LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURES & FAVORITE RIDES the 2013 Ride Guide P

Home , Century ride, Gran Fondo, Levi Leipheimer, Ride Out, The Ride (The Sopranos), Tour de Cure

Nov-Dec 2012 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURES & FAVORITE RIDES The 2013 Ride Guide p. 18 8 TACKLING THE IMPOSSIBLE 50 Centuries, 50 States, 50 Days

12I RIDE WHERE LOVE TAKES ME A Philadelphia man finds grace and gratitude on three continents

American Bicyclist I

contentNOV-DEC 2012

IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 InBox...... 3 18 Cogs & Gears...... 4 QuickStop...... 28

From the Saddle 8 Tackling the Impossible: 50 Centuries, 50 States, 50 Days

12 I Ride Where Love Takes Me A Philadelphia man finds grace and gratitude on three continents Photo: Cycle Oregon 2012 by Dean Rodgers, KoiFish Communications Dean KoiFish Oregon 2012 by Rodgers, Cycle Photo: 16 Ride to the Stars How one New York cyclist is pedaling 8 a new view of the galaxy — by bike ON THE Ride Guide COVER! 18 2013 Ride Guide League members, local bike clubs and advocacy groups choose their favorite rides. 12 Cover photo: Cycle Oregon 2012 by Dean Rodgers, KoiFish Communications 16 viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president]

anEPIC RIDE

Every ride has its ups and downs. One reason the 2012 ride was so Whether it’s my daily commute or great was our components were in an epic stage of the Tour de France, tip-top condition: a well-oiled ma- there are those fabulous moments chine, one might say. We had record when the wind is behind me on a participation at the National Bike gradual descent — and then I hit a Summit (again), exciting growth in lung-busting climb and wonder what the Bicycle Friendly America pro- I was thinking to even get on the bike grams, and a new direction for our in the first place. education materials. We worked with Well, maybe I’m over-dramatiz- our members and affiliates to make ing my ride to work every day, but the National Bike Challenge a major 2012 certainly has been an epic ride success and coordinated with our Efor the League with both high and partners at the Alliance and America ent of the 30th El Tour de Tucson on low points along the way. The trans- Bikes on our Navigating MAP-21 November 18th. This great event portation bill, for example, provided campaign. Plus, exciting new initia- captures the essence of an epic ride some of both. Even though we were tives, like our Women Bike program, and has a host committee of inspir- disappointed with the eventual out- feel like a new wheel set or a lighter, ing people who ride and organize it. come, we — you — really made a dif- faster frame — we can’t wait to see In the 111 miles of riding I know I’ll ference. Hearing back from Congres- how far they will take us! probably experience some pain and sional offices that the voice of cyclists You know as well as me, though, plenty of joy (provided I cross the fin- echoed loud and clear on Capitol Hill that what makes a truly great ride is ish line successfully). I also know that was immensely satisfying. the people; your fellow riders. The I’ll be looking forward to riding into Our exciting exploration of com- work you and our affiliated clubs work the following Monday — just as bining forces with Bikes Belong and and advocacy groups are doing to we are looking forward to an exciting the Alliance for Biking & Walking make biking better in communities 2013 for the League and the cycling was like an optional loop ride with across the country inspires us on a movement. inspiring views; ridden in great com- daily basis. You are the reason we get pany. Even though the loop brought on our bikes every day — literally us back to our original route, we are and figuratively — to promote and stronger and better for having ridden protect the rights of cyclists, to be the the extra miles and glimpsed our true voice of cyclists in this country. Andy Clarke potential. On a personal note, I could League President not have been more honored and humbled to be the dedication recipi-

2 American Bicyclist inbox [letters to the editor]

TWEETED asuka hisa @asukahisa Yolanda Davis-Overstreet gives Ride in Living Color film preview @#womenbike summit; Every Bicyclist Counts bikes, racially diverse urban communities, women, good. Two articles in the July-August issue of American Bicyclist had personal references for me. The Great cover! first was by Bill Wilson (“Urgency We were excited to see two FACEBOOK MESSAGE and Eternity”) about his generous friends on the cover of the Sep- I just finished reading “Living gift to the League. Like Bill, I was a tember-October issue of American and Riding Second by Second” math major and went to a college in Bicyclist. San Francisco Supervisor in [American Bicyclist, July-August] . Richmond, Ind. I smiled when I read Eric Mar regularly hosts a “bike to Inspire is a perfect word! Emily Gresh about what must have been one heck work” constituent session from the has an amazing gift for language and of a wind to push him more than Velo Rouge Cafe near Golden Gate describing her journey. Thank you for 200 miles to Detroit and beyond. Park to City Hall. It’s more fun than another great issue with incredible More seriously, my husband and I work but we get to talk about issues stories! – Melissa Krall were on our own cross country bike on the way. His smile on the cover is ride in 2006 when we met the Ad- real; he enjoys cycling. Jean Fraser is FACEBOOK MESSAGE venture Cycling tour written about on the board of the San Francisco Bi- Thanks for publishing the in Elizabeth Kiker’s article on the cycle Coalition and every year joined inspiring story by Emily Gresh. League’s new effort to reduce cycling my wife and I for a cycling weekend As a Stage II breast cancer survivor, fatalities (“Every Bicyclist Counts”). that raised funds for a women’s clinic. bicycling has, and is, helping in my Every one of the members of the tour She rides to work as the Executive recovery. – Cheryl Carmo mentioned the tragic accident and Director of San Mateo Public Health death that occurred on the first day of System — and the rest of her family their tour. They were all emotionally loves their time on the bike, too! affected. Tracking the circumstances - Dale M. Butler and Tina Panziera, Thanks for your letters around each fatality nationwide is San Francisco, Calif. one of the best ways to help all of us We eagerly await all of who bike, and the League’s leading Flip-flopper your comments — good role in projects like this is one of the I was very disturbed to see the and bad — on cycling, the main reasons I am a member. Please photo on the cover and page 10 of the League, our publications, keep up the great work! July-August issue of American Bicy- and just about anything - Judith Cade, Riddle, Ore. clist. Riding in flip-flops is dangerous. else you want to tell us Featuring riders with helmets and about. E-mail carolyn@ flip-flops sends a distorted message bikeleague.org or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, TWEETED implying safe riding conditions when, Suite 510, Washington, GOTRIbal @GOTRIbalbaby in fact, those flip-flops are a hazard to D.C. 20006. Comment #womenbike summit is the person wearing them AND those on facebook.com/ awesome. Listening to Olympian riding along-side the flip-flopper. leagueamericanbicyclists Dotsie Bausch and lovin it. Please stress the danger of riding in flip-flops and the importance of safe or twitter.com/bikeleague. riding head AND foot gear. Letters may be edited for - A D Martin, Washington, D.C. style and length.

American Bicyclist 3 cogs&gears

Leader from the Ovarian Psycos (Photo by Maureen McGinnis)

Photo by Maureen McGinnis

LEAGUE LAUNCHES

Women Bike! Women’s Ride Hundreds attend the first National Women’s Bicycling Summit (Photo by Elizabeth Williams) By Carolyn Szczepanski

s I stood at the podium and the energy and enthusiasm is already one reporter pointed out to me, the looked out at the packed room, rising: More and more women from incredible energy and diversity at AI saw – and felt – the future of all backgrounds are riding – and the Women’s Summit foreshadows the bicycle movement. leading – in communities across the a strong future for the bicycle In September, the League nation. movement. hosted the National Women’s The Women’s Summit was a The Summit was just the start. Bicycling Summit and the response powerful opportunity to put those From that podium, I had the honor was overwhelming. Nearly 300 leaders in the same room to share to announce a new League program: participants joined us for the first their stories, successes and ideas. Women Bike. Women Bike will full-day event aimed at showcasing The event featured break-out empower more women to ride and women leaders in bicycle advocacy sessions focusing on equity, media, become engaged in the diverse and increasing the number of women political engagement, family biking, leadership opportunities of the bicycle who ride nationwide. I had barely bicycle sports and youth engagement movement — as advocates, engineers, finished my welcome when a woman that inspired and informed the retailers, manufacturers and policy in the crowd yelled “It’s about time!” presenters and audience alike. (Read makers — through networking, — and a massive cheer erupted from more about the sessions at blog. knowledge sharing, resources and the packed room. bikeleague.org.) inspiration. Learn more at www. She was right: It is time. But the event was about more womenbike.org! In 2009, women accounted for than Powerpoints and best practices. In fact, we’re already planning our just 24 percent of bike trips in the U.S. It was about making connections next full-day Women Bike event. Join It’s time for that to change. We simply and meeting leaders from other us for “Women Mean Business” cannot succeed as a movement if we cities. It was about seeing women at at the 2013 National Bike Summit. fail to engage, empower and elevate the podiums — seeing ourselves as Learn more and register at 50 percent of the population. And the experts and leaders we are. As www.bikeleague.org/summit13.

