http://www.cyclocamping.com/ Simply the toughest, most reliable and most adapted bicycle touring gear and camping equipment. 50+ Top Quality Brands. Visit our friendly Forum, enjoy our free Articles, Information, Reviews, Tips, Advice written by some of the most experienced bicycle travelers http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1621-83SL http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1621-83SL http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/1621-83SL-1.jpg Like the world famous SIGG bottles, these reusable durable aluminum water bottles are better than plastic bottles because they resist absorbing odors and taste as well as other bacteria build up. Made of lightweight aluminum, this promotional 26 oz. water bottle features a plastic cap with pull-out drinking spout. Contour grip. Food grade internal liner. Size: 10 in. h x 2.75 in diameter http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1212 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1212 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1212-1.jpg     Map Features     Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Great Parks Route   Jasper, AB, to Durango, CO - 7 map set (2,518.5 mi.)         GREAT PARKS NORTH Even in the height of summer, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations. The Canadian parks, with their wide road shoulders, provide excellent cycling conditions, though motorized traffic during the tourist season is heavy. Towns outside the parks, such as Fernie, British Columbia, offer information and ample opportunities for the off-road cycling enthusiast. Fascinating side trips abound for natural and geological sightseeing, which include aerial trams, hiking onto glaciers, and whitewater rafting. So, allow extra time beyond bicycling for these activities. This route should be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park is usually closed until early June (and has limited hours for cyclists). Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Jasper, Alberta, a busy tourist center in the heart of Jasper National Park, one of the five Canadian Parks the route traverses. You will be amazed by the scenery: glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, piercingly steep mountains covered with glaciers, and a tremendous variety of wildlife; you will stop frequent just to marvel at the beauty. Be sure to ride cautiously among the tourists in recreational vehicles. As you head south, over several passes through the parks, take the time to go to Lake Louise and Banff, which both offer a wide variety of tourist services and charm. After 230 miles of amazing vistas, you'll leave Kootenay National Park and descend steeply into the town of Radium Hot Springs. Stop for an enjoyable soak in the soothing hot mineral pools. From Radium Hot Springs southward to Elko, the western side of the Rockies offers gentler cycling following the Columbia and Kootenay river systems. At Elko, the route turns east over the Continental Divide through a series of small mining communities. You'll see the prairies begin on the eastern slope and traverse the foothills through Waterton Lakes National Park, another mountain jewel of the Canadian Parks. The border crossing into the United States at Chief Mountain is only open from mid-May through mid-September, and then you're in Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Divide back to the western side on the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Highway. You'll find no major climbs or descents after leaving the park, and the route mainly follows river valleys bracketed by mountain ranges all the way into Missoula.   Terrain The northern portion of the route is a series of climbs/descents over passes into various river valleys. In the south, you'll stay in the valleys and experience a more rolling terrain. The route crosses the Continental Divide three times.   Logistics To begin this route, Jasper can be reached by rail service from Edmonton, Alberta. Along its entire length, small towns at regular intervals provide ample services, but plan ahead due to crowded tourist conditions, especially in the Canadian Park System and in Glacier National Park. Reservations at both hostels and campgrounds are recommended. For off-road bicycling and primitive camping, a water purifier is necessary.   GREAT PARKS SOUTH The cyclist is rewarded by a continuous setting of dramatic mountain scenery, national forests, parks, monuments, and many climbs and descents over passes. Off-road mountain-biking opportunities abound at the various ski hills along the route, which offer singletrack riding on quiet forest trails, serviced by bustling tourist villages. This route can be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Trail Ridge Road is closed between October and June. Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Altitude sickness can slow you down, so preparation for the high altitude is important. Arriving a few days before your trip begins is a good way to acclimate.   The route begins in northern Colorado in the ski town of Steamboat Springs. After a gut-busting climb out of Steamboat Springs to Rabbit Ears Pass, you'll find open grazing land and national forest lands heading into Kremmling. There is heavy summer tourist activity from Hot Sulpher Springs to Granby, the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Traffic is heavy throughout the park, and the terrain is extreme. From Estes Park to Georgetown, this area is the playground for Denver, the surrounding communities on the Front Range and also much of the nation. Communities from Keystone to Breckenridge have become major year-round tourist destinations, so be prepared for traffic and recreational vehicles. South of Fairplay, the route becomes more rural and traverses the high, open land of South Park. After crossing Trout Creek Pass, the route drops into the Arkansas River Valley near Buena Vista. The western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains is old mining country, from Salida all the way into Durango. Around Dolores, the mountains give way to the dry, open Four Corners region, highlighted by Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is the southern terminus of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the only remaining regularly scheduled narrow-gauge passenger train.   Terrain On this route, you will cross eleven mountain passes, and six of these will be over the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route follows a few river valleys, but for the most part you will be either climbing or decending.   Logistics In Colorado, high-altitude services from campground water to grocery stores can shut down early in the autumn depending on weather. A water purifier is recommended. Due to high levels of tourist activity in the summer, reservations for accommodations and campgrounds are recommended.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1201 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1201 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1201-1.jpg     Map Features     Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Great Parks Route   Jasper, AB, to Durango, CO - 7 map set (2,518.5 mi.)         GREAT PARKS NORTH Even in the height of summer, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations. The Canadian parks, with their wide road shoulders, provide excellent cycling conditions, though motorized traffic during the tourist season is heavy. Towns outside the parks, such as Fernie, British Columbia, offer information and ample opportunities for the off-road cycling enthusiast. Fascinating side trips abound for natural and geological sightseeing, which include aerial trams, hiking onto glaciers, and whitewater rafting. So, allow extra time beyond bicycling for these activities. This route should be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park is usually closed until early June (and has limited hours for cyclists). Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Jasper, Alberta, a busy tourist center in the heart of Jasper National Park, one of the five Canadian Parks the route traverses. You will be amazed by the scenery: glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, piercingly steep mountains covered with glaciers, and a tremendous variety of wildlife; you will stop frequent just to marvel at the beauty. Be sure to ride cautiously among the tourists in recreational vehicles. As you head south, over several passes through the parks, take the time to go to Lake Louise and Banff, which both offer a wide variety of tourist services and charm. After 230 miles of amazing vistas, you'll leave Kootenay National Park and descend steeply into the town of Radium Hot Springs. Stop for an enjoyable soak in the soothing hot mineral pools. From Radium Hot Springs southward to Elko, the western side of the Rockies offers gentler cycling following the Columbia and Kootenay river systems. At Elko, the route turns east over the Continental Divide through a series of small mining communities. You'll see the prairies begin on the eastern slope and traverse the foothills through Waterton Lakes National Park, another mountain jewel of the Canadian Parks. The border crossing into the United States at Chief Mountain is only open from mid-May through mid-September, and then you're in Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Divide back to the western side on the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Highway. You'll find no major climbs or descents after leaving the park, and the route mainly follows river valleys bracketed by mountain ranges all the way into Missoula.   Terrain The northern portion of the route is a series of climbs/descents over passes into various river valleys. In the south, you'll stay in the valleys and experience a more rolling terrain. The route crosses the Continental Divide three times.   Logistics To begin this route, Jasper can be reached by rail service from Edmonton, Alberta. Along its entire length, small towns at regular intervals provide ample services, but plan ahead due to crowded tourist conditions, especially in the Canadian Park System and in Glacier National Park. Reservations at both hostels and campgrounds are recommended. For off-road bicycling and primitive camping, a water purifier is necessary.   GREAT PARKS SOUTH The cyclist is rewarded by a continuous setting of dramatic mountain scenery, national forests, parks, monuments, and many climbs and descents over passes. Off-road mountain-biking opportunities abound at the various ski hills along the route, which offer singletrack riding on quiet forest trails, serviced by bustling tourist villages. This route can be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Trail Ridge Road is closed between October and June. Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Altitude sickness can slow you down, so preparation for the high altitude is important. Arriving a few days before your trip begins is a good way to acclimate.   The route begins in northern Colorado in the ski town of Steamboat Springs. After a gut-busting climb out of Steamboat Springs to Rabbit Ears Pass, you'll find open grazing land and national forest lands heading into Kremmling. There is heavy summer tourist activity from Hot Sulpher Springs to Granby, the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Traffic is heavy throughout the park, and the terrain is extreme. From Estes Park to Georgetown, this area is the playground for Denver, the surrounding communities on the Front Range and also much of the nation. Communities from Keystone to Breckenridge have become major year-round tourist destinations, so be prepared for traffic and recreational vehicles. South of Fairplay, the route becomes more rural and traverses the high, open land of South Park. After crossing Trout Creek Pass, the route drops into the Arkansas River Valley near Buena Vista. The western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains is old mining country, from Salida all the way into Durango. Around Dolores, the mountains give way to the dry, open Four Corners region, highlighted by Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is the southern terminus of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the only remaining regularly scheduled narrow-gauge passenger train.   Terrain On this route, you will cross eleven mountain passes, and six of these will be over the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route follows a few river valleys, but for the most part you will be either climbing or decending.   Logistics In Colorado, high-altitude services from campground water to grocery stores can shut down early in the autumn depending on weather. A water purifier is recommended. Due to high levels of tourist activity in the summer, reservations for accommodations and campgrounds are recommended.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1202 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1202 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1202-1.jpg     Map Features     Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Great Parks Route   Jasper, AB, to Durango, CO - 7 map set (2,518.5 mi.)         GREAT PARKS NORTH Even in the height of summer, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations. The Canadian parks, with their wide road shoulders, provide excellent cycling conditions, though motorized traffic during the tourist season is heavy. Towns outside the parks, such as Fernie, British Columbia, offer information and ample opportunities for the off-road cycling enthusiast. Fascinating side trips abound for natural and geological sightseeing, which include aerial trams, hiking onto glaciers, and whitewater rafting. So, allow extra time beyond bicycling for these activities. This route should be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park is usually closed until early June (and has limited hours for cyclists). Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Jasper, Alberta, a busy tourist center in the heart of Jasper National Park, one of the five Canadian Parks the route traverses. You will be amazed by the scenery: glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, piercingly steep mountains covered with glaciers, and a tremendous variety of wildlife; you will stop frequent just to marvel at the beauty. Be sure to ride cautiously among the tourists in recreational vehicles. As you head south, over several passes through the parks, take the time to go to Lake Louise and Banff, which both offer a wide variety of tourist services and charm. After 230 miles of amazing vistas, you'll leave Kootenay National Park and descend steeply into the town of Radium Hot Springs. Stop for an enjoyable soak in the soothing hot mineral pools. From Radium Hot Springs southward to Elko, the western side of the Rockies offers gentler cycling following the Columbia and Kootenay river systems. At Elko, the route turns east over the Continental Divide through a series of small mining communities. You'll see the prairies begin on the eastern slope and traverse the foothills through Waterton Lakes National Park, another mountain jewel of the Canadian Parks. The border crossing into the United States at Chief Mountain is only open from mid-May through mid-September, and then you're in Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Divide back to the western side on the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Highway. You'll find no major climbs or descents after leaving the park, and the route mainly follows river valleys bracketed by mountain ranges all the way into Missoula.   Terrain The northern portion of the route is a series of climbs/descents over passes into various river valleys. In the south, you'll stay in the valleys and experience a more rolling terrain. The route crosses the Continental Divide three times.   Logistics To begin this route, Jasper can be reached by rail service from Edmonton, Alberta. Along its entire length, small towns at regular intervals provide ample services, but plan ahead due to crowded tourist conditions, especially in the Canadian Park System and in Glacier National Park. Reservations at both hostels and campgrounds are recommended. For off-road bicycling and primitive camping, a water purifier is necessary.   GREAT PARKS SOUTH The cyclist is rewarded by a continuous setting of dramatic mountain scenery, national forests, parks, monuments, and many climbs and descents over passes. Off-road mountain-biking opportunities abound at the various ski hills along the route, which offer singletrack riding on quiet forest trails, serviced by bustling tourist villages. This route can be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Trail Ridge Road is closed between October and June. Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Altitude sickness can slow you down, so preparation for the high altitude is important. Arriving a few days before your trip begins is a good way to acclimate.   The route begins in northern Colorado in the ski town of Steamboat Springs. After a gut-busting climb out of Steamboat Springs to Rabbit Ears Pass, you'll find open grazing land and national forest lands heading into Kremmling. There is heavy summer tourist activity from Hot Sulpher Springs to Granby, the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Traffic is heavy throughout the park, and the terrain is extreme. From Estes Park to Georgetown, this area is the playground for Denver, the surrounding communities on the Front Range and also much of the nation. Communities from Keystone to Breckenridge have become major year-round tourist destinations, so be prepared for traffic and recreational vehicles. South of Fairplay, the route becomes more rural and traverses the high, open land of South Park. After crossing Trout Creek Pass, the route drops into the Arkansas River Valley near Buena Vista. The western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains is old mining country, from Salida all the way into Durango. Around Dolores, the mountains give way to the dry, open Four Corners region, highlighted by Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is the southern terminus of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the only remaining regularly scheduled narrow-gauge passenger train.   Terrain On this route, you will cross eleven mountain passes, and six of these will be over the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route follows a few river valleys, but for the most part you will be either climbing or decending.   Logistics In Colorado, high-altitude services from campground water to grocery stores can shut down early in the autumn depending on weather. A water purifier is recommended. Due to high levels of tourist activity in the summer, reservations for accommodations and campgrounds are recommended.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1121 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1121 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1121-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1103 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1103 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1103-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1104-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1122 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1122 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1122-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1123 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1123 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1123-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1124 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1124 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1124-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1301 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1301 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1301-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1302 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1302 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1302-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1303 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1303 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1303-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1101 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1101 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1101-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1102 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1102 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1102-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Northern Tier Route    Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME - 11 map set (4,316 mi.)         ANACORTES, WASHINGTON, TO FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA   This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the combination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, you carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades brings you into the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, you'll be climbing and descending several more passes full of ponderosa pines and finding many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers you cross. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, you will be working your way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until you reach Cut Bank, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.   The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then you'll head back into the States at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on you'll start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. You'll follow the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.   Terrain The route lets you warm up slightly before the major climbing begins. There are four major passes in the first 300 miles, and Sherman Pass is the highest at 5,575 feet. It then becomes rolling, the route following river valleys until you reach Glacier National Park. Logan Pass, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the last major climb. There's a series of roller-coaster hills heading into Canada. Once you get about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, it starts to become Big Sky country with moderately hilly plains. The plains roll out through Montana and become hilly in western North Dakota, and then the route flattens out in eastern North Dakota.   Logistics Services are generally good along this route. There is a 71-mile stretch of limited services between Cardston, Alberta, and Cut Bank, Montana. There are also some sporadic spots lacking services in central Montana, but nothing is farther apart than a day's ride. The people of the towns across the plains of Montana and North Dakota are super generous and genuine. Camping in town parks is not uncommon. Another 74-mile stretch of limited services occurs between Williston and New Town, North Dakota. Only a few bike shops exist between Whitefish, Montana, and Fargo, North Dakota, a distance of 1,150 miles.   FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, TO MUSCATINE, IOWA This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.   Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, you begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitos increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many recreationalists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding towns. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends with access to the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. You'll leave the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. As you enter Iowa, you may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. The route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.   Terrain The terrain is continuously rolling over the entire length of this route. Ask any Iowan if Iowa is flat, they will respond with a "No," especially in the northeastern part of the state.   Logistics Services are abundant throughout the route, and the townsfolk are friendly in the Midwest.   MUSCATINE, IOWA, TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.   Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Here a side trip takes you to nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride the greatest number of the most pulse-raising roller coasters in the country. Or you can take a ferry to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Admiral Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.   Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can explore the miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park and the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Admiral Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. Through the suburbs to the Peace Bridge, ride carefully through the city streets. The route takes you to the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.   After crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada you'll follow one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. Then you'll cross back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 85 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Take the time to explore the towns along the canal. At Palmyra, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.   After a short ferry ride over the lake, you are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, you'll traverse forests and fields, arriving at Rockport on the coast. Allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. Finally, don't end your trip without cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.   Terrain The first 946 miles of this route (from the Mississippi River to Palmyra, New York) is virtually flat. Illinois has some gently rolling prairie and is treeless except in towns. The trees increase in Indiana. East of Cleveland, Ohio, the route climbs to a low ridge for a few miles and then descends back to the lake shore until Buffalo, New York. From Buffalo to Palmyra, the route experiences only slight elevation changes at the locks along the Erie Canal. The mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire extend north and south, and the route travels east-west so the remainder of the route has a lot a variety — flat sections along river valleys and several challenging climbs. The Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet is the highest point on this portion of the Northern Tier Route.   Logistics Overall most services along this route can be found only in towns. Campgrounds are reasonably plentiful, but there are a few gaps, and advanced planning is needed if you are camping. Some cyclists may want to do the eastern portions of this route during the colors of autumn. If you do, call ahead to verify campgrounds because many close after Labor Day. If staying indoors, make advance reservations.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1611 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1611 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1611-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Pacific Coast Route    Vancouver, BC, to Imperial Beach, CA - 5 map set (1,853.5 mi.)           WASHINGTON AND OREGON Along the Pacific Coast Route, you'll get to see marine wildlife such as sea lions, and as you pass you can hear them barking. Take the time to watch as one by one they dive off their rocks in search of their daily meal of fish from the ocean. During the peak tourist season, there is heavy recreational vehicle traffic along U.S. Highway 101 along the coast, so cyclists must ride cautiously and defensively. This route can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Heavy winter rains can cause flooding and mud slides and may close roads, especially along the coast in the spring. Fog can also be a problem during any season. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Vancouver, British Columbia and heads south through the suburbs of this large city. Farmlands appear before crossing the border at Blaine into the United States, and you'll continue through more rural country after entering Washington. After crossing Deception Pass, the route is on Whidbey Island, where there is a large U.S. Naval Reservation, and the loud noise of test jets flying overhead can be heard. There's a pleasant ferry ride over to Port Townsend, which is back on the mainland. The route then winds southward through a series of small towns on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. In Bremerton, if you're interested, you can catch a ferry that takes you directly to downtown Seattle and its attractions. You'll then head into logging country and see forest plantations in various stages of development: recently clear-cut, newly planted, middle-aged, or ready to be harvested. At Castle Rock, a five-mile side trip leads to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, which tells the tale of the volcano's eruption in 1981.   A short ferry ride crosses the Columbia River into Oregon to begin a magnificent ride down the coast. You'll bike along the shoreline and headlands and see mile after mile of spectacular scenery including lighthouses, craggy coastal pines, and rock formations in the water. Innumerable parks dot the coast and invite one to stop and take hikes down to the water for tide pool viewing. Small towns are abundant and cater to the tourists who invade the coast from spring to fall.   Terrain The route's terrain in Canada and Washington is flat to rolling hills, with a few climbs. Biking along the Oregon coast means hills, and some of them are steep, but it also means that your spectacular views will be well-earned. Don't forget that your uphills on one side of a coastal headland mean a downhill on the other side.   Logistics There are plenty of services along the route. The Oregon Coast draws a large amount of tourists, so it has the facilities to cater to them. For those who are camping, there are many state park campgrounds near the beaches with hiker/biker sites.   CALIFORNIA COAST The curvy, winding roads along the Pacific Coast Route are shared with farm and logging trucks, cars, and recreational vehicles, so extra caution is needed by cyclists. There are bike paths in some of the large cities the route goes through, and you'll need all your defensive urban cycling skills to contend with the heavy traffic. But this is California, land of sun and fun (especially along the southern portion of the route). Take advantage and go jump into the Pacific on a whim or watch a beautiful sunset. This route can be ridden at any time of the year, but spring and autumn are optimal periods to avoid the increased tourist traffic in the summer. And be forewarned: heavy winter rains can cause flooding and mud slides and may close roads, especially along the coast. Heavy fog can also be a problem during any season. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but during summer, strong winds will prevail from north to south.   Soon after passing through Crescent City, you will be biking through awe-inspiring redwood country on roads shaded by trees reaching high into the sky. A herd of elk live near Orick and are usually easy to spot. The redwoods are a big tourist area, so you'll have the opportunity to bike through trees that most people drive their cars through. After leaving the redwoods, you'll enjoy scenic riding along the Pacific Ocean, where the route climbs and descends along the coastal headlands.   Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is a real treat, and the route stays on the western edge of the city. Heading southward along the coast, there are numerous state beaches. If you're at the Año Nuevo State Reserve during the elephant seal mating season in January, viewing the seals is not to be missed. North of Monterey, acres of farms begin to appear in the Salinas Valley, a prime agricultural area known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World."   After leaving Carmel, the ride south along the Pacific Coast Highway is the most spectacular portion of the route for many cyclists. This winding, scenic road high above the Pacific has been seen many times in television shows, commercials, and movies. Leaving the Santa Lucia Mountains and the coast, it is evident that you've reached "southern" California. You'll encounter many fertile farms and areas with various degrees of development. Santa Barbara is an easy town to cycle through. When you reach Malibu, you'll find tremendous congestion and view hundreds of trophy homes built into the hillsides or along the beaches. This is the northern end of the Los Angeles megalopolis.   Beginning in Santa Monica, the route uses some beautiful bike paths that go right through the middle of the sandy beaches, and then you'll ride through residential and industrial areas before rejoining the Pacific Coast Highway south of the city. All the way to San Diego, there will be a mix of urban cycling through towns, bike paths, highways, and shore roads. Through San Diego and its suburbs, the route follows residential streets and bike paths to the Coronado Pedestrian-Bicycle Ferry, which takes you to Coronado and a bike path along Silver Strand State Beach, then to the route's end near the Mexican border.   