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The Buckeye State

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The Buckeye State We haven’t visited the Buckeye State yet. How about taking a ride there now? We could start with the Ohio River Trail. The ORT has two components: the Ohio River Water Trail, and the proposed Ohio River Greenway Trail. The greenway trail would interconnect already existing trails in Ohio and several surrounding states. Another possibility is the Lake Erie section of the Great Lakes Trail. In 8 days of riding (9 days total), you’ll cycle the 582 miles around the perimeter of this lake. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Niagara Falls; and roll through rural Ontario as well as along the Buckeye State shore. If water trips aren’t your thing, don’t despair. Ohio offers other possibilities. The capital city of Columbus alone, for example, has 11 different trails. Surfaces range from asphalt to concrete to gravel. Lots to choose from! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER

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Albania

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Albania This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Albania is another of those countries about which I know nothing, aside from the name. I think it would be interesting to learn more about it. What better way to learn about a country than to go on a cycling tour there? But you’d better get your climbing legs ready! A triple chain ring would be wise, too. For the most part, the terrain of Albania consists of rugged mountains. There are numerous cycling routes in and near the capital city of Tirana. The Easy Ride in Farka Lake looks, to me, both easy and hard. At a mere 19 km/11.8 mi long, the distance itself would pose me no problem. So why do I think it would be hard? Those 278 meters/912 feet of climbing! There aren’t many flat routes available. Bad news for me. But if you’re really out for adventure, you might want to consider Tirane to Istanbul. This route is about 1077 km/669.25 miles long! The early section includes some stiff climbs. Well, I think that’s better than having such climbs at the end of the route, when riders are tired. Get the hardest part over with early! Albania’s climate is Mediterranean. Depending on the season you choose for your tour, you might need some good rain gear. Winters tend to be wet. The country’s average Winter temperature in the lowlands is 45 degrees, which to me is not “mild”. It’s COLD! I’d need to get a good Gore-Tex rain suit! Summers often see temperatures of 90 degrees. Bring out the sunblock and sun sleeves! Oh, and watch your body language. In that Balkan nation, Yes and No are the reverse of their USA counterparts!

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Under the Northern Lights

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Under the Northern Lights This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Go riding under the Northern Lights? Norway makes me think of cold; snow; thermal wear; and the aurora borealis. In these dog days of Summer, such thoughts might help to cool us off! Norway seems to offer a great deal for adventurous cyclists. The country even has its  own big event: The Arctic Race! This Scandinavian land is warmest in late July. If I wanted to see Norway without the bitter cold of Winter, I would have to go then. Otherwise I would need to invest in some good polar sports clothing; and maybe a fat-tire bicycle for riding over the snow. Where shall I start? Perhaps not with Rallarvegen! I’d love to see the waterfalls; and I’ve never had the chance to see a fjord. Steep descents, on the other hand, aren’t my cup of tea. If I were an avid mountain biker I might enjoy it! The big allure of the Rallarvegen tour, for me, is that it includes Bergen. I’d like to go there, and visit Troldhaugen. Mid-July through late September is the best time to tackle Rallarvegen; but be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Also be ready for some rough stretches of road. There are other options, naturally. These national cycling routes offer a great deal of variety.  Some are relatively flat; others are quite rugged. Norway is home to some stunning scenery, as well as plenty of chances for cycling adventure. But roll with a troll? I might want to pass on that! If you want to ride under the Northern Lights, Spring and Autumn are the best times. How marvelous it would be to ride under a starry sky, with the borealis flickering above! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 2024! January 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Slovenia

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Slovenia This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Coastal Slovenia, with its Mediterranean climate, is suitable for cycling year-round. Summers are dry; Winters are mild and wet. Elsewhere, Slovenia has varied topography and climate zones. Away from the coast, you’ll find continental or alpine climates. Whatever the climate region, you can choose from among many types of tours: uphill or downhill; flat or hilly; long or short. Spacalova Pot sounds like a nice warm-up; not quite 7.5 miles. There’s a little climbing involved, but the course profile looks like it isn’t very steep. Beautiful Istria? The adjective would attract most anybody; but get your climbing legs ready. This one-day, 72-mile tour means almost 4000 feet of climbs; and one look at the course profile tells me that the grades are far from gentle. MTB enthusiasts might enjoy the Sorgenti del Rio Bianco. This 24.25 mile hilly course tops out at nearly 3000 feet. It sounds like this one is a bit off the beaten path. Great for nature lovers! As usual, be prepared for the weather. Remember those wet winters! Take rain gear with you. An average winter climate that’s at the freezing point is more than “cool” to me; it’s — well — freezing! Be sure to pack cold-weather gear, too. Slovenia sounds like a beautiful place to go for a cycling tour. Although a small country, it has very diverse topography: mountains; flatlands; and coast. There’s sure to be a cycling tour to suit everyone! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Kosovo