4 American Bicyclist LEAGUE RECOGNIZES BICYCLE FRIENDLY LEADERS By Bill Nesper

he Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program is a team effort. To make a community, business or university better for biking takes input, effort Tand cooperation from a variety of different stakeholders. And, over the past decade, we’ve been inspired by incredible leaders across the nation who have taken the BFA program to new heights. Mayor Bob Foster To recognize and celebrate those leaders, we launched our new Bicycle Friendly America Leadership Award program in September. This awards Crawford Allan by Photo program will highlight and honor the individuals who are using the tools of the BFA program in new and effective ways to build a bicycle-friendly America from the ground up. Our first recipient, Mayor Bob Foster of Long Beach, Calif., has worked to expand the city’s bicycling network and more than double the number of bicycle commuters over the past four years alone. By combining vision and action, Foster is helping to transform an industrial city into a cycling destination. Our second recipient was the catalyst and champion of the National Bike Challenge: Rob Gusky of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Thanks to Rob, what started as a corporate program moved to a statewide initiative and then a national effort that inspired 30,000 Americans to log more than 12 million Rob Gusky miles this summer. Read more about the award winners and learn more about the program at bikeleague.org/bfa.

American Bicyclist 5 cogs&gears LEADING THE WAY: GAIL AND JIM SPANN By Elizabeth Kiker

ail Copus Spann and Jim I noticed that there was a real lack of Spann recently announced a women participating,” she recalls. “It G$400,000, two-year gift to the didn’t take me long to figure out what League of American Bicyclists. it would take to get women to join us Copus Spann serves as the at- — patience, invitations, attention and large board member of the League’s encouragement. Pretty soon, we had executive committee and has been 87 women biking on a regular basis on the board since 2010. She recently on a Saturday morning.” served as a liaison to the unification Women Bike will do this work group, on behalf of the League. on a national scale, inspiring clubs “Going through the proposed and advocacy organizations on how merger with Bikes Belong, the Alli- to increase women bicyclists and ance for Biking & Walking and the women bicycling advocates. “When League inspired me to take some of Gail Copus Spann and Jim Spann women are made to feel welcome, those shared goals and help fund their encouragement and enthusiasm them,” Copus Spann says. “It was im- pinnacle to me. I love being an LCI will only grow,” Copus Spann says. portant that Jim and I, as passionate (League Cycling Instructor), and I “And those women will turn around League members, step up and make have so much fun educating people and encourage other women: that is a significant difference. Being part of about proper bicycling. I also love my the secret.” the talks reinforced the value of the fellow LCIs and see all the good that The Spanns’ generosity is power- League’s work for me.” we do.” ing the League to success now and The Spanns are long-time League Women Bike, the League’s new in the future. “I am so proud of the members, and long-time supporters program [see article, page 4], was great history and durability of the of cycling. In addition to the unifi- also an inspiration for Copus Spann. League of American Bicyclists,” Co- cation talks, they’ve been inspired “In 1992, when I was president of the pus Spann says. We take great pride by the League’s education program, Woodlands Cycling Club in Houston, in this wonderful organization.” Women Bike and the leadership of League President, Andy Clarke. In making their decision to commit so generously to the League, Copus Spann reflected on how the cycling community has shown her generosity in the past. “After I had an injury while rac- ing, the bicycle community in Hous- ton paid all my medical expenses through private donations,” she says. “I made a promise to myself then that I would do everything in my power to make life better for cyclists. Being Gail Copus Spann — holding the One More Bike sign — at a recent LCI on the board of the League is the training in Irving, Texas.

6 American Bicyclist Education Program Goes Online GIVING By Alissa Simcox Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who have The League’s Smart Cycling program is the only national certification program contributed at least $100 for bike education. Over the years, we’ve made updates to ensure the quality and to the League, above relevance of our instruction. But in recent months we’ve reexamined the program — and beyond membership and realized it’s time for a change. dues, from August 1 – The important principles and core teaching of the education program will re- September 30, 2012. main the same, but we’re making the format and delivery more modern and acces- sible. The education program is going online! $5,000+ The new format will provide online content in 17 separate modules, like Stop- Individuals ping and Starting, and Gail Copus Spann & Jim Spann Changing Lanes. These Bill Wilson modules incorporate videos, photos and other $1,000-$4,999 Organizations interactive components Almaden Cycle Touring Club that allow the public the opportunity to learn $100-$999 about bicycle safety in a Organizations fun — and free — way. Mosby Lincoln Foundation Don’t worry: This program won’t elimi- Individuals nate on-bike learning Guy Babineau or make it more diffi- Daniel & Geri Baris cult for League Cycling Anne Becker Instructors to host Anonymous classes. The modules are Evelyn Chereson designed to expose more Michael Collette Steve Combs people to bicycling edu- Don Fell cation and we’re confident these individuals will be empowered to take a hands-on Jennifer Fox class tailored to their needs. In fact, at the end of each online module, students will Bill Graustein have the opportunity to contact their local LCI for more information. James & Kay Havenga State and local clubs and advocacy organizations will be able to mix and match Robert Hingtgen the online components to create tailored online content they can easily deliver. And Eric Holtz bicyclists interested in becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) won’t have to Alan Kailer take the full nine-hour Traffic Skills 101 (TS101) course in a classroom. Instead, Kathryn L. Lane they’ll be able to work with a local LCI to customize lessons covering only the con- Thane McCann tent they need. James Mees We’re excited to roll out the new program the beginning of 2013. This is a great John L. Mettille opportunity to expose more individuals to bicycling education and to reach our goal Frank Parrish Rogers Family of getting more people on bikes. Thomas Royer Mike Sapp John Siemiatkoski George Simmons Thomas Talley American Bicyclist is printed with Yvette White soy ink on 30% post-consumer recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

American Bicyclist 7 FROM THE SADDLE TACKLING THE IMPOSSIBLE 50 CENTURIES 50 STATES 50 DAYS

Giving a thumbs-up in Alaska Riding through the red dust of Arizona

Celebrating 60 years with a ride to remember By Cindi Rauch

If I were to point the finger at ed on my inspiration. In May, when I can tell you that I longed to anyone, it would have to be Dean I turned 60 years old, I embarked on stretch myself to the point where I Karnazes. In 2006, when he was 44, an epic ride: 50 Centuries in 50 States honestly did not know if I could suc- he ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 in 50 Days. ceed. I wanted to leave a legacy for days. I thought it was amazing. All along the way people asked friends and family that shouts: “You Never mind that he had a class-A me what had motivated me to plan can do anything! Put your heart, your motor home and an entourage that such a trip, what reason could there resources and your energy into some- included a masseuse and a nutrition- possibly be to physically tax a body thing and watch the marvelous thing ist — I wanted to do something simi- that was poised to enter the world of it becomes!” lar. I planned. I routed. I stayed in Social Security benefits and senior Perhaps it seems a silly quest decent physical shape ... just in case. discounts? I’m not sure I have a good when I have friends who are doing Well, guess what? This year, I act- answer to that question. noble things like adopting Ethio- I8 American Bicyclist 50 TACKLING THE IMPOSSIBLE