Terrain This route segment is generally hilly, with lots of ups and downs following the coastline in the northern part of the state. Some sections in the southern part of the route are rolling to flat, especially along the various cities' bike paths along the beaches.   Logistics Services abound on this ride. There is a stretch between Half Moon Bay and Davenport that doesn't have much to offer, so plan ahead with extra drinks and snacks. The California Coast is a high-profile tourist area, so it has facilities that cater to tourists, but be prepared for higher prices. For those who like to camp, there are many appealing campgrounds at state parks near the beaches, perfect for watching dramatic sunsets. PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1621 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1621 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1621-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Pacific Coast Route    Vancouver, BC, to Imperial Beach, CA - 5 map set (1,853.5 mi.)           WASHINGTON AND OREGON Along the Pacific Coast Route, you'll get to see marine wildlife such as sea lions, and as you pass you can hear them barking. Take the time to watch as one by one they dive off their rocks in search of their daily meal of fish from the ocean. During the peak tourist season, there is heavy recreational vehicle traffic along U.S. Highway 101 along the coast, so cyclists must ride cautiously and defensively. This route can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Heavy winter rains can cause flooding and mud slides and may close roads, especially along the coast in the spring. Fog can also be a problem during any season. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Vancouver, British Columbia and heads south through the suburbs of this large city. Farmlands appear before crossing the border at Blaine into the United States, and you'll continue through more rural country after entering Washington. After crossing Deception Pass, the route is on Whidbey Island, where there is a large U.S. Naval Reservation, and the loud noise of test jets flying overhead can be heard. There's a pleasant ferry ride over to Port Townsend, which is back on the mainland. The route then winds southward through a series of small towns on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. In Bremerton, if you're interested, you can catch a ferry that takes you directly to downtown Seattle and its attractions. You'll then head into logging country and see forest plantations in various stages of development: recently clear-cut, newly planted, middle-aged, or ready to be harvested. At Castle Rock, a five-mile side trip leads to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, which tells the tale of the volcano's eruption in 1981.   A short ferry ride crosses the Columbia River into Oregon to begin a magnificent ride down the coast. You'll bike along the shoreline and headlands and see mile after mile of spectacular scenery including lighthouses, craggy coastal pines, and rock formations in the water. Innumerable parks dot the coast and invite one to stop and take hikes down to the water for tide pool viewing. Small towns are abundant and cater to the tourists who invade the coast from spring to fall.   Terrain The route's terrain in Canada and Washington is flat to rolling hills, with a few climbs. Biking along the Oregon coast means hills, and some of them are steep, but it also means that your spectacular views will be well-earned. Don't forget that your uphills on one side of a coastal headland mean a downhill on the other side.   Logistics There are plenty of services along the route. The Oregon Coast draws a large amount of tourists, so it has the facilities to cater to them. For those who are camping, there are many state park campgrounds near the beaches with hiker/biker sites.   CALIFORNIA COAST The curvy, winding roads along the Pacific Coast Route are shared with farm and logging trucks, cars, and recreational vehicles, so extra caution is needed by cyclists. There are bike paths in some of the large cities the route goes through, and you'll need all your defensive urban cycling skills to contend with the heavy traffic. But this is California, land of sun and fun (especially along the southern portion of the route). Take advantage and go jump into the Pacific on a whim or watch a beautiful sunset. This route can be ridden at any time of the year, but spring and autumn are optimal periods to avoid the increased tourist traffic in the summer. And be forewarned: heavy winter rains can cause flooding and mud slides and may close roads, especially along the coast. Heavy fog can also be a problem during any season. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but during summer, strong winds will prevail from north to south.   Soon after passing through Crescent City, you will be biking through awe-inspiring redwood country on roads shaded by trees reaching high into the sky. A herd of elk live near Orick and are usually easy to spot. The redwoods are a big tourist area, so you'll have the opportunity to bike through trees that most people drive their cars through. After leaving the redwoods, you'll enjoy scenic riding along the Pacific Ocean, where the route climbs and descends along the coastal headlands.   Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is a real treat, and the route stays on the western edge of the city. Heading southward along the coast, there are numerous state beaches. If you're at the Año Nuevo State Reserve during the elephant seal mating season in January, viewing the seals is not to be missed. North of Monterey, acres of farms begin to appear in the Salinas Valley, a prime agricultural area known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World."   After leaving Carmel, the ride south along the Pacific Coast Highway is the most spectacular portion of the route for many cyclists. This winding, scenic road high above the Pacific has been seen many times in television shows, commercials, and movies. Leaving the Santa Lucia Mountains and the coast, it is evident that you've reached "southern" California. You'll encounter many fertile farms and areas with various degrees of development. Santa Barbara is an easy town to cycle through. When you reach Malibu, you'll find tremendous congestion and view hundreds of trophy homes built into the hillsides or along the beaches. This is the northern end of the Los Angeles megalopolis.   Beginning in Santa Monica, the route uses some beautiful bike paths that go right through the middle of the sandy beaches, and then you'll ride through residential and industrial areas before rejoining the Pacific Coast Highway south of the city. All the way to San Diego, there will be a mix of urban cycling through towns, bike paths, highways, and shore roads. Through San Diego and its suburbs, the route follows residential streets and bike paths to the Coronado Pedestrian-Bicycle Ferry, which takes you to Coronado and a bike path along Silver Strand State Beach, then to the route's end near the Mexican border.   Terrain This route segment is generally hilly, with lots of ups and downs following the coastline in the northern part of the state. Some sections in the southern part of the route are rolling to flat, especially along the various cities' bike paths along the beaches.   Logistics Services abound on this ride. There is a stretch between Half Moon Bay and Davenport that doesn't have much to offer, so plan ahead with extra drinks and snacks. The California Coast is a high-profile tourist area, so it has facilities that cater to tourists, but be prepared for higher prices. For those who like to camp, there are many appealing campgrounds at state parks near the beaches, perfect for watching dramatic sunsets. PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1703 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1703 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1703-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Southern Tier Route    San Diego, CA, to St. Augustine, FL - 7 map set (3,092.5 mi.)         FASCINATING LANDSCAPES AND DIVERSE CULTURES The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but here are a few known observations. In California, dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing west from the desert. In western Texas, winds from the Gulf of Mexico will cause headwinds for eastbound riders. Be aware that hurricanes can occur from July through November along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and can also hit the Atlantic seaboard.   After climbing away from San Diego on the California coast and topping out at 3,800 feet, the desert appears. The route travels through the Yuha Desert and the below-sea-level, irrigated Imperial Valley, before splitting the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area in half. In Arizona, the snowbirds abound as the route travels through Phoenix and its surrounding communities, and the copper-mining towns of Miami and Globe. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park east of Superior and the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park in Globe are attractions not to be missed. You'll be riding through dry, sparsely populated ranch country where every town will be a welcome sight and a chance to top off your water bottles. New Mexico offers Silver City for the latte drinkers, along with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some of the best preserved Mogollon cliff dwellings around.   The ride along the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas, is a treat for bird lovers, especially during migration season, when the birds are flying north or south. Texas dominates this route, taking up an entire third of the mileage. Starting in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande River from Juarez, Mexico, the route follows the river southward before turning east and heading through the Davis Mountains, where some of the friendliest folks on the whole route reside. You'll pass the McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mt. Locke. There's a visitor center with daily tours, and evening "Star Parties" three days per week. After the Davis Mountains, towns are few and the country desolate, full of sagebrush and tumbling tumbleweeds. As you travel through central Texas, the terrain starts to feel like the Alps, but this is actually the famous "hill country." This diverse area serves some great barbeque and is the training ground for Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner. If you take the alternate route through Austin, make sure you go hear some of the diverse music available at the nightclubs on Sixth Street.   Louisiana is like no other state in the United States due to its history, language, culture, and food. First of all, they have parishes instead of counties. Traveling right through the middle of Cajun country, in places like Mamou, a stop in a cafe is a trip unto itself. The crowd is speaking English, but you can't understand the words. Try to hear some lively Cajun music if you have the time. Mississippi offers rural riding all the way into Alabama, where the route crosses a bridge to Dauphin Island. From there it's a ferry ride across Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores and some of the whitest beaches in the world. If the ferry is closed due to inclement weather, you will have to take the alternate route through Mobile.   The scenery varies greatly across Florida, from the historic coastal city of Pensacola to the alligator-filled waters of the area around Palatka. The route ends in St. Augustine, a city full of interesting buildings and the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has guarded the city's waterfront for over three centuries.   Terrain   The route offers challenging terrain right from the start, with some longer climbs leaving San Diego all the way up to In-ko-pah Pass, about 70 miles east of the Pacific coast. There are two mountain passes in New Mexico, the highest being Emory Pass at 8,228 feet, which is also the route's highest point. The route just north of Silver City, New Mexico, which goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, offers some steep, challenging, rolling mountains, as does the hill country west of Austin, Texas. East of Austin the route flattens out as it meanders through piney woods, by bayous, along farmlands and woodlots, and past the Gulf Coast all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.   Logistics   Isolated stretches, especially in the western states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are not uncommon. Services are infrequent and can dictate long miles on some days. The 144-mile stretch from Marathon to Comstock, Texas, calls for specific planning and carrying of food and water. Bike shops are not as plentiful as one would like, and there are none for the 450 miles between El Paso and Del Rio, Texas. There are also none between Bastrop, Texas, and Orange Beach, Alabama (870 miles), unless you go off route into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Mobile, Alabama.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1704 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1704 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1704-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Southern Tier Route   San Diego, CA, to St. Augustine, FL - 7 map set (3,092.5 mi.)     FASCINATING LANDSCAPES AND DIVERSE CULTURES The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but here are a few known observations. In California, dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing west from the desert. In western Texas, winds from the Gulf of Mexico will cause headwinds for eastbound riders. Be aware that hurricanes can occur from July through November along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and can also hit the Atlantic seaboard.   After climbing away from San Diego on the California coast and topping out at 3,800 feet, the desert appears. The route travels through the Yuha Desert and the below-sea-level, irrigated Imperial Valley, before splitting the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area in half. In Arizona, the snowbirds abound as the route travels through Phoenix and its surrounding communities, and the copper-mining towns of Miami and Globe. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park east of Superior and the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park in Globe are attractions not to be missed. You'll be riding through dry, sparsely populated ranch country where every town will be a welcome sight and a chance to top off your water bottles. New Mexico offers Silver City for the latte drinkers, along with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some of the best preserved Mogollon cliff dwellings around.   The ride along the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas, is a treat for bird lovers, especially during migration season, when the birds are flying north or south. Texas dominates this route, taking up an entire third of the mileage. Starting in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande River from Juarez, Mexico, the route follows the river southward before turning east and heading through the Davis Mountains, where some of the friendliest folks on the whole route reside. You'll pass the McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mt. Locke. There's a visitor center with daily tours, and evening "Star Parties" three days per week. After the Davis Mountains, towns are few and the country desolate, full of sagebrush and tumbling tumbleweeds. As you travel through central Texas, the terrain starts to feel like the Alps, but this is actually the famous "hill country." This diverse area serves some great barbeque and is the training ground for Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner. If you take the alternate route through Austin, make sure you go hear some of the diverse music available at the nightclubs on Sixth Street.   Louisiana is like no other state in the United States due to its history, language, culture, and food. First of all, they have parishes instead of counties. Traveling right through the middle of Cajun country, in places like Mamou, a stop in a cafe is a trip unto itself. The crowd is speaking English, but you can't understand the words. Try to hear some lively Cajun music if you have the time. Mississippi offers rural riding all the way into Alabama, where the route crosses a bridge to Dauphin Island. From there it's a ferry ride across Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores and some of the whitest beaches in the world. If the ferry is closed due to inclement weather, you will have to take the alternate route through Mobile.   The scenery varies greatly across Florida, from the historic coastal city of Pensacola to the alligator-filled waters of the area around Palatka. The route ends in St. Augustine, a city full of interesting buildings and the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has guarded the city's waterfront for over three centuries.   Terrain   The route offers challenging terrain right from the start, with some longer climbs leaving San Diego all the way up to In-ko-pah Pass, about 70 miles east of the Pacific coast. There are two mountain passes in New Mexico, the highest being Emory Pass at 8,228 feet, which is also the route's highest point. The route just north of Silver City, New Mexico, which goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, offers some steep, challenging, rolling mountains, as does the hill country west of Austin, Texas. East of Austin the route flattens out as it meanders through piney woods, by bayous, along farmlands and woodlots, and past the Gulf Coast all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.   Logistics   Isolated stretches, especially in the western states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are not uncommon. Services are infrequent and can dictate long miles on some days. The 144-mile stretch from Marathon to Comstock, Texas, calls for specific planning and carrying of food and water. Bike shops are not as plentiful as one would like, and there are none for the 450 miles between El Paso and Del Rio, Texas. There are also none between Bastrop, Texas, and Orange Beach, Alabama (870 miles), unless you go off route into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Mobile, Alabama.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1705 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1705 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1705-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Southern Tier Route   San Diego, CA, to St. Augustine, FL- 7 map set (3,092.5 mi.)     FASCINATING LANDSCAPES AND DIVERSE CULTURES The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but here are a few known observations. In California, dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing west from the desert. In western Texas, winds from the Gulf of Mexico will cause headwinds for eastbound riders. Be aware that hurricanes can occur from July through November along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and can also hit the Atlantic seaboard.   After climbing away from San Diego on the California coast and topping out at 3,800 feet, the desert appears. The route travels through the Yuha Desert and the below-sea-level, irrigated Imperial Valley, before splitting the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area in half. In Arizona, the snowbirds abound as the route travels through Phoenix and its surrounding communities, and the copper-mining towns of Miami and Globe. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park east of Superior and the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park in Globe are attractions not to be missed. You'll be riding through dry, sparsely populated ranch country where every town will be a welcome sight and a chance to top off your water bottles. New Mexico offers Silver City for the latte drinkers, along with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some of the best preserved Mogollon cliff dwellings around.   The ride along the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas, is a treat for bird lovers, especially during migration season, when the birds are flying north or south. Texas dominates this route, taking up an entire third of the mileage. Starting in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande River from Juarez, Mexico, the route follows the river southward before turning east and heading through the Davis Mountains, where some of the friendliest folks on the whole route reside. You'll pass the McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mt. Locke. There's a visitor center with daily tours, and evening "Star Parties" three days per week. After the Davis Mountains, towns are few and the country desolate, full of sagebrush and tumbling tumbleweeds. As you travel through central Texas, the terrain starts to feel like the Alps, but this is actually the famous "hill country." This diverse area serves some great barbeque and is the training ground for Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner. If you take the alternate route through Austin, make sure you go hear some of the diverse music available at the nightclubs on Sixth Street.   Louisiana is like no other state in the United States due to its history, language, culture, and food. First of all, they have parishes instead of counties. Traveling right through the middle of Cajun country, in places like Mamou, a stop in a cafe is a trip unto itself. The crowd is speaking English, but you can't understand the words. Try to hear some lively Cajun music if you have the time. Mississippi offers rural riding all the way into Alabama, where the route crosses a bridge to Dauphin Island. From there it's a ferry ride across Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores and some of the whitest beaches in the world. If the ferry is closed due to inclement weather, you will have to take the alternate route through Mobile.   The scenery varies greatly across Florida, from the historic coastal city of Pensacola to the alligator-filled waters of the area around Palatka. The route ends in St. Augustine, a city full of interesting buildings and the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has guarded the city's waterfront for over three centuries.   Terrain   The route offers challenging terrain right from the start, with some longer climbs leaving San Diego all the way up to In-ko-pah Pass, about 70 miles east of the Pacific coast. There are two mountain passes in New Mexico, the highest being Emory Pass at 8,228 feet, which is also the route's highest point. The route just north of Silver City, New Mexico, which goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, offers some steep, challenging, rolling mountains, as does the hill country west of Austin, Texas. East of Austin the route flattens out as it meanders through piney woods, by bayous, along farmlands and woodlots, and past the Gulf Coast all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.   Logistics   Isolated stretches, especially in the western states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are not uncommon. Services are infrequent and can dictate long miles on some days. The 144-mile stretch from Marathon to Comstock, Texas, calls for specific planning and carrying of food and water. Bike shops are not as plentiful as one would like, and there are none for the 450 miles between El Paso and Del Rio, Texas. There are also none between Bastrop, Texas, and Orange Beach, Alabama (870 miles), unless you go off route into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Mobile, Alabama.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1706 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1706 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1706-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Example of an Adventure Cycling Association map:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Southern Tier Route   San Diego, CA, to St. Augustine, FL - 7 map set (3,092.5 mi.)     FASCINATING LANDSCAPES AND DIVERSE CULTURES The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but here are a few known observations. In California, dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing west from the desert. In western Texas, winds from the Gulf of Mexico will cause headwinds for eastbound riders. Be aware that hurricanes can occur from July through November along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and can also hit the Atlantic seaboard.   After climbing away from San Diego on the California coast and topping out at 3,800 feet, the desert appears. The route travels through the Yuha Desert and the below-sea-level, irrigated Imperial Valley, before splitting the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area in half. In Arizona, the snowbirds abound as the route travels through Phoenix and its surrounding communities, and the copper-mining towns of Miami and Globe. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park east of Superior and the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park in Globe are attractions not to be missed. You'll be riding through dry, sparsely populated ranch country where every town will be a welcome sight and a chance to top off your water bottles. New Mexico offers Silver City for the latte drinkers, along with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some of the best preserved Mogollon cliff dwellings around.   The ride along the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas, is a treat for bird lovers, especially during migration season, when the birds are flying north or south. Texas dominates this route, taking up an entire third of the mileage. Starting in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande River from Juarez, Mexico, the route follows the river southward before turning east and heading through the Davis Mountains, where some of the friendliest folks on the whole route reside. You'll pass the McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mt. Locke. There's a visitor center with daily tours, and evening "Star Parties" three days per week. After the Davis Mountains, towns are few and the country desolate, full of sagebrush and tumbling tumbleweeds. As you travel through central Texas, the terrain starts to feel like the Alps, but this is actually the famous "hill country." This diverse area serves some great barbeque and is the training ground for Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner. If you take the alternate route through Austin, make sure you go hear some of the diverse music available at the nightclubs on Sixth Street.   Louisiana is like no other state in the United States due to its history, language, culture, and food. First of all, they have parishes instead of counties. Traveling right through the middle of Cajun country, in places like Mamou, a stop in a cafe is a trip unto itself. The crowd is speaking English, but you can't understand the words. Try to hear some lively Cajun music if you have the time. Mississippi offers rural riding all the way into Alabama, where the route crosses a bridge to Dauphin Island. From there it's a ferry ride across Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores and some of the whitest beaches in the world. If the ferry is closed due to inclement weather, you will have to take the alternate route through Mobile.   The scenery varies greatly across Florida, from the historic coastal city of Pensacola to the alligator-filled waters of the area around Palatka. The route ends in St. Augustine, a city full of interesting buildings and the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has guarded the city's waterfront for over three centuries.   Terrain   The route offers challenging terrain right from the start, with some longer climbs leaving San Diego all the way up to In-ko-pah Pass, about 70 miles east of the Pacific coast. There are two mountain passes in New Mexico, the highest being Emory Pass at 8,228 feet, which is also the route's highest point. The route just north of Silver City, New Mexico, which goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, offers some steep, challenging, rolling mountains, as does the hill country west of Austin, Texas. East of Austin the route flattens out as it meanders through piney woods, by bayous, along farmlands and woodlots, and past the Gulf Coast all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.   Logistics   Isolated stretches, especially in the western states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are not uncommon. Services are infrequent and can dictate long miles on some days. The 144-mile stretch from Marathon to Comstock, Texas, calls for specific planning and carrying of food and water. Bike shops are not as plentiful as one would like, and there are none for the 450 miles between El Paso and Del Rio, Texas. There are also none between Bastrop, Texas, and Orange Beach, Alabama (870 miles), unless you go off route into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Mobile, Alabama.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1707 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1707 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1707-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Southern Tier Route San Diego, CA, to St. Augustine, FL - 7 map set (3,092.5 mi.)     FASCINATING LANDSCAPES AND DIVERSE CULTURES The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but here are a few known observations. In California, dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing west from the desert. In western Texas, winds from the Gulf of Mexico will cause headwinds for eastbound riders. Be aware that hurricanes can occur from July through November along the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle and can also hit the Atlantic seaboard.   After climbing away from San Diego on the California coast and topping out at 3,800 feet, the desert appears. The route travels through the Yuha Desert and the below-sea-level, irrigated Imperial Valley, before splitting the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area in half. In Arizona, the snowbirds abound as the route travels through Phoenix and its surrounding communities, and the copper-mining towns of Miami and Globe. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park east of Superior and the Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park in Globe are attractions not to be missed. You'll be riding through dry, sparsely populated ranch country where every town will be a welcome sight and a chance to top off your water bottles. New Mexico offers Silver City for the latte drinkers, along with the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some of the best preserved Mogollon cliff dwellings around.   The ride along the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas, is a treat for bird lovers, especially during migration season, when the birds are flying north or south. Texas dominates this route, taking up an entire third of the mileage. Starting in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande River from Juarez, Mexico, the route follows the river southward before turning east and heading through the Davis Mountains, where some of the friendliest folks on the whole route reside. You'll pass the McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mt. Locke. There's a visitor center with daily tours, and evening "Star Parties" three days per week. After the Davis Mountains, towns are few and the country desolate, full of sagebrush and tumbling tumbleweeds. As you travel through central Texas, the terrain starts to feel like the Alps, but this is actually the famous "hill country." This diverse area serves some great barbeque and is the training ground for Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner. If you take the alternate route through Austin, make sure you go hear some of the diverse music available at the nightclubs on Sixth Street.   Louisiana is like no other state in the United States due to its history, language, culture, and food. First of all, they have parishes instead of counties. Traveling right through the middle of Cajun country, in places like Mamou, a stop in a cafe is a trip unto itself. The crowd is speaking English, but you can't understand the words. Try to hear some lively Cajun music if you have the time. Mississippi offers rural riding all the way into Alabama, where the route crosses a bridge to Dauphin Island. From there it's a ferry ride across Mobile Bay to Gulf Shores and some of the whitest beaches in the world. If the ferry is closed due to inclement weather, you will have to take the alternate route through Mobile.   