride at a conversational pace that everyone can savor. Social rides aren't the time to show off how hard you've been training, by dropping your new buddies while you ride away laughing.

I'm sure lots of you have social riding hints. Let me know what they are!

Photo number 1: Madeline can't go on on one more coffee date. Photo number 2: Sarah and Heather return from a great ride. Photos by Sarah Raz

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!).

Meet the Cycle Pub of Bend, Oregon

It appears that, in some places anyway, you can drink all the beer you want and still pedal your way around — as long as you’re not also doing the steering. The Cycle Pub, in the central Oregon outdoors mecca of Bend, gives you the opportunity to pair the passions of cycling and world-class microbreweries, and "create an experience you and your fellow riders will never forget. It's a non-traditional bike, where you sit and pedal in a non-traditional way, and enjoy non-traditional features and beverages. For lack of a better description, it's a rolling pub on wheels, that you pedal."

Now, Bend is not the first community to host such a pedal-powered party wagon. I've read about similar sudsmobiles prowling the streets of places like Minneapolis and Amsterdam. But is there any other town where you can tour so many microbreweries in such a small area?

All Abeerd! Sounds like a real Bender to me. Just be sure to walk or take a taxi back to your hotel room. Or, opt instead to visit Bend's craft breweries aboard the Bend Brew Bus, which provides hotel pickup and drop-off. (The Cycle Pub is rather unwieldly and has no reverse, so it must choose its routes carefully.)

Fat Tire Amber Ale 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.

Pre-Tour Bicycle Tune-Up Checklist

Any time I'm planning out a trip, regardless of location or distance, the very first thing I do is break into an Excel spreadsheet. Keeping things organized in my head has never been one of my stronger suits, so I need to get it all down on a list before something else grabs my attention. Lists also give me a little more confidence going into a tour as reassurance that the things I've planned for have been taken care of.

One such list that stays consistent from ride to ride is my pre-tour bicycle maintenance checklist. This isn't meant to be a complete overhaul of the bike. Running through the list takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, and gives me a chance to address current problems or imperfections that could create worse problems a few days into a trip. Here's the list of parts I focus on, with a quick explanation of what I'm looking for.

1. Frame: I always start with the frame and give it a good wipe down with a rag. Once I've removed the dirt and grime, I check the frame over for any signs of cracks. Cracks can occur just about anywhere on a frame, but it seems they most commonly occur near welds, so I check these areas quite thoroughly.

2. Tires: With the tire inflated, I look for sharp debris or glass embedded in the tire, as well as any cuts that look like they go through the rubber and tire casing, which would expose some of the tube. I also check the tread wear. If the top tread of the tire is starting to become square in shape (as opposed to rounded), or I am able to see the casing through the tread, it is time to swap out for a new tire.

3. Wheels: Spinning the wheels while straddling the bike, I give them a quick spot check to make sure that they are round and true, and that there isn't any excessive friction in the hubs. I also give the spokes a quick squeeze to check for consistent tension.

4. Brakes: The first thing I look at here are the brake pads. Some pads have a wear indicator that lets you know when they need to be replaced. For others, you want to make sure that the rubber isn't wearing too close to the metal shoe that holds the brake pad. Once I determine that the brake pads are in good condition, I check the pads' alignment to the rim to make sure they aren't rubbing on the tire or the rim below the braking surface. Lastly, I check to make sure I have good cable tension so that I don't have to pull on the brake levers too hard to get adequate stopping power.

5. Chain/Cassette: Chain and cassette wear can wreak havoc on your shifting, and increase the chance of a broken chain, especially when you're putting a lot of torque on the drivetrain with a loaded bike. Looking at the cassette, I focus on the teeth. If the cassette teeth come to a sharp point, the cassette should be replaced. As for the chain, I use a chain checker tool to make sure that it isn't stretched. If you don't have one of these tools, you can look at how the chain lies over the front chainrings. If the chain doesn't seat itself on the chain ring properly, it is probably ready to be replaced.

6. Shifting: Once I've made sure that the cassette and chain look good, I run through the gears to make sure the that the shifting is dialed in. While I'm doing this, I also take a look at the cables and housing to make sure there isn't any excessive friction or fraying.