A big smile in Alaska Taking a rest along the Lochsa River in Idaho

pian babies and feeding hundreds of I spent the better part of a year island of Hawaii and put together my homeless people each week. But this staring at Microsoft MapPoint on my coupled Rodriguez touring bike. is my thing. Since 2007, I have ridden computer screen, designing routes for I could have been relaxing on an average of 10,000 miles a year: each state, tweaking those routes so a beach for a couple of weeks, but getting groceries, delivering Meals that they were efficient in getting me instead, at a few minutes past mid- on Wheels, returning library books. to my next state, moderate in their night on May 22, I rode from Kailua Nothing gives me a feeling of free- elevation gain, and located on sec- Kona out to Hawi and then back to dom like cycling. This is my passion, ondary roads that were safe. I enlisted the Kona Keyhole airport where my and I promised myself I would give the help and support of four amazing Hawaiian hosts met me with the rest this venture my best. Barring broken girlfriends: Karen Cooper, Patty Holt, of my gear. I caught a 1 p.m. flight bones or profuse bleeding, I would Liz Wakeman, and Laura Schroeder. back to California, and as luck would finish all 50 states. I would ride 5,000 Finally, on May 19, I flew to the big have it, sat next to Lance Armstrong’s miles in 50 days. 50 American Bicyclist 9 FROM THE SADDLE

Ice cream stop with Laura Schroeder Our team (from left) Liz Wakeman, Laura Schroeder, Cindi, Patty Holt and in Maine Karen Cooper

pilot on the five-hour flight. I took it when we rode in severe heat, hills, as a good omen. and headwinds. Water bottles were I worked my way across the filled every time I stopped at the southern portion of the United States, truck, and we literally went through a dealing with sand and dust storms ton of ice. Dinner was sometimes the in Arizona; thunderstorms in Okla- generous offering of the hosts with homa; and mechanical issues with whom we stayed, a quick bite at a res- both the Rodriguez bike and the taurant along our route, or a simple Litespeed Blue Ridge I brought along meal of chicken, rice, and vegetables just in case. The adventure became when we got to our campground for one long session in problem solving. the night. Besides riding the century, I often I knew I had turned a corner had to travel well over 200 miles when we were riding in Vermont. (our longest distance: 330 miles from The demanding ride in New Hamp- the north side of Bakersfield to Las shire had given way to an idyllic ride, Vegas) to get to our overnight stop. and we found ourselves looking for In the Southwest this was particularly highway signs that included the suffix grueling. Several nights we set up our “west.” Highway 9 West. I-90 West. camp in the dark. I was heading home. I rode through towering red rock Alaska was my final state. In formations in Utah. I had a herd of shorts and sandals, while woefully horses run alongside me in Okla- underdressed, I rode from Girdwood homa. I experienced the trifecta of to Soldotna, where a high school cycling heartache in New Hampshire friend was waiting with a bear hug.

10 American Bicyclist Above: Crossing the Indian River in Delaware

Left: An early-morning start in Hurricane, Utah

Below left: A sign along the 111-mile ride in Alaska

The 111 miles were brisk. I took a few days off, caught some halibut and king salmon — but I’m already looking at maps again. People ask me what my favorite part of the trip was and I tell them it was two-fold. First, there is a deep satisfaction when you complete something that you set out to do — particularly something difficult. And secondly, there are indelible memories of kind-hearted, interest- ing people all along the way; people who made even a hard thing the most wonderful sort of adventure. Oh, and those maps? They are pointing to 58 National Parks. Hmmm ...

Read more about Cindi’s adventure on her blog: www.50centuriesin50statesin 50days.blogspot.com

American Bicyclist 11 FROM THE SADDLE

IRidewhere Love takes me

Inquisitive children in Kenya

12 American Bicyclist A Philadelphia man finds grace and gratitude on three continents

By David Hale Sylvester 1.

My first bicycle expedition was in fourth grade when my family and I moved to Starkville, Mississippi, from Philadelphia. Within hours of our ar- rival, my restless energy was driving everyone crazy. To ease the tension, my mother gave me the ultimate green light. “Just go out and ride,” she said. I grabbed my bike with its purple banana seat and pedaled out into the surrounding farmland with only my thirst for exploring to guide me. I ripped through Starkville’s rural streets, hollering “Hellooooooo!” as loudly as I could to anyone who could hear me until it got dark. Back in the house, I looked out across the blackened acres of my new home and smiled. That ride was a huge stepping stone. It wasn’t that far, but 2. I made it through a vast territory: my own fear. This was my first taste of self-confidence. This was my first taste of love. M When we moved back to Philly two years later, I continued to explore and my bike brought new friends and opportunities into my life. At the time, that was enough for me. But as I grew up and faced difficulties – like bad report cards, which came often – I discovered that, no matter how bad things were, a simple bike ride could always make me smile. On September 11, 2001, I lost one of my closest friends and mentors – Kevin Bowser – in the World Trade Center tragedy. Grappling with unbear- able loss sparked the idea of biking across North America to raise money for Kevin’s scholarship fund. Like never before, cycling became the ultimate expression of love. As I embarked on my 55-day trip across North America in 2002, the 3. riding was tough at first. But I soon became comfortable with the routine and the 90 miles per day wasn’t grueling or even daunting anymore. It was just what I had to do. Across 15 states, the wind, forward movement, hugs and simple human encounters started to fill the void in my life left by my friend’s sudden and senseless death. I returned home wanting to keep moving, to keep that feeling going. That’s when I heard about a bicycle race across Africa. Just seeing the route through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswa- na, Namibia and South Africa was enough to hook me. Never mind that I’d never been beyond North America before, that I’d never camped and wasn’t a professional bike racer. All that mattered was that I had extended myself

Photos: 1. With a Samburu warrior in Kenya; 2. Herding camels in Sudan; 3. Taking a break in Khartoum, Sudan; 4. First handshake in Kenya 4.

