This is the 392nd issue of Bike Bits, Adventure Cycling's twice-monthly bicycle bulletin. Bike Bits is delivered to you, and 61,534 other readers, because you've signed up for it at the Adventure Cycling Association website. We want to inspire you to dream and to live your own bicycle adventures.

“Government must help to eliminate cars so that bicycles can help to eliminate government.”

-Advocacy slogan, Holland

THE ACCIDENTAL MIRACLE

Pope Francis inadvertently brought cyclists and anti-bikers together on the streets of Philadelphia. Read more

FROM THE STOCKING STUFFERS DESK

After spending 18 months riding from London to Japan with her partner Andre, Claire and her artist friend Ania have created a journal designed for the discerning bike traveler. (Don’t forget to check out her rather extensive travel blog, the Big Ride.) Read more

SCIENCE: BIKES ARE TELEPORTATION DEVICES

Who are we to argue with science? Read more

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE RIDE

Climate Ride has a new coastal route from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo by way of the Pacific Coast through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and San Simeon. Along the way, you’ll visit green schools, eco-retreats, and beneficiaries doing great work for climate, conservation, and bike advocacy. Choose from more than 100 nonprofits to support, including Adventure Cycling! Click on the link below for more info and to get your spot on the new California Ride on June 9-13, 2017. Read more

DO THEY MAKE THE POLKA DOT JERSEY IN KIDS’ SIZES?

Nine-year-old proves you don’t need advanced years (or even puberty) to be an awesome cyclist. Read more

INSERT ‘SPIN CYCLE’ PUN HERE

We’re beginning to lose count of all the new bicycle-powered businesses popping up. Read more

BIKE TRAVEL WEEKEND 2017

Looking for an early start in planning for next year’s Bike Travel Weekend? Check out Eva Dunn-Froebig’s blog post for helpful tips, and be sure to clear out June 2-4, 2017 in your calendar. Read more

INSCRUTABLE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED

From the makers of inexpensive designer furniture comes…a bike. Read more

BEFORE PORTLAND GOT WEIRD

Looks like bike-crazy hipsters are nothing new in Oregon. Read more

COULD THE RECUMBANTISTS HAVE BEEN RIGHT THIS WHOLE TIME?

Turns out chimps are better suited to riding diamond-frame bikes than we are. Read more

Until next time, click here for vicarious adventures in Montana fire towers.

Adventure Cycling Association is North America’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle. Membership is open to anyone and includes a one-year subscription to Adventure Cyclist magazine and discounted pricing on maps from our Adventure Cycling Route Network, which now includes 45,003 miles. To join, go here.

Illustrations by Greg Siple