The scenery varies greatly across Florida, from the historic coastal city of Pensacola to the alligator-filled waters of the area around Palatka. The route ends in St. Augustine, a city full of interesting buildings and the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has guarded the city's waterfront for over three centuries.   Terrain   The route offers challenging terrain right from the start, with some longer climbs leaving San Diego all the way up to In-ko-pah Pass, about 70 miles east of the Pacific coast. There are two mountain passes in New Mexico, the highest being Emory Pass at 8,228 feet, which is also the route's highest point. The route just north of Silver City, New Mexico, which goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, offers some steep, challenging, rolling mountains, as does the hill country west of Austin, Texas. East of Austin the route flattens out as it meanders through piney woods, by bayous, along farmlands and woodlots, and past the Gulf Coast all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.   Logistics   Isolated stretches, especially in the western states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are not uncommon. Services are infrequent and can dictate long miles on some days. The 144-mile stretch from Marathon to Comstock, Texas, calls for specific planning and carrying of food and water. Bike shops are not as plentiful as one would like, and there are none for the 450 miles between El Paso and Del Rio, Texas. There are also none between Bastrop, Texas, and Orange Beach, Alabama (870 miles), unless you go off route into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Mobile, Alabama.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1511 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1511 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1511-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1541 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1541 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1541-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1542 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1542 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1542-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1512 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1512 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1512-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1513 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1513 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1513-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1521 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1521 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1521-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1522 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1522 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1522-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1523 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1523 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1523-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1531 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1531 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1531-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1532 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1532 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1532-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1533 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-1533 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-1533-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Transamerica Route    Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA - 12 map set (4,262 mi.)           A CLASSIC ROUTE AS OLD AS BIKECENTENNIAL Grand parks along the TransAm include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist's history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route.     Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route, with about 140,000 residents. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you'll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you'll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.   Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Salmon River, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Lochsa River for the longest ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You'll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its "cyclist's lounge" and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas and mountain passes await you in Montana.   The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It's worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you're in the West, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking. Lamont is an oasis in the windy, desolate Great Divide Basin, and serves up a mean bowl of chili.   The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Breckenridge is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It's a good place to stock up -- it's the largest city you'll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.   Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here -- this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you'll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don't miss the pies at Cookie's in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You'll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing (at Eminence), and an excellent swimming hole (Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park).   The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you'll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Caves National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you'll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route's end.   Terrain Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.   Logistics Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you'll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the West is a good plan. Camping options improve once you're in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2101 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2101 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-2101-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Western Express Route   San Francisco, CA, to Pueblo, CO - 4 map set (1,589 mi.)           ALL ABOARD FOR SCENERY AND ADVENTURE From the metropolis of San Francisco, the Western Express Route passes through lush agricultural valleys and climbs over the Sierra Nevada. In Nevada it uses "The Loneliest Road in America," a term coined some years ago by a Life magazine writer. The route then winds among the magnificent monuments and parks of southern Utah. It crosses the spine of the Rocky Mountains over numerous passes to end in Pueblo, Colorado, the gateway to the Great Plains.     This route can be ridden from mid-May through October, depending on weather. Carson Pass crosses over the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,573 feet. Snow can also fall at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass is over 11,000 feet. Local conditions and mountain ranges affect winds, so it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Dust and sandstorms will occasionally occur in the deserts of Nevada and Utah. Sections 2 and 3 of this route (Nevada and Utah) are considered difficult due not only to steep terrain but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes (as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer), and long mileages without services.   After the food and fun of San Francisco by the Bay, a relaxing ferry ride eliminates a hard day of urban cycling and deposits the cyclist in Vallejo. The route parallels an interstate and winds through suburbs to Fairfield and then passes through rolling, verdant agricultural areas before turning east. Urban riding conditions prevail along the section from Davis through Sacramento, Folsom, and Placerville. Separate bike paths, which start in Davis and extend through Sacramento to Folsom, provide welcome relief from busy surface streets. Wineries abound east of Placerville and the route begins to climb the Sierra Nevada foothills to the 8,573 foot Carson Pass. It then descends into the historic mining region around Carson City, Nevada.   People watchers will enjoy a casino visit in Carson City, assuming you don't plan to finance your trip there. Here the route joins U.S. Highway 50 into Fallon, where the challenging part of the route really begins. A dozen climbs await the rider on "The Loneliest Road in America" as it traverses the roller-coaster range and basin country paralleling the route of the famous Pony Express. Nevadans are noted for their self-reliance, hospitality (as long as you are not a federal employee), and whimsical sense of humor as evidenced by such unique attractions as the "shoe tree" and the "Post Impressionist " (fence post) art between Baker and Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park.   East of Cedar City, Utah, the route passes through some of the nation's most isolated communities and several of its most spectacular scenic wonders. Take some time to explore Cedar Breaks, Escalante, and Natural Bridges National Monuments; Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks; and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To even the most experienced of travelers, these natural sculptures, spires, buttes, and canyons are no less than humbling. The Utah portion of the route could be a worthy destination in itself. After passing through the bean-growing capital of the nation in southwestern Colorado, the route swings north and then east through the small tourist communities of the Rockies where one can always find an espresso and a ski hill, however modest. The route traverses forested mountains to Salida and from there into the narrow valley of the Arkansas River to Cotopaxi. Here the route leaves busy U.S. Highway 50 and winds through quiet wooded foothills until reaching Pueblo.   Terrain The route lets you warm up for 150 miles before the first major climb over Carson Pass at 8,573 feet. Nevada offers almost unlimited sight lines across wide valleys before ascending and descending a pass into the next valley. The terrain through central Utah becomes steeper, with grades varying from 6 percent to 14 percent. In Colorado the route follows several river valleys, though for the most part you'll be either climbing or descending.   Logistics While California is almost urban in availability of services, Nevada and Utah present special problems in obtaining water and food on a daily basis. Carrying a water filter is strongly advised for water access at miscellaneous reservoirs, creeks, and lakes at primitive campsites. In most cases, there are no homes or ranches between services. Call ahead to verify any services. Nevada and Utah are extremely dry, and few trees are available for shade. In Colorado, services are more easily found, though higher altitude services -- from campground water to grocery stores -- can close early depending on weather.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2102 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2102 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-2102-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Western Express Route   San Francisco, CA, to Pueblo, CO - 4 map set (1,589 mi.)           ALL ABOARD FOR SCENERY AND ADVENTURE From the metropolis of San Francisco, the Western Express Route passes through lush agricultural valleys and climbs over the Sierra Nevada. In Nevada it uses "The Loneliest Road in America," a term coined some years ago by a Life magazine writer. The route then winds among the magnificent monuments and parks of southern Utah. It crosses the spine of the Rocky Mountains over numerous passes to end in Pueblo, Colorado, the gateway to the Great Plains.     This route can be ridden from mid-May through October, depending on weather. Carson Pass crosses over the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,573 feet. Snow can also fall at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass is over 11,000 feet. Local conditions and mountain ranges affect winds, so it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Dust and sandstorms will occasionally occur in the deserts of Nevada and Utah. Sections 2 and 3 of this route (Nevada and Utah) are considered difficult due not only to steep terrain but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes (as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer), and long mileages without services.   After the food and fun of San Francisco by the Bay, a relaxing ferry ride eliminates a hard day of urban cycling and deposits the cyclist in Vallejo. The route parallels an interstate and winds through suburbs to Fairfield and then passes through rolling, verdant agricultural areas before turning east. Urban riding conditions prevail along the section from Davis through Sacramento, Folsom, and Placerville. Separate bike paths, which start in Davis and extend through Sacramento to Folsom, provide welcome relief from busy surface streets. Wineries abound east of Placerville and the route begins to climb the Sierra Nevada foothills to the 8,573 foot Carson Pass. It then descends into the historic mining region around Carson City, Nevada.   People watchers will enjoy a casino visit in Carson City, assuming you don't plan to finance your trip there. Here the route joins U.S. Highway 50 into Fallon, where the challenging part of the route really begins. A dozen climbs await the rider on "The Loneliest Road in America" as it traverses the roller-coaster range and basin country paralleling the route of the famous Pony Express. Nevadans are noted for their self-reliance, hospitality (as long as you are not a federal employee), and whimsical sense of humor as evidenced by such unique attractions as the "shoe tree" and the "Post Impressionist " (fence post) art between Baker and Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park.   East of Cedar City, Utah, the route passes through some of the nation's most isolated communities and several of its most spectacular scenic wonders. Take some time to explore Cedar Breaks, Escalante, and Natural Bridges National Monuments; Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks; and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To even the most experienced of travelers, these natural sculptures, spires, buttes, and canyons are no less than humbling. The Utah portion of the route could be a worthy destination in itself. After passing through the bean-growing capital of the nation in southwestern Colorado, the route swings north and then east through the small tourist communities of the Rockies where one can always find an espresso and a ski hill, however modest. The route traverses forested mountains to Salida and from there into the narrow valley of the Arkansas River to Cotopaxi. Here the route leaves busy U.S. Highway 50 and winds through quiet wooded foothills until reaching Pueblo.   Terrain The route lets you warm up for 150 miles before the first major climb over Carson Pass at 8,573 feet. Nevada offers almost unlimited sight lines across wide valleys before ascending and descending a pass into the next valley. The terrain through central Utah becomes steeper, with grades varying from 6 percent to 14 percent. In Colorado the route follows several river valleys, though for the most part you'll be either climbing or descending.   Logistics While California is almost urban in availability of services, Nevada and Utah present special problems in obtaining water and food on a daily basis. Carrying a water filter is strongly advised for water access at miscellaneous reservoirs, creeks, and lakes at primitive campsites. In most cases, there are no homes or ranches between services. Call ahead to verify any services. Nevada and Utah are extremely dry, and few trees are available for shade. In Colorado, services are more easily found, though higher altitude services -- from campground water to grocery stores -- can close early depending on weather.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2103 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2103 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-2103-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Western Express Route   San Francisco, CA, to Pueblo, CO - 4 map set (1,589 mi.)           ALL ABOARD FOR SCENERY AND ADVENTURE From the metropolis of San Francisco, the Western Express Route passes through lush agricultural valleys and climbs over the Sierra Nevada. In Nevada it uses "The Loneliest Road in America," a term coined some years ago by a Life magazine writer. The route then winds among the magnificent monuments and parks of southern Utah. It crosses the spine of the Rocky Mountains over numerous passes to end in Pueblo, Colorado, the gateway to the Great Plains.     This route can be ridden from mid-May through October, depending on weather. Carson Pass crosses over the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,573 feet. Snow can also fall at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass is over 11,000 feet. Local conditions and mountain ranges affect winds, so it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Dust and sandstorms will occasionally occur in the deserts of Nevada and Utah. Sections 2 and 3 of this route (Nevada and Utah) are considered difficult due not only to steep terrain but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes (as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer), and long mileages without services.   After the food and fun of San Francisco by the Bay, a relaxing ferry ride eliminates a hard day of urban cycling and deposits the cyclist in Vallejo. The route parallels an interstate and winds through suburbs to Fairfield and then passes through rolling, verdant agricultural areas before turning east. Urban riding conditions prevail along the section from Davis through Sacramento, Folsom, and Placerville. Separate bike paths, which start in Davis and extend through Sacramento to Folsom, provide welcome relief from busy surface streets. Wineries abound east of Placerville and the route begins to climb the Sierra Nevada foothills to the 8,573 foot Carson Pass. It then descends into the historic mining region around Carson City, Nevada.   People watchers will enjoy a casino visit in Carson City, assuming you don't plan to finance your trip there. Here the route joins U.S. Highway 50 into Fallon, where the challenging part of the route really begins. A dozen climbs await the rider on "The Loneliest Road in America" as it traverses the roller-coaster range and basin country paralleling the route of the famous Pony Express. Nevadans are noted for their self-reliance, hospitality (as long as you are not a federal employee), and whimsical sense of humor as evidenced by such unique attractions as the "shoe tree" and the "Post Impressionist " (fence post) art between Baker and Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park.   East of Cedar City, Utah, the route passes through some of the nation's most isolated communities and several of its most spectacular scenic wonders. Take some time to explore Cedar Breaks, Escalante, and Natural Bridges National Monuments; Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks; and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To even the most experienced of travelers, these natural sculptures, spires, buttes, and canyons are no less than humbling. The Utah portion of the route could be a worthy destination in itself. After passing through the bean-growing capital of the nation in southwestern Colorado, the route swings north and then east through the small tourist communities of the Rockies where one can always find an espresso and a ski hill, however modest. The route traverses forested mountains to Salida and from there into the narrow valley of the Arkansas River to Cotopaxi. Here the route leaves busy U.S. Highway 50 and winds through quiet wooded foothills until reaching Pueblo.   Terrain The route lets you warm up for 150 miles before the first major climb over Carson Pass at 8,573 feet. Nevada offers almost unlimited sight lines across wide valleys before ascending and descending a pass into the next valley. The terrain through central Utah becomes steeper, with grades varying from 6 percent to 14 percent. In Colorado the route follows several river valleys, though for the most part you'll be either climbing or descending.   Logistics While California is almost urban in availability of services, Nevada and Utah present special problems in obtaining water and food on a daily basis. Carrying a water filter is strongly advised for water access at miscellaneous reservoirs, creeks, and lakes at primitive campsites. In most cases, there are no homes or ranches between services. Call ahead to verify any services. Nevada and Utah are extremely dry, and few trees are available for shade. In Colorado, services are more easily found, though higher altitude services -- from campground water to grocery stores -- can close early depending on weather.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-2104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-2104-1.jpg     Map Features      Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Western Express Route   San Francisco, CA, to Pueblo, CO - 4 map set (1,589 mi.)           ALL ABOARD FOR SCENERY AND ADVENTURE From the metropolis of San Francisco, the Western Express Route passes through lush agricultural valleys and climbs over the Sierra Nevada. In Nevada it uses "The Loneliest Road in America," a term coined some years ago by a Life magazine writer. The route then winds among the magnificent monuments and parks of southern Utah. It crosses the spine of the Rocky Mountains over numerous passes to end in Pueblo, Colorado, the gateway to the Great Plains.     This route can be ridden from mid-May through October, depending on weather. Carson Pass crosses over the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,573 feet. Snow can also fall at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass is over 11,000 feet. Local conditions and mountain ranges affect winds, so it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Dust and sandstorms will occasionally occur in the deserts of Nevada and Utah. Sections 2 and 3 of this route (Nevada and Utah) are considered difficult due not only to steep terrain but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes (as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer), and long mileages without services.   After the food and fun of San Francisco by the Bay, a relaxing ferry ride eliminates a hard day of urban cycling and deposits the cyclist in Vallejo. The route parallels an interstate and winds through suburbs to Fairfield and then passes through rolling, verdant agricultural areas before turning east. Urban riding conditions prevail along the section from Davis through Sacramento, Folsom, and Placerville. Separate bike paths, which start in Davis and extend through Sacramento to Folsom, provide welcome relief from busy surface streets. Wineries abound east of Placerville and the route begins to climb the Sierra Nevada foothills to the 8,573 foot Carson Pass. It then descends into the historic mining region around Carson City, Nevada.   People watchers will enjoy a casino visit in Carson City, assuming you don't plan to finance your trip there. Here the route joins U.S. Highway 50 into Fallon, where the challenging part of the route really begins. A dozen climbs await the rider on "The Loneliest Road in America" as it traverses the roller-coaster range and basin country paralleling the route of the famous Pony Express. Nevadans are noted for their self-reliance, hospitality (as long as you are not a federal employee), and whimsical sense of humor as evidenced by such unique attractions as the "shoe tree" and the "Post Impressionist " (fence post) art between Baker and Lehman Cave in Great Basin National Park.   East of Cedar City, Utah, the route passes through some of the nation's most isolated communities and several of its most spectacular scenic wonders. Take some time to explore Cedar Breaks, Escalante, and Natural Bridges National Monuments; Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks; and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To even the most experienced of travelers, these natural sculptures, spires, buttes, and canyons are no less than humbling. The Utah portion of the route could be a worthy destination in itself. After passing through the bean-growing capital of the nation in southwestern Colorado, the route swings north and then east through the small tourist communities of the Rockies where one can always find an espresso and a ski hill, however modest. The route traverses forested mountains to Salida and from there into the narrow valley of the Arkansas River to Cotopaxi. Here the route leaves busy U.S. Highway 50 and winds through quiet wooded foothills until reaching Pueblo.   Terrain The route lets you warm up for 150 miles before the first major climb over Carson Pass at 8,573 feet. Nevada offers almost unlimited sight lines across wide valleys before ascending and descending a pass into the next valley. The terrain through central Utah becomes steeper, with grades varying from 6 percent to 14 percent. In Colorado the route follows several river valleys, though for the most part you'll be either climbing or descending.   Logistics While California is almost urban in availability of services, Nevada and Utah present special problems in obtaining water and food on a daily basis. Carrying a water filter is strongly advised for water access at miscellaneous reservoirs, creeks, and lakes at primitive campsites. In most cases, there are no homes or ranches between services. Call ahead to verify any services. Nevada and Utah are extremely dry, and few trees are available for shade. In Colorado, services are more easily found, though higher altitude services -- from campground water to grocery stores -- can close early depending on weather.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-12 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOTBC-12 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOTBC-12-1.jpg     Map Features     Adventure Cycling Association developed the best cross-country, loop, coastal and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country. The maps are also waterproof and sized to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket.   ADVENTURE CYCLE MAP INCLUDE:   Service symbols indicating the locations of campgrounds, hostels, motels, gas stations, groceries, restaurants, post offices, and bike shops Narratives with turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction Distances given in miles and kilometers Contour lines providing a general idea of elevation gains and losses Elevation profiles in mountainous regions with major ascents and descents indicated Details about the natural history and cultural heritage along the route A weather chart providing average monthly rainfall and mean temperatures at various points along the route Large-scale detail maps of urban or congested areas Summaries of riding conditions to provide information on road surfaces, traffic volumes, and areas of caution Our Online Addenda, where updates are always available and current These routes are available to you in 300 to 400-mile map sections, so you can plan anything from a weekend trip to a multi-month adventure. Our routes feature the backroads of America where you can experience the communities and rural landscapes that make our country unique. We want you to see a rural America that can't be seen from the freeways. Our generous members and supporters are helping to create and maintain our legacy and gift to the nation -- the Adventure Cycling Route Network.     THE FINER DETAILS OF ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS   Adventure Cycling Association maps are divided in a dozen 40-60 miles sections (1/2 a day to 1 day biking), this is an example of one of those section:     Bi-directional Narratives: Narratives have detailed turn-by-turn instructions for traveling in either direction. The number preceding each directive indicates the distance you've come since the beginning of the map panel at the matchline. (The number following in parentheses is the distance in kilometers.) Changes in road names and numbers are marked by stars both in the narrative and on the map panel.     Locator Box: The locator box gives an idea of your progress on the map section. For an overview of the route, the Index Map shows a larger scale version of the route's location.     Matchlines: Matchlines are solid pink lines on each end of the map panel intersecting the route. The narrative leads you from matchline to matchline. Once you "reach" the matchline, turn to the next map panel and begin following its narrative, again proceeding from the near matchline to the far matchline.     Service Symbols: Symbols correspond with the service information on the text side of the map, and tell bicyclists what sort of services they will encounter along the route. These include campgrounds, bike shops, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, post offices, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.     Elevation Profiles: Elevation profiles indicate major ascents and descents. On the Lewis & Clark Trail maps (as shown here), the profile is attached to each map panel. On other maps, in the mountainous regions of the country, the profile appears in one continuous panel on the text side of the map. (Not all map sections have elevation profiles.)     North Arrow: The north arrow is not necessarily up as it is on most maps, and it changes orientation from panel to panel. This allows as many miles of the route as possible to be depicted on each map panel.     End Mileages: The mileage to either end of the route section is shown at the border of each map panel.     Annual Events and Points of Interest: For your information, selected museums, points of interest, and events are included, where space allows, on the map panels. Museums have a brief description of their exhibits. Annual events have a brief description and the time of year they occur.         Great Parks Route   Jasper, AB, to Durango, CO - 7 map set (2,518.5 mi.)         GREAT PARKS NORTH Even in the height of summer, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations. The Canadian parks, with their wide road shoulders, provide excellent cycling conditions, though motorized traffic during the tourist season is heavy. Towns outside the parks, such as Fernie, British Columbia, offer information and ample opportunities for the off-road cycling enthusiast. Fascinating side trips abound for natural and geological sightseeing, which include aerial trams, hiking onto glaciers, and whitewater rafting. So, allow extra time beyond bicycling for these activities. This route should be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park is usually closed until early June (and has limited hours for cyclists). Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.     The route begins in Jasper, Alberta, a busy tourist center in the heart of Jasper National Park, one of the five Canadian Parks the route traverses. You will be amazed by the scenery: glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls, piercingly steep mountains covered with glaciers, and a tremendous variety of wildlife; you will stop frequent just to marvel at the beauty. Be sure to ride cautiously among the tourists in recreational vehicles. As you head south, over several passes through the parks, take the time to go to Lake Louise and Banff, which both offer a wide variety of tourist services and charm. After 230 miles of amazing vistas, you'll leave Kootenay National Park and descend steeply into the town of Radium Hot Springs. Stop for an enjoyable soak in the soothing hot mineral pools. From Radium Hot Springs southward to Elko, the western side of the Rockies offers gentler cycling following the Columbia and Kootenay river systems. At Elko, the route turns east over the Continental Divide through a series of small mining communities. You'll see the prairies begin on the eastern slope and traverse the foothills through Waterton Lakes National Park, another mountain jewel of the Canadian Parks. The border crossing into the United States at Chief Mountain is only open from mid-May through mid-September, and then you're in Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Divide back to the western side on the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Highway. You'll find no major climbs or descents after leaving the park, and the route mainly follows river valleys bracketed by mountain ranges all the way into Missoula.   Terrain The northern portion of the route is a series of climbs/descents over passes into various river valleys. In the south, you'll stay in the valleys and experience a more rolling terrain. The route crosses the Continental Divide three times.   