American Bicyclist 13 FROM THE SADDLE Excerpted from: I Never Intended to Be Brave: A Woman’s Bicycle Journey Through Southern Africa for love in the past and I was a better man for it. Pedaling through Africa by Heather Andersen felt like the next step I needed to take. Make no mistake: Riding from As I ride away from Ai-Ais, near- Cairo to Cape Town was difficult. ing the end of my time in Namibia, The 112-degree heat, sauna-like air I reflect back on this country I’ve combined with the each peak of the come to treasure. undulating sandy and rutted roads Solitude. Sand. Sun. Wind. These drained me. Our group of cyclists are the themes of cycling in the Na- splintered to the point that we were mibian desert. Time with nature. To nothing more than a few individuals think. To be. Some days I cycle for 10 on bikes scattered across the East- hours and see only that many cars. African countryside. Here it’s just me and my bike — a team after four months on the But it was worth it. Family riding in Botswana From Egypt’s majesty to Sudan’s road. I keep the pedals going round, warmth; from Ethiopia’s mountain and my bike carries all my gear on ranges to Tanzania’s lushness; from ing, “Where else can love take me?” its racks. Occasionally, the sand on Malawi’s reenergizing lakes to Zam- Unfortunately, a drunk driver put the roads gets so bia’s hospitality ... Africa touched me. that question on hold. I had already deep, I need to By the time I biked onto Botswana’s signed up for a trip across South walk and push flat, paved roads — where, one day, America when I was seriously injured my bike. Usually, a pack of five elephants crossed in in a car crash. My body was battered. though, we roll front of me — I felt like I was in a My will was broken. But the friends along through wonderland. Africa left me fulfilled, I’d known my whole life – and the the living desert. energized and more enlightened. friends I’d made cycling – reignited Something I boarded my flight back to my passion. has taken me to Philadelphia with wide eyes, wonder- I was so indebted to them that I this magic place. had to ride again. To honor 122 of my It’s my heart, and Elephants in friends, I taped their photos all over the true freedom of al- Botswana. my bicycle — and set off for a bike lowing it to lead me. Now I go where race across Asia, from Istanbul to I want and am happy to be there. I’m at peace with the world. And there’s no greater happiness — though there is struggle. Struggle into insane winds, struggle along sandy roads. Though the conditions are not always what I’d want, I am always right where I want to be. As the sun lowers toward the horizon, I pull off the road and walk through a dark gray, sandy gravel field. I haven’t seen any people or vehicles since I turned onto this road three hours ago. I’m comfortable alone in this country I’ve come to love. The Namibian desert encour- ages me, inspires me to keep going, Hanging out with school into South Africa. kids in Tanzania Read more at bicyclingheather.com. 14 American Bicyclist Beijing. The first week of that four- month tour was hell. Turkey’s hazy skies, hot temperatures and dense hu- midity sapped my energy. I lay in my tent at night wondering if I was going to get through Turkey, Georgia, Azer- and a New York Yankees ball cap, this baijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, guy wasn’t like the other men I’d seen Tajikistan, Krygystan and China. in the region. He handed me some Throughout my time in the paper, written in Tajik, with his name region, there was a fascination sur- and email address and pictures taken rounding my hue of skin that caused from his iPhone. “We are brothers me to believe I was the first black now,” he said. male to step foot in these parts. Over- There were many moments of all, it was an honor to be that guy, but brotherhood on my trips in Asia and sometimes the gawking and occa- Africa, and when ESPN asked me to sional rubbing of my skin to see if the write an article about my adventures, color would wipe off was overwhelm- it was difficult to narrow it down to ing. But 50 miles from the Tajikistan- just a few stories. But the reaction Kyrgzstan border I was reminded of to that article was overwhelming our international solidarity. and global. In fact, I was so touched I was enjoying the countryside by the emails that poured in from when I heard a distant boom, boom, around the world that I had to find a boom. The sound came closer and I way to show my thanks. realized it was a car blaring a Kool G. Once again, I showed my grati- Rap song. The driver stepped out of tude through cycling with my “Let his car and walked toward me with This Be the Moment Tour.” Riding arms open for a hug. Wearing a tank unsupported from San Diego to top showing off his shoulder tattoo New York City, I stopped weekly to volunteer with various charities. Over the course of two months, I served the homeless, the blind, former felons, recovering addicts and survivors of domestic violence. When I rode into NYC on September 11, 2008, I wasn’t just reflecting on the experience of the trip, but reevaluating my entire life. Riding past I couldn’t help but think back to the Wall of my youth, when riding my bike set Shandan in a defining benchmark for freedom, China fearlessness and love. Love was what compelled every cyclist to ride into Botswana’s rising sun. Love was what drove that young Tajik man to call me his brother. Love is what my mother unknowingly sent me off to find when she said, “Just go out and ride.”

David Hale Sylvester is a bicyclist, filmmaker, motivator and author The flags of of “Traveling at the Speed of Life.” the countries that Read more about him at David traveled www.findyourbike.org through on his trip to Asia.

American Bicyclist 15 FROM THE SADDLE

Ride to the How one New York cyclist is pedaling a new view of the galaxy — by bike By Doug Reilly

My bicycle is a space ship. And a time machine.

You wouldn’t know from a cursory glance. Sure, it’s longer and heavier than average, but it has no special engine. Look into the hard case latched to the rear platform, however, and you’ll find another old technology: a telescope. It collects and focuses light, just like the bicycle collects and focuses the mechanical energy of a human body. These two technologies allow me to transcend time and space.

16 American Bicyclist am on a journey that began when sign of summer sliding into fall. The York State. The current telescopes are I was just a boy, amazed at how light from Deneb, I know, has been commercial models, chosen for their many stars I could see at the travelling for more than 2,000 years. relative light weight and compact Vanderbilt Planetarium and curi- To the east, Jupiter is poised above size; my future plans include design- ousI why I couldn’t see them in the the horns of Taurus, chased by Orion ing and building a “Veloscope”— an real sky of my New York City suburb. the hunter. It’s light has only been ultra-light telescope that can fold up I lost astronomy for a long time, but travelling for a half an hour. Above, I into a box and slip into its own pan- got it back in 2001 when I returned find the Great Square of Pegasus, and nier for transport, and then sharing to the U.S. after a stint in the Peace follow one of its arms towards the those designs so that other bicycle Corps. By then I had worries that “W” of Cassiopeia. astronomers can benefit. hadn’t troubled that wide-eyed boy Between the two constellations I Most of my star parties will take years ago, and astronomy seemed to spot a faint whisper of light. The An- place in Geneva, under my city’s offer a calming perspective. dromeda Galaxy is the farthest thing somewhat polluted skies, simply Bicycles had caught my eye by the naked eye can see. The photons because that’s where the people are. then, too, as something more than that my eyes are collecting have been Other times I hope to lead cyclists just a fun way to get around. It was travelling for 2.5 million years. I only on a trek out of town, like I did this had to travel two miles to meet it. morning, so that they can experience I set up my telescope, and just how far one can travel on two through it the apparition of Androm- human-powered wheels. eda becomes an awe-inspiring sight, I’m betting that the sight of the a spiral galaxy with a bright core and universe’s grandeur, along with the two satellite galaxies hanging around ingenious utility of the cargo bicycle, it. I turn the telescope next on Jupiter, will inspire people to assume their and the lenses reveal the cloud bands proper roles as stewards of a rare, on Jupiter’s surface, and the giant’s special and delicate planet adrift in a four principal moon, first observed huge, amazing universe. by Galileo in 1610. His conclusion I hope it gets people out there— that they orbited Jupiter overturned a on bikes, under the stars. Revolution centuries-old cosmology and sparked means to go around. a scientific revolution that continues to this day. Doug Reilly blogs about just a matter of time before I looked And I — the Bicycle Astrono- cycling and astronomy at at my telescope and my bicycle, shar- mer — have my part to play in a local www.bicycleastronomy.org ing space in my increasingly crowded revolution. garage, and an idea was sparked. For the next year, I’ll be using I ride out of my driveway at 4 my Yuba Mundo a.m. Under the glare of the street- longtail cargo lights, I can see only the brightest bike, and several stars and planets, hinting at my desti- telescopes that nation. A fox crosses the road ahead can be carried of me. I pass the strip malls and the on it, to share sky above me is completely obscured the night sky — by the pink glow of light pollution. and the joys and I turn left down a country road and utility of cycling reach escape velocity. — with people All of a sudden I am in dark farm all over my small fields, and the universe has opened city of Geneva in above me. the Finger Lakes The bright stars Vega, Deneb region of New and Altair are setting in the west, a

American Bicyclist 17 RIDE GUIDE

RIDE GUIDE Photo by Aaron Tarfman The League has 700 affiliated local bike clubs and another 250 advocacy groups. We invited them to choose one of their rides to highlight in this listing — you can find out more about the clubs and all their rides by using the Find It feature on www.bikeleague.org. In addition, the Bicycle Tour Network has an extensive list of multi-day rides at www. bicycletournetwork.com

