This is the 441st issue of Bike Bits, Adventure Cycling’s twice-monthly bicycle bulletin. Bike Bits is delivered to you, and 69,493 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.

“Cycling can be lonely, but in a good way. It gives you a moment to breathe and think, and get away from what you're working on.”

David Byrne

Cyclist’s Best Friend

A cross-country ride with a dog. Is the dog wearing goggles? Do you even have to ask? Read more

Gravel Ride to Rebuild

The Woolsey Fire decimated the Santa Monica Mountains, but you can help rebuild! Ride steep roads (6,500 feet of elevation gain!), eat good food, and make new friends. Proceeds go to the Mountains Restoration Trust. Read more

Blazing a Trail for Bicycle Travel

Did you know that Adventure Cycling is a nonprofit funded by passionate people like you? When you donate, you’re empowering people to experience the life-changing power of bicycle travel. And if you donate today, our Holiday Trailblazers will double it! Donate now

Pedaling Manually

After riding cross-country in 2014, Dwayne Burgess decided to share his ongoing adventures with the world. Check out his blog at the following link. Read more 

The Youth is Starting to Change

The Greg Siple Award for Young Adult Bicycle Travel is for 18- to 30-year-olds seeking the tools for a lifetime of adventure. Thanks to generous Adventure Cycling members and corporate supporters REI, Big Agnes, Arkel, and BikeFlights.com, four winners will receive gear and take an Adventure Cycling educational course. Applications are due December 31. Read more

God Save the Microadventure

Finding freedom on two wheels in England’s Peak District. Read more

What’s Faster, Bicycles or Cars?

Food delivery service Deliveroo (and its algorithm named Frank) has the answer. Read more

Last-Minute Shoppers Rejoice!

A holiday gift membership is a great last-minute gift idea for the cyclist on your list. Join or renew your membership, and give the gift of bicycle travel for just $22.50, half off our regular rate. Read more

Floridians in Montana

A Tampa Bay family enjoys the peaks and valleys of a supported cycling vacation in the Treasure State. Read more

Bridges of Fujian County

A cycling trip to hunt the most sought-after attractions in rural China — covered bridges. Read more

Until next time, click here for vicarious adventures with just one gear (and a lot of ice).

Adventure Cycling Association is North America’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and connecting 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 47,283 miles. To join, go here.

Illustrations by Greg Siple