Glenwood Canyon Bike Tour and Bike Safety

They pulled off a miracle in Glenwood Canyon. Why can't they create safe bike spaces from Seattle to San Diego?

For years, environmental groups opposed running I-70 through Glenwood Canyon.  In the end, the engineers built pedestals and then hauled in pre-cast concrete road sections in order to reduce environmental damage.

My riding partner doing a field repair

Fortunately, they had the wisdom of including a bike lane while they made the effort to build the road.  If bike lanes had been included in the construction of highways years ago, this would not be an issue.  We might be on the leading edge, instead of the trailing edge, of environmentally friendly transportation.

I am planning on riding the Pacific route this year.  I hope that is as a #beablackburnranger2016.  The bicycle accessories manufacturer, Blackburn Design, sponsors six riders each year.  But in whatever capacity it is, we know the route is not bicycle safe.  The road is narrow in many places and riders complain about the fear of getting hit.

We are bicycle tourists.  We find adventure everywhere we go.  It would be great if there were more safe routes for long distance riders.  We are going to go no matter what, but this is a wonderful way to see the world.

Be A Ranger 2016 Samuel Littlefield

Here is the latest #beablackburnranger2016 video!  Looks like a lot of people are tuning into the Blackburn program.  We wish every one of them the very best as they make their push to be a Blackburn Ranger.

You don't have to win the Ranger program to be "out there".  Anyone can go, it is just a matter of deciding that is what you want to do.  Sure, it is a challenge to take this much time off and ride that many miles, but you have to be willing to do it for yourself first, and as a sponsored rider second.

Last year there were over 30 applications from people who wanted to be a Blackburn Ranger.  They only choose 6.  But nothing stops the guy who really wants this.  

While the Blackburn Design team ask rangers to choose between the Pacific Coast and the Great Divide, there are many routes across the country one can choose from and plenty which need to be discovered.  

#beablackburnranger2016 Tim "hot spring" Paynter

I love getting away from the crowds.  This hot spring is a magical spot!  These kinds of unknown springs are the perfect place to find tranquility and spirituality in nature. 

Bicycle adventuring is about discovering new places, new things.  Ways to get away from the din of business life, of the cities, of crazy people, and just have time to nurture.

You can go an amazing distance on a bicycle if you try.  Just pedal away, with a far distant goal, and one day, you will ride right up to that distant place.  The secret is putting one pedal after the other, keep it going, even when it is wet and cold.  

Bikepacking the Fraser Canyon

Iohan just blows me away with his videos and his adventurous spirit. While not everyone can live adventures like these, we can all live them through watching others. But the idea is to break the mold, to get out there and do it! 

 At first, a small cross country may be your big adventure. Sometimes it is enough, but once have been bitten by the bike-paking bug, nothing short of a major effort will do. Here is to Iohan and all of the adventurous spirits who give us inspiration to get out there and live our dreams!

Remember the ones who put it all on the map for many of us:  The Adventure Cycling Association.

Eugene wants to #beablackburnranger2016

Next Application to #beablackburnranger2016

The #beablackburnranger2016 program is in full swing!  Many people are applying.  By the looks of it, they are all well qualified and really know how to create an interesting video.

In today's times, it appears rare for a company to return something to the community.  Blackburn Design is doing that with their ranger program.  Rangers are brand ambassadors.  They test new equipment, talk to people, ride adventurous routes and encourage others to get "out there".

I applied for the Ranger program because I love adventure.  I am the kind of person who wants to see what is down every wandering road.  Riding a bike for me is not enough.  I want to go farther, do more and be fully prepared for whatever I meet along the way.  When it comes to bicycle gear, that is always a challenge.  Weight is critical.  Durability is critical.  There are no "repair shops" along many of the routes I ride.  Having the right gear for the right job is what a successful tour is all about.

If you have what it takes, you can still apply.  Why not?  It is a great chance to do your part in helping this community of adventure enthusiasts grow.  You can apply here!

BE A BLACKBURN RANGER 2016

Here is a video by Blackburn Media. If you have what it takes to be a ranger, this is your chance! Several people have applied already.  Whoever Blackburn Design chooses, you can be sure the riders love adventure and know how to tell a story!