ALASKA Big Dam Bridge 100 ARIZONA El Tour de Mesa BEARS: Biking Extraordinary 9/28/13 American Diabetes Tour de Cure 4/6/13 Alaska Roads Arkansas’ largest cycling tour with 3/16/13 Ride 70 or 28 miles in the main 7/7 – 7/9/13 routes of 15, 25, 50, 62 and 100 The Tour de Cure is the premier event or choose the 5- or 1/4-mile Enjoy Denali’s majestic wonders, miles. cycling event to benefit the fun ride. The Main Event route the wildlife of Prince William Sound, Little Rock, AR American Diabetes Association follows a scenic course with the quiet towns and scenic highways. www.thebigdambridge100.com/ -- and a heck of a fun ride! Select beautiful and rugged backdrop Alaska an 8-mile family-friendly ride, of the Salt River Recreation Area www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/ Arky 100 or shoot for the 35, 62, 80 or full and Tonto National Forest. The fun bike_tours/alaska/Bears.htm 10/13/13 century rides! rides are short and fun; ideal for Join us for 25, 50, 62, and 100 mile Phoenix, AZ the new or inexperienced cyclists. ARKANSAS loops through the beautiful Grant http://tinyurl.com/94ox6qw The Finish Line Fiesta is a fun day New Year Day Ride County countryside with five rest of all things bicycle, including 1/1/13 stops. a Bike Swap, kids bike rodeo, a Annual 30-mile loop from North Sheridan, AR self-paced historic bike tour, bike www.arkansasbicycleclub.org/ MY FA ORITE RIDE art and food, games and music! Little Rock BRUCE MORT North Little Rock, AR Enjoy the festivities on streets www.arkansasbicycleclub.org Hot Springs Overnighter The ride from Monterey closed to motorized traffic! 11/22- 11/23/13 to Santa Barbra, Calif., Mesa, AZ Bicycle Ride Around Arkansas 40 mile ride from west Little Rock over five days in May. www.perimeterbicycling.com 4/1 - 4/6/13 to Hot Springs for the Spa Run. The views from Route Six-day self-supported tour ride Little Rock, AR 1 almost made me ride www.arkansasbicycleclub.org from west Little Rock with camp- over the cliff a couple of ing along the way. times! Little Rock, AR www.arkansasbicycleclub.org

18 American Bicyclist El Tour de Tucson Ride Around The Bear 11/23/13 6/8/13 Come to Tucson and ride through One of the all-time great centu- magnificent scenery surrounded ries. There is little more satisfying by four mountain ranges with than cruising nearly 40 miles diverse ride options for cyclists of down the 7,000-foot descent from all age levels and abilities. El Tour Onyx Summit to Redlands. attracts more than 9,000 cyclists Redlands, CA from all around the world. Unique www.ocwheelmen.org features include: three-day Bike EXPO, exciting mass-start spec- Grand Tour tacle, and Mariachis at the first of 6/22/13 two river crossings. Enjoy the best of scenic Southern Tucson, AZ California: beaches, valleys, moun- www.perimeterbicycling.com tains, luxury homes, farms and even orange groves. All routes include multiple rest stops and are CALIFORNIA El Tour de Tucson Solvang Century, Metric and fully supported for 24 hours. The Half Century Grand Tour, the easiest double 3/9/13 in the California Triple Crown, is This is the Grand-daddy of Cen- always exhilarating — and joyful colorado FLORIDA turies, rated in the top 10 best to finish. Mountain Top Experience Ride Tour of Boca centuries in the US by Bicycling Malibu, CA 6/22/13 1/13/13, 2/10/13, 3/10/13 magazine. Choose from 50, 63 or www.lawheelmen.org With three different routes for all Tour beautiful Boca Raton with 100 mile route options start- skill levels, this ride will take you a 15 mile, easy-paced, police ing and finishing in downtown Legendary Napa Bike Wine Tour through Park and Teller County escorted bicycle ride beginning at Solvang. BBQ lunch, raffle, live DJ 11/1/13 in the most majestic views that Patch Reef Park on Yamato Road. and cycling festival before and Riders will enjoy a 50-mile bike Colorado has to offer. Promote safe cycling while spend- after the ride. ride in a small group with a Woodland Park, CO ing a pleasant afternoon with Solvang, CA visiting Legend on a tour of mountaintopcyclingclub.com family and friends. www.BikeSCOR.com the quieter roads of rural Napa Boca Raton, FL County. Legends in years past CONNECTICUT bocaratonbikeclub Grizzly Peak Century have included Levi Leipheimer, Thread City Century 5/5/13 Andy Hampsten, and Bob Roll. 6/8/13 Moe’s 7th Annual Bike Brunch Choose from routes of 75, 102, Just 25 people will be allowed A scenic ride from Connecticut’s 1/27/13 or 109 miles and enjoy great to participate and each receive a eastern Highlands into the lower Naples Premier Cycling Event! atmosphere, great roads, and special commemorative cycling Connecticut Valley and back! Choose from 10, 20, 30, 62 or 100 great food. jersey signed by the 2013 Legend. Chaplin, CT mile bike ride options. This is truly Moraga, CA St. Helena, CA threadcitycyclers.com a ride for everyone — any skill or grizzlypeakcyclists.org/century/ www.legendarynapabike.org fitness level. Naples, FL www.naplespathways.org

We-Bike-For-Kids MY FA ORITE RIDE LINDA WARNOCK 3/16/13 My first organized charity ride — Tampa Join us for a day of fun at the to Orlando, Fla. It was 75 miles and the beautiful Villages, Florida’s Friend- longest I’d ridden previously was 24 miles. liest Home Town with routes of The ride went something like this: Fell at 10, 30, and 62 miles. The ride will benefit Project Legacy and the the start, new to clips. Slow. Rode by myself. Sumter County Youth Center. Fell again. Still slow. Missed a turn and got The Villages, FL lost. Found my way. Heard from the side webikeforkids.com of the road, “They done left y’all behind, babe.” Yeah, I got that. 92 miles by day’s end. Finish line all but abandoned. Hurting everywhere but bursting with adrenaline of accomplishment. Greeted by family. Tears of pride and joy. Laughed all the way to the ice packs. Bit by the cycling bug!

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Orange Blossom Express Florida Bicycle Safari Spring Tour 4/20 - 4/25/13 MY FA ORITE RIDE 3/23 - 3/29/13 The Florida Bicycle Safari is a Join our fully supported spring springtime bicycling adventure JONATHAN HINE tour showcasing scenic back that features six days of support- How do I pick a favorite roads and charming destinations. ed rides over some of the best from 60 years of riding From Spook Hill to Thrill Hill, our cycling roads in North Florida and when I loved every “Orange Blossom Express” will South Georgia. The six-day Safari mile? Here’s a snapshot delight and excite cyclists looking is limited to 250 participants. A memory from one to experience a part of Florida rich three-day option is also available favorite: The burning in in history. Seven-day and two-day for those whose schedules do not tour options available. permit riding the full tour. my lungs from the salt Lakeland, FL Live Oak, FL in the air on the North www.bikeflorida.org www.floridabicyclesafari.com/ Shore of Oahu during a 115-mile solo ride GEORGIA around the island. I was stunned by how much solid MY FA ORITE RIDE BRAG WinterRide material those massive rollers threw high in the air, 2/26 - 3/3/13 TODD WILCZEWSKI and how the northeast trades carried the salt deep A great Valentine’s Day present inshore. I have never been able to see pictures of The Silver Comet, for the sweetie cyclist in your life. from Smyrna, BRAG’s fourth annual WinterRide large surf without thinking of that incredible ride. Georgia, to the will start in beautiful St. Mary’s, Alabama state line. Georgia. St. Marys, GA www.brag.org

