Epic Bike Rides

by Erik Olsen on

If you enjoy bicycling, and you have longed to peddle over the distant horizon, an epic bike ride may be the answer to your peddling dreams. Go over to trails.com and sign up for a free 14-day trial and find an extensive list of amazing rides that will keep you riding for pretty much the rest of your life.

These rides are not for the weak of heart. If you are ready to push your limit by traveling those miles on your bike that even motorists would shudder at, these are the rides for you. An epic bike ride means different things to different people. In general, however, an epic bike ride is a ride that covers hundreds and sometimes even thousands of miles, and is attempted over lengthy stretches of time. But the best part of epic bike rides is that you always travel in the direction of the horizon. Nice.

Ride like a Monkey

by Erik Olsen on

Looking for a killer trail right near your house? Or perhaps one in the state where your mother-in-law lives and where you’re heading this weekend? I mean, what a perfect way to get out of the house.

Well, to do some trail research, I suggest you head over to Trailmonkey, which provides links to trails and waterfalls and lots of other things to do in your area, or your mother-in-law’s area, or pretty much whatever area you’re headed to, Trailmonkey covers that much ground. So get out your fat tires, get off your fat arse, and get going.

Bicycling Shark Valley into the Everglades

by Adrienne Wilson on

Alligators are the first thing to come to mind when I hear Everglades. Following very close in second place would be visions of murky swamp waters infested with mosquitoes, so when I saw Shark Valley in the same headline as Everglades it was obvious to see why my curiosity would be piqued.

John Mc Namara invites visitors to the Florida wildlife area in a more intimate way than speeding through on a drive down I-75 or cruising the waters on an airboat. His suggestion as featured in Tropical Adventure is to take the 15-mile bike ride through Shark Valley. It costs $10 to cycle the path which actually leads you to the entrance of Everglades National Park and the author makes it a good point to mention how much wildlife, alligators, birds and scenery you’re bound to experience by going this route. His article is stuffed with really good info for first-time Everglades explorers and novice bike riders who want to explore Shark Valley. He offers tips like don’t touch the gators (which should be a no-brainer) and be prepared for the ever changing weather conditions in the Florida Everglades. Variable high temperatures, wind and unexpected thunderstorms should all be kept in mind. Considering the amount of physical activity you’ll be doing John’s notes become very important in knowing how you’ll find food or beverages. Those who wish not to complete the bike trek can hop on the Shark Valley Tram and see the area with a guide.

I’d totally make a day of it and go for the bike ride. Willy did a Hidden Gems piece on Everglades Airboat Tours which is also worth revisiting if you’re planning to see the area one way or the other. With that said I’d totally do, both! Now, are there any sharks in waters? I doubt it – just gator.

Next Stellar Stop – Bohol, Philippines

by Adrienne Wilson on

Bohol is a place of unusual familiarity for me. Almost all my Pinoy and Pinay friends speak highly of the island if not above some of the other thousand islands. And I know one day I’ll be able to walk the lands and sail the seas with my brethren and sistren from my birth country, but until that day comes I’ll just have to make due with their reports and various others on the net like this Stellar feature.

Whitney Weis gives the facts on the island paradise becoming popular with nature tourists because of its eight distinctive regions. To the right you’ll find one of them pictured. Known as the Chocolate Hills visitors come year round even when the mounds aren’t so chocolate looking. For diving fanatics there are really a couple of great finds in Bohol, or should I say off of Bohol. Balicasag has some of the best diving in the entire Philippines according to her notes and Cabilao is perfect for adventurers wanting to go head-to-head with the hammerheads that frequent the waters. There’s much more to this 60-mile long Asian jewel, but you’ll need to see the Stellar piece for the rest. It wouldn’t be fair of me to tell you all here and besides I’ll have my stories to share one of these days.

Biking Europe

by Neil Woodburn on

There are many modes of transport to embrace while traveling, but one of the very best is bicycling.  Cyclists are not trapped in a bus or rental car as the countryside whisks by, but are instead, part of the landscape itself.

I’ve never actually traveled abroad in such a manner, but have looked longingly from bus windows at bicyclists stopped at the side of the road enjoying the view, smells, and ambience so utterly lacking from my bus seat.  I suppose I’ve been a bit intimidated by the logistics of such touring and that’s part of the reason I’ve never mounted a bike in Europe. 

Thankfully, an article in The Independent is here to clear things up.  The data rich text answers all the basic questions one might have about biking in Europe and directs the reader to a number of websites willing to help out further.  Interested in downhill only?  The best routes in Europe?   Flying solo?  Joining a tour group?  Well, this article has it all.  Trash your Eurail pass, pack up your bike, and start peddling away.