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Kosovo This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Kosovo sounds, to me, like an exotic place; perhaps because I barely know the country’s name. And after reading this, I’m not sure I could withstand a bicycle tour there. A number of routes are rated “expert”. These require very good fitness; and quite a lot of climbing is involved. Luckily there are some routes that are suited to any rider, such as the loop from Kosovska to Mitrovica Sever. Or browse this list to find a tour suited to your ambitions and abilities. As of September 2023, there are 1212 cycling routes available; so there’s likely to be one that’s right for you. Let me see. The Rugova Valley route, among the hilly ones, includes about 3428 feet of climbing. That means means some rather thin air at the top; thin for someone accustomed to sea level, at least. I’d want a hypoxic mask if I were to train for that! Although I didn’t find a note as to grade, the route profile that is provided makes it look quite steep. I’m not sure that even a triple crankset would let me make those grades. I’d be sure to flunk, big time. I think I’ll pass on that; and focus on the flat routes. Gazivod, maybe. Its 63 km means only a bit over 39 miles; a distance that I know I can manage. As always for group rides, I’m concerned about the pace. Would I be able to go fast enough for long enough to hang with the others? Let’s talk a bit about the weather you might expect to encounter. First, the temperatures. July in particular can bring high heat. Be sure to keep properly hydrated; and remember that you aren’t racing up Mont Ventoux! Kosovo gets some 270 days of sunshine per year. Even so, pack some rain gear; you never know. From café culture to gorgeous mountains, this small country has plenty to see and do. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 2024! January 1, 2024 Out with a Bang December 31, 2023 Seven-Up December 30, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Let’s Count ‘Em

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Let’s Count ‘Em! Let’s count ’em, shall we? Minnesota, the Land of 10000 Lakes! Supposedly somebody really did count the lakes in Minnesota; and there are, indeed, ten grand of them. But that’s beside the point. If you want big cycling adventures in the North Star State, you can begin in northern Minnesota. From Lake Itasca, you can follow the Mississippi all the way to its mouth in extreme southeastern Louisiana. I’m fortunate to have a segment of the MRT close at hand. The “levee bike path”, as cyclists around here call it, is wonderful. It’s paved; and that macadam is in much better condition than many a local street. There are a few crossings for vehicular access to small industries on the riverbank; and except for patrol vehicles, motor traffic up there is verboten. The drawback is that, once the sun is well up, there’s no shade. You’re also fully exposed to the wind. Are your ambitions more modest? There’s nothing wrong with that. How about this Timberline tour? Nine days, 421 miles, with daily distances of 50-74 miles. I’d need to train up even for that! I’ve no doubt I can ride 50 miles in one day; but to do that and more every day for over a week would be a bit much at this point. Luckily Minnesota is fairly flat. If there were hills to climb day after day, I’d be knocked out before the first day was over. If I did do the Timberline tour, I hope I would remember about the 10000 lakes, and remind my cycling companions: “Let’s count ’em!” This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER

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On the Nile

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On the Nile This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” If you go bicycle touring on the Nile, don’t try riding up and down the Pyramids! That’s not quite what pyramid intervals are about! When I think of Egypt, in fact, Verdi is often what I think of first; even before Pyramids and the Nile! Here you can read one cycle tourist’s account of pedaling on the Nile; and for those who are interested in cycling Egypt, here are some route suggestions. Like so many countries, Egypt offers flat tours; quick tours; long tours; and more. If you’re super-adventurous, you can even cycle the full length of the African continent! Between October and March is the best weather for visiting Egypt. The general climate is both hot and dry; so if you’re going to go cycling there, bring along that Camel-Bak! In addition to sunblock, you’ll likely want lip balm. Mind your manners, of course. If you’re a woman, keep something handy that will let you cover up if you want to visit a mosque. In fact, it’s wise to dress modestly at all times. Not so easy when you’re in Lycra®! And even for men, tank tops are not recommended. Just choose a cover-up that’s easy to fit into a pannier. But I think it would be best to cycle through Egypt with a group; and with an experienced guide. As of September 2023, the country is under a reconsider travel advisory. It’s a pity; I think I’d like to see those Pyramids! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Getting Wild December 14, 2023 Sooner or Later December 13, 2023 Quantum Leap December 12, 2023 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Austria