Logistics To begin this route, Jasper can be reached by rail service from Edmonton, Alberta. Along its entire length, small towns at regular intervals provide ample services, but plan ahead due to crowded tourist conditions, especially in the Canadian Park System and in Glacier National Park. Reservations at both hostels and campgrounds are recommended. For off-road bicycling and primitive camping, a water purifier is necessary.   GREAT PARKS SOUTH The cyclist is rewarded by a continuous setting of dramatic mountain scenery, national forests, parks, monuments, and many climbs and descents over passes. Off-road mountain-biking opportunities abound at the various ski hills along the route, which offer singletrack riding on quiet forest trails, serviced by bustling tourist villages. This route can be ridden from early summer to mid-fall. Trail Ridge Road is closed between October and June. Note that snow can occur at any time during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. Altitude sickness can slow you down, so preparation for the high altitude is important. Arriving a few days before your trip begins is a good way to acclimate.   The route begins in northern Colorado in the ski town of Steamboat Springs. After a gut-busting climb out of Steamboat Springs to Rabbit Ears Pass, you'll find open grazing land and national forest lands heading into Kremmling. There is heavy summer tourist activity from Hot Sulpher Springs to Granby, the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Traffic is heavy throughout the park, and the terrain is extreme. From Estes Park to Georgetown, this area is the playground for Denver, the surrounding communities on the Front Range and also much of the nation. Communities from Keystone to Breckenridge have become major year-round tourist destinations, so be prepared for traffic and recreational vehicles. South of Fairplay, the route becomes more rural and traverses the high, open land of South Park. After crossing Trout Creek Pass, the route drops into the Arkansas River Valley near Buena Vista. The western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains is old mining country, from Salida all the way into Durango. Around Dolores, the mountains give way to the dry, open Four Corners region, highlighted by Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is the southern terminus of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the only remaining regularly scheduled narrow-gauge passenger train.   Terrain On this route, you will cross eleven mountain passes, and six of these will be over the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route follows a few river valleys, but for the most part you will be either climbing or decending.   Logistics In Colorado, high-altitude services from campground water to grocery stores can shut down early in the autumn depending on weather. A water purifier is recommended. Due to high levels of tourist activity in the summer, reservations for accommodations and campgrounds are recommended.   PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR UPDATED ADDENDA BEFORE STARTING A TRIP!       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=801-3229 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=801-3229 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/801-3229-1.jpg Seam Seal has been the camper's best friend for years. Technologically superior, Seam Seal achieves maximum waterproofing wherever seams are found. Anywhere stitching can leak, SeamSeal can stop the drip! Capacity: 2 oz. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Argentina http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Argentina http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Argentina-1.jpg   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website   Time of Visit      November 2006-May 2008   Visa European, Australian, New Zealand, South American and North American citizens get a 90-day visa free of charge at the border or airport. You can always cross the border and come back the same hour to get another 90 days.   Borders I entered Argentina once by airplane. I flew with Delta Airlines from Amsterdam, via Atlanta. My bike was in a bike box and they took it for free (2 pieces of check-in luggage of less then 24kg). After that I crossed the border with Chile many times, every time receiving another 90-day visa. Route Buenos Aires-Bahía Blanca-Comodoro Rivadavia, Ruta 3. Total distance: 1775km I cycled out of Buenos Aires on the main highway to Ezeiza airport. Maybe it is illegal to do so, but I believe it is the safest and quickest way to get out of the city. There is a wide shoulder (with annoying bumps) and you stay away from dodgy neighborhoods. Expect at least 35km of suburbs and heavy traffic. After the airport it becomes a little quieter and from Cañuelas you can choose different ways to get to Bahía Blanca. The roughly 650km from Buenos Aires to Bahía Blanca is rather boring, unless you like cycling endless flat plains and talking to cows. The only way to enjoy this stretch is in a kind of meditative state or focusing on meeting the wonderful Argentineans. The Sierra de la Ventana, just before Bahía, is the only small range you will cross. It is great after all the straight flat roads. After Bahía the roads get quieter, Ruta 3 still has trucks (I counted about 2 per minute). I choose Ruta 22 to the west and then Ruta 251 south. The last one has an amazing 100km without any feature, not even a slight curve. It is 675km from Bahía Blanca to Puerto Madryn. Be sure to take enough water and food, towns are about 120km apart here and because of the wind you might not make it in one day. Wild camping is always very easy. Hop over a fence, walk 200m more and pitch your tent between the thorny bushes. Sunset and the bright night will be amazing. The further south you go the drier the climate gets. You will see more and more wildlife. When you cross Río Negro you enter officially to Patagonia. Here you also find some houses with water and a small shop. Wind, mostly west, is forever a problem. Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdez are amazing places to watch marine wildlife. From Puerto Madryn to Comodoro Rivadavia you will start to see some small hills. The wind gets worse the more south you go. It is always easy to hitchhike, but also a great challenge to cycle all the way. It is almost 450km, with very little human life between Trelew and Comodoro. Comodoro Rivadavia-Río Mayo-Los Antiguos, Ruta 26, 40 and 43. Total distance: 440km When I was in Comodoro Rivadavia I had to wait for the winds to slow down. One day it was blowing an unbelievable 110km/h. Rada Tilly, a bit south of the city is the best place to camp. It has a long beach and good camping. Later I decided to go inland on very quiet but paved Ruta 26 to Río Mayo an onward to Chile, hoping for less wind. Surprisingly the road climbs for a long time and crosses a mountain range. After 75km you will pass through an industrial village, fill up on water here. Sarmiento is an important and surprisingly green town 150km from Comodoro. Here you find food. The winter is still a very strong enemy. Start early when winds are less. 75km from west you find another good wild camp at Río Senguer.Another 50km takes you to Río Mayo (free campsite) where you find food and water again. Now you are on the infamous Ruta 40. It is all unpaved here and takes you 90km south to Perito Moreno (village). Ask or look for Raul here, a fantastic person to meet. The paved Ruta 43 takes you in 50km to Los Antiguos and on to Chile. It is your choice: no wind in Chile or no rain in Argentina Ushuaia-Río Grande-San Sebastian (Tierra del Fuego). Total distance: 300km This road is all paved. It starts very beautiful between mountains, some glaciers, wild rivers and lakes. Closer to Río Grande it becomes drier, windier and empty. You can find supplies and a camping at Tolhuin (106km) and Río Grande (200km). San Sebastian is very small. The Argentinean side has a waiting room where you are allowed to spend the night. Consider the option of going west from Río Grande to Río Bellavista and then on to Punta Arenas, see my Chile article. El Chaltén-El Calafate-Río Turbio-Puerto Natales. Total distance: 505km Nowadays, many people take the ferries from Villa O’Higgins to El Chaltén. Around El Chaltén the hiking is great. No entrance fee for the park, free camping and great scenery, including views of FitzRoy. From El Chaltén it is about 215km to El Calafate. The first 90 you will do in three hours, because of the tailwind, the next 100 slower with a cross wind and the last 30 in walking pace against the wind. El Calafate is the base for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most beautiful sights you will ever see in your life. You can do this by bicycle as well, it is a 150km round trip, so take food and camp wild. Before 7 or 8 in the morning you don’t pay the steep entrance fee. The shortest way from El Calafate to Puerto Natales is via the Ruta 40. Keep right 47km from El Calafate and turn right at km95. End of pavement, the coming 50km can be very windy. A few km after this turnoff you find a police station with a place to camp in the garage. Continue on the 40 to Estancia Tapi Aike (159km). Here you get water and there is some shelter from the wind behind some poor trees. Turn right here. The Cerro Castillo border crossing is 206km from El Calafate. You can continue in Argentina to the Río Turbio border crossing (263km). From here it is only 15km to Puerto Natales. Trevelin-Mendoza, Ruta 40 and variants. Total distance: 1600km The scenery on this section is very variable, but always great. You will see rainforest, dry pampa, dozens of blue lakes, huge volcanoes, Araucaria trees and the highest mountains of the Amarica’s. The area around Bariloche is touristy, further north, in Neuquén province, you will meet no tourists at all. I guess that about half of it is paved, the rest is in fairly good condition. The winds are a lot less as further south, and the climate gets quickly warmer when you move north. Traffic is almost non-existent. Trevelin-Bariloche: 300km When you leave the Carretera Austral via Futaleufú you enter Argentina near Trevelin. From here it is great to cycle north through Parque Naciolal Los Alerces. You will not see many Alerce trees, but you will pass many beautiful lakes with the quietest wild campsites and great swimming, all the water is drinkable. The road through the park is unpaved but well maintained. Take a couple of days worth of food and enjoy the silence. In Cholila (105km) you will find a shop and pavement again. More north you pass through the hippy town of El Bolson (180km), another great place to stay a few days or go for a hike. Bariloche (300km) is ugly and touristy, but its setting is amazing. Hiking in the area is fantastic. Bariloche-Malargüe: 960km Cycle on pavement around the beautiful lake to Villa Angostura (88km). From here starts the famous, unpaved 7 lakes road that takes you San Martin the los Andes (190km). Between San Martin and Junín de los Andes (235km) the scenery changes dramatically. You leave the green lake-district and enter the pampas. After Junín, take Ruta 23 that will climb for about 100km next to a river with views of the perfect cone of Volcán Lanín and great camping and swimming. Most of it is unpaved, but not bad. Aluminé (345km) is the biggest town in this area, you can stock up here. There are a few roads here to go to Chile, or make a lap and come back to Argentina. It is a great empty area, with amazing cycling. Near Paso Pino Hachado (435km) you reach pavement, you are very close to Chile. Turn right to Las Lajas (475km) and then left on Ruta 21, which is partly unpaved. Also here a few options to cross to Chile. In Chos Malál (690km) you find food, accommodation and Ruta 40. You can follow the 40 for a long time or choose a shortcut that takes you through some interesting volcanic scenery. For this shortcut turn left at La Salada. It is good to ask around, as there are some forks in the road where you can take the wrong way and get lost. Anyway, after about 80km from La Salada you reach Ruta 40 again. Follow it to Malargüe, the biggist town before Mendoza. I have heard of two occasions of people having their bicycles stolen here, once from the camping. Malargüe-Mendoza: 335km At El Sosneado (50km), there is yet another shortcut. Now called Ruta 101, it is actually the old Ruta 40. Take food for some days, as this road is now extremely quiet with just a few tiny villages. Water you can get in the villages, which are less than a days cycling apart. When you reach Ruta 40, at Pareditas (205km), Mendoza is not far any more. Mendoza-Salta, Ruta 40 and variants. Total distance: 1360km In general you can say about this section that it is mostly paved now. Wild camping is always very easy. The scenery is of never ending beauty; the climate is great with sunny days and cold, bright nights. Villages are not too far apart; you will find water and a shop almost every day. Beware of the very long siestas, from about 13:00 to 17:00 everything is closed. Mendoza-Rodeo: 405km In my opinion the most beautiful way to cycle out of Mendoza is on Ruta 52 to Villavicencio and Uspallata (107km). You climb from Mendoza (700m) to 3100m and then descent to Uspallata (2000m). From Uspallata go straight north to the beautiful village of Barreal (216km). This road, that used to be an Inca trail, is mostly flat, unpaved and there is nothing but some Inca ruins, an empty national park with an observatory. A few km north of the Inca ruins, maybe 50km from Uspallata, you will find the only water in a little stream. The 2 times I was there it always had water. Views are great: to the left the mighty Andes, with many 6000+m peaks and on your right a lower, completely barren, but colorful ridge. Barreal becomes the beginning of a more populated valley. You can cycle on the east and west side of the river. If you take the east side, you come close to the very striking rock formations of El Alcazar, worth the 1km side trip. Calingasta (254km) is another fairly big village. From here you have two options. First, the very remote, unpaved and very beautiful Ruta 412, that goes straight north to Las Flores (387km). You will find water in the police stations of Villa Nueva and Tocota, after Tocota the ripio becomes really bad. Second, the 60km longer but completely paved Ruta 149 that goes northeast and then northwest to Las Flores. I found water hear at a road workers camp that might not be there any more. You can make a little side trip to Talacasto on Ruta 40, if you really need water. Las Flores is the starting point of the Paso Agua Negra to La Serena in Chile (see my Chile article). A little further on is Rodeo, a much bigger village. Rodeo-Chilecito: 300km This stretch is mostly paved and offers great scenery. You find several bigger villages, like San José de Jachál (48km), Huaco (85km), Guandacól (150km), Villa Unión (192km), Nonogasta (278km) and Chilecito. The only hard climb is the Cuesta de la Miranda (1860m). This climb between red rocks can be very hot and was still not paved in 2008. But work was in progress. In the tiny village of Miranda you find water. Chilecito-Cafayate: 470km This part is also not difficult. Almost all paved, great scenery. About 20km north of Chilecito you can choose between the Ruta 40 and the road that goes via Famatina, straight to Tinogasta (150km from Chilecito). From Tinogasta you can cross the Paso San Francisco to Copiapó in Chile (see my Chile article), or take the officially closed Cuesta the Zapato (unpaved and sometimes very bad) back to the Ruta 40 and to Londres and Belén (233km). If you choose the Ruta 40 it is 16km shorter to Belen and you will find supplies in San Blas (116km) and Londres (200km). Near Londres there are some fantastic ruins and some lost hippies live nearby. Belén (215km) is an important town. Continue on Ruta 40 through a beautiful canyon. You will cycle slowly uphill for a long time. A little after San Fernando (262km, water, some food) is the turnoff to Antofagasta de la Sierra (see below for this road). Continue straight to Hualfín (278km, food, water, hot springs). From here to Cafayate at becomes more remote, carry more water and food. You will still find something in Santa María (392km). Cafayate (470km) is a big town. Cafayate-Salta: 190km Ruta 68 from Cafayate to Salta runs through a magnificent, but touristy canyon. You follow a river downstream. The first part is quite empty; you find water and maybe food in Alemania (86km) and Viña (105km). Closer to Salta you pass some bigger towns, like El Carríl (150km) and La Merced (165km). All paved. Cafayate-Salta: (303km) A very beautiful and interesting alternative is to keep following the Ruta 40 north to the Cachi valley. Soon the road becomes a badly corrugated dirt track. But the scenery is fantastic and the villages as well. Santa Rosa (56km), Molinos (111km) and Cachi (156km) have old adobe churches. In Cachi you need to buy supplies for 2 days. Turn right on Ruta 33 (165km) and climb to 3300m through a cactus forest. This is a national park; there is nothing but one park ranger near the top of the pass. A very long downhill will take you to Ruta 68 near Salta. There are some tiny villages where you can get water. (You can also keep going north on the Ruta 40 to the village of La Poma and then climb the Abra de Acay, with 4795m the highest pass in Argentina, it claims to be 4895m. After that you turn right for a very long downhill to Salta.) Paso San Francisco, Paso Agua Negra and Paso de los Libertadores These three magnificent passes I have described in the Chile article. Salta-La Quiaca. Total distance: 375km For some reason almost no cars take the fantastic Ruta 9 from Salta to San Salvador de Jujuy (92km), basically one long climb and one long downhill with beautiful forests and a big lake. From Jujuy you can enter the Quebrada de Humahuaca on your way to Bolivia. You will climb gently to about 4000m. Every mile the valley becomes more beautiful. Take your time to visit the beautiful villages Purmamarca (152km), Tilcara (172km), Humahuaca (217km) and others. Read about the history, enjoy the sunshine and find the best campsites between huge cacti. After Humahuaca the climb becomes a little steeper for a while. You are cycling to the altiplano now, nights can be cold, days can be windy. At km 242 is the turnoff to Iruya, a remote and beautiful village. Abra Pampa (303km) is a place to get some water and food. This stretch is all paved, wild camping easy, food and water ready available, weather stable. Paso de Jama (4600m), from Jujuy to San Pedro de Atacama. Total distance: 490km It is a difficult choice: cycle the Quebrada de Humahuaca to Bolivia or the Paso de Jama to Chile, they are both very beautiful. The last one is definitely the hardest option, especially if you ride it from east to west. From Ruta 9 you have to turn west (km16) to the village Purmamarca (65km) and start climbing. It is a very long climb to the first pass, Cuesta de Lipán at 4170m! You descent a little to the Salinas Grande, a big salt lake at 3300m (120km). Here you might have the first headwind, but I had a quiet day. Another climb and downhill take you to Susques (193km), where you have to stock up on food and fuel for at least 5 days and water for 2 days. Now the road makes a huge curve around a vast and windy plain. It is a long way to the migration office in Jama village (316km). Get water and maybe some biscuits here. After that you have some up and downs, but the main problem is the wind and maybe the cold nights, expect -25C! Keep your water inside the tent, and maybe under your sleeping bag. You stay high for another 150km after the border. Just before the incredible downhill to San Pedro de Atacama you reach the highest point (around 4600m). Here is also the turnoff to Sur de Lipez and Bolivia, the border is only 5km away. You get your entry stamp for Chile in San Pedro de Atacama. Paso de Jama is all paved now and open year around. Belén-Antofagasta de la Sierra (-Paso Sico and Paso Socompa) -Salta (779km) Some people have probably noticed on their maps the very remote looking road to Antofagasta de la Sierra and then a very thin line that continues north. Not many have cycled it, but I tell you it is possible and very beautiful. I made notes and put them in an Excel sheet. Take at least 10 days for this very hard crossing, with a rest day in Antofagasta de la Sierra. The hardest part comes after that. In the excel sheet I mention the turnoffs to Socompa and Sico passes. Do some research before you take Paso Socompa. It is open and there is immigration, as I know from a motorcyclist who took it. But it is very remote and a long, long way to civilization. Some stretches are very sandy; you might have to push. Take food, fuel and water for many days. Paso Sico is easier, but should also not being underestimated. I know cyclists that passed it. Expect bad road conditions (corrugations) and strong winds, take sufficient food and water. The BEST route   In general I like the northwest of Argentina more than famous Patagonia. The great scenery of the altiplano and the high Andes, that is so different from Himalaya or Alps, keeps me going back there. The Antofagasta de la Sierra route offers the most remote cycling and very beautiful scenery. Quebrada de Humahuaca and all the high passes are also fantastic. The WORST Route   Buenos Aires to Bahía Blanca: flat, boring, windy. Bicycle Shops   Buenos Aires has by far the most bike shops and the biggest choice. Other big towns have bike shops and the basic Shimano stuff. Miguel Nitzsche in Bariloche can fix almost everything. He used to build steel bikes himself and has traveled by bike himself. Ask for him in a bike store. He would love your visit. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   I never saw Ortlieb panniers for sale in Argentina (the closest I know is Andes Gear in Santiago de Chile). Sometimes you can find 28 inch rims and tires, but not of good quality. For 26 inch wheels more choice. Mr. Nitzsche can build a rack for you and might have a lost 28 inch rim or tire. Camping Gear Shops   Again, best place to buy is Buenos Aires, but tourist towns like El Calafate, El Chaltén, Mendoza, Salta and Ushuaia also have good stuff for quite high prices. Best Season   For Patagonia, summer (December-February), but this is also the busy high season (only busy in the most famous areas). For the northern half of Argentina December-February is the hot and humid season, with some flooding. The rest of the year offers clear blue skies and it is never too cold. Nights can be very cold in the Altiplano (-20C) Worst Season November to April is the raining season in the northern half of the country. Maps   I used the Firestone Road Atlas of Argentina. For sale in bigger bookstores and some patrol stations. I thought it an amazingly good map that shows most roads, also dirt roads, and even has most distances right. I costs only about 20 dollar for the whole country. Languages   Spanish is useful Average for Cheap Lodging   Camping’s are often free or cost only 1 or 2 dollar. Lodging can cost up to 7 USD in tourist areas. Locals' Average Salary 200USD per month Transport your Bike By air: I flew to Ezeiza international airport in Buenos Aires and took a taxi to the downtown for 20 dollar. It is possible to cycle, as I realized later when I cycle out of the city passing the same airport. By boat: The ferries to Tierra del Fuego take your bike. I don’t remember prices. By bus: Argentina has an amazing long distance bus system. I took my bike for free, just put it in the luggage space without any packing. Hitchhiking is very easy all over the country, the remoter the easier (if any car passes). http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bicycle_Touring_CO_Canal_Towpath http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bicycle_Touring_CO_Canal_Towpath http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Bicycle_Touring_CO_Canal_Towpath-1.jpg  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Rev Johannes Myors In 2010: Cycled 17 years across the USA, including 16 coast to coast crossings! www.pedalprayers.org Intro   CLICK TO ENLARGE Rev Johannes Myors bicyle-toured the C&O canal several times and it is one of his favorite route in the USA. In this article he gives a description of the route with some useful tips, bicycle shops and visitor centers locations. He also wrote some historical facts to give you a background of the canal. Presently, the park includes nearly 20,000 acres (80 km²) and receives over 3 million recorded visits each year. Flooding continues to threaten historical structures on the canal and attempts at restoration. The Park Service has re-watered portions of the canal but the majority of the canal does not have water in it. The twelve foot wide towpath is not paved or prepared like the G.A.P. (Great Allegheny Passage) between McKeesport (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvaniaand Cumberland. Cyclists who go on to Washington, DC after completing the G.A.P. say that they are disappointed with the ride along the C&O Towpath but they have to realize that the G.A.P. is a business venture and the C&O Towpath is historic. Most cyclists use hybrids or mountain bikes but during my two trips, I met people on racing bikes, recumbents (long and short-wheelbase, and tandems. The surface is typically clay and crushed stone so it is a bit rough. Also, there are some sections that are quite rocky. In some places, the route is two narrow paths the width of a car or truck tire. After a good rain, the towpath might be muddy so there could be mudholes. Also, the C&O Towpath is a "Trash Free Park". This means you MUST carry out your own trash! There are plastic trash bags provided at each H/B campsite. The current record (totally unofficial) is 11 hours and 41 minutes and held by Paul Gruenberger and Ralph Olinger during their ride in October 1994. This was a supported ride starting from Cumberland, Maryland. Paul Gruenberger also claims the unsupported record time of 12 hours and 36 minutes set in September 1991. Usually cyclists take either three or four days to cycle the towpath. If you begin in Cumberland, Maryland (as I did in 2008 and 2010) you will have a slight downhill advantage. There are 75 locks on the canal and at each lock the towpath makes a short 6 to 8 foot incline. By starting from Cumberland, Maryland, you get to go down each of these 75 inclines. Cumberland, Maryland is about a 2 ½ hour drive from Washington, D.C. You get there by taking I-270 North to I-70 West. Follow I-70 to Hancock, Maryland where you will pick up I-68. This takes you out to Cumberland, Maryland. The Cumberland Trail Head is easily accessible from Exit 43C on I-68. Keep in mind that it ends just north of I-68 where the interstate crosses the river. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Station is right near the where the towpath terminates. The main shuttle services between the trailheads is "Freedom Trail Riders" (http://www.freedomtrailriders.com). It has been offering shuttle services since 2000. In this article you will find descriptions and highlights along with useful tips like bicycle shops, campings and visitor centers locations.     MILE 0 to MILE 40   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS The towpath begins in the Georgetown section of Washington D.C., at the edge of the Rock Creek Parkway, between Pennsylvania Avenue and the Whitehurst Freeway. This roughly marks the inland most point of the navigable Potomac River. Directly south of the trail head, in the rock creek stream bed, lies the remains of the canal's "watergate" (from where the nearby infamous hotel complex gets its name). The watergate was used to transfer canal boats between the Potomac and the canal. This is where you will find the original Mile 0 marker (right next to Thompson's Boat Center). The canal's first few hundred yards is lined with shops and a series of lift locks. Barge rides are also available here during the summer months. The towpath begins as a red brick walkway along the north side of the canal bed. After a few blocks, the towpath's gravel/clay towpath surface begins. The path is very narrow here and considering all the pedestrian traffic makes it very difficult to navigate by bike. The towpath crosses over to the south side of the canal just prior to Key Bridge. For the first three miles or so, the towpath surface is fairly rough due to the heavy traffic load in the section. This is why I recommend that you use the parallel Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) (http://www.cctrail.org). The paved CCT begins at the western end of K Street (under the Whitehurst Freeway). At this point it is not apparent that the two trails are next to each other, as there is a 40-50 foot elevation differential and forest growth between the trails. The two trails meet at Fletcher's Boathouse (Mile 3.1). In addition to a snack bar, boat and bicycle rentals are available here. The CCT trail crosses over the towpath about a half mile past the boathouse and heads north to Bethesda and Silver Spring. By Mile 5, the towpath traffic reduces significantly. Between Mile 8 and 10 is the area known as "Seven Locks" (since there are seven lift-locks here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locks_on_the_C%26O_Canal). The canal passes under the Capital Beltway at Mile 9.3 and you enter the area known as Carderock. The half mile long building to the north is the David Taylor Model Basin where the Navy tests scale models of new ships    The miles between Mile 10 and Mile 25 are probably the most heavily used section of the canal. Generally, the towpath here is in excellent condition, and the canal basin still contains water. In April 2006, after more than 30 years, the Widewater towpath breach (between Mile 12.6 and Mile 13.7) was finally repaired.   The major point of interest in this section is Great Falls located at Mile 14. During nice weather, this area is crawling with folks out to enjoy hiking on the challenging Billy Goat Trail, rock climbing in Mather Gorge, kayaking in the Potomac rapids below Great Falls, or just enjoying a stroll along the towpath. Use caution and be courteous around the pedestrians. Once you pass Great Falls, the towpath quickly becomes less crowded. Swain's Lock is a nice place to stop for a break. At Mile 22.8 are the remains of the Seneca Creek Aqueduct. This three arch aqueduct is the first of eleven such structures along the canal. The western most arch was destroyed by a local thunderstorm flood on Sept 11, 1971. Once you pass the Seneca Creek Aqueduct, the conditions change radically. If you are thinking about biking the entire canal, you may want to try a practice ride in this section to see what it will REALLY be like. First, the canal bed is no longer watered and thus has been completely reclaimed by forest growth. This makes the towpath quite shady, which is great during the summer months, but it does greatly limit the scenery. Also, the wide towpath you had enjoyed eventually changes into a dual track trail. The frequent access points are a thing of the past so you pass very few folks here.    The major point of interest in this section is the historic Whites Ferry (http://canal.mcmullans.org/whites_ferry.htm). This is the only working ferry on the Potomac River. You can use the ferry to cross over to Leesburg, Virginia ($1 for bikes, $3 for cars) where lodging is available. Leesburg (http://www.leesburgva.org/) is about 4 miles from White's Ferry via Business Route 15. Route 15 is a very busy highway however there are now paved shoulders along the busiest section.   BICYCLE REPAIR "Bicycle Outfitters" (http://www.bikeoutfitters.com) at 34-D Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia (703) 777-6126? "Bicycle Pro Shop" (http://bicycleproshop.com) at 3403 M St NW, Washington, D.C.(202) 337-0311 "Bob's Bicycle" (http://bobsbike.com) at 19961 Fisher Avenue in Poolesville, Maryland (301) 349-2453 about eight miles from Whites Ferry via Whites Ferry Road. "CycleLife USA" (http://www.cyclelifeusa.com) at 3255 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. - (202) 333-8883 "Plum Grove Cyclery" (http://plumgrovecyclery.com) just north of Leesburg off of Rt 15 at 16286 Rockland Lane. (703) 777-2252 "Revolution Cycles" (http://revolutioncycles.com) at 3411 M Street, NW , Washington, DC (202) 965-3601 VISITOR CENTERS Georgetown Visitor Center at 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, D.C.  (206) 653-5190 . Exhibits on the history of the canal and the urban canal setting.   Great Falls Visitor Center at 11710 MacArthur Boulevard; Potomac, Maryland (301) 767-3714. The building was originally a locktender's house but was later expanded.    MILE 40 to MILE 50   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS This section contains the beautiful Monocacy Aqueduct. It is a 500 foot long stone bridge with seven arches. It was used to carry the canal over the Monocacy River. The aqueduct took 4 years to build and was completed in 1833. Next to the tunnel at Paw-Paw (Mile 155), the aqueduct is probably the second most impressive structure on the canal. In the 1970s, the Park service erected temporary exo-skeleton supports around the aqueduct due to damage caused by repeated flooding. In 2005, aqueduct repairs were finally completed, and so the exo-skeleton has been removed.   