This is the 442nd 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.

“All of life is a foreign country.”

Jack Kerouac

Resolve to Ride

Just in case you need reasons for riding your bike more in the new year, we’ve got 45 of them. Read more

The Sun Also Rises (for Bikepacking)

Exploring Hemingway’s Spain on two wheels. Read more

Thank You, Donors

A huge thanks to all the generous donors who helped us reach our match challenge! If you haven’t had the opportunity to make a gift, we’re still $32,712 short of our goal. We’d love to have your support. Donate now

Notes from the Underground Railroad

After hiking the Appalachian Trail, Daniel White sought a route with a more personal connection. Read more 

The Next Great Rail Trail

The Rock Island Line corridor would add to the Katy Trail to create a 450-mile, world-class rail trail network in Missouri. Contact Missouri state representatives to voice your support. Read more

Riding the Cascade Range

Mount Rainier to Crater Lake along the Cascade’s backroads. Read more

Oregon Coast Bike Plan

Do you ride the Oregon Coast Bike Route? Chime in on the Oregon Coast Bike Route Plan and help make the route safer and more enjoyable. Read more

Cycle Therapy

A veterans group in Oklahoma formed a cycling team to combat PTSD. Read more

Dark Night of the Seoul

Experiencing the highs and lows of a cycling adventure in South Korea. Read more

From the White Cliffs of Dover

Two cyclists have set a record for crossing the English Channel — using pedal power. Read more

Until next time, click here for vicarious adventures in Iceland.

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