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Austria This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Austria makes me think of mountains. Of the Ischler. And of composers such as Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss II. Cycling through Austria? While we’re talking about lil’ ol’ “Johnny Strauss, Jr.”, how about pedaling along the Danube? This cycling path will take you from the river’s source to the Black Sea. You’ll cross half of Europe. Cyclists of all abilities use this route; and it’s family-friendly as well. Guided tours are available; but you can design your own trip, too. It would save you some money, and you can arrange your own schedule. That’s very handy if you don’t want your bicycle trip to turn into “If It’s Tuesday“. Now for a little detour. Design-my-own-tour is what I did when I was able to take a two-week trip to Austria, way back in 1990. I decided when to go; worked out my itinerary using travel literature; and arranged lodgings and plane tickets with the assistance of a travel agent. I’m familiar enough with German that language gave me little trouble while enjoying Vienna; Salzburg; and Innsbruck. I had a great time! And when I got back home, for a while I had a German accent! We had a good laugh about it when I returned to work. End of detour. Back to the Danube cycling path. You can rent a bicycle locally, if you don’t want the expense of transporting your own. Be sure your panniers are waterproof, and take some rain gear. A handlebar bag is a good idea; you’ll probably want to keep your camera handy. From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, there’s sure to be a lot to see and do along the Danube.

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Good Break

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Good Break This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Getting a good break will be a nice change, won’t it? Especially if that good break is from a piñata that’s full of all the “goodies” ( e.g. multi-tools) we need for cycling South of the Border! A visit to the capital, Mexico City, might sound tempting. It seems that this city has improved for cyclists in recent years. Even so, I’m not crazy about the noise and exhaust of cars, buses, etc. What about exploring Mexico by bicycle? It’s easy for me to think of that as meaning rutted, rough, dirt roads; the kind of surface that makes me wish I were riding a dualie. Actually, main roads are likely to be in pretty good condition. That’s certainly a good break! Travel Age West offers many options. There are “no frills” tours along the coast of the Pacific, and in the Yucatan peninsula. Or explore one of the southern Mexico states, such as Chiapas. There are also tours of large cities. Getting back to “no frills”, exactly what does that mean? Panniers crammed with ride food; and no SAG wagon? As with any country, there are certain areas to be avoided if possible. In Mexico, a lot of this is along the border with the USA; plus the states of Michoacan and Guerrero. Much of the crime has to do with drug-running. Sure, stay away from those spots. You don’t want to get caught in the cross-fire if trouble breaks out. Stay safe, and Que tengas un buen paseo!

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Nigeria

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Nigeria This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” In Lagos in Nigeria, cycling is, alas, marginalized. But that doesn’t mean that the country is without good cycling routes. First Route to Work is a good one as an introduction to MTB riding. At just under 5 miles long, and little climbing, you can take it easy. For a flat route, the Adeshina Street 17 is another short one; just under 2.5 miles; and almost totally flat. I’d appreciate the flatness; but I like longer miles than that! If you’re up to a long road bike tour, LIL Audax offers 119 miles, with nearly 1300 feet in considerable climbing. Sounds pretty tough to me, even though the route is paved! There are a number of short, hilly routes; and in fact, cycling routes in Nigeria are most commonly hilly.  Nigeria’s climate  has three distinct zones. The southern part of the country gets more rain than the northern part; and the average year-round temperature is about 80 degrees.  I guess a bicycle trip there would be much like a ride at home in one way: keep both poncho and sunblock handy! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Holiday Food December 16, 2023 Glad I’m Home December 15, 2023 Getting Wild December 14, 2023 Sooner or Later December 13, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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