bicycling

Rails to Trails Conservancy, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Charity, Green, Charity of the Day

Since 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy has been repurposing old railroad tracks into hiking and biking trails with its goal to create "nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people."

I'd heard about this group, but forgot about it until a few days ago, when taking a different route home, I noticed two nearby streets had dedicated bicycle lanes, and my memory was sparked. I think this group has more significance than ever, as more and more people are going green, and walking and biking more. The conservancy even has a pledge you can sign to "Burn Calories, Not Carbon!" I like that this group was ahead of its time, and isn't just jumping on the green bandwagon, or "greenwashing" its claims.

The conservancy has a strong political arm, defending the federal railbanking statute in Congress and the courts as an essential tool to preserve unused rail corridors. Read about how you can get involved.

Tags: bicycling, biking, cycling, green, hiking, lobbying, rails to trails, RailsToTrails, walking

Strida Bicycles

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With gas prices hitting high levels even the wealthier consumer is experiencing the joys of pedal power. There are a variety of innovative bicycle designs on the market, perhaps none as distinctive as Strida. Strida is folding bicycle that weighs around 20 pounds and transforms in five seconds. It is made from lightweight, rustproof aluminum and a Kevlar belt replaces the traditional metal chain. The horizontally-mounted handlebars and a soft yet sturdy seat provide a more comfortable upright riding position with a clear view of the road and a secure center of gravity from which to steer. The model shown above sells for $800.

Gallery: Pedal Power

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Tags: bicycle, bicycling, bikes, strida

The Brightest (and Most Expensive?) Bike Light Ever

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I love the outdoors, so it's always a bit of a bummer when this time of year swings around and it starts getting darker earlier. For you bikers out there who find yourself pedaling in the dusk and the dark this is something you might want to check out: the Betty, by Lupine Lighting Systems. It's made to attach to your bike or your helmet (or wherever) and it's the brightest (and possibly most expensive) bike light ever made. The Betty is so bright, in fact, that if you pedal too slowly or stop completely it will start dimming itself automatically because it needs your self-generated wind to keep from overheating. Nice motivation to keep pushing yourself!

Made of seven LEDs, the Betty bike light is about as bright as a car's headlights (watch out for deer!). $1185

Via Book of Joe

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Tags: bicycle, bicycling, bike, equipment, gadget, gadgets, headlight, headlights, LED, LEDs, light, lighting, lupine, Lupine Lighting Systems, LupineLightingSystems, most expensive, MostExpensive, outdoors, sporting, sporting equipment, SportingEquipment, sports

Timberline Adventures

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Some people just want to kick back on vacation but if you'd rather be completely exhausted at the end of every day Timberline Adventures can help. They run bicycling and hiking tours throughout the Western United States for those who are interested in experiencing the countryside on an intimate level. They have 25 years of experience and have created a variety of tours from four or five day jaunts to a 12-day trip through Montana or an 18-day Lewis and Clark adventure through the Dakotas. The tours are done in groups from eight to 15 people and tour prices include accommodations, breakfasts and dinners. The Montana Magic tour runs August 20 through 31 and costs for $3,195. Because sometimes the greatest luxury is being able to eat whatever you want at the end of the day, knowing you'll burn up every single calorie on the road the next day.

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Tags: adventure travel, bicycling, hiking, montana, timber tours, TimberTours, travel, yellowstone