Was 2012 a Dream?


When you read the title, you were probably thinking: "uh, Jim, there are nearly two months left in 2012." But actually, Adventure Cycling's fiscal year 2012 concluded on September 30 -- and it was a record setter in so many ways. You can read all about it, but enjoy these highlights:
Topping it all off, we hit a new record of 45,225 wonderful members and supporters -- and that means Adventure Cycling continues to be North America's largest cycling membership non-profit.

At times, 2012 has felt dream-like, but a quick look at the numbers tells me it's real -- and another reflection of the boom in bike travel. Thanks to all our members and supporters for a phenomenal year --- and look for more exciting news as we ride further into fiscal 2013!

Photo by Gregg Bleakney. Caption: Adventure Cycling scaled some amazing heights in fiscal year 2012. Here Jim climbs into the Alps during a recent visit to Lucerne, Switzerland and the Adventure Travel World Summit.

--

JIM SAYER is the executive director of Adventure Cycling Association.


Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/11/was-2012-dream.html

cycling forums

How to Make a Bicycle Touring Video

Adventure Cycling?s first annual Bicycle Travel Video Contest is now open, organized in conjunction with World Cycle Videos. Between now and the submission deadline on February 28, 2013, we?ll feature guest blog posts from our volunteer judges with insights and tips for creating inspiring bicycle-travel videos. The following is a guest post by Friedel Grant.



Making videos of our bike touring adventures has never come naturally to me. I can often be found muttering to myself, wondering what that button does or how best to combine those two clips.

At the end of the day, however, I'm always satisfied to complete a film about our cycling adventures. A video captures the sounds, movements and emotions of a trip in a much more lively, engaging way than a photograph. It is a living memory.

Just listen to me screaming in this little film as I wade barefoot across a river, looking for a good place to cross with our bicycles. My voice instantly gives away just how chilly the water was, in a way a photograph never could.


 Memories like the ones captured in that video are the reason why I encourage you to make a film of your next bike touring adventure, even if you're not a natural film maker. With a little thought and patience, you can record some priceless moments.

Here are a few tips from this amateur film maker:

#1. Tell A Story -- Instead of trying to capture absolutely everything, find a theme that you'd like to focus on. Is it the fabulous regional food? Or perhaps the experience of cycling in a foreign land? Once you have a theme, start making a list of the types of things you'd like to film. This will help focus your efforts and make it easier to edit your raw clips into an interesting finished video that flows nicely from one scene to the next.

#2. Invest In A Microphone -- The most atmospheric clips make good use of sound and an external microphone will help you record it properly, whether you're trying to share the sound of crickets chirping around your tent at night or talk over a raging rainstorm. External microphones that clip onto your clothing are quite cheap, so invest in one. If that's not an option, make two recordings. In the first one, you can hold the camera close to the source of the sound and record only the sound. Don't worry about the image. In the second, you can film the surrounding scenery. Use your editing program to combine the good audio track with the best images.

#3. Aim High, Low, Near and Far -- As you film, take a variety of shots. Don't just film the field full of sunflowers. Zoom in on the petals and leaves. Tip your camera up to capture the plants against the blue sky and crouch down to get a road-level view of your cycling companions pedalling past. These varied angles are much more interesting than the same eye-level view over and over. Before I let you go, here's one more video that I really enjoy. Technically it's far from perfect, but it does tell a great story! 



Photo courtesy of Friedel Grant


--

FRIEDEL GRANT launched into bike touring with a tour around the world with her husband. They pedaled 48,000 km through 30 countries before settling down to ride bikes in The Netherlands. Friedel writes about bike touring on her website, Travelling Two, has published the Bike Touring Survival Guide and written a chapter for the Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/11/how-to-make-bicycle-touring-video.html

cycling jerseys

Holiday Wish List

When I was a child I made wish lists of all the things I wanted my parents to give me for Christmas and Hannukah. Lucky me, with a Baptist mother and Jewish father, I got to celebrate both holidays. I remember getting my first bike, a purple Huffy, and running outdoors in my pajamas and socks to ride it around the neighborhood. Over the years many items appeared on my list: Barbies, New Kids on the Block albums, a CD player, new bikes (always), and, of course, a pony. And a new puppy. I should stop myself now. You get it though, there were many things I wanted that I felt, as a child, I couldn't live without.

As an adult now, with the holidays and new year approaching, of course there are things that I want, but more importantly I contemplate all the great things I wish for the world. Many of my wishes are about a bicycle-friendly world and some are just about bicycles.  
Adventure Cycling has a wish list too. Except our wishes are more than just wishes. They are goals that, with your support, will be achieved.

We envision a future in which:

  • Everyone is aware of the amazing power of traveling by bicycle.
  • Cyclists are inspired to explore landscapes and cultures for fun, fitness, and self-discovery.
  • Everyone has easy access to a national network of bicycle routes.
  • Barriers to bicycle travel are eliminated.
  • Everyone has the information and tools necessary to travel successfully by bicycle.
  • Bicycle tourism is a thriving part of the economy. 