The only other point of interest that you "might" see in this section is the Dickerson power plant (Mile 41). In 1992, a training course was built in the power plant's warm water discharge spillway for the U.S. Olympic Kayak Team. You might be able to see it through the chain-link gate at the south side of the complex.   Trail conditions are historically poor in the mile or two prior to the town of Point-of-Rocks, Maryland (http://www.pointofrocks.org). Expect to navigate around many mud holes in this section. The rest of the path is typically in good shape.   Access to the town of Point-of-Rocks is by way of a small, wooden, one-lane bridge over the canal bed. The town is mainly a collection of run down homes. However, there are two stores/deli's about a block off the towpath. This makes the town a good lunch/re-supply stop.   Just after the wooden bridge, the C&O Canal passes through the Catoctin Mountain Range. During the canal construction, the B&O Railroad mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge for the narrow right-of-way through this pass. As a result, the railroad was forced to tunnel through the mountain. After the canal failed, the railroad built a second track in the abandoned canal bed. However, the towpath is still intact through the pass.   MILE 40 to MILE 70escription   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS After about 30 miles of "remote" wilderness, things start to get crowded as the canal enters the Appalachian Mountains. In the narrow valleys, river, canal, railroad, and highway must compete for limited real estate. During the early 1800s, the canal and railroad companies were constantly involved in legal battles surrounding these right-of-ways. In some of the tighter sections, you will note that the railroad has since taken over the abandoned canal bed.   Mile 51.5 is the site of the Catoctin Creek Aqueduct (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org).   This aqueduct completely collapsed several years ago and has since been replaced by a footbridge. It is being replaced right now.   A few miles past, you enter the Brunswick, Mayland (http://www.brunswickmd.gov/) area. This town contains a small railroad yard and an RV campground along the river.   The towpath is typically quite bumpy here because for almost three-quarters of a mile it is a stone road and traffic uses it to access the campground. Route 17/287 also crosses the Potomac here at Mile 55. This road runs south to Purcellville, Virginia (via Lovettsville) where you can catch the western terminus of the W&OD Trail. However, Route 287 is not very cyclist friendly (fast traffic and no shoulder). Mile 55 - The rail station at Brunswick, Maryland   At Mile 58, a red brick lock house marks the point where the Appalachian Trail (AT) (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/) joins the towpath.      The  AT is a hiking trail that runs some two thousand miles between Maine and Georgia across the top of the Appalachian Mountain Chain. After making the short hop across Maryland, the trail comes down off the ridge for a three mile "stroll" along the Potomac.      At mile 61, the AT crosses over the river into West Virginia at Harpers Ferry.   The highlight in this section is the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (http://www.nps.gov/archive/hafe/home.htm) located at the fork of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town is now a National Historic Park and has a long history of floods and wars. A walkway along one of the railroad bridges provides easy access from the canal.    Mile 60.2 - View of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia   Mile 60.2 - Footbridge to Harpers Ferry and Maryland Heights cliffs. Around one of the legs of the railroad bridge is a winding stairway to the walkway next to the railroad tracks. The stairway has about two dozen steps and the walkway is at least five feet wide.          Mile 60.5 - A view of Hilltop House from the towpath. BICYCLE REPAIR   "3 Points Cycle" at 4328 William L Wilson Fwy, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia? - (304) 535-3176? VISITOR CENTER   Brunswick Visitor Center - 40 West Potomac Street, Brunswick (301) 739-4200 MILE 70 to MILE 82   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS   This section, noted by its big curves, is located near the Antietam National Battlefield (http://www.nps.gov/ant). Antietam was the site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle. The auto tour route through the battlefield also provides an excellent side trip for cyclists.   At Mile 72.8, the towpath crosses under the Route 34 bridge. You can use this crossing to reach Shepherdstown, West Virginia (http://www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com/) which is located just across the river. While on the bridge, you can't help to notice the charming Bavarian Inn, which sits on a cliff overlooking the river. This town is the home of Shepherd University, and thus has several restaurant and lodging options. In January 2000, the town was briefly in the international spotlight when it hosted the Israeli-Syrian negotiations.   Other than the big curves, there is not very much of interest along the towpath. The Killiansburg Cave (http://mcmullans.org/canal/killiansburg_cave.htm), located about 50 feet above the towpath at Mile 75.7, provided shelter to the town folks during the Antietam Battle. The foliage is fairly heavy in this section which makes it seem quite remote, however it also makes this section quite cool in the summer. Despite the remote feel, access points are fairly common.    BICYCLE REPAIR   "Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle" (http://www.thepedalpaddle.com) at 115 W German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia - (304) 876-3000     MILE 82 to MILE 106      DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS   Williamsport, Maryland (http://www.williamsportmd.gov) highlights this section of the towpath. The town was a major inland port during the canal heydays.        Today, the town is mostly just an exit off Interstate 81. However, it still supports a pretty sizable residential population and several small businesses. As a result, a number of convenience marts and restaurants are available here. Just north of Williamsport lies the Conococheague (Con-ni-ca-jig) Aqueduct (http://mcmullans.org/canal/conococheague_aqueduct.htm). In 1920, the upstream wall of the aqueduct collapsed after being struck by a canal barge. The barge crashed through the opening and remained stuck in the creek until 1936, when a flood washed it down the Potomac. A wooden wall was hastily reconstructed in order to get the aqueduct back in service. This fix remained in place until the canal ceased operation 4 years later in 1924. Mile 84 through Mile 88 is the only impassable section along towpath until at least 2012. As a result, a bicycle detour has been established between Dam #4 and McMahons Mill (http://www.nps.gov/.../choh/ppMaps/big_slackwater_add_detour.pdf). After 85 miles of towpath riding, this detour is actually a very pleasant diversion. Note that the detour signs are yellow. Traveling to Cumberland, there will be a steep (at least 8% grade) climb for about a mile on Dam #4 road. The road detour is about seven miles long. To get back on the towpath, you go through a closed down farm.   BICYCLE REPAIR "River City Cycles" (http://rivercitycyclesinc.com) at 16 N Conococheague Street, Williamsport - (301) 223-6733 VISITOR CENTER Williamsport Visitor Center - 206 West Potomac Street , Williamsport (301) 582-0813 MILE 106 to MILE 116   This section is one of the most difficult to ride. The towpath surface consists of a coarser gravel base which makes riding rough. Plus, the long straight sections can become quite tedious. Also, the towpath follows very close to Interstate 70, so the highway noise becomes quite noticeable. However, the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail (http://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.org/WMRT/) runs parallel to the towpath between Mile 115 and Mile 132.  You can get on the paved trail at M.P. 1.0 and follow it 9 miles into Hancock and 12 more miles to Mile 132. Note, there is no access from the Western Maryland Rail Trail to Leopards Mill, Licking Creek Aqueduct, Little Pool, and White Rock H/B Campsites. There are some points of interest along these miles. Four Locks marks one of the few spots were the canal strays from the Potomac River Basin. Fort Frederick State Park (http://www.friendsoffortfrederick.info/) was used for various purposes between the French & Indian and the Civil Wars. Today, it provides several recreation facilities including boat rentals and a launch. Big Pool Lake, just west of the park, was constructed to reduce the amount of digging required for the canal basin. The single arch Licking Creek Aqueduct (http://www.mcmullans.org/canal/licking_creek_aqueduct.htm) is said to have the largest stone arch in the U.S.     MILE 116 to MILE 130   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS The town of Hancock, Maryland (http://www.hancockmd.com/) highlights this section of the canal. During the heydays of the canal, Hancock was a major inland port. Today, it is mainly just a small junction town located in Maryland's thin neck between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. After the 12 long mile long, nearly arrow straight ride from Fort Frederick, this town is a sight for sore eyes! Located at Mile 124, Hancock makes a great overnight stop when using the three or six day trip options. A Super 8 Motel is within a half mile of the towpath, and Cohill Manor B&B is about 1 mile west of town on Route 144. There are also several restaurants in town. Other points of interest in this section include the Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct ruins, and the Round Top Cement Company ruins.  BIKE REPAIR "C & O Bicycle" (http://www.candobicycle.com/) at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave, Hancock, Maryland - (301) 678-6665 VISITOR CENTER Hancock Visitor Center - 326 East Main Street, Hancock (301) 678-5463 MILE 130 to MILE 150   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS This beautiful section is probably the most geographically remote along the entire canal. The rugged mountain terrain provides wonderful scenic vistas, but really limits access points.   The only "town" in this section is Little Orleans, (http://maryland.hometownlocator.com/md/allegany/little-orleans.cfm) which is basically just four or five buildings. The main hangout spot in Little Orleans is Bill's Place, a combination general store and pub. Be sure to drop in and perhaps pin a dollar bill to the ceiling. If you need lodging, check out the new Little Orleans Lodge, located just outside of town. There are many Hiker/Biker campsites in this section. Fifteen Mile Creek Recreation Area (at Little Orleans) also provides drive in campsites. This section always seems to be much more "buggier" than the rest of the canal, so make sure you have lots of repellent! MILE 150 to MILE 168 DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS This section contains the single most impressive engineering feature on the canal, the Paw Paw Tunnel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paw_Paw_Tunnel).          Located between Mile 155 and 156, the 3,100 foot long tunnel was constructed between 1836 and 1850 and was the final link joining Cumberland to the Chesapeake Bay. The decision to build the tunnel was made over several other options to traverse the shear cliffs in this area along the Maryland side of the river. One idea was to dam the river thus creating a lake for barge traffic, however this still required blasting a towpath into the cliff walls. Another option was to create a series of aqueducts to cross back and forth between the Maryland and West Virginia sides. The tunnel option was eventually chosen mainly because it was expected to be completed in about 18 months (the actual construction took 14 years!).   Be aware that the tunnel is VERY dark so I highly advise you to carry a headlamp or flashlight. The park service has erected a sturdy railing along the walkway, so you need not fear falling into the canal basin (it is quite a drop!). Soon after exiting the south portal, the towpath passes a camping area and then goes under Route 51. The town of Paw Paw, West Virginia (http://www.pawpawwv.com/) is about 1 mile down Route 51. The town has a general store/deli, a convenience mart, and at least one B & B.   Other points of interest include the Town Creek Aqueduct (restored in 1977) and a fully restored section of the canal at the historic area called Oldtown . Oldtown was the sight of one the country's last privately owned toll bridge. In August 1995, Maryland closed this bridge due to serious safety concerns. However, repairs have been completed and the bridge is now "officially" re-opened ($1.00 toll).    MILE 168 to MILE 184   DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS The final section of towpath is quite interesting. It seems the scenery changes constantly as the path winds the Potomac Valley between Oldtown and Cumberland (http://www.ci.cumberland.md.us). One moment, you're riding through deep secluded forests, and the next moment you are passing a quiet suburban development. Then you find yourself riding through a peaceful mountain meadow, and the next thing you hear is the clanging of railroad cars being switch at a nearby by yard. These days, this final stretch of towpath is in excellent condition. The path ends at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Station, located just north of the Interstate 68 bridge. The canal itself was filled in back in the 50's for flood control, so the towpath is all that remains.   An on going waterfront revitalization project is working to restore the canal to its formal glory. Originally, the canal was supposed to continue farther west to Pittsburgh, thus joining the Ohio River to the Chesapeake Bay (hence the name). However, by 1850 the railroad had won the race to the west, so further construction plans were scraped. BICYCLE REPAIR "Cumberland Trail Connection" (http://www.ctcbikes.com) at Canal Place, 14 Howard Street, Cumberland - (301) 777-8724 "Cycles & Things?" at 165 N Centre St, Cumberland - (301) 722-5496? VISITOR CENTER Cumberland Visitor Center - Western Maryland Railroad - 13 Canal Street, Cumberland (301) 722-8226 Useful Websites http://bikewashington.org/canal/index.php http://www.candocanal.org/ http://www.fred.net/kathy/canal.html http://www.nps.gov/choh/ RELATED ARTICLES - History of the C&O Canal - C&O Canal - Campground and Lodging Guide   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_bivys_hammock_tarp http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_bivys_hammock_tarp http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_bivys_hammock_tarp-1.jpg  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com Bivies / Hammocks / Tarps   These options are for people who really want to cut down on weight, and some manage to travel quiet well with much less. There are some high quality travel hammocks that will allow you to sleep and be protected from bugs and rain. Hammocks save you the weight of transporting a sleeping pad - but some do take a sleeping pad in case they can’t find ways to hang the hammock in those cases you can use the hammock as a bivy. Bivies: They pretty much look like a sleeping bag, but they are made of a waterproof and breathable synthetic fabric. They also usually have a structure to support the head so you don't sleep with the fabric laying on your face. Very minimalist and very lightweight. Hammocks: People who use hammocks as their only shelter opt for models with a mosquito net. Some of them also have a tarp-like fabric to protect from the rain. Or you can use one of these great multi-functional tarps like the Space Blanket. Tarp tents: They are popular among those who try to save any ounce they can. These are shelters made of one piece of material the size of a tarp, and one pole (some use a hiking pole or a tree branch). They are very minimalistic, and not appropriate for longer trips or journeys in rough weather conditions. Simple tarp: Some people (not many) go to the extreme and only take a tarp (and hope for the best). Simple tarps are usually used for emergency only or by people doing "credit-card travel" (carry very few gear, eat in restaurants and sleep in motels). I have never heard of long distance bicycle travelers using one of these options. You certainly would not have as many restful nights as you would with a real tent. Some cons to consider with hammocks and bivies : •You need something to hang your hammock on. Even if you become creative you’ll still need a tree, bench, sign, pylon etc. •You can’t store your belongings inside •There is a very limited space On short trips I do carry a lightweight hammock as an extra luxury since I love the comfort of it. Our friend Biciclown has been traveling for years and won't leave his hammock behind for any reason. I consider the hammock as the best outdoor invention ever! But it is certainly not a necessity and can be useless in treeless environment. Hammocks Recommendations   The leaders in the industry for travel hammocks are Hammock Bliss and Grand Trunk. The most popular hammocks among bicycle travelers and backpackers are the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Ultralight Travel and the Hammock Bliss Mosquito Free. Both offer a good shelter for respectively 20 and 25 oz. The lightest hammock on the market is the award winner Grand Trunk Nano 7. Only 6.7 oz.! A more affordable option is the Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock (12 oz)   Related Articles   How to choose the right bicycle touring tent? Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics       You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bolivia http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bolivia http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Bolivia-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website   Time of Visit    June, August-October 2008   Visa Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, don’t need a visa for a stay up to 30 days. South American and most European citizens don’t need a visa for a stay for up to 90 days, you get an entry stamp at the border or airport. US citizens have to pay 135 USD for a visa on arrival. At some border crossings, like the Laguna Verde one near San Pedro de Atacama, you are charged a small fee and they will give everyone 30 days. I am not sure if this is legal.   Borders I entered once from La Quiaca, Argentina to Villazón and once from Lago Chungará, Chile to Tambo Quemado. I left from Laguna Verde and from Copacabana (Lago Titicaca) Route Villazón-Tupiza-Uyuni: 325km I remember that the distances on my map were generally too short for this stretch, the following numbers are estimations. The whole section can be done by train. After the sleeping villages of Argentina’s north, Villazón is surprisingly busy with vendors selling all kinds of stuff for almost nothing in the street, welcome to Bolivia! To go to Tupiza you have to cycle north out of town and turn left after roughly 30km. Soon you reach the village of Mojo where you can get water. It is another 70 km to Tupiza on a bad dirt road. No big climbs, wild camping very easy, for water: you pass some small villages and cross a few creeks and a big river closer to Tupiza (I always drank the tap water in Bolivia and never got sick in 4 months). The canyon lands surrounding Tupiza offer excellent hiking possibilities. Also cycling out in the direction of Uyuni you will pass some crazy rock formations. After Mojoncasa (or Salo?) (25km from Tupiza), when the road bends west, a huge climb follows. It is another extremely mountainous 80km to Atocha, a surprisingly pretty village clinging to a steep hillside above a river. You find a good market here. Don’t expect to make it in one day from Tupiza to Atocha, it is really hard. You will find some water on your way; there are some tricky forks in the road without signs, try to ask someone for directions. Atocha-Uyuni (120km) is a lot flatter, wind might be a problem and the road is bad. You are on the altiplano now with wide views, cold nights, great camping. Every now and then you pass a village where you can get water and buy some biscuits. Uyuni is just there for the tourists that want to visit the famous salt flats. If you like meeting fellow travelers this is your place. Uyuni-San Pedro de Atacama: 550km Visiting the salt flats and going back to Uyuni is one thing, continuing to San Pedro is another. Only very experienced cyclists that are 100% self-sufficient should attempt this crossing. It is not far, but roads are non-existent in the area and you will cycle on extremely bad tracks made by 4-wheel drives. One of the main problems is water. There is no drinkable water, only some of the hotels have water that has been trucked in. I cycled it in 9 days, but was very lucky with the wind. Take food and fuel for 10 days if you are extremely fit. Count on extra fuel, if you get snowed in you’ll need to melt snow. The most basic stuff, like galletas and pasta you will still find in San Juan, but the rest you have to take from Uyuni. I found water on the big island in the middle of the salt flats, Colcha K, Mañica, San Juan, Chiguana (army base), Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Colorado (entrance to the nature reserve), Termas de Chalviri, Laguna Blanca (exit national park) and at the border. I believe that the crossing is easier from north to south, as you will have probably have a tail wind in the Siloli desert to the Arbol de Piedra, the most difficult part. The following two homepages have a sketch and route description in English and in German. I took a picture of it and used the camera as a map. Drawing of the route Uyuni-San Pedro de Atacama Description of the route Uyuni-San Pedro de Atacama Tambo Quemado-Cochabamba-Santa Cruz: 1000km all paved! Tambo Quemado-Patacamaya: 225km For some notes about Arica to Lago Chungará, see my Chile article. If you enter Bolivia at Tambo Quemado you will stay high for a long time. The riding around Volcán Sajama (with 6542m the highest mountain in Bolivia) is fantastic. About 20km from the border you come to the village of Lagunas with a guesthouse. You can turn left to Sajama village, mountaineers climb the volcano from here.You stay high on a beautiful new and quiet road with fantastic views, until Patacamaya (225km, 3800m). Free camping is easy, water and food can be found in some of the villages like Curahuara de Carangas (123km). Patacamaya-Cochabamba: 280km In the crazy busy town of Patacamaya you can turn left to La Paz, only about 110km from here (There are many busses, minivans and taxi’s to the capital from here.) I turned right to Oruro and Cochabamba. The road is a lot busier now, but not as bad as you would expect from Patacamaya. The villages become bigger and most of them have a nice market. In Caracollo (80km) you choose right for Oruro or left for Chochabamba. I went left. A very long uphill takes you to 4500m and then you go down to Cochabamba (2560m). The scenery is not as great as around Sajama, and the city is disappointing. Cochabamba-Santa Cruz: 480km From Cochabamba there are two main roads to Santa Cruz. The northern one, Ruta 7, is the newest, all paved and very quiet. It takes you first up a couple of long climbs, with the last high point (3500m) just after Colomi (50km), and then drops an incredible 3000m to Villa Tunari (160km, 330m) the Amazon Basin. This is a fairly touristy village, because it is mentioned in Lonely Planet. From there it is a sweaty, flat ride to Santa Cruz (480km). You can fill up water and buy food in Chimoré (195km), Rio Itschilo (288km), San Carlos (355km) and Montero (430km). Free camping is still easy, but you can also ask a farmer. The closer you get to Santa Cruz, the more cultivated the land. You will not see much of the original rainforest, except for the great downhill to Villa Tunari. Santa Cruz is the biggest and richest city of Bolivia. Be aware of thief’s. The old road between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Ruta 4, stays a lot higher and is longer. Due to my map it has a 130km stretch that is not paved yet. I expect it is harder for terrain, but easier for the climate. Santa Cruz-Trinidad: 555km all paved The only bridge over the Rio Grande is in Pailon, 50km east of Santa Cruz. Here you can go straight to Brazil or north to Los Troncos (126km) where you have to turn right for Trinidad. San Ramon (185km) is an important village, where you can turn right to all the famous Jesuit missions (and to Picacho, see below). Stay on Highway 9 to Trinidad. The land becomes less cultivated now, but still don’t expect too much nature.You pass several villages, of which Ascencion de Guarayos and San Pablo (320km) are a bit bigger. Just follow the paved highway to Trinidad (555km). Days are very hot, nights almost equally hot. Take insect repellent, think about protection against malaria. Drink a lot! You will find lots of fantastic fresh fruits everywhere next to the highway. Free camping is possible, but uncomfortable. Trinidad is a small city. Trinidad-Caranavi: 460km unpaved West of Trinidad you cross the Rio Ichilo by boat and suddenly you are in the middle of nowhere. The dirt road is ok in dry conditions, but impossible when it rains. Traffic is almost non-existent and villages very small. San Ignacio de Moxos (100km) is a lovely place where you can buy food. San Borja (250km) is the biggest town between Trinidad and La Paz. In Yacumo (300km) you have to turn right for Rurrenabaque or continue straight for La Paz. After all the flat riding and terribly hot and humid climate it is refreshing to enter the foothills of the Andes. Out of Yacumo (250m) the scnery becomes better and better. You climb three times to about a 1000m before reaching Sapecho (390km). After Sapecho you cross the huge Rio Beni. After that a hard climb to 2200m and great downhill takes you to Caranavi (460km, 600m). From here you can continue to Coroico and La Paz. This would include climbing the ‘most dangerous road in the world’ that has become a real tourist attraction (the downhill of course). But I turned right to Guanay and Mapiri. Caranavi-Mapiri-Sorata-Lago Titicaca: 550km The section that follows here is very beautiful and very hard. There is an enormous amount of climbing involved, on sometimes very bad roads.The scenery is fantastic and offers rain forests, deep valleys with wild rivers, some of Bolivia’s highest mountains, glaciers and finally lake Titicaca. Except for Sorata, you will meet no other tourists; local people are very friendly, especially in Mapiri. I used the notes on the route Caranavi-Mapiri-Sorata-Lago Titicaca from Iris and Tore. They took a boat from Guanay to Mapiri. I cycled that stretch. It took me two days to cover the 105km and I estimated a stunning 3500 altimeters. I found the notes to be still very accurate. From Sorata to La Paz or Lago Titicaca is all paved now. Picacho Uschi, a Swiss woman, runs an organic farm in the Beni, not far from Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado. You can take a bus from Santa Cruz (at least 30 hours.) She is a member of couchsurfing and of WWOOFing. It is a fantastic experience to visit her and stay for some weeks to work on the farm. In the dry season you can also cycle to the farm. It is about 750km from Santa Cruz and 600km from Trinidad. Expect a lot of insects, sweaty days and nights, take food for the whole stretch and a water filter. The sand roads are surprisingly good in the dry season. See "useful links below". From Santa Cruz you have to cycle to San Ramon (see the description to Trinidad). Here you take road 502 to San Javier and continue until Santa Rosa de la Roca (385km from Santa Cruz). From here it gets very remote and navigating tricky, you can only try this if you have very good directions, which I can’t give you because I took the bus. In Santa Rosa: buy food for 4 or 5 days, turn north and keep going to La Junta, El Infierno, Picaflor and San Simon. In San Simon you can ask for Picacho. I cycled out of Picacho to Trinidad with a sketch made by locals. I took food for 4 days and just made it to Yuguayu, near Ascencion de Guarayos. It was amazing to be 400km long on a sand road in the wilderness. It was the only time I saw some real big old trees and so much wild life! Unfortunately the sketch got lost. But I know that without it would have been impossible to find my way. The BEST route   Uyuni-San Pedro de Atacama is very adventurous and offers some of the best scenery in South America. Cycling around Sajama is also amazing. The Mapiri-Sorata loop shows a completely different Bolivia. Cycling through real jungle in the Reserva Nacional de Rio Blanco y Rio Negro, between Picacho and Trinidad. The WORST Route   Cycling to Santa Cruz you would expect Amazon jungle, but it is only farmland. Not much jungle left. You have to cycle remoter roads to see some big old trees. Bicycle Shops   I haven’t been to La Paz. The best shops I saw in Santa Cruz, but it was not much. You will find some Shimano parts. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   I haven’t seen any panniers, racks or touring rims and tires in Bolivia. Of course you can buy normal mountain bike tires. Camping Gear Shops   I don’t know Best Season   For the Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama it is best to go in June or later. The later you go, the lower the chance on snow. The Amazon jungle is very wet from October to May, with a peak in December to February. All the dirt roads become impassable, but boat traffic is always possible. Worst Season The so-called Bolivian winter (January-March) is not a good time to be on the altiplano. Occasional snowstorms are very dangerous. Maps & Guide   Reise Know How: useful for the main roads, useless in the jungle. Some distances are wrong (usually too short). Cycling South West Bolivia, CycloCamping.com recommends this very detailed and very useful Guide, written by our friends Sonya and Aaldrik at www.tour.tk. This is a must have if you are heading that way. Languages   Spanish is useful Average for Cheap Lodging   1 USD Locals' Average Salary 100USD per month Transport your Bike I transported my bike only in a bus. The driver put it on the roof for a small fee. Hitchhiking is not very common, as almost every car passing is a shared taxi, bus or truck. The last option is the cheapest. You will share the truck with many others. In extremely remote areas a passing car will probably take you. Useful Link Organic farm in the Beni Cycling South West Bolivia, CycloCamping.com recommends this very detailed and very useful Guide, written by our friends Sonya and Aaldrik at www.tour.tk. This is a must have if you are heading that way. Biking Beaches in Brazil, Heading to the beautiful Brazilian beaches on your bike? Then, you will surely enjoy this guide also written by Sonya and Aaldrik. There are plenty of useful tips and facts to make your tour even more enjoyable. You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_CO_Canal_camping_guide http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_CO_Canal_camping_guide http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_CO_Canal_camping_guide-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Rev Johannes Myors In 2010: Cycled 17 years across the USA, including 16 coast to coast crossings! www.pedalprayers.org Intro   CLICK TO ENLARGE If you are planning to travel by bicycle the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, also known as the C&O Canal, you will need some places to sleep. This article gives the location of the camgrounds and other lodging facilities according their mile marker.  Rev Johannes Myors biked the C&O canal several times and it is one of his favorite route in the USA. There are plenty of camping options along the towpath. Rustic "Hiker/Biker" Campsites (H/B) are provided about every 5 miles beginning at Mile Post 16. Each camp site has a water pump, Jiffy John (port-a-toilet), grill, and a picnic table. Officially, these sites are "First Come, First Serve" and only one group is permitted at each site (up to eight persons). Depending on what time of year you take your trip, the pumps might take a brief number of pump strokes to get the pump primed and the water flowing or it could take a large number of pump strokes. The water is drinkable straight from the pumps but some water might be a little dirty looking and the use of a portable filtration system might be in order. Water from the pumps is not available in Winter.  