The truth and the bike.

We are all guilty of it. We get entrenched in the monotony of the bike.  We get to our group rides, we pedal, we suffer, we blow snot, we stare at the wheel in front of us, we tough it out, we train.  I love the grit and the romance.  It has almost a cathartic rhythm to it all. I love the predictable nature my training lends me.  I love my roads, I love my potholes, and I love my routine.  I clip in, I ride, I get stronger, I...

Source: http://alisonstarnes.com/the-truth-and-the-bike/

skinsuit cycling

It?s like a journey I just don?t have a map for

Sometimes it’s not about the riding.  Sometimes the bike is just there to give you something to do while you’re talking, and to get you to where you can do that talking over coffee.  It’s a vehicle for a different kind of therapy – mental instead of physical – but as equally therapeutic.  Sometimes it’s [...]

Source: http://www.thecyclingmayor.com/its-like-a-journey-i-just-dont-have-a-map-for

tour de france

Look what Santa's brought the Isle of Wight!

OK, I admit that as presents go this doesn't look too exciting, but this is the smoothest stretch of tarmac on the whole of the Isle of Wight and it has just been laid at the Sandown end of NCN23, the Newport to Cowes cycle track. The path has been closed for several weeks now [...]

Source: http://cycleseven.org/look-what-santas-brought-the-isle-of-wight?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=look-what-santas-brought-the-isle-of-wight

british cycling

Muravyev Rides Strong at Three Days of De Panne

Team RadioShack?s Dmitriy Muravyev (KAZ) made his presence felt in the opening stage of the 35th running of the Three Days of De Panne, staying with a 4-man breakaway that somehow kept clear of a peloton loaded with expectant sprinter?s teams. Dmitriy crossed the finish line 3rd behind the winner Omega Pharma-Lotto?s André Greipel (GER) [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/muravyev-rides-strong-at-three-days-of-de-panne/

womens cycling clothes

2013 Bikes ? Read about our Unique Sizing and Fitting process BEFORE you buy anything!

CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR PRE-PURCHASE SIZING SESSION NOW At Bike Science we pride ourselves on making sure each bike we supply is well suited and perfectly fitted to its rider. Our unique sales process ensures that your bike will not only fit you, but be the right bike for you. Here’s how… 1. Pre visit questionnaire:- [...]

Source: http://blog.bike-science.com/2013/01/02/2013-bikes-read-about-our-unique-sizing-and-fitting-process-before-you-buy-anything

cycling training camps

American explorer attempts bicycle journey to the South Pole

December might not seem to be the ideal time to embark on a bicycle touring adventure, unless your destination is the South Pole where summer arrives Dec. 21.

That’s where Boulder-based adventurer Eric Larsen is headed on his 750-mile Cycle South expedition.

The 41-year-old is riding and carrying his provisions — about 100 pounds — …

Continue reading »

Source: http://www.bikingbis.com/2012/12/27/american-explorer-attempts-bicycle-journey-to-the-south-pole/

cycling insurance

The Faces of Bicycle Travel #5


People. The true treasures of bicycle travel.

Laos, 2005


The smell of wood smoke is in the air along with the squeals of little pigs darting across the road. The roads had wound up and down for days (500-foot to 2,000-foot climbs all day long) as we crossed from one river drainage to the next. There were no restaurants or stores to be found, so we asked a local if she would cook us breakfast. She held a newborn in one arm as she fried up spicy eggs with greens and sticky rice over a wood fire. We kept glancing up to see dozens of kids peeking in to see the foreigners. We emerged out into the brilliant blue sky of the highlands of northern Laos.

The kids ran away at first but soon surrounded us with smiles that would melt the heart of even the most jaded of travelers. We heard their laughter and calls until we finally pedaled up and over the next ridge.

 

Colombia, 2008

He just wanted to buy us a cup of coffee. Why? Well, in this little village high in the mountains of the coffee growing region of Colombia, travelers were a rarity -- especially travelers on bikes. It was a gesture we received time and time again. One gentleman who stopped and talked with us at a roadside restaurant shook our hands and said, "Thank you for taking the time to visit my country." When we later went to pay our bill, we found out that he had already paid it.



Portugal, 2010

Sometimes you pedal by at just the right moment. We were invited to spend the day in a small village in Portugal with the local folk society. (Southern Portugal Escapade: Adventure Cyclist July 2012) It was their annual festival and they were all decked out in traditional clothing. We were taking a walking tour of the town and I snapped this photo of these girls checking out a Facebook photo. The contrast of past and present just cracks me up.


Many images of my bicycle travels may fade over time ... but the faces of people encountered will always burn bright.

Photos: By Willie Weir

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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS is posted every other Friday. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His latest book Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist will inspire you to hit the road and just might change the way you approach bicycle travel. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their adventures at http://yellowtentadventures.com/.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/12/the-faces-of-bicycle-travel-5.html

rapha cycling