bicycling Archives - Page 113 of 120

Mittens?

Mittens? A mitten is what I think of when I view a map of the USA; and look at Michigan. If I tried cycling in Michigan right now, I’d sure want mittens, or maybe even heated gloves; and a lot of other cold-weather gear as well. Summers look like a good time for a cycling tour in the Wolverine State. I guess you could do without the mittens then. The Michigander tour offers two- to eight-day tours, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Most of the routes are a mix of road and trail. SAG support; gourmet coffee; and more are included in the package. Then there’s ODRAM. How would you like to pedal roughly 150 miles in a single day? And 80 or so miles of it with “rolling hills”? I have a sneaking suspicion that I’d find said rolling hills some tough climbing! At least there’s usually a tailwind, which can provide a bit of a boost. Not feeling up to a cross-country ride? The Great Lake-to-Lake tour lets you have a taste of the wheel-dipping ceremony. Start at Lake Michigan; ride to Lake Huron on this 275-mile sightseeing jaunt of seven days. As usual, there are so many rides and cycling routes that I can’t begin to go into all of them; but the ones I’ve read about sure sound wonderful. Just don’t let me forget my mittens if I go there in Winter. 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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Coasting?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Coasting? Coasting too much is generally frowned upon by “serious” cyclists. But if you want to “coast” all day, head for Maryland and the Seagull Century. On the 100-mile Assateague route, you’ll have a great view of the Atlantic Ocean; and you may see the Assateague wild ponies. Follow the white seagulls! Is 100 miles in one day too much for you? The 65-mile Princess Anne Metric route rolls through Somerset County; follow the yellow seagulls. Just don’t get confused and start following the yellow brick road! I’ve always heard that SGC is flat; but that it can be very windy. That’s not surprising for a coastal route. I hope that the routes are arranged according to prevailing winds, with the TAILwind on the second half of the ride. SGC does not provide bottled water; better bring the Camel-Bak! As always, wear a helmet. Bike mechanics are available at rest stops in case you need technical support. Are you looking for purely recreational cycling in Maryland? How about the GAP? This 159-mile rail trail between Cumberland and Pittsburgh is nearly flat; and beautiful as well. Or check out “The Grand Old Ditch“. This is a good one for bird-watching. So head to The Old Line State for some cycling pleasure; but keep the coasting to a minimum. 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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Hard as Granite?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Hard as Granite? If a bicycle route were “hard as granite”, I doubt that I’d do well on it. But riding needn’t be as hard as that. New Hampshire has a number of routes that the whole family can enjoy. Several are the rails-to-trails type. For the youngster eager for that first real ride, try the Silk Farm Road Bike Path in Concord. Of course there are other riding opportunities as well. If you want something off the beaten path, try the Great North Woods. You’ll have the chance to enjoy some spectacular scenery! Head South a bit, and you’ll find the White Mountains region. Routes here range from easy to expert in difficulty. It looks like most of the routes in this New England state are rolling to mountainous. The Seacoast area has a number of cycling routes. Some are pretty long; others are short, bur require riding near traffic. It’s a good time to invest in a rearview mirror! Maybe those mountainous New Hampshire routes aren’t for me. I’d need to train up until my legs muscles got hard as granite! 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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Down on the Bayou