Some of the campsites are down steep embankments so care needs to be taken to get down from or up to the towpath trail. Most of the campsites are not grassy glades so be prepared to deal with dirt or rocky surfaces. Also, some sites are located next to a railroad or interstate so don't expect a good night sleep at these locations. Fires are restricted to fire rings and grills in all H/B campsites. Portable off-ground grills are also permitted but coals must be removed from the park after use. Dead wood may be collected solely for use in campsite fires. Wood can not be removed from the park. Note: Fees are required at Drive-In campsites. Fees are charged on a per site/night basis and apply even if you do not drive in. All other hiker biker sites are free.   Campground and Lodging Guide CAMPSITES starting from Georgetown, Maryland Mile 11.6 Marsden Tract Campground (301) 299-3613 : PERMIT REQUIRED - reserved for civic/scout organizations only. $20/night. Note: I camped here the day after Labor Day, 2010 and I was the only person there. Mile 16.6 Swain's Lock #21 - Five Campsites - Nearby vehicle access of of MD 190. Mile 26.0 Horsepen Branch H/B - This is the first official H/B campsite. It is between the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area and the Seneca Creek Aqueduct. Vehicle access is 1.2 miles away at mile 27.2 . Mile 30.5 Chisel Branch H/B- . Near Lock #25. Vehicle access is 0.3 miles away at Mile 30.8 at the Edwards Ferry Boat Launch. Mile 34.5 Turtle Run H/B - Vehicle access 1.0 miles at Mile 35.5 at the historic Whites Ferry across the Potomac River and Whites Ferry Road (MD 107) to Poolesville. Mile 38.1 Marble Quarry H/B - Vehicle access 2.6 miles at Mile 35.5 at the historic Whites Ferry across the Potomac River and Whites Ferry Road (MD 107) to Poolesville. Mile 42.4 Indian Flats H/B - Vehicle Access 0.3 miles at Mile 42.1 at the Monocacy Aqueduct Boat Launch. Mile 47.6 Calico Rocks H/B- Vehicle Access 0.8 miles at Mile 48.2 at Point Of Rocks and U.S. 15. Note : Located near busy railroad and subject to noise. Mile 50.3 Bald Eagle Island H/B - 0.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 50.8 . Note :Located near busy railroad and subject to noise. Mile 54.0 Brunswick Family Campground (301) 834- 8050 : Private Campground - Showers. Located between Towpath and River. Note: This appears to be VERY popular but expect also railroad noise. Mile 58.0 Harpers Ferry Hostel (301) 834-7652: From the Maryland side of the Potomac River, cross RR Tracks bridge and take the first left and go one mile up hill to the corner of Keep Tryst and Sandy Hook Roads. Mile 62.9 Huckleberry Hill H/B Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Note: You need to carry in water since the pump was broken without a handle. It is best to fill up your water bottles at the pump near Lock 34 . Mile 69.4 Antietam Creek Recreation Area- Easy vehicle access - 20 Campsites - Fee Area: $10/Night Mile 75.3 Killiansburg Cave H/B- Vehicle access 1.3 miles away at Mile 76.6 . Mile 79.9 Horseshoe Bend H/B - Vehicle access at Mile 81.0 at the Taylors Landing Boat Launch. Mile 82.5 Big Woods H/B - Vehicle Access 1.5 miles at Mile 81.0 at the Taylors Landing Boat Launch. Mile 88.1 McMahons Mill (along the Bike Detour) RV and Tent Camping. Mile 90.9 Opequon Junction H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Mile 95.2 Cumberland Valley H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Mile 99.4 Jellystone Park (301) 223-7117 : Private Campground - Full Service RV and Cabins. Located 2 Miles south of Williamsport along Route 68. Showers, pool, camp store. Mile 99.4 Hagerstown KOA (301) 223-7571 : Private Campground - Full Service RV and Cabins. Located 3 Miles north of Williamsport along Kemp Mill Rd. Showers, pool, camp store. Mile 101.2 Jordan Junction H/B - Vehicle Access 1.9 miles at Mile 99.3 at the Williamsport Visitor Center - Cushwa Basin. Mile 109.6 North Mountain H/B - Vehicle Access 0.4 miles at Mile 110.0 at the McCoys Ferry Recreation Area and Boat Launch. Mile 110.0 McCoys Ferry Recreation Area - Primitive RV and Tent Camping - Fee Area $10/night Mile 112.4 Fort Frederick State Park - Massive pre-revolution Fort. Easy access from towpath - Fee Area $10/night. Mile 116.0 Licking Creek H/B - Vehicle Access 1.5 miles at Mile 114.5 at MD 9. Note: Located Near I-70 and subject to traffic noise. Mile 120.4 Little Pool H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Note: Located Near I-70 and subject to traffic noise. Mile 126.4 White Rock H/B - Vehicle Access 1.2 miles at Mile 125.2 . Note: railroad noise from across the river. Mile 129.2 Happy Hills Campground (301) 678-7760 : Private Campground - Full Service RV and Tent Camping (200 Sites). Cabins and Horse Stables available. Located at 12617 Seavolt Road. Mile 129.8 Leopards Mill H/B - Vehicle Access 0.9 miles at Mile 130.7 . Mile 133.6 Cacapon Junction H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Mile 139.2 Indigo Neck H/B - Vehicle Access 1.6 miles at Mile 140.8 at Little Orleans. Mile 140.8 Fifteen Mile Creek Recreation Area - Fee Area: $10 to $20. A Drive-in site with RV and tent sites (Primitive Facilities - No RV Hookups) Mile 140.8 Little Orleans Campground (301) 478-2325 : Private Campground - RV and tent sites 1/4 mile from the towpath. Showers, pool, camp store. Mile 144.5 Devil's Alley H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Mile 149.4 Stickpile Hill H/B - Remote Campsite - Rough access point 0.6 miles away at Mile 150 . Mile 154.1 Sorrel Ridge H/B - Remote Campsite - Rough access point 0.7 miles away at Mile 153.4 . Mile 156.2 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground - Easy vehicle access - Tent Campsites - Fee Area: $10/Night Mile 156.9 Purslane Run H/B - Vehicle Access 0.7 miles at Mile 156.2 at Paw Paw. Mile 162.1 Town Creek H/B- Vehicle Access 0.2 miles at Mile 161.9 at Green Ridge Road. Mile 164.8 Potomac Forks H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Note: By far in my opinion one of the best campsites. Mile 166.7 Camp Potomac (301) 729-1300 : Private camping facility 1.5 mile from the canal. Open to scouts and other youth groups. Two cabins and eight campsites available. Email bsapotom@gmail.com for reservations. Mile 169.2 Pigmans Ferry H/B - Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Mile 173.3 Spring Gap Recreation Area - Primitive RV and Tent Camping - Fee Area $10/night. Store located on Route 51. Mile 175.4 Iron Mountain H/B - Vehicle access from nearby Route 51. Note: Located near a railroad trestle and subject to noise. Mile 180.0 Evitts Creek H/B - Vehicle access 0.7 miles at mile 180.7. Note: Located near a very busy railroad switch yard and subject to noise. LODGING (starting in Washington, D.C.) Mile 0.1 Hotel Lombardy (http://www.hotellombardy.com/) (800) 424-5486 : Located in the Foggy Bottom Area at 2019 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Mile 0.1 Tabard Inn (http://www.tabardinn.com/home.htm) (202) 785-1277 : Located in Dupont Circle Area. 1739 N Street, NW Mile 0.1 Washington DC Hostel (http://www.hiwashingtondc.org/) (202) 737-2333 : Located at 11th and K Streets, NW (near the Convention Center). Mile 1.0 The Inn of Rosslyn (703) 524-3400 : Inexpensive motel, Access via Key Bridge. Located at 1601 Arlington Blvd in Arlington, Virginia Mile 5.4 Lockhouse 6 (http://www.canalquarters.org/) This is a new lodging option. Stay overnight in a real lock house. Mile 12.3 Rockwood Manor (http://www.montgomeryparks.org/event_centers/index.shtm) 301.299.5026: County operated conference center with overnight accommodations for large groups (up to 100 persons). About one half mile up the hill from Angler's Inn. Mile 19.7 Lockhouse 22 (http://www.canalquarters.org/) This is a new lodging option. Stay overnight in a real lock house. Mile 35.5 Norris House Inn (http://norrishouse.com/) (800) 644-1806: The inn is located in Leesburg, Virginia at 108 Loudoun Street SW about 10 miles from the towpath. It is accessible via the Whites Ferry and Business Route 15. A shuttle is available. Mile 35.5 Best Western (http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/priceAvail.do;jsessionid=5DD0E5E18825BF5AD3F803A6687B6222?propertyCode=47076) (703) 777-9400: The motel is Leesburg, Virginia at 726 E Market Street Mile 35.5 The Leesburg Colonial Inn (http://www.theleesburgcolonialinn.com/) (800) 392-1332: The inn is located in Leesburg at 19 South King Street. This is 10-room Bed-and-Breakfast and centrally located in downtown Leesburg, Virginia. It is located two blocks from the W&OD trail and many nearby restaurants. Mile 55.0 Georges Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast (540) 822- 5224: The bed and breakfast is located in Lovettsville, Virginia about 5 miles south along Route 287. Mile 58.0 Harpers Ferry Hostel (http://www.hiusa.org/hostels/usa_hostels/maryland/knoxville/60075) (301) 834-7652 : On Maryland side across from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Cross RR Tracks and make first left. One mile up hill to corner of Keep Tryst and Sandy Hook Roads. Mile 60.7 Hilltop House (http://www.hilltophousehotel.com/) (304) 535-2132 : Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - about 1 mile from towpath. (CLOSED FOR RENOVATION UNTIL 2011) Mile 60.7 Comfort Inn (304) 535-6391 : Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - about 1.5 miles from the towpath. Mile 60.7 The Town's Inn (http://www.thetownsinn.com/) (877) 489-2447 : This recently renovated inn is the only lodging in Lower Town Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and closest option to the Towpath. 21 beds in 7 rooms. Located at 179 High Street. Mile 72.8 Bavarian Inn & Lodge (http://www.bavarianinnwv.com/) (304) 876-2551 : Shepherstown, West Virginia - Directly across river via Route 34 Bridge Mile 72.8 Thomas Shepherd Inn (http://www.thomasshepherdinn.com/) (888) 889- 8952: Shepherstown, West Virginia - Cross Route 34 Bridge. About 1/2 Mile past Bavarian Inn Mile 72.8 Days Inn (304) 876-3160 : Shepherstown, West Virginia - Cross Route 34 Bridge. Right onto Route 45. Located on right at 2001 Maddex Square Drive. Mile 76.6 Jacob Rohrbach Inn B&B (http://jacob-rohrbach.hypermart.net/) (877) 839-4242 : Sharpsburg, Maryland - About 1 mile from trail near the Antietam Battlefield Mile 76.6 Antietam Guest House (http://www.antietamguesthouse.com/) (301) 992-9767 : Quiet location in Sharpsburg , Maryland and one block off Main Street. Mile 99.4 Red Roof Inn (http://www.redroof.com/reservations/property-detail.aspx?pid=00570)(301) 582-3500 : Williamsport, Maryland - Located about 1 Mile from the towpath, along Potomac Street (Route 11) Mile 108.7 Lockhouse 49 (http://www.canalquarters.org/) This is a new lodging option. Stay overnight in a real lock house. Mile 124.1 1828 Trail Inn (http://www.1828-trail-inn.com/) (301) 678-7227 : Hancock, Maryland - Bed & Breakfast located just one block from the trail. Mile 124.4 Super 8 Motel (http://www.1828-trail-inn.com/) (301) 678-6101 : Hancock, Maryland - Travel one block away from river and turn left on Main Street. Hotel is located on far side of overpass. Mile 124.4 C&O Bicycle (http://www.candobicycle.com/) (301) 678-6665 : Hancock, Maryland - Full Service Bike Shop, right next to the towpath on Penn Ave. Also offers overnight bunk house. Closed Tuesday. Mile 140.8 Town Hill Hotel B&B (http://www.townhillbnb.com/) (877) 696-2794 : Located several miles from the Towpath on top of Town Hill Mt. A shuttle service is available, with multiple pickup points Mile 140.8 Little Orleans Lodge (http://www.littleorleanslodge.net/) (301) 478-2102 : Located near the towpath in Little Orleans Mile 140.9 Buck Valley Ranch (http://www.buckvalleyranch.com/) (717) 294-3759 : Offers a free shuttle to and from the towpath. Includes dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch. Mile 156.2 Heritage Trail Bed & Breakfast (304) 947-7055 : Located at 107 Winchester Street in Paw Paw, West Virginia. Mile 156.2 Grandma's Country Kitchen and Inn (800) 580-4225 : Located at 103 Winchester Street in Paw Paw, West Virginia. Mile 184.5 The Inn on Decatur (http://www.theinnondecatur.net/) (800) 459-0510 : Operated by the folks at Mountainside Bike Tours. Only 3 blocks from downtown. 108 Decatur Street, Cumberland, Maryland Mile 184.5 Holiday Inn (http://www.hicumberland.com/) (877) 426-4672 : Located at 100 South George Street in Cumberland, Maryland Mile 184.5Fairfield Inn (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cbefi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-cumberland/) (301) 722-0340 : Located at 21 Wineow Street in Cumberland, Maryland and located right along the towpath   Useful Websites http://bikewashington.org/canal/index.php http://www.candocanal.org/ http://www.fred.net/kathy/canal.html http://www.nps.gov/choh/   Related Article C&O Canal - Bicycle Touring Guide History of the C&O Canal You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Cambodia http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Cambodia http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Cambodia-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherlands) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website  Time of Visit    February-March 2006   Visa I got a 30-day visa at the Laos-Cambodian border for 20USD. For some reason this border crossing is mentioned nowhere. For flying into Cambodia or arriving overland from Thailand (Poipet and Trat) or Vietnam (Bavet) you don’t need a visa in advance. For other border crossings it is probably necessary to arrange in advance at an embassy or through a travel agency.   Borders I entered from Laos, crossing the Veun Kham border. I left to Thailand via the Koh Kong-Trat border near the sea (Gulf of Thailand). Both times cycling. Malaria Many of the rural parts of Cambodia are malaria area. Around sunrise and sunset, protect yourself very well against mosquito bites. Sleep with your tent closed. Consider anti malaria tablets. Route Veun Kham (Laotian border)-Stung Treng-Banlung, 202km, no pavement Only a few kilometers (10?) from the remote border crossing you come to a very new highway. I don’t know where it comes from in the north, but to the south it will take you to Stung Treng, 55km from the border. In the beginning of 2006 there was a huge bridge under construction over the River San, I guess it is ready now. I can see it on Google Earth. In 2006 I still had to take a ferry. Stung Treng is the provincial capital. The main tourist train goes south to watch the river dolphins near Kratie. I decided to cycle east instead, to Banlung, the provincial capital of Rattanakiri. It took me two days to cover the 150km. About halfway (60km) there is great camping and swimming in the Srepok River. Just before the bridge there is a restaurant in a village. The whole road is extremely dusty in the dry season; I suggest you to cycle with a breathing mask, sunglasses and a hat. I was absolutely completely covered with red dust that stuck to the sweat. Take a lot of water, it can be very hot. Be prepared for the terrible poverty, this is one of the poorest parts of Cambodia (and Asia). Close to Banlung I visited Lake Yaclom (or Boeng Yeak Laom). It is a fantastic place to go for a swim. Be careful for thieves, my camera got stolen. Banlung-Sen Monorom, 207km, no pavement, sometimes very sandy There is not really a road from Banlung to Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri province). I found a description of the path in a book for motorbike traveling. It turned out not to be as difficult as expected. Start by cycling back in the direction of Stung Treng for about 8km. Turn left to Lumphat (44km from Banlung). After crossing the river here you leave civilization for a while. Follow the main track through the forest, maybe with a compass. If you meet somebody, ask for the next village (Kaoh Nhek) or Sen Monorom, just to make sure you are on the right way. From Kaoh Nhek, a big village 106km from Banlung, you have a road again. This means that the section with just sandy tracks is about 60km long Make sure to carry enough food and water, and maybe a water filter. It is not impossible to get lost here. Some stretches you’ll have to walk, take this extra time into account. It is another 100km to Sen Monorom, the last part surprisingly hilly. Again take enough water and food. This part of Cambodia looks very different from the rest: almost 1000m high hills, pine forests and a bit cooler. Sen Monorom-Chhlong, 217km, no pavement The first part of the road runs through forest. I saw some monkeys, but there is a lot of damage, almost no big trees left. In the night I heard chainsaws. People told me that the Vietnamese come to log illegally. Well, Vietnam is close indeed, but I am sure that the Cambodian police are into the dirty business too. Anyway, you will reach Snuol after about 130km from Sen Monorom, in between you will find only small villages, but big enough to find bottled water and food stalls. Continue straight to Chhlong, a pleasant village at the Mekong. Chhlong-Siem Reap, 322km, last two-third paved If you follow the Mekong west, you enter Kampong Cham Province. You will pass through some muslim communities. I crossed the river near Stung Trang and continued west until I reached the paved main road that runs from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap at Psah Rumlong, 113 km from Chhlong. You are in a lot more populated area now, no worries about water and food anymore. It is a bit over 200km from here to Siem Reap and the Ankor Wat complex. The pavement is great, but it also means more traffic and some really bad bus drivers. Siem Reap is very touristy and a good place to stay for a while. The temples are fantastic! Siem Reap-Battambang, 183km, almost all paved From Siem Reap it is 152km to the Thai border near Poipet. However, I decided to explore Cambodia a bit more and turned left at Sisophon, 103km from Siem Reap. Another 80km takes you to Battambang, the second city of Cambodia. Battambang-Phnom Penh, by train Just for the fun of the experience I decided to take the train from Battambang to Phnom Penh. It is extremely cheap, extremely slow (18 hours for 300km), extremely crowded and extremely uncomfortable. It was a fantastic experience! There are no windows and many holes in the floor. The dust comes in from everywhere. The train goes very slow and all the time people are climbing in and out of the windows or on the roof. In some agricultural areas hundreds of men started to throw sugar cane and firewood through the windows into the carriages, and the train never stopped for this. I guess the good were for the market in the campital. I arrived at 3a.m. in Phnom Penh and still managed to find a guesthouse. Phnom Penh-Koh Kong (Thai border), 406km, first half paved I continued south to Kampot, at the sea, which is about 150km away. This is still a fairly populated area and the road is paved. Easy traveling. I didn’t visit Sihanoukville, but turned of in the direction of Thailand. The last 200km stretch of road looked like new, but was still hard to cycle because of the heat, the loose gravel, the washboard and the many small hills. I saw some of the best forest of Cambodia here, with many monkeys and snakes. Also a terrible amount of mosquitoes attacked me every the evening. Prepare for hardship, especially when you are camping. This is again quite remote with only very small villages. Bring enough food and water (three days worth). Koh Kong is a big village, Trat in Thailand is still 100km away. The BEST route In South East Asia, where the traveling is easy, I always prefer the remoter stretches. In Cambodia this was the section from the Laotian border via Stung Treng, Banlung and Sen Monorom to Chhlong. And the last 200km to the Thai border at Koh Kong. In these remote areas you see more unspoiled nature and wildlife, people are more curious and traveling is more adventurous and surprising. The WORST Route   Cycling in central Cambodia between barren rice fields and terrible heat was not always pleasant. Traffic was light, but bus drivers behaving really bad in some cases. I took the train from Battambang to Phnom Penh, a interesting experience. Bicycle Shops   There are tiny shops with very limited choice. But the mechanics are good with iron wire. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   Haven’t seen any. Camping Gear Shops   Haven’t seen any. Best Season   December till February has the lowest temperatures and almost no rain, can be dusty. Worst Season April and May are very hot and May till half November is the rain season, when roads get really muddy. Maps   Nelles Map Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Scale: 1:1,500,000 Maps   Lonely Planet South East Asia on a shoestring. Languages   Some people still speak French. English only in very touristy places. Average for Cheap Lodging   2 USD Locals' Average Salary 50 USD per month Transport your Bike I took my bike by train from Battambang to Phnom Penh. I just put it in a luggage carriage for free. It didn’t get damaged, although it was on top of a huge pile of wood at the end of the trip. You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Chile http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Chile http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Chile-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website   Time of Visit    November 2006-August 2008   Visa European, Australian, New Zealand, South American and North American citizens get a 90-day visa free of charge at the border or airport. You can always cross the border to Argentina, Bolivia or Peru and come back to Chile the same hour to get another 90 days. I did this about 6 times, never any questions.   Borders Did you come enter the country: by bicycle from Argentina and Bolivia, and once by plane from the US to Santiago de Chile. Did you come exit the country: by bicycle to Argentina and Bolivia, once by plane to the US. Route Carretera Austral (south) from Chile Chico to Villa O’Higgins. Total distance: 410km The famous Carretera Austral is probably one of the most beautiful roads in the world, but you have to be waterproof, even in February, the driest month of the year, it still rains a lot. The road from Chile Chico to the Carretera Austral follows the southern shores of the huge Lago General Carrera. Views are fantastic, winds usually from the west and stronger in the afternoon and road conditions sometimes bad, no pavement. About 12km past Puerto Guadal (some food, water) you join the Carretera at Cruce El Maiten, 120km from Chile Chico. Bad washbord road to Puerto Bertrand (some food and water). Colchrane is the biggest village on the southern half of the Carretera, buy your supplies here, guesthouse and camping. South of Colchrane very quiet, be self-sufficient. Wild camping possible, but can be very wet. Caleta Tortel is worth a side trip, but very bad road (35km) that you have to do twice. From the turnoff to Tortel to Puerto Yungay the main road is in a very bad shape and climbs steep for about 10km to drop back to sea level. In Puerto Yungay you will find some barracks and a free ferry a few times per day across a narrow see arm. On the southern shore you can find shelter in a waiting room, sleeping possible for a few persons. The final 100km to Villa O’Higgins is deserted and the road quite good. In Villa O’Higgins you find food, water, camping and guesthouses. From here you can organize the boat trip across Lago O’Higgins and Lago del Desierto to El Chalten in Argentina. This is not a remote adventure any more and getting more expensive every year. I heard somebody talking about another possible crossing to Argentina, you have to wade the Rio Mayer and get your entry stamp near Tucu Tucu. Carretera Austral (north) from Chile Chico to Futaleufu. Total distance 800km From Chile Chico you can take a ferry to Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez and continue to the north on the Carretera Austral. However, I suggest everyone to cycle the whole way around the lake, it is stunning! Cycle the 120km west to Cruce El Maiten and turn right. It is another 50km on bad ripio and washboard to Puerto Tranquilo. Here you find food, accommodation and excursions. From here you can make a side trip to Bahia Exploradores. This is a new road, still very bad. About half way there are possibilities for a walk to the glaciers of the ice field and a view of the highest mountain in the region: San Valentin. You have to come back the same way. Take food for the 250km to Coihaique. North of Puerto Tranquilo the road is still bad for a while and then suddenly very good. The last 100km to Coihaique are paved, but include the highest pass on the Carretera (1100m). Coihaique is by far the biggest city on the Carretera Austral. Bike shops, bookstores, camping, guesthouses, hotels, supermarkets. Also to the north of Coihaique you will find about 100km of pavement. After that it is all fairly bad ripio until Futaleufu. Villages are closer together now. You find some food in Manihuales, Villa Amengual, Puyuhuapi, La Junta and Villa Santa Lucia. If the weather is too bad, you can cross to Argentina in many places, see the online maps. Wild camping is easy everywhere and all water you find is drinkable. Far south: Cerro Castillo-Puerto Natales-Punta Arenas. Total distance 350km The traveling in this part of Chile is relatively easy. Everything is paved and Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas have everything to offer, Punta Arenas is a real city. They are 250km apart. It might be windy. Coming from Argentina you can cross into Chile at Cerro Castillo or further south at Rio Turbio. Many people visit Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales. In 2007 it was still possible to cycle into the park without paying the enormous entry fee. You have to take the new road the runs more to the west form the main entrance. Tierra del Fuego: Porvenir-Cameron-Paso Rio Bellavista. Total distance: 250km+80km to Rio Grande (Arg) You will find some of the best cycling in Chile if you take a ferry from Punta Arenas to Porvenir. You are now on Tierra del Fuego, an island.Beautiful grasslands, patches of forests, thousands of guanaco’s and other wild life. From Porvenir head south and later east on the shores of Bahia Inutil. The villages that are shown on the maps are not more than estancias, where you can sometimes not find anyone and sometimes encounter the greatest hospitality. So, take enough food from Punta Arenas to reach Rio Grande in Argentina (at least a week). Water is also scarcer here, but you will find some. Winds can be very strong, but in your favour. The road is fairly good. Camping is easy everywhere, but look for a place out of the wind. Turn right at Onaisin toward Cameron. Even if you have to battle the wind now, you will be awarded later. From Cameron turn left (east). After about 70km there is a police station with water. Here you can go south to spend some nights at the fantastic Lago Blanco or turn east to the border crossing at Rio Bellavista. You will have to walk across the river. After the border it is another 80km up and down on bad roads to Rio Grande. Tierra del Fuego: San Sebastian-Punta Delgada-Rio Gallegos (Arg). Total distance: 300km On the Argentinean side of the San Sebastian border, north of Rio Grande, there is a waiting room where you can spend the night. As you cycle northwest, the west wind will be difficult. Most days it is very strong. There are a few different possibilities to get to the ferry across the Straight of Magellanes, but it is always clear what the main road is. Expect grassy hills, lots of wind and emptiness. Take water and food for a few days. After the wild ferry ride you can turn west to Puerto Natales or northeast to Rio Gallegos. The latter is the easier option because of the winds. Mendoza-Santiago de Chile (Paso de los Libertadores/Cristo Redentor). Total distance: 380km From Mendoza there are three possibilities to get to Uspallata. You can leave the city to the south and later turn right on the main road number 7 to Chile. This is a beautiful option for landscape and pavement, but heavy in traffic. A more adventurous way is to leave the city to the north and cycle the 365 curves of the Villavicencio road number 52. You have to climb on a dirt road from 700m to 3100m and than descent to Uspallata at 2000m. A third option is road 13 that I only know from the maps. It goes directly west form Mendoza. From Uspallata you climb 80km very gradually to the tunnel that takes you to Chile. On perfect pavement you follow the valley, only the last 10km are a bit steeper. Don’t forget to take a look at the Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua. Food and water you find in several places. You don’t have to go through customs on this side of the pass. The last village in Argentina is Las Grutas (3150m), there is a guesthouse, but you can camp everywhere you like, really. Now you have to decide if you want to cycle the old pass, or take the vehicle that will take you free of charge through the 4km long tunnel. Of course the pass is the most beautiful option. You have to climb another 10km on a good dirt road to the statue of Cristo Redentor (3860m). The downhill in Chile is a lot worse and steeper. Go through Argentinean and Chilean customs here. Now follows a fantastic downhill to Rio Blanco (food) and down to Los Andes (city). From Los Andes to Santiago you cycle on a main highway, but it is not very busy. You can cycle the small Chacabuco pass on a bad dirt road, or take another lift through the tunnel, a car is waiting for you. The best way to cycle into Santiago is in my opinion via Chicureu and Piedra Roja. You have to leave the highway about 10km south of Colina and turn left to Chicureu. Then ask for the road to Santiago over the Piedra Roja climb. You will enter the city in the rich suburb La Dehesa. This road climbs for about 7km and is so quiet that you could still camp one night just 3km before the city. On your way to the center you can find some bike paths. By far the best time to enter the city is on Sunday morning or on a public holiday. Around Santiago de Chile: Cajon del Maipo, Termas del Plomo, Paso Portillo de Piuquenes (4030m), Banos de Colina If you have time in Santiago then a side trip to Cajon del Maipo, a great canyon to the southeast, is very recommendable. The canyon has several branches. The Rio Yeso valley takes you to the free thermal hot springs, Termas del Plomo. From here it is theoretically possible to cross to Argentina. I carried my bike up to the Piuquenes pass and went down again to get my bags. It is probably better without the bike, you can’t use it. A description of this crossing you find here: http://www.masterlyinactivity.com/andes/intro.html The more southern branch of Rio El Volcan takes you to more beautiful hot springs, but here you have to pay and it might be busy in summer. Great walking possibilities to Volcan San Jose and its glaciers. Around Santiago de Chile: Valle Nevado, La Parva, Yerba Loca, El Plomo (5430m) My favorite ride out of Santiago is the huge climb to Valle Nevado. You start from the center at 500masl and a paved road takes you with 61 hairpin curves to 3000m! You can continue to 3600m on a dirt road. From here it is possible to climb Cerro El Plomo, a straightforward walk with some scrambling to 5430m. Fantastic views on the way of Topungato and from the top of Aconcagua and many other 6000ers. Another option is to turn left at curve 15 (they are all numbered) and go to the camping area of Yerba Loca. Great camping and walking here. Also at curve 40 you can turn left to La Parva (2800m). From Las Flores, San Juan province, Argentina to La Serena: Paso Agua Negra (4765m) If you like cycling in beautiful untouched mountain scenery and crossing big passes, then this is for you. The best direction for almost all the passes between Argentina and Chile is from west to east. But sometimes you have to go the other way to get back to Chile. The Agua Negra is a good choice, it is not too exposed (like the San Francisco, Paso Sico or the Paso de Jama). This pass closes in winter (the ones more to the north and the Los Libertadores stay open all year, except one or two days after a snow storm). It should be open from November to April. From Las Flores in Argentina, you follow the signs to the Paso Agua Negra. After about 50km of gradual climbing on a not-as-flat-as-it-looks plane you enter a valley where you find the customs to check out of Argentina. From here it is still almost 60km to the top. Water is no problem, you follow a river almost all the time and also the Chilean side has lots of water. But take enough food for a week (I did the pass in 3 days, but I climb well, had good weather and traveled very light). Also be aware of altitude sickness, turn around and go down if you start to feel very bad. The first 25km of the downhill in Chile are steep and have very bad road conditions. You will find the customs at Junta del Toro, 92km from the top. Vicuna, another 93km, is the first village of significance. About 20km before Vicuna you can turn left to the famous Elqui valley and try some Pisco. From Copiapo to Fiambala, Catamarca province, Argentina: Paso San Francisco (4726m) In my opinion only experienced cyclists should try to cross the San Francisco pass. I made notes when I crossed and put in a excel file. Extremely beautiful cycling, very remote and exposed. From La Serena to Arica (two options: Ruta 1 and Ruta 5). Total distances: both 1600km The Panamericana in Chile is called Ruta 5. It is all paved and in great condition. The coastal road from Antofagasta and Iquique is also paved and very scenic. Both roads have some truck traffic, but never too much. In general you can say that the cycling is easy. No steep climbs, water and food available about every 100km, light traffic, always good weather, not much wind, camping possibilities everywhere you look. The distances can be read from the map. More to the north the radiation of the sun becomes extreme. You need sunscreen or better protection for arms, legs and face. Nights can be cold, down to -10C. On the coastal road the temperature doesn’t drop below 14C at night. In my experience near the coast the wind is mostly from the south, and more inland from the north. Besides in all the cities, water can be found in the following places on Ruta 5, 60km north of Vallenar is a roadside restaurant at the turnoff to El Donkey, about 100km north of Chanaral at the turnoff to the P.N. Pan de Azucar, also at the turnoff to Taltal, Agua Verde, now longest stretch without water about 120km to a posada, la Negra (close to Antofagasta), Baquedano, the crossing of Ruta 5 and Ruta 24, Quillagua, Park Headquarters of Pampa Tamarugal, Pozo Almonte, Huara, down at the three rivers you cross and finally Cuya. A very interesting, though not easy, variant is Ruta 1 from Taltal to Antofagasta. It is unpaved north of Paposo and unfortunately the last part doesn’t exist any more, so you have to go inland from Caleta El Cobre to the Panamericana, a huge climb from sea level to 1800m. I saw whales here!!! You can also go inland from Paposo and take the road that comes close the ESO observatories of Paranal. This road is being improved. San Pedro de Atacama to Jujuy, Argentina (see article Argentina) San Pedro de Atacama to Sur de Lipez, Bolivia (see article Bolivia) San Pedro de Atacama-Calama-Panamericana (Ruta 5) There is no water or a house between San Pedro de Atacama and Calama. Don’t under estimate this stretch of about 100km that starts with a huge climb to about 3300m, and can be windy and hot. All paved and in good condition, beautiful landscapes, especially the Valle de la Luna (first 10km). From Calama to Chuquicamata runs a busy 4-lane highway. Between Chuquicamata and the Panamericana you will find nothing. Ask water at the power plant near the crossing. Also the 60km from here to Tocopilla nothing. Arica-La Paz, Bolivia: Paso Chungara (4660m), Total distance: 530km This stretch is all paved and in good condition. Some of the most beautiful cycling I have ever done. Don’t under estimate the climb from sea level to 4660m. Take it easy because of the altitude. Water is no problem. From Arica you can enter the valley of the Lluta river. It is an incredible sight with the barren mountains towering over the green valley floor. The climb to the altiplano really starts when you leave the river. After a huge climb you will find water and a restaurant in Zapahuira (3500m?). From there it is up and down to Putre, your last place to stuck up on food for a few days. From Putre you continue climbing to Parque Lauca, an absolute jewel. The police officers at Lago Chungara are very friendly. You are on 4400m now and altitude problems can be severe. Climb another 20km to the border at 4660m. On the Bolivian side you will cycle around the fantastic Sajama volcano, a sight you will never forget. In Carahuara and Patacamalla you can fill up on food supplies. The BEST route   Arica to La Paz, some of the best scenery I have ever seen. Paso San Francisco and Paso Agua Negra are amazing as well. The WORST Route   Cycling out of Santiago to Cajon del Maipo, very busy and noisy and smelly. Bicycle Shops   Only in big towns. Everything available in Santiago. Look for Oxford Santiago and Arica. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   In Santiago almost everything is available or can be ordered. Andes Gear has Ortlieb panniers and good racks. Oxford has factories in Santiago and Arica and shops in most major cities. Camping Gear Shops   Everything available in Santiago. Try Andes Gear or Nautika. Best Season   South of Santiago the best season is summer. February being the driest month on the Carretera Austral and in Torres del Paine. Central Chile has a rain season in winter (June to August). In the north winter might be better, with a little less radiation of the sun. But near the Pacific temperatures are pleasant year around. On the high passes snowstorms and white outs are uncommon, but possible year around. Worst Season Santiago is very unpleasant in winter, when the smog stays in the city. Maps   Scale http://www.chileturcopec.cl/int_rutas.html Languages   I suggest everyone to learn some Spanish. Average for Cheap Lodging   6 USD. Locals' Average Salary 600USD per month Transport your Bike By bus: Chile has some very good long distance busses, easy to take a bike. Hitch Hike: Hitchhiking is easy everywhere in the country. Even with a bicycle You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Colombia http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Colombia http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Colombia-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website Additional Info: Emilie Baird de Vargas (Camping Gear Store) Time of Visit    January-March 2009   Visa Travelers from EU, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand will get an entry stamp that will be valid for 30, 60 or 90 days. Extensions for a stay up to 180 days are possible.   Borders I entered by road from Ecuador (Puente Rumichaca) and left by plane from Bogota to Miami. Route Ipiales (Ecuadorian border)-Pasto: 100km (all paved) Only 10km after crossing the border you will reach Ipiales, a fairly big town. From here a side trip to the sanctuary of Las Lajas is almost obligatory and only 7km one way. From Ipiales you will climb first a little and then go down 1400m through a very beautiful canyon. A huge climb takes you back to 3000m and another downhill takes you to Pasto. Traffic is fairly light, except for the last bit. Pasto-Mocoa-San Agustin: 200km This is a very hard and spectacular road, a lot easier would be to go straight to Popayan. You have to leave Pasto to the east. A 7km climb and a downhill will take you to a big lake, Laguna de la Cocha. You pass the lake on the northern side and enter a valley with interesting villages. Sibundoy, about 70km from Pasto is the biggest and a good place to stock up on food for two days, one day if you are very strong. After the villages the pavement ends and a long climb follows. You reach a high point and in the downhill the road becomes worse and worse. It almost always rains here. The scenery is stunning, the conditions very hard. After crossing a big river another huge climb takes you up to 3000m again, before you drop down to the Amazonas. The views in the last downhill, that is if you can see anything, are spectacular. At a major junction you have to turn left. It is another 10km to Mocoa, about 155km from Pasto. You will find all you need here. The road from Mocoa to Pitalito is all paved now. It runs through beautiful forested mountains, with many military bases hidden in the jungle. The distance is about 140km and better to be done in 2 days. It is all up and down, but no big climbs and it can be very hot and humid. This area has been recently lost by the guerilla to the army and was fairly safe and under control in 2009. Pitalito is in the upper Rio Magdalena valley, the biggest river in Colombia. From Pitalito you can climb the last 5km to San Agustin. This area is famous for its very special statues and popular among hippies, that sometimes stay forever. There is a great casa de ciclistas here. San Agustin-Popayan: 200km (estimation) There are several possibilities to cycle from San Agustin to Popayan. I was told by locals that the most direct way, via Palatará, was not safe. So I decided to descend back to Pitalito and take the Garzón-La Plata-Inza-Totoró road. Until Garzón you are on a good paved highway, following the Rio Magdalena. After Garzón you have to turn left to La Plata, also paved recently. After that the area gets more and more remote. You follow a fairly big river upstream in the direction of Inza. The damage of a recent natural disaster is still very well visible, most bridges are gone. About 10km before Inza you start climbing the central range that lies between the Rio Magdalena and the Rio Cauca. After passing the village you continue the huge climb to 3300m. Don’t expect a smooth downhill to Totoró, the road is bad washboard. Just before Totoró you reach smooth pavement that will take you to Popayan, the white city. Popayan-Cali-Bogota: 620km In this part of the country I followed only main roads. The 130km to Cali you can do in one long day, because it goes down a little, most of the time. Closer to Cali, when you enter the Cauca valley, it gets clearly hotter. Cali is one of the biggest cities in Colombia and not so pleasant to cross by bike. Local cyclists use the bus lanes. There is a casa de ciclistas in Cali. After Cali you keep following the Rio Cauca down stream either on the quieter left or the more direct right side. Buga is a nice place to visit. About 140 flat kms from Cali you turn right to Armenia. The road becomes hilly again. After Armenia starts one of the biggest paved climbs in the country, famous among road cyclist, Paso La Linea. Many curves take you to 3210m and a fantastic downhill follows. It is so beautiful to see the climate and vegetation change in a few hours cycling. Ibague is a big city on the other side of the central range. You are in the in the valley of the Rio Magdalena now. You can follow it to the north until the Caribbean or climb once more, to Bogota, the immense capital on 2600m.Coming from the south it is wise to leave the main road in Girardot and take the quieter road to La Mesa. Closer to Bogota follow the signs to Calle 80, a street with bike lane that will take you into the city. Like this you avoid the poor suburbs in the south part. The BEST route   Pasto-Mocoa-San Agustin is one of the most spectacular roads I have ever cycled. Next to the Pasto to Mocoa road are such deep vertical drops, that the road is nicknames Trampolin de la muerte. The WORST Route   Cycling to Bogota is not fun, but made easier with some bike lanes. On Sunday from 7am to 2pm many roads in the city are closed for cars and you will share the street with southands of cyclist, skaters and pedestrians. This event is called ciclovia (see "useful link" below) Bicycle Shops   Colombia is a real cyclists paradise. You will meet road cyclists all over the country and mountain biking is quite big too. All cities have good bike shops with all the newest parts. Just ask a cyclist and he/she will show you. For example, in Pasto I found 3 or 4 really well equipped bikeshops. In Popayan I found two. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   Ortlieb panniers, Tubus racks and Schwalbe tires are hard to find in Colombia. You might be lucky finding wider 28 inch rims and tires, but mostly only road bike size. Camping Gear Shops   By Emilie Baird de Vargas: Tatoo Adventure Gear (http://co.tatoo.ws), which has a store in the Centro Comercial Andino (Carrera 11 & Calle 82), one on the west side of Carrera 15 between Calles 94 and 100 and another one on Calle 122 between Carreras 15 and 19. Thundra Outdoors also has a shop near Tatoo on Calle 122 between Carreras 15 and 19 (they're both on the north side of the street), and another one on the north side of Calle 85 between Carreras 11 and 15. Online I've also seen a place called Iglu that seems like it's pretty good, though I haven't been inside (www.iglu.com.co, Carrera 24 No. 48 – 24). Best / Worst Season   Climate varies between different regions and altitudes. In general the low lands in the north are very hot and humid and it rains more from May to November. Bogota has two drier periods: Jan-Feb and June-Sept and always spring-like temperatures. Maps   Nelles Maps, 1:2,500,000. Not very good scale for cycling, but for main roads ok. Languages   Spanish is useful Locals' Average Salary 300USD per month Transport your Bike By Air: I flew out of Bogota International Airport to Miami with Delta. My bike was in a box and transported for free. I also didn’t pay the airport taxes. I didn’t like the idea of cycling to the airport with the box under my arm, so I took a taxi with the bike already packed. Useful Link On Sunday from 7am to 2pm many roads in the city are closed for cars and you will share the street with southands of cyclist, skaters and pedestrians. This event is called Ciclovia. Ciclorutas Bogota Map 1 Ciclorutas Bogota Map 2 (ENLARGE) (ENLARGE) You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_ORTLIEB_QL_System http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_ORTLIEB_QL_System http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_ORTLIEB_QL_System-1.jpg This page is explaining the difference between the 3 different types of mounting systems on Ortlieb bags and panniers, called the Quick-Lock System or QL system. QL1 and QL2 had been around for ever, while the QL3 came out on some Ortlieb gear in 2012. Ql1 system is found on the "CLASSIC" line, the QL2 on the "PLUS" line and the QL3 system was designed for some panniers and bags usually used for commuting. QL1 vs. QL2 vs. QL3 Ortlieb System. Orltieb Quick-Lock 1 System (QL1)    The QL1 system is found on the "CLASSIC" lines, like the Ortlieb Bike-Packer Classic, and the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic which are usually used as rear panniers and sometimes as front panniers on long-distance bicycle tour. QL1 is also used on the smaller Ortlieb Sport-Packer Classic, and the Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic usually used as front pannniers or rear panniers for lightweight touring. Automatic closing and opening of hooks by lifting the pannier handle When the pannier is lifted by the handle, the two hooks on the reverse side are opened. Then the pannier can be hooked into the rack. Once you let go of the handle, the two hooks close around the rack tube. All mounting components are set using allen key size 3 The hooks may be adjusted easily to the distance required and tightened in position with allen key size 3 (not included). Continuous adjustability of the lower hook, horizontally and vertically on the elliptical rail, rotation in 45° steps Fixation of the lower section of the pannier is just as important as mounting in the top section in order to prevent the pannier from sliding and pivoting. The lower fixing hook serves for this purpose; it fixes the pannier to a vertical tube of the rack and secures it in the lower pannier area. The hook can be mounted to the lower or upper part of the elliptical rail, and can be changed fast in order to adapt it to all the different rack heights. Abrasion protection on front panniers The two models Front-Roller Classic and Sport-Packer Classic are provided with an abrasion protection underneath the lower hook rail. It prevents damage to the pannier material caused by front quick release axles, in case the pannier is mounted to a lowrider rack on the front wheel. Suitable for racks with a tube diameter up to 16mm The QL1 hook system is adjustable using various inserts allowing compatible mounting on standard racks with an outside diameter of 8 -16 mm. The upper QL1 hooks can be reduced in size by inserting reduction parts into the hooks for 8mm or 11mm. The hook then closes perfectly around the rack tube and securely holds the pannier in its position. Additional fastening straps (optional accessory) for QL1 system In particular cases it may be required to use additional straps for fastening the pannier to the rack. For this purpose we supply a flexible plastic strap which is mounted to the QL1 rail and the rack tube. Orltieb Quick-Lock 2 System (QL2) The QL2 system is found on the "PLUS" lines, like the Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus, and the very popualr Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus, often used as rear panniers, and sometimes as front panniers for bicycle travelers who need to carry some extra touring gear. Recumbent bikers will be glad to find the QL2 on the Ortlieb Recumbent Panniers. QL2 system is also found on the smaller Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus, and the Orltieb Front Roller Plus, used as front panniers, or as a lighter option for rear panniers. Finally, the QL2 is also on the Ortlieb "Cadillac": the Ortlieb Bike-Tourer Panniers. Automatic closing and opening of hooks by lifting the pannier handle When the pannier is lifted by the handle, the two hooks on the reverse side are opened. Then the pannier can be hooked into the rack. Once you let go of the handle, the two hooks close around the rack tube. Upper and lower hooks are manually adjustable (no tools required) The QL hooks can be adjusted along the mounting rail; this is necessary, because every rack requires an individual hook positioning in order to achieve an optimal fixation of the pannier. The mounting components can be adjusted to the individual rack without requiring any tools. Wide range of adjustability of QL2 hooks on the rail Different types of racks and the individual position of the bike rider require at every bike an individual adjustment of the the pannier position on the rack. Depending on the body size, the pannier can be fixed further to the front or back in order to provide heel clearance. The possibility of pivoting the QL2 rail provides even more heel clearance. Continuous adjustability of the lower hook, horizontally and vertically on the elliptical rail, rotation in 45° steps Fixation of the lower section of the pannier is just as important as mounting in the top section in order to prevent the pannier from sliding and pivoting. The lower fixing hook serves for this purpose; it fixes the pannier to a vertical tube of the rack and secures it in the lower pannier area. The hook can be mounted to the lower or upper part of the elliptical rail, and can be changed fast in order to adapt it to all the different rack heights. Abrasion protection on front panniers The two models Front-Roller Plus and Sport-Packer Plus are provided with an abrasion protection underneath the elliptical lower hook rail. It prevents damage to the pannier material caused by front quick release axles, in case the pannier is mounted to a lowrider rack on the front wheel. Tilting hook rail for attachment of ORTLIEB Office-Bags on the left or right side of the bicycle All panniers can be used on the left or right side of the rack. Our model Office-Bag has one particular feature: ex works it is provided for transport on the left side of the bike (in driving direction). However, the Office-Bag is provided with a particular fixation which allows changing it to the right side (in driving direction) by tilting the upper mounting rail. Suitable for racks with a tube diameter up to 16mm The QL2 hook system can be used for racks with a tube diameter between 8 and 16mm by using differently sized hook inserts. The upper QL2 hooks can be reduced in size by inserting reduction parts into the hooks for 8mm or 10mm. The hook then closes perfectly around the rack tube and securely holds the pannier in its position.   Orltieb Quick-Lock 3 System (QL3)   The QL3 system was designed to fit on bags mostly used for commuting in order to cut down on the amount of mounting harware on the bag itself which make the bag more attractive, less bulky and more convenient to carry around. The mounting hardware is now installed on the rack instead of on the bag. This system is now found on some bags in the "OFFICE" line, the "CITY" line, like the Ortlieb Vario QL3 (new for 2012). SYSTEM QL3 – the new generation of ORTLIEB pannier mounting systems The ORLTIEB pannier mounting systems QL1 and QL2 which have proven their reliability for many years are now supplemented with a new, innovative variation, the QL3 system. The secret of this new system - especially developed for office and city bags – lies in the fact that the main mounting components stay on the rack. This results in a clear rear side that is free of protruding hooks, and significantly improves the bag’s carrying comfort when off the bike. The QL3 system logically has all the known advantages of the previous ORTLIEB QL systems: Comfortable single-handed operation Automatic closing and opening of the hooks by lifting the pannier handle Fixing rail can be mounted on left or right side, and optionally on horizontal or vertical bars of rack Sufficient legroom due to variable height and angle Lower hook rotatable in 360 degrees (24 steps each 15 degrees) for individual adjustment to various racks Horizontal rack top remains free for baskets, trunkbags etc. Additional mounting sets available for attaching bags to other bikes Mounting rail compatible with ORTLIEB QL1 or QL2 systems Related Articles   MATRIX: Which Ortlieb Panniers Fit on Which Bike Rack http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_why_mirrors http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_why_mirrors http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_why_mirrors-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Why do I need a mirror on a bicycle tour, and which one should I choose? You rarely see mirrors on bicycles, because most bicycles are either road bikes (whose riders tend to cut down on weight as much as possible) or mountain bikes (whose riders don’t really need mirrors). But the needs and priorities of a bicycle tourist are different, and we highly recommend that such cyclists have a mirror (or two) on his or her touring bike. Why we recommend always using a mirror: Safety! With a mirror, you always know what is behind you and can check on traffic effortlessly.Just imagine not having mirrors on your car! Swerving can be fatal.Even with some experience, you will always swerve a bit when you look over your shoulder - especially with a loaded bicycle, and even more when going uphill or while riding on bad roads.It is not safe to swerve or to stop looking ahead of you. When you will DEFINITELY need a mirror: When traveling in a country with unfamiliar and dangerous driving rules or conditions, including those with high accident rates (ex. India, Egypt, Bolivia, among others). In some countries, drivers might pass you or come at you from any direction, and at the most unexpected of times.In these circumstances, a mirror is crucial. When traveling with a partner.A mirror will help you to keep track of the person behind you; you don’t want to turn around to find out that your mate is gone. When traveling on a recumbent bicycle.On this type of bicycle, it is almost impossible to turn your head fast enough or far enough. When traveling in a country where people drive on the “wrong side” of the road.It is already tricky getting used to traffic on the “wrong side” of the road, so you don’t want to add to any risky behaviors by not using a mirror. When 2 mirrors are recommended: If you use handlebar mirrors, it is easy enough to have two of them.It comes down to additional weight versus safety and comfort.Again, I think it is a no-brainer.I personally always travel with two mirrors (one on each side).But even for those bikers who choose to use only one mirror under certain conditions, there are some conditions where it is still safer to use two : In countries where “Might Makes Right” and priority is given to the largest vehicle on the road, you will be thankful to have the extra eyes that two mirrors afford you! If you plan to travel through several countries and will have to switch from biking from one side of the road to the other and back again, it makes sense to use two mirrors so you won’t have to take the mirror off your bike and put it on the other side each time you cross the border.Also, you will already be used to checking both sides. If you plan to travel in countries or regions where a mirror might be hard to find.Having two mirrors gives you a safety net in case one breaks.On my around-the-world journey by bicycle, I had two mirrors and an additional spare one in my panniers (a good bicycle mirror is impossible to find in developing countries). There are 2 types of mirrors I would consider for bicycle touring:Handlebar mirrors and helmet/glasses-mounted mirrors: 1) Handlebar mirrors: Most long-distance bicycle tourists choose this type of mirror. It is very important to choose a mirror with a short stem to prevent it from vibrating while riding.I personally use the Cycle Star by Busch & Muller and the Ultralight mirror by Orltieb; both have a ring mount so they work beautifully on "bull horn" or "butterfly" handlebar. If you use a straight bar, it is best is to use a good quality bar-ends mirror like the ones made by Cateye, Ortlieb or Busch & Muller.For a bull horn handlebar, you can also use the Busch & Muller, using the provided ring that allows you to attach the mirror anywhere you want on the handlebar.On a drop handlebar, you can use one of the Mirrycle mirrors (some of the more recent aero levers don’t have the hole to attach the mirror, so you might have to drill one yourself). Pros: Wide view Easily adjustable Always present Cons: Can be knocked out of adjustment when you’re pushing or parking your bike (although it takes only a split second to readjust it) Needs to be tightened every few months (more on dirt roads) Since they stick out, they make the bike wider (although they can easily be rotated inwards) More likely to get jarred or break (ie. if the bike falls) NOTE: short stem mirrors do not vibrate, even without suspension Glass vs. plastic: Glass Pros:anti-scratch, better view quality Glass Cons:heavier, more fragile Plastic Pros:lighter, almost unbreakable Plastic Cons:can get scratches over time, lower view quality Ultralight mirror ideal for "bull horn" type handlebar Cateye mirror ideal for straight handlebar Mirrycle mirror ideal for drop down handlebar 2)Helmet/Glasses-mounted mirrors: Although the majority of long-distance travelers prefer the handlebar mirrors, a lot of people swear by this type of mirror. A lot of people seem happy with the Third Eye brand, they offer eyeglass and helmet mounting. Pros: Stays in better adjustment Very lightweight Works well when riding a recumbent You can screen behind you simply by slightly moving your head Has a good depth of field Cons: Takes some time to get used to it.Depending on your dominant eye, it might be hard to adjust to it.Some people simply never get used to it. The view is quite narrow. You have to always wear your glasses or helmet. You need to get used to the extra distance you need from your face. It takes a bit of time to get the right adjustment Some thinks it looks funny Tips: In order to place the Third Eye mirror on your helmet make sure you’re experiencing real biking conditions and use scotch tape to find the right position before using the very strong adhesive that is provided (it can be used only once). To get a larger field of view with the glasses-mounted mirror, you can choose a version with a short or adjustable arm. The Take-A-Look mirror is the most popular mirror in this category. It mounts on eyeglass or helmet. Third Eye mirror is also a good choice for helmet-mounting Third Eye can also mount on eyeglasses You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_free_standing_tent_vs_tunnel http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_free_standing_tent_vs_tunnel http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_free_standing_tent_vs_tunnel-1.jpg  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com  Free standing VS. Tunnel Tent Pros of tunnel: Lighter weight Usually more floor space Often has fewer poles Warmer: The inside volume of the tent being smaller, it will be easier to warm up in cold temperature. Cons of tunnel: Requires staking to stay upright Needs a larger area to be set up since there is more floor space Less height inside of the tent making often impossible to sit up Due to the slope of the roof, two people can't sit up at once It’s less practical to enter a tent from the head end, especially with two people, and with bags in the vestibule. Poorer ventilation, especially if bags are stored at the bottom of the tent. Harder to move the tent from one spot to another Not as good at supporting snow (caves in) Usually has only one entrance Pros of freestanding: The tent can stand up without staking. Very handy on hard or sandy ground (see Situation where you won’t be able to use stakes) You can just pick up the tent, move it, shake it, or turn it upside down to dry Won’t cave in with snow on top (however three-season geodesic tents are not designed to support heavy loads) Better ventilation Some have 2 entrances Cons of freestanding: Usually heavier with more poles Arguably more complicated to pitch The overall inside volume of the tent being larger, might be harder to warm up. Note: Some tunnel tents have a special pole structure allowing them to be free standing. Example: The Vaude Hogan XT (Europe only) or the Wild Country Duolite Situations where pegging is not possible   Hard rocky ground or gravel (depending what region of the world you are, it can happen frequently especially in dry climates / desert areas) Sandy ground. Unless you spend your time on beaches, this doesn’t really happen often. Note that even in desert there is not much sand, the terrain is rather rocky (5% of the Sarah desert is actually sand dunes, 95% is rocks). Concrete. Yes it happens! You will be amazed where people let you camp! Just to give a few examples: gas-station’s parking lot (very convenient because they have food, water, sometimes shower and are usually safe), police station’s driveway, under bridges, in barns, on sidewalks… and I know people who might add tennis court, Fire department backyard, garage and the list can go on and on Inside a building: You might think, why in the world would I set up a tent inside? Believe me it can happen often. Again here are a few examples: in a dirty hotel room, inside a train station, in an unheated house in the winter (the small space of the tent warms up much more efficiently than a large cold room), in a shelter with a leaking-roof, barn, hut, abandoned house, construction site etc. You would not even consider any of those sites when you have a non free-standing tent. That being said, many travel for years with a tunnel tent and manage perfectly well, but it surely opens up a lot of opportunity when you do have a free standing tent.   Related Articles   How to choose the right bicycle touring tent? Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_CO_Canal_History http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_CO_Canal_History http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_CO_Canal_History-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Rev Johannes Myors In 2010: Cycled 17 years across the USA, including 16 coast to coast crossings! www.pedalprayers.org Intro   CLICK TO ENLARGE If you are planning to travel by bicycle the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, also known as the C&O Canal, you may want to read about its history in order to really appreciate the ride and understand what you will be biking through.  Rev Johannes Myors biked the C&O canal several times and it is one of his favorite route in the USA. In this article he gives an interesting summary of its history.   History The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C&O Canal, and occasionally referred to as the "Grand Old Ditch," operated from 1831 until 1924. It parallels the Potomac River from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C. The total length of the canal is about 184.5 miles (300 km). The elevation change of 605 ft (185 m) was accommodated with 74 canal locks. Each of these manual locks could raise or lower a canalboat about 8 feet to the next level of the canal. This procedure which generally took about ten minutes.  The boats that plied the Canal made the trip from Cumberland, Maryland to Georgetown, Maryland in four or five days and typically carried cargoes of coal, flour or grain. Teams of two or three mules worked six hour shifts. The canalboats generally had crews of five. These crews were often all members of the same family. If there were young children living aboard the boats, they would be tethered to the boat to prevent accidents.  