You can help these wishes become a reality by making a donation to our Holiday Campaign today. This year, our Holiday Trailblazers (donors who have come together to create a match challenge) will match all gifts 1:1. If you give a donation that is at least 25% greater than your annual gift last year, they will match it 2:1!* All gifts must be received by December 31st to qualify for the match, so please donate today.

For more information on how we intend to make this vision a reality, check out our 2012 strategic plan.

Thank you for your support.


*2:1 match amount listed in 2012 Holiday Campaign package. You may also email development@adventurecycling.org or call Alex at (406) 532-2779 or Amanda at (406) 532-2775 to determine your 2:1 match amount. 

Images by Luke McDonnell


--

SUPPORT ADVENTURE CYCLING is written by Amanda Lipsey, development director for Adventure Cycling Association.


Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/11/holiday-wish-list.html

giordana cycling

Shack Sets Powerful Roster for The Tour of Switzerland

The 9-day long, 75th edition of the Tour de Suisse starts on Saturday, June 11th, and as usual, it promises to be a real shoot out, with many of the sports elite stars making their annual pilgrimage to the land of private banking, precise time pieces and great chocolate as the traditional tune up for [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/shack-sets-powerful-roster-for-the-tour-of-switzerland/

free cycling

Is Addison Lee good for London cyclist?

At this stage I have to say RIP to all those who have lost there lives cycling on the UK roads at the hands of motorist. The Addison Lee debate seems to be the topic of the moment, its either the boss of Addison Lee  John Griffin is a genius or and absolute idiot. Griffin's original article had stirred up heated debate on the internet as it suggested that cyclists in London willingingly took their lives into their own hands by riding on roads. He said that cyclists should be properly trained and pay for using roads, summing up the article with "It is time for us to say to cyclists 'You want to join our gang, get trained and pay up'. I have come to the conclusion that he is a genius he is getting loads of free advertising when you think cab firm the 1st name that you will think of now will be Addison Lee. He has been in the printed press on the radio, Twitter, Facebook and now even I find my self-writing about John Griffin and Addison Lee. He is also good for cyclist and has highlighted the fact that cyclist need to stick together as we seem to be gaining more power in transport discussions in the city, we even have the London mayoral candidates fighting over or vote it is important that cycling stays free and free from the involvement of big business. It does not matter what John Griffin says about cyclist he is only a cab firm who wants to use the bus lanes and has been clever in the way he has diverted the attention of that topic and on to cycling and cyclist. What worry?s me if he get his way it would mean all cab firms and independent cab drivers will want to be able to use the bus lanes putting more cyclist in danger, a bus lane is like a secondary bike lane where as a cyclist.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Cyclingchatcouk/~3/oLK8BsgvSg0/

cycling training

Join Us for a Regional Gathering in Evanston, Illinois


You?re invited to celebrate the joy of bicycle travel; join Adventure Cycling Association for a special gathering in Evanston!

Learn about Adventure Cycling?s latest routes and activities, and meet others who share your passion for bicycle adventures. Jim Sayer, our executive director, along with Amanda Lipsey, our development director, will present the latest organization news and answer any questions you might have.

Details:
Thursday, November 29, 6PM-8:30PM at the Evanston Public Library (Community meeting room), 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL

RSVP by November 26 to Beth Petersen: (406) 532-2751, bpetersen@adventurecycling.org.

Feel free to bring friends, fellow cyclists, and family members!

Photo from Adventure Cycling's 2012 Visiting Cyclists set on Flickr.


--

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted almost every other Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. Membership Highlights spotlights the various benefits of membership, our accomplishments thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.


Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/11/member-meeting-evanston-illinois.html

cycling clubs

TdF Halfway Point ? Havoc, Mayhem, Carnage

When it?s over, it will be very hard for anyone to discuss this 98th edition of the Tour de France, without mentioning the numerous, high profile, and wild crashes that have marred the first half of this year?s contest. Not only has there been an extremely high number of riders hitting the deck, but there [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/tdf-halfway-point-havoc-mayhem-carnage/

winter cycling gear

NEW OFF PEAK PRICING : Retul Bike Fits from £149.99

The off season is here, time to rest, recuperate and plan ahead for the 2013 season. Now is the time to really dial in your riding position with a view to adapting over the winter period and hitting next season HARD. What’s more – We’re introducing a NEW OFF PEAK price structure so now there [...]

Source: http://blog.bike-science.com/2012/10/30/new-off-peak-pricing-retul-bike-fits-from-149-99

cycling events

Levi Comments: Radioshack?s Leader in Tour de France

There has been plenty of speculation in the media and among fans regarding which Team Radioshack rider will lead the team in it’s efforts in the upcoming Tour de France. Even though Lance Armstrong is no longer riding professionally, the team still have several profiles who would fit the bill. In an recent poll on [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/levi-comments-radioshacks-leader-in-tour-de-france/

cycling team kits