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Down on the Bayou Let’s go ride down on the bayou! Cycle Zydeco is an annual event, taking place the week after Easter. Cajun food; zydeco music; and riding on flat roads! You just might be able to do Cycle Zydeco on an adult trike! This 4-day rolling festival is a casual ride; you won’t need a fancy racing bicycle for this one! A hybrid might well do, especially if you choose to take the shorter routes. Or, as mentioned above, an adult tricycle. Each day offers two route options. The shorter one is about 38-40 miles; the longer one can be 62 miles or more. Each route includes interesting stops such as swamp tours. The riding is easy. I wonder what the Scavenger Hunt involves. Trying spot a particular element of the local wildlife? Counting road signs? I don’t expect that the weather conditions for Cycle Zydeco would be much different from those of New Orleans. By Easter it can already be downright hot. Be prepared for rain; but of course bring the sunblock, too. In fact, sun sleeves might be even better. They protect from UV rays, and keep your arms a bit cooler; but without the messiness of sunblock. Cycle Zydeco rather turns the usual “eat, sleep, ride” on its head. “CZ” is about eat; dance; drink; and ride to the next party. Sounds like fun down on the bayou. 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 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 Chop Chop Chop! June 21, 2026 Electrolyte Season June 19, 2026 Whirlwind June 18, 2026 Here Comes Number One! June 17, 2026 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Spuds?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Spuds? Idaho always sounds like spuds to me. I even made up a (horrible!) joke: “Idaho’d the potatoes, if it hadn’t a rained.” MTB enthusiasts might like to head to the Gem State for the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. There are 50 hot springs along this 763.4-mile trail! After a day’s riding a good soak in a hot spring might be just the thing; although you might want to shower first to get off the day’s sweat, sunblock, and dust. And of course, take the temperature of that hot spring first! Central Idaho has beautiful sub-alpine countryside; great trout-fishing streams; and lovely towns. Wildlife is abundant; you might see deer, black bears, and elk. Bird-watchers might spot eagles; ospreys; and more. The route passes close to several designated wilderness areas. If you want to take a side-route to visit any of them, remember that bicycles are not allowed into these areas. Road conditions vary greatly on this route. Some surfaces are paved; others are singletrack. It appears that there’s little or no time when you won’t be either climbing or descending. I don’t think my legs are ready for that! Be sure to pack enough layers. Nights can be chilly in those mountainous areas. It’s hard to remember that when you’re at hot, humid sea level! Daytimes tend to be warm or even hot. Cell phone reception can be spotty; riding this route solo is much discouraged; and … … well, it might be a terrific route, but it’s not for beginners, I can see. I think I’ll fix some spuds for my supper, and kick back while I just read about it! 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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South Dakota

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

South Dakota South Dakota is perhaps best known for Mount Rushmore. That was another of the places we visited on our shoestring-budget road trips when I was a kid. And two of the state’s top road biking rides takes you right to it! From Rapid City it’s a 23-mile route to the famous rock carvings. The mileage itself would be easy enough. But what is the gradient of this ride? You could also take the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore. This 17 mile-route includes climbing and so-called “pigtail bridges”. Coteau des Prairie (Hills of the Prairie) Tour at 93.5 miles is almost a century ride, and includes “rolling hills”. This is a “loop ride”, which means it’s possible to do only parts of it. The scenery along the way would make the effort of climbing worth it. For a ride that lets the whole family participate, including kids, there’s the Sioux Falls Greenway Trail System. It’s many entry/exit points connects to shops, restaurants, and other small parks. If you’re really ambitious, the Burning Bluffs Tour is 130 miles long. Most of it is along paved country roads. At times the gradient is 5-8%; over what distance, it doesn’t say. Be prepared for “spotty” cell phone service. How about Spearfish? These 19 miles along the creek are spectacular during Fall-color season. There are some beautiful waterfalls; rock-climbing and fishing, too. Badlands sounds like a place you would want to avoid, right? The Badlands Loop is actually quite a popular route. Its 39 miles include 16 scenic overlooks. Just be sure you have a full Camel-Bak, especially on a hot day. The usual precautions apply: wear a helmet. Be sure you have adequate water and food before starting. Ride safely. Most of all, enjoy riding in South Dakota! 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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Baltic

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Baltic 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.” Let’s return to the Baltic! We’ve done Poland, so how about something a bit more unusual? Lithuania doesn’t seem to be very well known in the USA. I certainly know very little about the country. I do remember what a cookbook I once had, said about new potatoes in Lithuania: when it came time to eat them, it was the custom for the people at the table to pull each other’s hair before beginning to eat! But vodka made from potatoes? I’d rather eat them! Not rushing through a visit to a café sounds like a welcome change. So does letting kids be kids. As to buses, be sure you buy your bus ticket, or you’ll risk being smacked with a big fine. Perhaps above all, do not whistle! That sounds analogous to the superstition that whistling at sea brings storms. Aside from “things to know”, how is Lithuania for cycling? See here for 20 possible touring routes. Most are on the intermediate skill level; and mostly on paved roads. I notice that they all say, “Good fitness required”. What exactly is “good fitness”? For most tours, it seems to mean being able to ride 10-12 mph for several hours. I can do that as long as there’s little or no climbing. And no headwind! Immer an den Dünen entlang (roughly, “always alongside the dunes”) sounds good. I like the distance; roughly 50 miles in a bit under 4.5 hours. As long as I don’t have to battle a stiff headwind, I think can do that. Bike Path along the River is another fairly short one; not much over 30 miles. But with some climbs! Some routes lead to the beach; but I don’t know whether I’d want to jump in. Even in the hot part of the year, the water temperature is only about 72 degrees. That’s probably too chilly for me. The Baltic is not the Gulf of Mexico! 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 Lost My Touch August 19, 2024 Results? August 18, 2024 Shut off the Furnace! August 17, 2024 Peak Season August 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Mount Mazama