20 American Bicyclist MY FA ORITE RIDE PAUL ADKINS Eugene’s Blackberry ILLINOIS Bramble is a classic, RAINSTORM Folks on Spokes Easter Ride super-scenic tour of (Ride Across Indiana: Same 4/28/13 the Willamette Valley. Thing, Only Ride More) The 31st Annual Folks on Spokes Great people, great 7/8 – 7/13/13 Easter Ride will include routes of 18, food and world-class RAINSTORM offers an intensive week of cycling for riders prefer- 26, 36, 50 and 62 miles. Each route scenery — one of follows lightly traveled paved roads ring longer distances. Each day’s and a few miles of paved trail. Oregon’s finest rides. route is approximately 100 miles, Park Forest, IL and there are no layover days. Ter- folksonspokes.com rain ranges from rolling to hilly; 24th Annual Pumpkin Pie Ride expect to be challenged. No Baloney Bicycle Ride 10/6/13 Southern Indiana Photo by Amy Richards 8/24/13 Road ride with multiple routes, http://www.triri.org/storm.html The No Baloney Ride is intended including century ride. Pumpkin as just that, a recreational ride, Pie served after the ride! September Escapade TRIRI Spring Tune-Up Ride by BRAG not a race. We pride ourselves on Ottawa, IL 9/15 – 9/20/13 4/5 - 4/7/13 excellent food and rider support starvedrockcycling.com September Escapade will tour the before, during, and after the ride. All cyclists and their families are INDIANA scenic and historic sites of south Peoria, IL central Indiana, with overnights invited to join the 20th annual Touring Ride in Rural Indiana www.ivwnobaloney.com at Brown County, Spring Mill, Spring Tune-Up Ride by BRAG in June Rally and McCormick’s Creek State beautiful Madison, Georgia. This 6/9- 6/14/13 Fourth Annual Fall Festival Ride Parks. Routes use rural, hard- is a fun weekend for the whole Join us at Clifty Falls & Brown 10/5/13 surfaced roads, with stops in small family and a great time to get in County State Parks for six days of Held in conjunction with the towns for services. Terrain ranges shape for the Bicycle Ride Across cycling. Routes will feature winer- Annual Lebanon Fall Festival, from rolling to hilly with some Georgia (BRAG) in June. ies, the 19th century architecture this ride includes five routes challenging hills. Madison, GA of Madison’s historic district, ranging from 13 to 67 miles on Central Indiana www.brag.org and the modern architecture of the beautiful rolling roads and http://www.triri.org/se.html highways in the area surrounding Columbus, Indiana — in addition Roopville Ramble Lebanon Illinois. to the beauty of rural Indiana. 5/18/13 Lebanon, IL Madison, IN The Roopville Ramble is a charity www.ridgeprairietrailhead.org www.triri.org/june_rally.html ride organized by the Citizens of Georgia Power benefitting Camp Sunshine, a camp for kids with serious illnesses. Four routes (15, 37, 67, and 104 miles) go through rural areas in Georgia’s Carroll and Heard counties. Roopville, GA http://roopvilleramble.org/ bicycleride/4sunshine.htm

Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) 6/1 - 6/8/13 The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia is an annual odyssey of discovery of gorgeous Georgia by bicycle. BRAG is a family-oriented tour, not a race. While a strenuous journey, BRAG has been completed by all types of people: college students and first graders, judges and soldiers, teachers and grand- parents. It’s like a fun summer camp for the whole family. Georgia www.brag.org

American Bicyclist 21 RIDE GUIDE

MY FA ORITE RIDE PETER BREYFOGLE MICHIGAN The Root River Bike Trail in Lanesboro, Minn: 62 Sunrise Adventure 6/14- 6/16/13 miles of flat and winding paved trails along the Experience the spectacular Lake Root River. The trail is between the river and the Huron coastline of Michigan’s protective bluffs, so too much wind or sun is Northeast Lower Peninsula. seldom a problem. Quaint towns every five to 10 Alpena will be home base for our miles add food and fun, and a large variety of birds three 40 to 60-mile days of scenic and wild flowers change with the seasons. riding. Alpena, MI www.LMB.org

PALM (Pedal Across Lower Amishland and Lakes KENTUCKY NCC BikeFest & Tour of the Michigan) 8/2 - 8/4/13 Horsey Hundred Valley 6/22- 6/28/13 Amishland and Lakes is a three 5/25- 5/27/13 9/21/13 Michigan’s premier family cycling day tour of Amish countryside The Horsey Hundred will be Me- Come out to enjoy the stun- tour, suitable for the novice or and Michigan lake country. morial weekend in Georgetown, ning fall foliage, dairy farms, and veteran tour rider. Routes range from 23-100 miles. Kentucky. The featured route is quaint villages of the Pioneer Muskegon, MI There are numerous Amish baker- Saturday’s challenging century Valley. Ride the 8, 25, 43, 72 or 104 www.lmb.org/palm ies, restaurants and homemade ride, however distances of 35, 55, mile routes in the heart of New ice cream parlors along the route and 75 miles will also be offered England cycling country and stay MUP (Michigan Upper for riders who want to get a taste on Saturday. Sunday routes are for the gourmet food, beer, live Peninsula) Bicycle Tour of the local flavor. rougly 35, 50, and 70 miles and music and entertainment. 7/15- 7/20/13 Howe, IN head toward beautiful Paris, Northampton, MA The MUP Tour will explore the http://www.amishlandlakes.com/ Kentucky. http://bikefest.nohobikeclub.org/ eastern tip of the Upper Penin- Georgetown, KY sula, beginning and ending at St. kansas www.bgcycling.org MARYLAND Ignace. From St. Ignace, you (and Cottonwood 200 Bike Tour Kent County Spring Fling your bike) can also ferry over to 5/25 - 5/27/13 MASSACHUSETTS 5/24- 5/27/13 experience the magic of Mackinac The Cottonwood 200 is a three- Climb To The Clouds Join the Baltimore Bicycling Club Island. day bicycle tour on paved roads 7/21/13 and enjoy four days cycling the St. Ignace, MI through the Flint Hills of north- Spend the day with fellow cyclists lightly traveled roads of Mary- www.LMB.org east Kansas. The ride covers 200 touring through the apple land’s Chesapeake Bay Eastern miles (75 miles day one; 50 miles orchard country of east central Shore. Rides of 11 to 100 miles Ride Around Torch day two; 75 miles day three) over Massachusetts with rides from 48 meander along flat to rolling 7/21/13 the Memorial Day Weekend. to 100 miles. Climb To The Clouds roads — through rural towns The Ride Around Torch is an Topeka, KS is NOT for beginners. and along scenic rivers. Award annual one-day 26, 63, or 100 http://cottonwood200.org Sudbury, MA winning cuisine, dessert and mile bicycle tour primarily along http://www.crw.org/CTTC/climb2- cordial parties, dancing, and great the scenic shores of Torch Lake, clouds.php music will round out your perfect Michigan’s longest and one of its bicycling experience. most beautiful inland lakes with Chestertown, MD unusually clear, bright turquoise www.BaltoBikeclub.org hued waters. The 100 mile ride is a challenging century with the Tour dem Parks, Hon! rolling shoreline of Torch Lake, 6/9/13 extreme hills and then some. The annual tour of the Baltimore Elk Rapids, MI parks system goes through Balti- www.cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org more’s parks and neighborhoods, giving riders a up-close view of regional attractions and quietly tucked away gems. Participants choose from 14, 25, 35 or 64 mile routes. Proceeds benefit Baltimore’s parks, environment and cycling. Photo by Steven Lehner Baltimore, MD www.tourdemparks.org

