| Before you get into any new sport or activity
there is a learning process and we do what we can to help with
that part of it. We have specialty pages that cover many of the
subjects you will want to study before tackling the cycling
world. Riding is fun but a degree of safety must be
practiced and is discussed in bicycle
safety .
Naturally like any other sport there is
equipment that has either been developed for it or at
least works well when coupled with this activity. We have
covered the basics of what to look for in the biking
gear page and yet have not focused on specific
brands, That will be covered in our upcoming Equipment
Evaluations.
Once you have decided to engage in the sport
of biking in any of it's forms you need to make it a habit of
performing a equipment
pre-ride checkout. This will help
to ensure that you will have fewer equipment failures. For this
reason we have prepared you a checklist
that you can print out and use it to
perform this necessary task.
If you are already riding then you may enjoy going through
our pages and possibly contributing some of your experiences or
insights.
Top locations:
East
Coast Greenway - A 2600 mile Cyclist
and Hiking trail
from Maine to
Key
West, that is being compiled by the East
Coast Greenway Alliance. The first ever cyclist trip of the entire
route was completed early Nov 2004. Because much of the trail run
through urban area it has to share it with some automotive traffic,
but where necessary ,to do so routes with the least amount of traffic
are designated as part of the greenway. For a short bio on the group
that completed the trip click
here. (note you may be asked if you want to update a Vector
Rendering plug-in, we did and it seemed to be safe). You will be
amazed at the diversity of the participants and special kudos to Anne
Kruimer who used a modified semi-recumbent tandem hand operated bike.
Anne was injured and lost the use of her legs in 1992 but she hasn't
let that stop her.
New
York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of
a network of more than 240 miles of existing multi-use,
recreational trails across upstate New York. Portions of
this trail follows remnants of the historic original canals of
the early 1800s.
Alabama:
Take a trip to any of Alabama's parks and woodlands and you will find
some of the best biking trails in the South. Bankhead
National Forest in North Alabama is the ideal place for taking a bike
ride along scenic wooded areas filled with natural foliage and
breathtaking beauty. For those who prefer the sand under their toes, we
recommend one of the many trails along the sugar-white beaches at Bridgeport
Beach. Another favorite for bike lovers is Kiesel
Park, which is also home to the annual Auburn CityFest, held each
April.
Texas:
Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big
Bend National Park a premier biking location. Over 100 miles of paved
roads, and 160 miles of backcountry
dirt roads provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities.
Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling
allows outstanding panoramic views.
The
Appalachian National Scenic Trail is mainly thought
of as a hiking trail but with the advent of mountain biking many
have planted rubber to the ground on this trail. Mind you you
may have to carry your bike in some places. The Scenery here is
second to none and there many great and memorable spots to pull
over and drink it in. May we recommend starting in the Northern
portion and working your way down with the fall colors. If
you do go by bike remember to check for restrictions and keep in
mind that you can't always see around the next corner.
Pacific
Crest Trail Runs from the US/Mexico border to
the Canadian border. This trail passes through, over or along
side some of the best that the western mountain ranges have to
offer. A large portion of it runs through the Yosemite National
Park, perhaps the most visited of all parks, so you know this
trail will be rewarding.
Bikes for Tykes
Spread the joy of riding with the less fortunate. The
Bikes for Tykes organization, accepts donated bikes and
then fixes them before giving them to a deserving child. You
never know, but one of the youths riding on the same trail as
you may have gotten their start in the right direction because
of this effort. Bikes for Tykes can always use a hand from
fellow cyclist. To help get these bike in the right hands.
See BikesforTykes.org
|
Touring
![[Top button]](../../images/Buttons-bullets/go_top_btn.gif){kind=small}
Go to top