7. Rack: If my rack fails, I'm likely hauling my gear on my back until I can get a replacement, and that isn't a good thing. I look for cracks in the rack, and make sure that all of the bolts securing it are snug.

8. Bolts: With a multi-tool, I just go over the bike from front to back, making sure all of the bolts are snug.

9. Take a Spin: The last step is to take the bike out of the garage and give it a quick spin around the block. I run through the gears while riding, try out the brakes, and listen for any creaks that might require further investigation.

As I'm working through this list, I always have a notepad and pencil out to make yet another list of any replacement parts I'll need from the bike shop, so that I only have to make one shopping trip. After all of this has been taken care of, I have on less thing to worry about as the trip planning progresses.

Photo by Josh Tack

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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.

Allegheny Mountains Loop

In recent weeks I have come across a couple of indications that the hidden gem of a route known as the Allegheny Mountains Loop is growing in popularity. The route covers terrain both paved and gravel with grades ranging from 1 percent to a steep 18 percent. It also provides lots of opportunities to enjoy a more primitive style of camping, with regular indoor lodging stops available, as well.

The first indication I noticed was a great ride report post on our Forums. The writer included not only his favorite bits and some observations about the riding conditions, but recommendations for additional activities like visiting the National Radio Telescope Observatory.

The second piece of evidence I came across was a review of the map on our online store, Cyclosource, for the Allegheny Mountains You Print version. (Since this map is a pdf file, you have the choice to print it yourself or pay a bit extra and order the Allegheny Mountains We Print version, to have us print it on tear- and water-resistant, 8.5" x 11" paper.) This reviewer had almost an identical experience as the forum poster, mentioning the low-traffic roads, sites to visit off the route, and a tire size recommendation.

While it appears to have been a good spring touring choice, don't despair that you missed your weather window for 2011. In the Routes & Mapping FAQ we recommend riding it any time between early spring and early fall, so you still have plenty of time to plan a trip for later in the year. (Note: the other two reviews available on Cyclosource were posted in September and October, so fall could easily be just as great.)

Map cover image by Routes & Mapping staff

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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.

Reviewing Route 66 in Northwest Arizona

In early May I enjoyed a one-day, whirlwind tour of northern Arizona, and witnessed firsthand the iconic culture of Route 66.

I traveled from Seligman to Oatman (by car unfortunately, due to time constraints) with Richard Moeur, traffic design manager at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and chair of the AASHTO Task Force on U.S. Bicycle Routes, and Michael Sanders, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator from ADOT.

Our goal was to take in a few of the iconic places and people along the route, view road conditions for cyclists (this will be a great section of Route 66 to bike!), check for Historic Route 66 signs (which Richard designed), and connect with some of the local promoters and protectors of Route 66 history in the region.
Of all the characters we met along our day tour, none could be more instrumental to preserving Route 66 in Arizona than Angel Delgadillo and his family. The family barber shop, started by Angel's father, is now a "Memorabilia and Visitor's Center" in which you can purchase any number of assorted Route 66 items. When we stopped by, three bus loads of tourists were in town, hailing from Japan and the Netherlands. That little shop was packed with international tourists, but Angel was thrilled to meet us and loved the fact that his road is on its way to becoming a national bike route, designated as a U.S. Bicycle Route and mapped as Bicycle Route 66 by Adventure Cycling.

Just down the street in Seligman we met Frank, the owner of Historic Seligman Sundries, a must-stop place for coffee and gifts. (Frank is the social-media guru of the town, so become a fan, sign up for his newsletter and "like" the enterprise at Facebook if you're so inclined!)


I also learned that no visit would be complete without a stop at the Hackberry General Store. I love the old soda dispenser I'm leaning on. (Luckily, there are plenty of cold beverages available inside, along with creative displays of western folklore in the restrooms!)

In Cool Springs, between Kingman and Oatman, there's a great little old gas station. If for no other reason, one should stop in and see how the owners reconstructed the ruins and pile of rocks that marked this spot into the nice shop that sits there today. While there, you should also grab yourself a bit of cool water to prepare for the climb up Sitgreaves Pass.