22 American Bicyclist AMERICAN

MY FA ORITE RIDE JEFF DONNER THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS My favorite route here in The League of American Bicyclists, founded in Miami is south on Biscayne 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, Boulevard, through Pace Park, promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy across the Venetian Causeway and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The to South Pointe, ride around League represents the interests of the nation’s Miami Beach for a while, and 57 million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 back. It’s 20 miles with a water individuals and 700 organizations, the League view almost the entire time! works to bring better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006- 2850, 202-822-1333; [email protected], 27th Shoreline West Leelanau Harvest Tour fax: 202-822-1334. Bicycle Tour 9/15/13 8/4- 8/10/13 The Leelanau Harvest Tour is a BOARD OF DIRECTORS great biking adventure for both Diane Albert, [email protected] Experience the Lake Michigan Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] Shoreline for seven glorious days families and single riders as the Gary Brustin, [email protected] of riding. From swimming in the fall colors begin to show and tem- Steve Durrant, [email protected] lake, to the cherry lady, to the peratures begin to cool. Leaving Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] sand dunes, to the sights and from the Suttons Bay High School, Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] sounds of Traverse City, through all routes wind through beauti- David Madson, [email protected] the Tunnel of Trees and finishing ful Leelanau County on excellent Matt Moore, [email protected] paved roads passing by farms, Mike Nix, [email protected] with a spectacular view of the John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] Mackinac Bridge. Come join us orchards, vineyards, and through Gail Spann, [email protected] for our 27th year of exploring the quaint villages. Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer coastline of Lake Michigan. Suttons Bay, MI Hans van Naerssen, Chair, Montague, MI www.leelanauharvesttour.org [email protected] www.LMB.org Corinne Winter, [email protected] Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] MISSISSIPPI Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, Celebration of Cycling Double Decker Spring Ride [email protected] 9/14/13 4/27/13 With routes ranging from 6 to 100 The Double Decker Spring Ride STAFF miles, cyclists of all abilities can offers three fully supported ride Andy Clarke - President participate in this great event! distances of 20, 40 and 62.5 miles Alison Dewey - BFA Program Specialist This event raises funds and aware- through the rolling hills of Oxford Darren Flusche - Policy Director ness for Programs to Educate All south to Taylor, Miss., and through Lorna Green - Director of Operations Bill Nesper - Vice President, Programs Cyclists, a non-profit organization Lafayette County. Elizabeth Kiker - Executive Vice President that empowers individuals with Oxford, MS Katie Omberg - Events and Outreach Manager disabilities through cycling. http://oxfordcycling.org Alissa Simcox - Education Director Dearborn Heights, MI Carolyn Szczepanski - Communications Director bikeprogram.org NORTH CAROLINA Scott Williams - Membership Director Fletcher Flyer Nicole Wynands - BFA Program Specialist 6/2/13 AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (BRBC) is proud to bring you the Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski MY FA ORITE RIDE Art Director: Studio D Design 10th annual Fletcher Flyer. The Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon CRYSTAL DAVIS event is a great course for first My favorite organized ride from time riders on every route option American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicy- this past year was the Harlem and a fast ride for more experi- clists, Inc. ©2012 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduc- Valley Rail Ride in Millerton, New enced riders who want to do a tion in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. York. There was beautiful scenery, century without spending all day. Article queries should be addressed to meghan@bikelea- Fletcher, NC gue.org. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, the best rest stops I’ve ever http://www.fletcherflyer.com/ or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way encountered, a couple nice hills, infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions ex- and a great picnic at the end. pressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

American Bicyclist 23 RIDE GUIDE

Blue Ridge Brutal 8/10/13 The Blue Ridge Brutal bike ride tours two northwest North Caro- lina counties: Ashe and Alleghany and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 3 BRB Ride options – 102, 76 and 57 miles. While challenging, each of the rides travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Brutal is a fundraiser for the Ashe Civic Center. West Jefferson, NC blueridgebrutal.org

NEBRASKA Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour 8/10/13 Tour the scenic, paved country roads surrounding the birthplace NEW HAMPSHIRE of Kool-Aid. Choose from 20, 40 Tri-State Seacoast Century MY FA ORITE RIDE RYAN KRAGERUD or 65-mile routes with several rest 9/21 - 9/22/13 Bicycle Longmont’s G’Knight Ride. We were stops (with Kool-Aid refreshment!) The 40th annual Tri-State Sea- unsuccessful getting grants so, being in the West, along the way. coast Century along some of the we grabbed our bootstraps and several craft brews scenic shorelines of New Hamp- Hastings, NE and created our own family-friendly fundraiser http://www.kaclassic.com shire, Maine, and Massachusetts promises to deliver a very enjoy- ride with Oskar Blues Brewery! Bikes, Brews, Bands Heatstroke 100 able cycling experience -- and and Bouncy Castles; does it get better? I think not! 8/25/13 across a new bridge into Maine. The Heatstroke 100 is a non- Hampton Beach, NH competitive, sagged one-day ride. www.GraniteStateWheelmen.org Ride loops of 24, 35, or 49 miles, NEW YORK OHIO for a possible total of 108 miles, NEW JERSEY Sean’s Run Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure through the Platte River Valley Princeton Free Wheelers 4/27/13 6/15- 6/22/13 and surrounding areas, with sce- Bicycle Event Join us for a 20-mile Fun Ride or GOBA is a bicycle-camping tour nic vistas and rolling hills. The ride 8/3/13 50-mile County Half-Century Tour and “an adventure on two wheels is on paved roads, and crosses the The 33rd annual event, rides in Columbia County. with 2,999 of your closest friends.” Platte River on the beautiful Lied range from a family-friendly 16 Chatham, NY The route will celebrate our 25th Platte River Bridge. miles to our popular century with www.SeansRun.com annual tour of the great towns of Lincoln, NE 35, 50, flat metric and hilly metric Ohio. The view from your bicycle greatplainsbikeclub.org in between. Strong SAG sup- Tour of the Hamptons will offer outstanding rural scen- port, well-stocked rest stops, cue 9/22/13 ery, and the week-long adventure sheets, marked routes, and after The 22nd Annual Tour of the will feature fun, Ohio small-town MY FA ORITE RIDE ride meal make this ride through Hamptons travels through mostly hospitality, and the challenge of CHARLES PLUNK the beautiful country roads of flat terrain and rolling hills on the your life. Don’t miss out! central New Jersey a must. Shiloh National Military south fork of Long Island, passing Ohio West Windsor, NJ farmlands, beaches, mansions www.goba.com Park. A 10-mile loop with www.princetonfreewheelers.com and historic towns such as East rolling Hills, shady lanes, Hampton, Amagansett and Mon- Mad Anthony River Rally historical monuments, NEW MEXICO tauk before returning to South- 8/3/13 and the Tennessee River. Santa Fe Century ampton. The tour has routes of 25, 20th annual Mad Anthony I can’t get enough! 5/19/13 50, 70, 100 miles and two 25 mile River Rally. Chris Cakes breakfast, Now in its 27th year, join us for Escorted Rides. souvenir photo and ice cream routes of 25, 50, or 100 miles with Southampton, NY included in registration. six food stops and sag wagon www.massparkbikeclub.org Whitehouse, OH support vehicles. www.toledoareabicyclists.org Santa Fe, NM SantaFeCentury.com

24 American Bicyclist OKLAHOMA Yaquina Lighthouse Rides Tour de Tulsa 8/17/13 5/4/13 Choose from a 25 mile out and Now in its 22nd year, this is a Tulsa back from the Yaquina Head area classic and generally attracts Lighthouse; a 75 mile ride that between 400 and 700 riders with follows the Yaquina and Siletz Riv- full SAG support and ample rest ers and returns to the lighthouse stops. via the Oregon Coast Bike Route Tulsa, OK on Highway 101 with the wind at www.tulsabicycleclub.com/ your back; or a century ride that tourdetulsa follows the same route as the 75 mile ride with an additional leg to OREGON Moonshine Park and Taft. Cycle Oregon Weekend Event Newport, OR 7/12 – 7/14/13 www.yaquinawheels.org The 2013 Weekend Ride will showcase a variety of rides for PENNSYLVANIA riders of all shapes and sizes. With Three Creek Century our trusty mix of family-friendly 9/15/13 and more challenging routes, Join the Harrisburg Bicycle Club you can have a most magical for a scenic 100-mile tour of MY FA ORITE RIDE RYAN KRAGERUD experience. beautiful Central Pennsylvania. Bicycle Longmont’s G’Knight Ride. We were Oregon This event is fully supported and unsuccessful getting grants so, being in the West, www.cycleoregon.com is noted for its quiet roads, quaint we grabbed our bootstraps and several craft brews small towns and great home and created our own family-friendly fundraiser Le Grande Tour made food. Carlisle, PA ride with Oskar Blues Brewery! Bikes, Brews, Bands 7/20/13 The 6th Annual Tour de Parks Bike www.threecreekcentury.com and Bouncy Castles; does it get better? I think not! Ride will celebrate the scenery and particularly the city parks of SOUTH CAROLINA Washington County, Oregon, and After Charleston Marathon invite people to get on their bikes 1/20/13 in a fun, family-oriented setting. The day after the Charleston The Le Grande Tour (approximate- Marathon, join us for a 30 or 60 ly 62 miles, a metric century) visits mile ride. several city parks in a scenic tour Charleston, SC through rural Washington County, www.CharlestonMarathon.com and includes a water station and lunch. Hillsboro, OR http://www.tourdeparks.com/ MY FA ORITE RIDE JANIS MATTHEWS Cycle Oregon Trinity Trails in Fort 9/7 – 9/14/13 Worth, Texas — 60 Cycle Oregon delivers the best miles of trails along combination of scenery, chal- the Trinity River. lenge, amenities, camaraderie and philanthropy of any ride out there. A fun-loving mix of back- road riding and two-wheeled tent revival, our event moves from town to town with 2,000 or more riders enjoying generous hospitality and providing direct fi- nancial benefits to our host towns as well as cycling-related causes throughout Oregon. Oregon www.cycleoregon.com

