My Favorite Bicycle Touring Blogs of 2014
September 23, 2014
It’s been quite the experience working at Adventure Cycling — I joined the tours department in August 2013. Over the past year, I’ve met so many unique bicycle travelers — many of these riders came through Missoula to visit Adventure Cycling headquarters, others were either passing through or heading out on adventures near and far. Indeed, some of these cyclists are travelling hundreds and thousands of miles, fearlessly and stoically pedaling self-contained on their bicycles. But often what impressed me the most is that some are committed to posting and sharing their adventures via blogs, so we can all follow along, see what they are seeing, and be inspired too. Here are of some of my favorite bicycle touring blogs from the past year. Thanks to the amazing riders and authors that have shared their stories with me.
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Jocelyn Sunshine Rice and her father, Mike
Father Daughter Cycling Adventures
“Believe the Ride”
I met Jocelyn Rice in October 2013 in Missoula. We both attended the Leadership Training Course together. I was struck by her relaxed demeanor, her sense of humor and her passion for adventure. She recounted tales of travelling by herself, self-contained across the U.S. We have stayed in touch and I’m thrilled to follow her and her father on their epic world tour.
Dan Leonard, Bill White & the Gang, Southern Tier, 2013
“This is a true story of Dan Leonard’s trek across America on a bicycle”
Related pages: Tour de Fete, Cycle Touring Heavy Haulers and Rob’s Cycle Across America
The story of how Bill and Dan met serendipitously in San Diego is both fun and inspiring. They joined the Southern Tier self-contained tour led by Sally Fenton (Dan joined just the night before!) — their story of travelling across the U.S. together, developing a close friendship, and Dan’s truly courageous and adventurous spirit humbled me.
Seraya Ghoneim, Trans Am, 2014
Seraya’s Bike Ride Across America
“Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride”
Seraya and the Trans Am self-contained tour group led by David Lynch came through Missoula in July 2014, just after Seraya had a devastating crash outside of Dillon, MT, and was hospitalized. What inspires me most about Seraya’s story and her blog is her eye for beauty on route, her youth, her passion for adventure and her strength of spirit in the face of adversity.
David Palmer, Southern Tier and Trans Am, Van 2014
“As a 50th birthday gift to myself I am undertaking a 10,000 mile cycle around America.”
When I first heard about David Palmer’s plans to criss-cross the whole U.S. by bicycle in 2014, I was both intrigued and amazed. Then I met him in person in Missoula and was surprised by his quiet demeanor and true love for good food and drink! Indeed, he has reported on the best ice cream all across this fair land via bicycle. Check out the map of Dave’s bold touring plans for 2014! Go Dave!
Aitor Galdos & Evelin Heuschreck
“This is the story of a very slow speed journey, the one set by the speed of a bicycle. This blog is dedicated to those who believe that dreams can and must become true.”
Aitor and Evelin are two of the most inspiring cyclists I have ever met. Aitor is from the Basque region of Spain and Evelin is from Italy. When the pair came through Missoula, they gave a wonderful presentation about their four years spent on the road, cycling the world. They shared photographs of their journeys that are truly breathtaking. I especially love their belief in fulfilling one's dreams as life’s greatest challenge. If they can dream it, they can do it!
Wally Werner, LTC-Florida, Intro to Road Touring - Florida and North Star, 2014
“If you have a dream, you should find a way to make that dream come true. And if your dream includes doing something that seems really big or intimidating, that is ok, because you only have to do it one minute, one hour, and one day at a time.”
Wally is not only an amazing tour leader for Adventure Cycling, he's a dedicated board member and an experience Leadership Training Instructor. This year, Wally really hit the road full force — he rode from the Florida Keys all the way to Alaska, teaching and blogging along the way.
I must say that I do feel extremely fortunate to have met most of these cyclists in person this year. What a privilege to meet them and learn more about their adventures face-to-face and to feel and see their passion and commitment to the adventure of cycling! Bravo!
Post by Darrah Rogers | Photos 1 and 2 by Joceyln and Mike Rice | Photo 3 by Bill White | Photos 4 and 5 by Seraya Ghoneim | Photo 6 by David Palmer | Photo 7 by Aitor Galdos and Evelin Heuschreck | Photo 8 by Wally Werner
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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team — Lydia, Darrah, Mike, Mandy, and Arlen — tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to the Adventure Cycling tours department. Check out our 2014 Guided Tours today!
Comments
Amazing stories.. You should check out this Dutch guy who is already cycling for 10 months to raise as much as awareness possible for a NGO in a favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil! He already passed 25 countries and will reach a total of 13.000 miles.. Crazy!
http://www.cyclingforstars.com/?lang=en
It's a great collection and some are still on the road, like Jocelyn and her dad. Great inspiration!
I got bit by the touring lifestyle, wish I could do it full time! I did this video trying out as a Blackburn Ranger. Hope to see all of you on the road! https://youtu.be/ha1_CkCPd9g
Great collection!
http://bikealicious-romania.com/one-day-trip-to-trascau-fortress-and-secuiului-stone/
I stopped in the Missoula office on July 7, 2014 while touring the TransAmerica Trail from Granby, CO to Mitchell, OR. Greeted by Amanda and her guide dog, I got the tour, photo for the 2014 wall, bandana, and something to drink from the refrigerator. Everyone was very professional and seemed ready to get started with a new week. Before I left, I leaned over and asked the guide dog to keep an eye, not a leg, on my picture since I ended up in the lower right hand corner (about wee high) of the photo wall. Thank you ACA for a great visit.
Dorian Anderson is spending the year riding the US in search of seeing the largest number of bird species all by bicycle. His blog is one of the most unique and well written blogs that I have read. I am not really a birder, but I find it interesting his commentary about birding.
Hey! My daughter (Pupine) and I (BentJay) rode the Northern Tier (modified) this summer. Yes, I'm tootin' my own horn!
crazyguyonabike.com/doc/pupine
Hi Jay, took a peek at your blog and ended up reading the entire thing. You made the x-country trek seem easy. Was especially impressed by your pre-ride ride from OH to NJ. PA is one of the toughest states to get across. I live near Philly and have ridden across. RAAM avoids it. Kudos to you and Molly on a great ride/ blog. Good pics too. Ciao.
"Some amazing, inspiring stories! I am especially impressed to see Dan bike one-highhandedly! He is so calm and composed despite that one of his major body parts is missing. I salute him for his utter conviction and dead determination towards his favorite sport. I’ll be more than happy if I am able to get even 1% of his courage and adventurous spirit.
All the pictures are nice and motivating. I think I am ready for a bike tour with some of my enthusiastic friends. And yes, I expect you to name some more achievers in your next post! Good luck!"
Hello,
Thought that Rathbike should have a mention... check out their epic journey that will continue!
http://rathbike.com/
Can't believe Darren Alff of Bicycle Touring Pro isn't on your list. He's been bicycle touring around the world for the last 14 years. He's already cycled across more than a dozen countries... just in the last 4 months!
Hi Amber - There are so many wonderful bike tourists and travelers out there - and of course, I couldn't mention them all! I did try to stick to the folks that I actually met here in Missoula, or those who were on our Guided Tours this year that I had the good fortune to learn more about in detail. But thank you very much for sharing your blog inspiration - Darren Alff of Bicycle Touring Pro - I'm interested in learning more about him, so thanks for the suggestion.
All the best, Darrah
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