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South Dakota

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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.”   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! 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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Baltic

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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

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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

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BRAN 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.” 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. 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 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cape Cod

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Cape Cod 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.” 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! 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 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Island Hopping

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Island Hopping 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.” Island hopping, I suppose, would be the name of the game if you did a bicycle trip around Indonesia. After all, there are thousands of islands in this country. With all those islands, there’s plenty to see. If group touring is your thing, this tour of eight days on Bali might fit the bill. It takes you past rice paddies; volcanoes; and temples. Explore caves; get a glimpse of how Indonesia’s ordinary folk live; and visit some hot springs.  There’s some pretty stiff climbing involved; on at least one day you’ll be riding around the crater of a volcano. I suppose that includes riding up there! Also, be prepared for the humidity, especially if you choose to visit Bali between October and April. I’m used to a humid climate; but for all  know Bali’s climate is even more humid. If you want to explore Indonesia by bicycle, on your own, it’s only fair to make note of the difficulties you might encounter. Depending on where in Indonesia you are, mountain grades might be 20+%! I wonder, are such climbs harder as an individual cyclist; or as part of a tandem team? Are the mountains that steep everywhere in Indonesia? How about Lombok? From the heights of Mt. Rinjani (yet another volcano!) to beautiful beaches, Lombok has a lot to explore. Pedal uphill and down; visit a black-sand beach; roll past rice paddies. Those islands are only a tiny part of Indonesia. If you’re interested in island hopping, though, those three are a start. 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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Hong Kong

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Hong Kong 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.” Do you want to try pedaling  around Hong Kong? This island has something for everyone. Hong Kong’s various cycling routes can take you to temples and cafés; fish ponds and coastlines. For a family-friendly tour, try the Tung Chung to Sunny Bay route. Roads are quiet, and you have beautiful views of the coast. In contrast, the Peak to Shek O trail offers rugged MTB riding. You’ll want to take a Camel-Bak for this one! The Chi Ma Wan tour offers many views of the sea; and on the Cheung Chau route, you can explore Hong Kong’s back streets. The climate is subtropical. Winters are very mild; and Summers are hot; muggy; and rainy. October through early December is when the weather is apt to be the most pleasant. It does get cool enough for long sleeves and long pants; take a jacket, too. Once again, I come to the Thou Shalt Not aspect of visiting any foreign country. Here are a few: Do not be a “snail”. No problem. I’ve always been in a hurry! Don’t bring only casual wear. If  you want to try some upscale restaurants, or visit temples, this makes sense. Don’t stay on Hong Kong the whole time. It would be interesting to see other islands, too. Don’t go outside if a typhoon hits. Sort of like with hurricanes. Don’t overdo sun exposure. Use that sunblock! Don’t break any laws. That should go without saying. Be sure you inform yourself about local laws. What might get you a mere warning in the USA might get you thrown into prison in another country. I’d guess that last one includes cycling rules; so brush up on those, too. Then choose your route and enjoy the ride. 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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Oh, Quit Whining!

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Oh Quit Whining! 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.” Quit whining? Who’s whining during a bicycle ride? Okay, I get grumpy when I’m riding and it’s cold; and it starts to pour; and I’m buffeted by fierce gusts of wind.  There’s also wining, for those so inclined. Yes, the California Wine Country Bike Tour. Over seven days, ride past vinyards and sample wines in Napa and Sonoma. Ride through eucalyptus groves. View Bodega Bay, and ride along the Russian River. Along the way, enjoy delicious meals and relax in spas. Stand in awe before the redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. On a side note, we visited Sequoia National Park when I was a kid. My memories of it are pretty vague, but I do remember how tall those trees are. The branches don’t begin until so far up, that I had to tip my head way back to see them! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to ride a bicycle through such a forest? These daily route options are interesting. Mileage-wise, I think “Active” would best suit me. The elevation gains, however, might not. It depends on how steep those elevation gains are. The California Wine Country Bike Tour is fully supported, including use of some bicycles; some models require an extra rental fee. If you want to bring your own bike, that’s OK, too. I think I’d want to bring my own, despite the hassle and the cost of a bicycle flight case. In my opinion, it’s wise to do a long tour on a bicycle that you’re well accustomed to using. I wouldn’t want to have somebody tell me to quit whining, when I’m griping because the bike doesn’t feel right. 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 Safe Harbor March 4, 2024 Double Dozen March 3, 2024 Lion or Lamb? March 2, 2024 All Clear? March 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bluegrass

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Bluegrass 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.” BLUEgrass? I always thought grass was green! Kentucky is known for bluegrass; and for racehorses. But horses aren’t the only things there with saddles! The Commonwealth is supposed to be great for cycling tours; or for cycling in general. Cycling advocacy groups and clubs are abundant. Six hundred miles of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail run through the state, with plenty to see and do. How about Mammoth Cave? Visit the cave, the longest known cave system in the world. Try out some of the park’s biking trails. Roadies may ride paved roads that are open to the public. Unpaved administrative roads are open to MTB riders. If distilleries are you cup of, er, tea, follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You’ll get to tour a horse racetrack; spend a night in Shaker Village; visit some of the country’s best whiskey-makers; and even try a sample or two. The fifth and final day includes a visit to the horse farm that produced more than one Triple Crown winner! For horse lovers, there’s the Horsey Hundred ride. This scenic and challenging century rolls through the beautiful Bluegrass region. In Kentucky, there’s terrain varying from the swampy lowlands of the southeastern part of the state; to rolling hills; to the Appalachian Mountains. It sounds wonderful. Maybe I should consider living there? And, of course, cycling there! 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 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Taiwan

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Taiwan 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.” Bicycle touring needn’t be “adults only”. This tour in Taiwan can let the entire family get in on the act. Over five days and four nights, you’ll cover 90 km (about 56 mi), with a wide diversity of things to see and do: mountain roads and beaches; hot springs and an aquarium. For a bigger adventure, there’s the Bicycle Adventures tour of the island. Over eleven days, ride alongside the eastern coast; and test your mettle pedaling through Taroko Gorge. (Or get a boost from an e-bike if necessary!) See rice paddies and aboriginal villages; visit temples and meet some of the local folk. Along the way, enjoy the local cuisine. This tour is well-supported; all you have to do is ride. When planning a bicycle tour, don’t forget to check its difficulty. You don’t want your longed-for trip to turn into The Bicycle Ride from H*** if it turns out to be too hard for you. Naturally, choose the right bike. If  I were going on such a tour, and didn’t have the luxury of a support vehicle, I’d probably want a touring bike, complete with rack, panniers, etc. If there were such a SAG wagon to back up the group, I could use my road bike. Taiwan might not be on everybody’s radar; but that could be a good reason to do a cycling tour there. You know, go now and beat the crowd.   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 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Fröhliche Weihnachten! December 20, 2023 Christmas Past December 20, 2023 Relearning December 19, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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