Sitting at 3,653 feet, Sitgreaves Pass is a beautiful climb, with scenic vistas at the top. Pullouts where an ice cream shop once stood provide a nice resting place to enjoy a snack and rejuvenate. Though the road is narrow, there's little traffic.

Then it's down, down, down into Oatman, the last stop on our tour that day. Mules remaining from the mining days hang out in the streets, waiting for tourists to feed them carrots. This Old West town also comes complete with wood boardwalks and plenty of tourist shops and eateries.

I would have to say, the day ended in the best possible way when we ran into Jonny Heaps from England. Jonny didn't even know he was on a historic American roadway when we stopped to have a chat -- he was simply looking for a good way to get to Flagstaff to meet friends. With 21 countries behind him on his around-the-world bike tour, Jonny only had the U.S. and Ireland left to cross. When we asked him how it was going, he simply grinned and replied that he was looking forward to finding some green grass and enjoying an end-of-the-day beer.

Photos by Richard Moeur.

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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM (USBRS) is posted 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.

Mix It: Food and Bikes

Recently my passion for pickles was reignited, burning green, burning bright, and leading me to think constantly about food, even as I'm thinking about bike touring. Pickles led to bread, stew, then fudge (the kind my grandma used to make)...well, you get the picture.

It's not the worst distraction for my field. Food and bike touring definitely mix. Whether you're trying to pound calories on your cross-country tour, or pedaling locally in search of the best snacks, I think I can safely make the claim that cyclists love food.

We've written about food several times here on the Adventure Cycling blog. Sarah Raz posted about salted chocolate chip cookies. Josh Tack posted about "On the Bike Food" and warned of the dangers of leaving your food out for bears (a big no-no, just in case you were wondering). Recently, Jenn Milyko enlightened us about a new hostel on the Pacific Coast Route that is especially aware of cyclists' need for satisfying food. According to Jenn's post, the hostel's overnight fee "includes a free breakfast buffet of items such as fresh-cut fruit, fresh-made oatmeal, bagels, croissants, muffins, toast, and never-ending peanut butter, jam, and Nutella." Yep, cyclist-friendly menu alright!

In the last few weeks, I've come across some inspirational stories, tours, and resources for cyclists who love to blend the joy of bicycling with the pleasures of -- and their passion for -- savory, sweet, and salty.

We've already posted several times about FarmStayUS.com (but I can't help mentioning it again, I love farms). A seemingly fab online resource that touring cyclists may wish to add to their planning toolkit (in addition to WarmShowers.org and CouchSurfing.org). You can read more about the burgeoning agricultural tourism trend in last week's New York Times piece, "Small Farms Find Profit in Tourism" -- it's a business piece, but for those of you interested in the new possibility for accommodations, or an agriculturally-themed bike tour -- it's a pretty fun read. (For urban farming inspiration, this weekend I'm joining the Missoula Tour de Coop.)

Sara Salo plans to kick off her School Food Tour this August and ride 6,000 miles to promote improvements in school meals and cycling for transportation and recreation. As reported on Good in April, "I have really tried to focus on including a very diverse selection of regions, populations, and neighborhoods," she says. "From huge metropolises to small farm towns, I plan to see it all. One of the most exciting parts of my ride will be learning about the unique influences that impact each school's meals and student wellness."

For local culinary enthusiasts, celebrate the flavors of your hometown with a little food-themed cruising. The Huffington Post reported last week on a cool sounding tour company in Chicago that leads culinary tours around the Windy City -- sign me up for the "cured meat tutorial!" Check out this overview of the company's Global Doughnut tour from Time Out Chicago subtitled, "Stop at three spots for churros, paczki and bismarcks on this Fork and the Road tour," uh yes, and can it immediately follow the cured meat option?

Taking a local food or agricultural tour this summer? Riding to advocate for food or farming? Planning a killer menu for your upcoming summer adventure? Have a great recipe to share? Let's talk cycling and food! Comments and cravings welcome -- just please be sure to include links!

