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 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!

#beablackburnranger2016 Now Open For Biz

Blackburn Design is a bicycle parts manufacturing company.  The rack that I use to carry my panniers, for example, is made by Blackburn Design.

#Blackburndesign is known for making quality parts for the hard-core community.  If you want it to last, buy Blackburn.  That is what I told my REI people when I was looking for a rack.

So when Blackburn opened their Blackburn Ranger #beablackburnranger2016 applications, I was one of the first to apply.  As a Ranger, Blackburn asks you to test equipment, talk to people about your enthusiasm for bicycle adventuring, go to ranger school and not too much more.  It is a great opportunity for those who want a crack at the latest stuff.

Blackburn gives you a choice of routes, the Pacific Coast or the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, both running from Canada to Mexico.  Blackburn will also ask if there is another major route plotted by the Adventure Cycling Association, a non-profit organization which advocates for the bicycle people seeking adventure.  You can join the Association here.

#Transamerica Trail by Adventure Cycling Association

I chose the Pacific Coast route as my first choice route.  However, if I don't run it, I would be happy with either the GDMBR or the Transamerica Trail.  My friend, Jimmy Salazar, is planning on riding the route with me.  I do a lot of journalism things and Jimmy is a natural at photos and videos.  Jimmy comes up with some pretty great angles!

Be sure to check out Blackburn Design.  If I am the lucky cat who Blackburn Design sponsors, (they choose about 6 people each year) then I would love for you to follow us on this epic adventure!~  Please stay tuned, we will let you know who Blackburn chooses!