American Bicyclist 25 RIDE GUIDE

TENNESSEE 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge MY FA ORITE RIDE BECKY JOHNSON 5/4/13 One of the southeast’s most Iron Mountain Road in South Dakota – also known as scenic and challenging events Pigtail Bridges to locals. The ride takes you through offers four route options for rid- the heart of the Black Hills and then, to top it off, you ers. The rigorous 100-mile option can make the big climb to Mt. Rushmore. takes riders through Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia and over three mountains; the 90-mile option takes riders through three Shenandoah Valley Century states and two mountains; the TEXAS VIRGINIA 9/8/13 moderate 62-mile option spans Bike MS: BP MS 150 Alleghany Highlands Cycling We invite you to join us and many two states; and the 25-mile ride is 4/20 - 4/21/13 Festival others on the Shenandoah Valley a moderately hilly ride on roads of The BP MS 150 is a two-day 7/13 - 7/14/13 Century for some of the finest Tennessee and Georgia. fundraising cycling ride organized Come out to the cooler heights cycling to be found. Scenic vistas, Chattanooga, TN by the National MS Society South of the Alleghany mountains of small towns, beautiful farms, chattbike.com Central region. With over 13,000 western Virginia and tackle the participants, this ride is the largest challenge of the Gran Fondo quiet roads, and more. All routes are paved and have low traffic Elk River Valley 100 event of its kind in North America. Alleghany Highlands alongside volume. 9/7/13 The ride is a two day, 180-mile brain injury survivor and retired Harrisonburg, VA The Elk River Valley 100 has some- journey for MS from Houston to pro cyclist Saul Raisin. On Sunday, http://www.svbcoalition.org/ thing for everyone — beautiful Austin. stay for the Raisin Recovery Ride events/century/ scenery, great food and lots of Houston, TX to support Virginia Veterans and fun. Please join us as we tour six www.ms150.org expand your knowledge and counties of scenic Middle Tennes- fitness by attending a training WASHINGTON see and visit historic Lynchburg, The Hottest Day of The Year seminar with Hunter Allen. 2013 Inland Empire Century TN, home to the Jack Daniels Ride & Party Covington, VA 5/11/13 Distillery. 8/10/13 www.ahcyclingfestival.com The Inland Empire Century, Tullahoma, TN The Hottest Day of The Year Ride established in 1981, provides ride http://www.elkrivercentury.org & Party celebrates the peak of options of 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles. summer heat. From this date, Proceeds from this ride support Bluff City Blues 100 the days become cooler. But in the community service activities 10/5/13 the meantime, we demonstrate of the Kiwanis Clubs of The Co- A century starting at the Mud Is- that bicycling in the dog days of lumbia and Tri-Cities Industry. land River Perk in Memphis, Tenn., summer is not only feasible, but Richland, WA this ride also includes BBQ , Beer, practical and fun! inlandempirecentury.org and Blues. Don’t forget to take a Austin, TX photo with the famous Hernando http://bikeaustin.org/hot Desoto Bridge in the background as a momento of the ride. Memphis, TN Www.bcb100.com

MY FA ORITE RIDE PLUMAS-SIERRA BICYCLE CLUB The Gold Lake Highway Loop – an ongoing ride in Graeagle, California in late spring, summer and fall. The prettiest ride in the High Sierras with three mountain passes, alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, many mountain lakes, the cascading Yuba river, and the spectacular Sierra Buttes. 44 miles and 4,500 feet of climbing!

Photo by Richard Risemberg

26 American Bicyclist Rhody Bike Tour WISCONSIN 5/12/13 Ride on Oconto History The Rhody Tour is a fun ride with 5/1/13 distance and difficulty options for Join us for one of five bike routes everyone from families and be- set up around the city with 46 ginning cyclists to century-riding historical stops to promote biking veterans. and Oconto’s rich history. Port Townsend, WA Oconto, WI ptbikes.org/rides/rhodytour/ [email protected]

RAPSody Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows 8/24 - 8/25/13 6/22 - 6/27/13 Enjoy the scenic back roads This ride features the best of the and bike trails of five Washing- driftless area of southern Wiscon- Photo by Oscar Jimenez ton counties while supporting sin and northern Illinois. Through- statewide bicycle advocacy and out the tour, we’ll meander along education. The approximate 170- quiet pastoral country lanes WEST VIRGINIA mile loop around the South Puget dotted with small farms; refuel on Appalachian Spring Spectacular Sound starts and ends at Tacoma homemade melt-in-your-mouth 5/5/13 MY FA ORITE RIDE Community College and includes cinnamon rolls and chin drippin’ Choose a 25, 45 or 60 mile ride on ALEX STODDARD lots of rolling hills, 30 miles of peaches; tour a local brewery and scenic, low traffic roads north into Bennie Creek Trail in paved bike trails, and water and sample some of their brews; visit Pennsylvania from Morgantown, Payson Canyon, Utah. mountain views. Slightly hilly but a cheese factory and taste some WV. Longer routes are moderately with a modest amount of training, of Wisconsin’s great cheese, and hilly and challenging for moder- you’ll be ready. RAPSody is not to more! ately fit cyclists. be missed! Mineral Point, WI Morgantown, WV Tacoma, WA www.scscbiketour.com crcyclists.org http://www.rapsodybikeride.com/

MY FA ORITE RIDE JABE HICKEY The Fruit Loops Ride. An easy 40-mile ride from Longmont or Boulder, Colo., across the plains and farms, then two five-mile loops down a lane lined with fruit trees and on Apple Valley Road outside of Lyons (with a stop at the Stone Cup for some caffeine!). It’s beautiful rolling terrain; a great recovery ride.

American Bicyclist 27 quickstop What is the best thing Q:about your commute? You don’t have to go far for a great ride. Many of us pedal to and from work – and savor the experience each and every day. In fact, we asked the League’s Facebook community to complete the sentence: “My favorite thing about my commute is…” and got dozens of inspiring responses. Enjoy the ride!

reathing in he beautiful j umping potting theb rush of wind as I viewt of the river s on two wheels just bald eagles along pass all the sad and as I bike over before sun up, the the Potomac River. disgruntled faces Massachusetts world is still half (Mary Rawle Jones) stuck behind the Avenue here in asleep. I enjoy the wheel. (John Adams) Boston. The city looks ride to the office all so pretty from that the while watching view. (Christine M. the world wake up Casalini) inging Photo by Bethany Heemeyer and shake off the s night dust. (Cameron and humming the Creamer) tornado song from “The Wizard of Oz” hen a with visions of the w Wicked Witch in my student at the school where I teach passes head, while I peddle he cheerful me on the way to or down a dusty dirt greetingst from all from campus and trail on my beach the school crossing waves or yells a joyful comber. (Maria guards as I pedal greeting. That never DeLeon Garibay) past. (Susan Pitcher) happened when I was in my car! (Mary Barnes)

he autumn tsmells, and the view Photo by Randy Rasa of Pioneer Peak in melling the grillss and trying to Palmer, Alaska. (Mandy Hale) decide what to have for supper. (Tom eaving home rossing the withl my truck still in Walsh) c George Washington the garage and riding Bridge just before past the gas station sunrise — and not displaying $4.28 per paying $12 to do it! gallon. (Eric Lewis) (Michael Zuko)

Photo by Lorie Bartnes

28 American Bicyclist

IV American Bicyclist