Photo from the U.S. National Archives photostream on Flickr

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NEWS, NETWORKING, AND NEW MEDIA is posted 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 email: pressATadventurecyclingDOTorg. Visit our media room, view our news releases, or follow us on Twitter.

The Switchback

Piggybacking on our pannier discussion of last week, I want to introduce a newer bag that's a little more urban. The Arkel Switchback is designed to take you from the office/school to the grocery store to the gym, in one fell swoop.


Tours specialist Madeline masters the conversion. Photos by Sarah Raz

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!).

Meet Steve Parsons - Tour Leader & Summer Intern

Greetings adventure cyclists. I'm Steve Parsons, the new tours department summer intern.

I am originally from upstate New York, and am now at The Pennsylvania State University studying Outdoor Recreation/Park Management. I plan to graduate in August, and have no clue where I will go from there. In the past I have worked at bike shops, managed a kayak store, and worked as a ski instructor.

In my free time I enjoy being outside. A few of my favorite activities include cycling, mountain biking, bike touring, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and downhill and cross country skiing. I have been cycling since I was two, and have been a self-contained tourist for the past nine years. I have toured in the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes region of New York, the White and Green Mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont, around the Great Lakes in Michigan and Wisconsin, and in the Alps of Southern France.

So, how did I become involved with Adventure Cycling? Our family had been members for a number of years, and I knew that I wanted to lead some tours for the organization. In 2009 I completed Adventure Cycling's Leadership Training Course, a highly recommended course that teaches you all the aspects of leading a tour. In 2010, I co-led the van-supported Trans Am tour, a great way to ride Adventure Cycling's flagship route. This coming September I will be co-leading the Wild Coast van-supported tour, which offers some extraordinary scenery along the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route.

A few personal adventures I would like to do include getting a border collie and thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with him or her, canoeing the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and Canada, and setting out on an adventure tour of New Zealand that includes bike touring, kayaking, backpacking, scuba diving, sky diving, bungee jumping, and much more.

If anybody has any suggestions for what to do next, please let me know!

Photo by Robin Campbell, 2010 Trans-Am Van-Supported Tour Participant

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team -- Mo, Paul, Madeline, and Steve -- tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to Adventure Cycling's tours department. Check out our 2011 guided tours today.

Bicycling the Borders of Afghanistan — in America

T.B.F.D. is short for “Traversing a Foreign Border Domestically,” and that’s exactly what Joseph Bigley is doing right now.

Bigley, a visual artist and art instructor at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, is tracing a route of roughly 3,500 miles that approximates the size and shape of Afghanistan. His ride began at ground zero in New York City on May 12 and will end there around July 20. He’s pedaling approximately 75 miles per day, sometimes on pavement and at other times on gravel, riding solo and unsupported. Because the borders of Afghanistan are irregular and jagged, so is his route — he sometimes makes as many as 120 turns in a day. Aboard a Trek bicycle, Bigley is pulling a hand-built trailer that he says serves as a "symbol of sovereignty.” He’s also giving presentations along the way at contemporary art and social science venues.

Bigley's performance-art project, as outlined at his website, is a symbolic act designed to "gauge public opinion of the conflict in Afghanistan as well as to point at the curious nature of the idea of national political boundaries.”

At this page you can see Bigley’s approximate route — and the outline of Afghanistan — superimposed on a map of the eastern United States.

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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.

Summer Cycling Gloves

When looking through different types of cycling apparel, short-fingered cycling gloves for the warm season are easy to miss. For starters, the idea of wearing gloves when it is 80 degrees and sunny out doesn't seem completely intuitive. With shorter rides, you may not feel any discomfort or need for cycling gloves, so packing them up for a longer trip may not even cross your mind. Also, some people just don't find them necessary, kind of like the guy who isn't too concerned about cycling shorts, and rides across the country in cut-off jeans. Everyone has a preference that works for them. But if you're new to cycling, or just haven't given much thought to cycling gloves, be aware that they do offer benefits you may appreciate.