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Mount Mazama 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.” Oregon’s Mount Mazama, best known for Crater Lake, is home to another physically demanding bicycle ride: Rim Drive. This route is becoming increasingly popular with cyclists. It must take some doing to prepare for the combination of high altitude and stiff climbs; perhaps a hypoxic mask would help? Rim Drive is not recommended for the novice cyclist. Road conditions alone are dismaying. At times of the year when the road is open to motor vehicles, there can be heavy traffic. Descents on steep slopes can get very fast. There are likely to be potholes. There are no bike lanes, and often no shoulders. Watch out for animals, too. They can be very unpredictable. I have a vague memory of one of our road trips when I was kid. My father had to slam on the brakes because a deer had suddenly appeared in front of our car. There’s only one dirt road on Mount Mazama where MTB riding is permitted; but there’s no single track. Those who want to cycle Rim Drive are advised to plan their visits for Summer: July through September. During much of the year, road conditions are not favorable to cycling. If you can manage the ride, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the road’s numerous pull-outs and overlooks. That in itself makes the effort worth it. 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 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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BRAN

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

BRAN BRAN? Are we talking about muffins? No; we’re talking about Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska! BRAN takes place the first full week in June, passing through small towns in the rolling countryside of the Cornhusker State. Participation is limited to 600 riders. If you want to shoot for this one, register early! There are three route options: 3, 4, or 7 days. All types of bicycles are allowed, as long as they have two working brakes. E-bikes? Yes, provided they conform to the state’s laws. The Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska is fully supported. The SAG wagon will be patrolling the route should you need assistance. Towns along the way have meals for a cost. Of course, feel free to carry your personal supply of energy bars, etc. What kind of bike should you use? With the SAG wagon available, a touring bicycle might not be necessary. That depends on how much you want to keep with you at all times. If I were to do this ride, I think I’d like to have a pannier or two; or at least a bike trunk. As BRAN is an all-weather event, keeping rain gear handy is a good idea. Mornings might be cool enough for a jacket; and I’d need someplace to stash it as the day warmed up. BRAN is another one of those pie-in-the-sky dream rides for me. Nebraska is a long way off. But one never knows. 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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Cape Cod

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cape Cod Cape Cod, Massachusetts, looks like it would be a windy place to ride. This “hook” of land is only 20 miles across at its widest. With ocean all around, it seems to me that wind would be inescapable. Leaving wind aside, the Cape looks like a beautiful place for bicycling. Contrary to my expectations, the Cape isn’t all flat. Its highest point is 306 feet up! Parts of the Cape are, in fact, more or less flat; others feature steep hills. The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway is wide and flat; great for beginning cyclists and kids. At the other end of the spectrum, the West Barnstable Conservation Area offers off-road trails for MTB riders; difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced. This tour from Sojourn combines bicycling with sightseeing. Shingled cottages; views of the shore; wildlife. Daily distances range from 19 to 33 miles, with opportunities to visit a lighthouse; the oldest lifesaving station in the USA; and a salt marsh. The five nights of the tour will be spent at inns. and three covering only 15-20 miles. Day two has options of 27, 36, or 50 miles. You can opt for a family-friendly tour of Boston, if you prefer something more citified. Riding new trails is fun. I could travel to a part of the country that I haven’t yet visited. It would be wonderful to have a chance to familiarize myself with some bird species that we don’t have around here. The catch is, I would very quickly forget what I had learned! 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 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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