Take A Seat And Help Me Pedal…Please!

by Willy Volk on

Dominic Gill is attempting to cycle 20,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in South America. Lots of people (well, not lots, but some) make this trip; what’s so special about Gill? He’s tackling this journey on a tandem bike — and he’s asking the people he meets along the way to help pedal! What a fun idea.

Claiming one of the most interesting aspects of cycle touring is meeting folks along the way, Gill was concerned that such meetings would be limited to stopping-off points. Therefore, by riding a tandem bike solo, he figured there’d be a good chance he’d meet people willing to pedal. So far, over half his trip has been solo. As he heads into South America, I bet his chances of recruiting fellow passengers diminishes — unless he speaks globish.

Naturally, Gill is filming, photographing, and blogging (irregularly) his journey. He also recently gave a short but interesting interview to Vagablogging. If you’re interested in pedaling with him, send him an email. He’s looking for some extra legs.

The Perfect Folding Bike? Or just a Cool Design?

by Neil Woodburn on

After posting yesterday about a very cool foldable bike, I came across an even cooler one on TravelGadgets.org.

As you can see from the above photo, the bike is rather, um, odd shaped. But just look at how it folds down into the perfect little piece of luggage!

The bike, which is designed by 23-year-old Thomas Owen, is dubbed “One” and is currently a prototype. According to Owen’s website, the bike is operated by a “revolutionary power assist system.” I’m not sure what this means, but when I took a closer look at the other photos on the website, I can’t figure out how the pedals actually power the wheels. Is this some wild flight of fantasy that is all design and little function? Or is it the perfect meld of form and function?

Sadly, I have to admit I’m a little skeptical. Owen’s online resume, for example, mentions that he has “a good sense of homour.” Perhaps the bike’s “revolutionary power assist system” is as nonexistent as Owen’s spell-check program.

Bicycle of the Future: The Suitcase Bike?

by Willy Volk on

RideTHISbike is reporting that a suitcase bike is (finally) in production. Aimed at cyclists that want to conveniently and quickly protect their bike on a regular basis, the suitcase bike folds neatly and quickly into its protective case, keeping the cyclist clean and the bike undamaged. The bike meets airline checked baggage weight/size specs and the suitcase’s built-in rollers allow the bike to be wheeled through congested airports, train stations, hotel corridors or narrow office hallways almost effortlessly and without unwanted attention.

So far, all the images are computer-generated and not actual photos of the bike, so it’s a bit unclear how long it’ll be before these wheels are ready to roll. However, for urban dwellers who also have to ride the subway, or for people who don’t want to store their bikes outside, this might be a very cool idea. Check out the video, to see what the $400-or-so bike will look like.

[Via Spluch]

Hatfield and McCoy Trails

by Jamie Rhein on

As the popularity of ATV riding is growing, the places where you can ride them are also expanding. Last year I found out there were ATV trails in Wayne National Forest when I was writing an article on outdoor family adventure travel in Ohio. There are other places where trails abound. One place I also just found about has an interesting story. Do the names Hatfield and McCoy ring a bell?

These are probably the most famous feuding families in the United States. The Hatfields from West Virginia and the McCoys from Kentucky got all riled up 100 years ago and fought with each other for 12 years. Basically, this involved killing and mayhem. The trail system named after them spans several counties in West Virginia and was developed as a money maker. There’re not many ways to make a bundle in the economically depressed regions of coal country. This one is working well.

From the way things are going in ATV land, the trails are a lucrative money maker. There are six trails in the 550 mile area on private land. If you’re interested in heading this way, you can check out www.trailsheaven.com.

365 Days in Oregon

by Erik Olsen on

Even though this appears to be an ad for tourism in Oregon, I have to say I really enjoyed the site. The layout and design are clever and the site is attractive. You will find yourself becoming mildly addicted to clicking on each day to see what cultural, artistic, sporting, random activities you can do in the state.

I am biased because I have spent a fair amount of time in Oregon and have long had a secret love affair with the state (my wife does not know this…she thinks I’m strictly a Seattle man). Not so. Portland is easily one of my favorite towns on the planet. But this site is a refreshing improvement over so many tourism marketing sites I’ve seen in the past.