The most obvious benefit of cycling gloves is that they enhance the comfort of your hands. If they have enough padding on the palms, they can reduce pressure points that can cause your hands to go numb. Likewise, they reduce friction that can lead to blisters, which can really compromise your comfort on a long, hot day. If you're fairly new to riding, I would recommend getting a glove that has relatively thick padding, since your hands might not be fully broken in with calluses. Thicker padding also encourages you to grip the bars a little more loosely, which can help you relax your arms while riding.

When looking for cycling gloves, you will see that the selection can be pretty overwhelming. Since these are for warm weather riding, it is nice if the material on the back side of your hand is minimal. If you can find something with a light mesh material that will help keep your hands cool, that can be ideal (although you may wind up with some funny tan lines). You will find that most gloves run around $10 to $25, making them one of the less expensive pieces of cycling apparel.

If aesthetics are important to you, we're really excited about the Summer Glove from Rivendell, which features leather palms and crocheted cotton backs for just $15.

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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.

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

One of the joys of pedaling around Cuba is stopping to listen to street musicians. And of course, watching the Cuban people who can't help but dance whenever they hear music. I remember watching this little old lady do a subtle little salsa step while waiting in line at the bank.

A tune you will hear over and over again is Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps).

The song was written by Osvaldo Farrés in 1947. I don't think it has ever lost its popularity. It has been covered by the likes of Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Samantha Fox, Cliff Richard, and the indie rock band Cake.

I recorded the version below on the streets of the city of Cienfuegos.

Quizás, Quizás, Quizás




Here's a direct English translation of a few of the lines from the original Spanish version:

The days pass this way
And I am despairing
And you, you always answer
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps

You are wasting time
Thinking, thinking
That which you want most
Until when? Until when?

It's pretty obvious that the songwriter was speaking of unrequited love. But I'd like you to consider it written about you and your travel dreams.

Can you relate to the above lyrics when it comes to that bicycle trip? Always thinking, planning and dreaming, but never going? Are you one to always answer the call of the road with "perhaps"?

Make this year the year you turn perhaps into yes!

Pack your panniers (or your trailer), get on your bike ... and go.

Photo: Cuba 1998 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 will inspire you to hit the road and just might change the way you approach bicycle travel. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at http://YellowTentAdventures.com/.

Riding Conditions on Route Maps

Based on some of the phone calls and emails we get, it seems to me the "Riding Conditions" section on our route network maps is often overlooked. Probably not on purpose; I mean, you just bought a map, right? So you open it up and are looking at the maps, and you can get engrossed in seeing where you are heading. Who wants to read text at that point, when you can see where the turns are and all the other fine details found on a map panel? However, reading the "Riding Conditions" is worth your time, I promise.

You will find the "Riding Conditions" in the same block of text as "Using this Map" and "Climate." This block of information is usually on the same side of the map as the "Service Directory." The Tidewater Potomac Heritage Bicycle Route, Underground Railroad Bicycle Route and the downloadable pdf maps are exceptions to this set up and the "Riding Conditions" location will vary. On the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the "About Map A" and "About Map B" boxes take the place of "Riding Conditions."

On average, we have about 400 words per map section to tell you about things not necessarily represented on the map panels. A route researcher compiles first rendition of this information, while subsequent editions incorporate feedback we've received from cyclists who've ridden the route. The most vital points are related to safety and knowledge about the situations you will encounter on the route. Specific items include:

• The presence of little to no shoulders, unavoidable high traffic areas, poor road surfaces, and exceptionally long distances between services.
• We warn you about roads you do not want to use as a shortcut, no matter how appealing they may appear when viewed on paper.
• If there is an alternate or spur on the route, we give a brief description of it, including distance and reasons why you might want to use it over the main route, as applicable.
• As space permits, we also list additional map resources that you might find helpful on your tour, especially in urban areas.

Before you hit the road on your tour, I highly recommend reading over the route's "Riding Conditions." We do the best we can to compile relevant information to make your trip enjoyable and safe. And if you have feedback for future map editions, send it to us via the usual methods: map correction cards (mail a postcard or submit online), email through the website, or send us a tweet at @acaroutes. Many thanks in advance!

Photo by thirteenvegetables on Flickr, submitted to our 2nd Annual Bicycle Travel Photo Contest.


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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.