After the American Revolutionary War, George Washington was the chief advocate of using waterways to connect the Eastern Seaboard to the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. In 1785, Washington founded the "Potowmack Company" to make navigability improvements to the Potomac River. The Patowmack Company built a number of skirting canals around the major falls including the Patowmack Canal in Virginia. When completed, the canal system allowed boats and rafts to float downstream towards Georgetown. Going upstream was a bit harder. Slim boats could be slowly poled upriver. The completion of the Erie Canal worried southern traders that their business might be threatened by the northern canal. Plans for a canal linking the Ohio and Chesapeake were drawn up as early as 1820. In 1824, the holdings of the Patowmack Company were ceded to the Chesapeake and Ohio Company. Benjamin Wright, formerly Chief Engineer of the Erie Canal, was named Chief Engineer of this new effort. Construction began on July 4, 1828 with a groundbreaking ceremony by President John Quincy Adams. The narrow strip of available land along the Potomac River from Point of Rocks, Marland to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia caused a legal battle between the C&O Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). In 1828, both sought to exclude the other from its use. Following a Maryland state court battle that involved Daniel Webster and Roger B. Taney, the companies later compromised to allow the sharing of the right of way. The canal initially connected to the Potomac River on the east side of Georgetown by joining Rock Creek east of Lock 1, 0.3 miles (0.5 km) upstream of the Tidewater Lock, whose remnants still exist to the west of the mouth of the creek. In 1831, the first section opened from Georgetown to Seneca, Maryland. In 1833, the canal opened to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and at the Georgetown end it was extended 1.5 miles (2.4 km) eastward to Tiber Creek, near the western terminus of the Washington City Canal. A lock keeper's house at the eastern end of this "Washington Branch" of the C&O Canal remains at the southwest corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. To build the canal, the C&O Canal Company utilized a total of 74 lift locks that raised the canal from sea level at Georgetown to 610 feet (190 m) at Cumberland. Eleven stone aqueducts were built to carry the canal over the Potomac's tributaries. In addition, seven dams were built to supply water to the canal. Also built were waste weirs to control water flow and 200 culverts to carry roads and streams underneath the canal. An assortment of lockhouses, bridges, and stop gates were also constructed along the canal's path. One of the most impressive engineering features of the canal is the Paw Paw Tunnel. The tunnel runs for 3,118 feet (950 m) under a mountain. Built to save six miles (10 km) of construction around the obstacle, the 3/4-mile tunnel used over six million bricks. The tunnel took almost twelve years to build. In the end, the tunnel was only wide enough for single lane traffic. In 1836, the canal was used as a Star Route for the carriage of mails from Georgetown, Marlyand to Shepherdstown, Maryland using canal packets. The contract was held by Albert Humrickhouse at $1,000 per annum for a daily service of 72 book miles. The canal approached Hancock, Maryland by 1839. In 1843, the Potomac Aqueduct Bridge was constructed near the present-day Key Bridge to connect the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the Alexandria Canal which led to Alexandria, Virginia. By the time the canal reached Cumberland, Maryland in 1850, it had already been rendered obsolete. Cost overuns, labor problems, and rocky terraign delayed the building of the canal. The B&O Railroad had reached Cumberland, Marland eight years previously in 1842. Debt-ridden, the company dropped its plan to continue construction of the next 180 miles (290 km) of the canal into the Ohio valley. The canal did make some profits in the 1870's but at the end of the next decade a massive flood caused the Canal Company to go into receivership to its rival the B & O Railroad. The railroad operated the Canal for several decades until another devastating flood in 1924. At that time, the Canal was closed for good.  In 1938, the abandoned canal was obtained from the B&O Railroad by the United States in exchange for a loan from the Federal Reconstruction Finance Corporation. The government planned to restore it as a recreation area. Although the lower 22 miles (35 km) of the canal were repaired and rewatered, the project was halted when the United States entered World War II and resources were needed elsewhere.  After the war, Congress expressed interest in developing the canal and towpath as a parkway. The canal was acquired by the Federal Government for $2 million and put in the domain of the National Park Service. There was an idea of turning the canal over to automobiles but this was opposed by some. The opponents to the automobile idea included United States Supreme Court Associate Justice William O. Douglas who reviled the thought of the destruction of the beautiful river corridor. He challenged the editor of the Washington Post, who had come out in favor of the proposed construction, to walk the entire towpath and then decide whether he still thought the road project idea was a good one. In March 1954, Douglas led an eight-day hike of the towpath from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C. Although 58 people participated in one part of the hike or another, only nine men, including Douglas, hiked the full 184.5 miles (297 km). Popular response to and press coverage of the hike turned the tide against the parkway idea. On January 8, 1971, the canal was designated a National Historical Park. Useful Websites http://bikewashington.org/canal/index.php http://www.candocanal.org/ http://www.fred.net/kathy/canal.html http://www.nps.gov/choh/ Related Articles - C&O Canal - Bicycle Touring Guide - C&O Canal - Campground and Lodging Guide   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_low_budget_traveling http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_low_budget_traveling http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_low_budget_traveling-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Authors Peter Van Glabbeek & Stephane Marchiori   Introduction (Peter) We all know from examples that traveling can be as expensive as you want it to be. People have traveled around the world with budgets ranging from $0 to $20,000 a year. Spending more money usually means more comfort. The goal of this article is to share tips and tricks to travel cheaply, but still with some comfort. The most important thing for me is to stay healthy.   Accomodation (Peter) You can probably make the biggest difference in your budget with the options you choose for accommodation. Especially in Western countries, where even the cheapest hostels will cost you at least 20 Euros a night. But it is easy to avoid paying for a place to sleep at all. I prefer a combination of Couchsurfing and Warmshowers to meet people, wild camping to have quiet nights in nature, being invited by complete strangers for the spontaneity and surprise of it, and finding other crazy places to put down my mat. Couchsurfing and Warmshowers have given me some of the best experiences in my traveling life, both surfing and hosting. It is an excellent way to meet locals, get involved in local activities, and to make new friends. The Warmshowers list consists only of cyclists and will get you close to cycling clubs, group rides, and other cycling-related activities. In the couchsurfing community you will find interesting and open-minded people of all ages. In some countries or areas (for example, Iran, Colombia, parts of Peru, USA), you will not need to camp in the wild or use the Internet to find a place; you will be invited almost every day. The only thing you need is flexibility and to not have anything arranged for the night. Stealth Camping (Peter) For me, the most important part of stealth camping (or wild camping or free camping) is how you feel. You need confidence to sleep well out there in the forest or wherever you are. For me, wild camping also brings a lot of joy, brings me closer to nature, and gives me a great sense of freedom. Where: In my opinion, you can stealth camp basically everywhere. I have camped in the main square of villages, in parks in cities, under big highways, in empty buildings of all kinds, in the forest, in sheds, in people's backyards and garages, on farmland, on the beach, in churches and monasteries, in closed campsites, on jetties, in bus stops, behind supermarkets, in industrial areas, in schools, under a parked truck, etc. I do prefer the quiet places in nature and that is where I spend most of the nights. Have a look at your map for a green area, stock up on food and water, cycle to the green area, walk 100 m. off the road, and set up camp. As you go, you will develop an eye for good camp spots. When: It is good to well-time the arrival and departure from your camp spot. In nature, if you have a place that is well-hidden or in a quiet area, it doesn't matter. But if you are in sight of a road or on private land, it is probably better to set up your tent around sunset and pack not more than an hour after sunrise. You can still spend more time in the place, but because free camping is illegal in most countries, it is good to not have your tent up. In the busier areas I usually cook and have dinner first before pitching my tent. If you want to ask people to camp in their backyard or garage, it is better to not wait until sunset. Most people don't like you to ring their bell in the dark. Also, it still leaves them time to invite you for dinner. :) When I camp behind supermarkets, I usually have a look at the opening hours and leave well before that. Industrial areas are best on weekends. Tent: For me, the single most important feature of a tent is that it is free-standing. I estimate that I camped at least 100 times in an empty building or under a roof, just using my inner tent. Because of the concrete floor it was not possible to use pegs. Another thing to think about is the color of the fly. Mine is dark green, which is fantastic in almost all of nature, and almost invisible in the dark. Once it took me about an hour to find my own tent from the place where I had dinner, about 100 m. away because of bear risk. Of course, the tent has to be windproof, especially in high mountains, big deserts, and on the beach. You will be out there alone and you have to survive storms by yourself, without help available. Alternatives: In extremely populated areas it can be hard to find a place if you don't like the supermarket and industrial areas idea. Of course, we can use couchsurfing or warmshowers. Also, you can ring bells, talk to people in the street, etc, but this turns out to be difficult in cities. In South America I have heard of people staying with fire brigades a lot.  Myself, I stayed with the police a fair bit. Try if a church is unlocked or look behind it for a place. Look around for alternative-looking people and ask for a squat. I think with all these kinds of ideas, single women will be more successful.  A lot of people sleep every night in many train stations and parks. Not just bums, but also other travelers. First Timer: The first few times I was stealth camping I was a bit nervous. Soon I discovered that there is almost nobody out there at night and if there is somebody walking his dog or a shepherd or something, they are more scared of me than I am of them. In about 1000 wild camping experiences I was never chased away or hassled in any sense. Which is pretty amazing. Some people are afraid of wild animals. Close your tent for spiders, scorpions and snakes. In bear country take the normal procautions. The other large animals you are not very likely to see. Dogs will be your most frequent guests. Once I heard wolves and once a wild boar. Start the first time in a forest or in the mountains where it is easy to hide, and soon you will gain confidence and extend your terrain to other places. Transportation (Peter)   When on a bike tour, you usually cycle, of course, and cycling is free. But many people still use transport to skip 'boring' parts. I would advise people to cycle everything. The best surprises always occur where you least expect them. Also, it is good to have some long 'boring' roads between the highlights. Time to think, to reflect, is important for the quality of your trip. Also, consider cycling loops that start from your own house. A long flight might take up more than half of your budget, it is bad for the same environment that you are going to enjoy on your trip, and cycling close to your home might offer more than you expect and somehow feels really pure. If you really need transport for a stretch, think about hitch-hiking. It is a lot of fun, you meet the strangest people, and of course it is free. Hitch-Hiking (Stephane)   Peter mentioned that some people try to avoid boring parts of their trip by taking buses. I agree with him - it might be boring scenery-wise, but you will most likely encounter some nice surprises. However, sometimes you don't have a choice. Your visa might be running out, you might be sick, your bike might need to be fixed, whatever the reason, you might have to take transportation. Then save money by hitch-hiking. No need to take the bus. Yes, you can hitch-hike with a bicycle. I hitch-hiked with 2 persons, 2 bicycles, 8 panniers, 2 dry bags and 2 handlebar bags and was always picked-up. Basic hitch-hiking rule: Hitch-hike where cars can pull over without obstructing traffic (large shoulders are ideal). When a driver is already going 30, 40, 50 miles an hour, there is very little chance he will stop. So, hitch-hike where cars are stopped so the driver can see you and think about taking you; the best is right after a stoplight. Don't smoke while you hitch-hike. Try to wear your cleanest clothing so you don't look like a bum. Give the impression that you don't have tons of stuff: Don't spread out all your panniers, their contents, your lunch, and your clothing all over the shoulder of the road! Pile everything up nicely behind your bike so visually it looks like you don't have too much luggage with you. No Smart Car: No need to raise your thumb for compact cars. Depending on the country, truckers will take you (very easy in Turkey, not so much in Western countries because of the liability issue). Pick-up trucks are great in the USA for hitch-hiking. In Turkey, an old guy in a brand new Mercedes picked up my wife and myself, 2 bicycles, and all 14 of our bags. We had to tie the bicycles to the top of the car!! The guy didn't even care!I was the one feeling bad for the roof of the brand-new car, so I spread out a blanket to protect the nice ride! Food (Peter & Stephane)   When you are not spending money on transport and accommodation, most of your money will go towards food. First of all, don't eat in restaurants, unless you are in a country where it is extremely cheap, like in Asia. Take a stove (see the great post by Stephane on choosing a stove) and cook your own meal in front of your tent. Or even better (and cheaper) on a fire. It is fun to gather food in a market, bargain down on the prices, and experiment with new recipes. During the harvest season you can easily eat for free. You will find food almost everywhere. It feels so good to pick fruit from trees, gather berries and nuts. You will find leftovers from harvesting machines: potatoes, unions, corn, tomatoes, carrots, etc. Also, you can pick up old bread in bakeries and ask for old fruit and veggies in shops and markets. Or check a bin or two behind a supermarket. Another important choice is what you drink. I think a bike tour is your best chance to stop drinking alcohol, coffee and tea, and all kinds of sugar-containing soft drinks. In the beginning, water will seem boring, but soon you will start to feel healthier than ever. It takes some more time to get rid of your caffeine and sugar addictions, but at some point you will start to enjoy drinking water, even when it is lukewarm. Just ask for tap water in a house or shop and take a water filter or tablets for your river water. Of course, the most beautiful thing in the world is to drink straight out of a clear cold mountain stream, where this is still possible. Cook your own (but local) food: Unless food in a restaurant is very cheap (like in India or Southeast Asia), cooking your own food will save you a lot of money. To really save money, you'll need to buy (and sometimes experience) local food. What locals eat is usually the most affordable. Go to the market and try new things; you will often be nicely surprised. Of course, you will need camping cookware and a stove. Cooking your own meal by your tent under the stars or in front of a sunset is a real treat. Don't Buy Water Bottles (Stephane)   You might think water bottles are cheap, but if you travel for a long time, they surely add up. In most Western countries, you can drink water from the sink (supermarket, McDonalds, etc.). In Europe, a good place to get water is in cemeteries.  You can even knock on someone’s front door. People will not refuse to refill your water bottle, and often enough, you may get more than water (a cup of tea, perhaps an invitation for dinner, to stay overnight, or even a new friend). In developing countries, where it is not recommended to drink water from the sink, a great way to save money is to use a water filter. Other Expenses (Peter)   In general, I am a big fan of repairing everything yourself as much as possible. Your bike, your tent, your clothes - with a sewing kit and some duct tape you can fix almost anything. It will give you a lot of confidence when you learn to fix everything yourself. Also, by taking a step away from our consumer society by not throwing away something that can still be fixed, this fits very well in a cycling trip. Also keep an eye open when on the road for useful stuff. It is incredible what you will find, even lots of money. These are just some of my thoughts and strategies on low budget traveling. By following these guidelines, I travel with about 1000 Euros per year around the world, still staying extremely healthy and having a lot of fun, not suffering for lack of comfort. I have seen that a lot cheaper is still possible. Once I traveled in France for one month on 5 Euros, 2 weeks in the US on 0 dollars and a week in France and Belgium on 0 Euros. I still hope to learn more about cheap traveling; it makes bike touring possible for almost everyone. The Art of Bargaining (Stephane)   Bargaining is a fun way to save money and it is even expected in some parts of the world (ie. in North Africa, if you don't bargain, you're not a man!). Here are some tips for efficient bargaining: Know your price: In order to bargain, you need to know what price a local would pay for whatever you're buying, and this takes time. When you first arrive in a country economically different from your own, you will often pay a higher price than you should. Traveling by bicycle is great in the sense that it allows you to live and shop in between touristic areas where there is no dual pricing (prices for locals and prices for tourists) or at least the difference is reasonable. After some time, you get to know what a fair price is for a room, a meal, groceries, etc. Then you're armed to bargain. When you know what the locals pay for a certain item, you will be confident when you bargain and are more likely to get a fair price with a smile. Your best weapon is to leave: The last and best weapon you should use when the person refuses to give you a fair price is to leave. This works 90% of the time; if the owner or manager can lower the price, he will run after you and agree to the price you ask for.If he doesn't, it is likely that either you are asking for too low a price or that he has too much pride, in which case you can still shop around to see if you can get the price you want, knowing that you can always come back to the original seller. The "1/4 rule": If you don't know the price, like when you buy a souvenir in a touristic market, the rule of thumb is to divide the asked for price by 3, 4, or 5, depending on where you are (in Egypt, Tunisia, and India, for example, you can start by 5!).Watch for the reaction of the salesman and adjust your price accordingly. When you're up to a third of the price, leave and see. If the salesman runs after you and continues to bargain, stay firm on your price; if he ran after you, it means that he will give you your last price. Quantity discount: If you are planning to buy more than one item, stay more than one night, etc., a good way to get a discount is to first ask the price for 1 item (or 1 night, etc.) and then to ask what discount you would get if you buy more than one item, stay X nights, etc. In other words, if you're planning to buy a larger quantity, always ask first for the price of 1 unit. Then play your “quantity discount" card. Discount for paying in cash: You can often get a discount if you pay with cash.This is especially true for products that tourists typically pay by credit card.A good example is paying cash for a Turkish carpet in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (I know it's very cliché). Bargain before consuming: NEVER bargain after consuming (bar and restaurant). Many countries don't have a menu with a set price. Always agree on a price before consuming. Not only will you not be able to bargain after consuming, but it is much more likely that you will be ripped-off (very important rule for India!). Bargain at home: Technically, you can bargain almost everywhere.Bargaining is not only for developing countries (don't try at the cash register at Walmart, though!). The two techniques that work in Western countries are the "quantity discount" and the "discount for cash." You would be surprised by who can give you discounts. But if you don't ask, you don't get. Motels are a good place to bargain back home or any business surrounded by a lot of competition. Buy Cheap Airline Tickets (Stephane) Unfortunately, the time when you can hop on a boat and work on a ship in exchange for a ride across the ocean is over. There are still some ways to go by boat, but it is much more complicated and usually more expensive (see this post: Crossing Oceans by Boat). So the cheapest way to go is by airplane. Here is my advice on how to buy a cheap airplane ticket. My favorite place to search for the cheapest airfare is www.skyscanner.com, also available as an app for smartphone. For flights to and from Britain, try www.jetair.com and www.ryanair.com - they have ridiculously cheap prices. a good site also is www.statravel.com (students get especially good prices, but regular-fare tickets are still good deals). But you'll need to get a quote using these three ways: Go to the local office if there is one (they have offices all around the world). Then call the 800# and a few local offices in the country where you are. You will most likely get different quotes every time (agents don't have the same techniques or willingness to get discounted pricing). Check online: www.bookingbuddy.com allows you to try hundreds of airlines and travel agencies at once. Also, try www.opodo.fr. Lastly, shop around in local travel agencies - try as many as you can, as the price can vary greatly from one to another (these are usually more expensive, but depending where you are you might be able to get a great deal). Buy Reliable Gear (Peter)   This is going to be costly at first, but in the end you will save a lot of money. Reliable and good-quality bicycle components, camping gear, and clothing (Schwalbe, MSR, Brooks, Gore Bike Wear, Primus, Terra Nova, etc.) will stand up to your hardest riding days, so you won't have to spend money to fix or replace things over and over again. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_choose_your_stove http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_choose_your_stove http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_choose_your_stove-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com Intro   Every bicycle traveler has a special relationship with their stove J He or she chooses it carefully, sometimes brags about it, and takes good care of it, as it is the one thing that will bring warmth and sustenance at the end of a long day’s ride.If you’re planning to go bike touring, you will need a stove-- but which one? There are numerous types of stoves, but I will review only the ones I consider adapted for bicycle touring.I will pass on the candle stove, wood stove, solar stove, electric stove, and the large family-sized 4-burner stove, as these are not suitable for cyclo-touring. There are several points you should consider when choosing a stove (see below), but the most important one is choosing the type of fuel that you will use.This narrows the choice down to 3 categories: liquid fuel stoves (white gas, petrol, kerosene, etc.), gas cartridge stoves (butane/ propane), and multi-fuel stoves (uses cartridges and various liquid fuels).Liquid fuel and cartridge fuel each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Gas Cartridges vs. Liquid Fuel   Understand the different types of fuels 1. Gas Cartridges: Most gas cartridges contain a mix of butane and propane.The cartridges come in 3 different sizes adapted to backpacking and cyclotouring (4 oz., 8 oz., and 16 oz.). The puncture type cartridges are not suitable for bike touring, as they are made for a one-time attachment and must be used completely before removing. Your stove should use the screw-thread cartridge. This is the most common type and is standardized worldwide, so any brand cartridge will fit on your stove.These cartridges are re-sealable, making it easy to take everything apart after use, and store nice and compact.There are 2 basic models: with and without line. The first one is heavier but allows you to use a windscreen, and is more stable. The second type has the burner directly screwed on top of the cartridge and is among the most compact stoves on the market. Pros: Very compact (especially the one without line) Very light weight Most efficient Maintenance free Burns cleanly with no residue Relatively quiet Odorless No preheating required The cartridges are available in western countries (can find in outdoor stores and often enough in large grocery store) Very easy to operate Provides the possibility of simmering Cons: The main problem is the poor availability of the gas cartridges which are impossible to find in many developing countries Difficult to operate at subfreezing temperatures Could be an environmental nightmare as you have to throw the cartridge away (I crossed Tibet carrying an empty cartridge for weeks!) Much more expensive than petrol More difficult to use at high altitude than liquid fuel stove 2. Liquid Fuels: There are numerous types of liquid fuel to use in most backpacking type stoves.Ranked best to worst: white gas, kerosene, petrol and, if suitable, alcohol, diesel and oil (check the stove instructions for compatibility). Pros: Petrol is available everywhere, even in the most secluded regions Performance unaffected by cold Petrol is a very cheap fuel High heat output Possibility to reduce the pressure for better efficiency at high altitude (see below “tips and tricks”) Cons: Needs impractical priming – or preheating (requires precaution – see below “how does a liquid fuel stove work?”) Produces fumes and residue (blackens cookware) Needs more maintenance, especially using petrol, or worse, kerosene (some stoves have the clean-by-simply-shaking feature) Unpleasant odor Only a few models allow you to simmer Heavier and bulkier due to the pump system How does a liquid fuel work? Whats is priming? A white gas stove has a refillable tank to hold the fuel and a pump to pressure the fuel into a fuel line and into the burner assembly. The fuel line needs to be preheated in order to vaporize the fuel so it will burn when coming out of the fuel jet at the burner assembly. Stoves are designed so the fuel line passes directly through the flames emitted by the burner, so the fuel is continuously vaporized.To preheat the stove you need to let some of the liquid fuel pour into the depression at the bottom of the burner, inflame it so it heats the fuel line. It creates a fairly large flame that could be scary for the novice.   Features to consider:   These are the features you should consider, but differences are quite minimal from one brand to the other (as long you don't choose a cheapo brand).     Weight: The weight is the #1 enemy of the bicycle tourer. You will need a compact and lightweight stove.Thanks to their simple design, the lightest stoves are the ones using cartridges (usually a butane/propane mix) without a gas line (the cartridge is directly adapted onto the burner assembly).In that category you will find some extremely compact and very light stoves. Fuel efficiency: It is usually rated by how much time it takes to boil 1 liter of water.Personally, I don’t care if my stove takes an extra minute or two to boil my water! Multi-fuel: These stoves allow you to use any king of liquid fuel. The Primus OMNIFUEL can even use LP Gas cartridge, a perfect choice for world travelers! Stability:I would not choose a cheap stove for this reason:poor stability=poor design. Having your meal go to the ants is not fun, and having a pot of boiling water end up in your lap could be a disaster. You might find it useful to have the clean-by-simply-shaking feature. What stove for my trip?   Depending on what kind of bicycle journey you are planning, this is the type of stove I would suggest:   1. “I will rarely use my stove”: If you are extremely cautious about the weight you carry, are not planning to cook much, or are planning to cook only in case of emergency, a simple, very light and very compact stove is what you need. The World's lightest stove falls into this category: the Olicamp Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove Olicamp Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove (WORLD'S LIGHTEST STOVE!!!)   If you need an even lighter and more compact stove (usually for emergency use or if you are very weight cautious), two other options are: A stove consisting of a simple steel or titanium structure using solid non-toxic chemical fuel tablets or, A stove using denaturated alcohol like the Evernew Titanium alcohol stove. The Vargo Titanium triad can actually use both. Vargo Titanium triad Evernew Titanium alcohol Note: Another option is to use fuel tablets stoves (Hexamine, Trioxane or Sterno®), this is the pros and cons: Pros: It is the lightest system available Quite efficient Extremely compact Cons: Impossible to simmer Produces unpleasant odor Fuel tablets is an expensive fuel Leaves a brown sticky residue on the cookware Very limited availability (only in outdoor stores)   2. “I am planning a bicycle journey in a Western country”: If you are planning to camp often enough and use your stove frequently in Western countries, you will have the choice between a fuel stove, a white gas stove, or a stove that can use both because it is easier (although not always possible) to find white gas, which is the best fuel to use. See white gas vs. liquid fuel. 3. “I am planning a bicycle journey in a non-Western country”: If you plan a bicycle trip around the word or a journey in a developing country, (even if you are not planning to cook much), do not choose a butane/propane type of stove. It will be very difficult (or often impossible) to find the right cartridge.Because of this limitation, I would recommend either a multi-fuel stove or a liquid fuel stove. CycloCamping Favorites   Primus OMNIFUEL I like multifuel stoves for their opportunity to use whatever fuel is available. I own a Primus multifuel for the past 7 years and it still works like a charm. I am very pleased with it since it never failed to cook me a warm meal. It uses any kind of fuel you can think of (except solid fuel, of course). Since I bought it, several quality brand competitors have produced multi-fuel stoves that are just as good.   MSR Whisperlite International This is also an excellent choice as well. It will burn any liquid fuel. It will not use gas cartridges but this stove is very efficient and also very quiet. Related Articles   Tips and Tricks for using your stove Understand the different types of fuels International Fuel Names (all major fuels in 19 languages) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_FUELS-NAME http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_FUELS-NAME http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_FUELS-NAME-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. List of Different Fuel Names in 19 Languages. Practical to take with you when backpacking, traveling or cycling around the world.  FUEL'S NAME ENGLISH  White Gas or Naphta  Auto Gas or Gasoline Kerosene or paraffin Diesel ARABIC       CHINESE  .5 degrees"  .5  ...   DUTCH  Wasbenzine, Nafta  Benzine  kerosine  Diesel FRENCH  Pétrole à brûler, Essence C  Essence  kérosène  Diesel GERMAN  Kocherbenzin, Reinbenzin  Autobenzin  Petroleum  Diesel GREEK  νφθα  βενζνη  κηροζνη  ντζελ HEBREW x'x xxx xxxxx   xxx  x"xxx HINDI       3/4   HUNGARIAN  Nafta  Gazolin  Petróleumot  dízelmotoros ITALIAN  Nafta  Benzina  kerosene  Diesel JAPANESE  .5  .5    £.25.25 KOREAN   degrees   degrees, degrees" degrees  ", "©  "" " RUSSIAN  .5 degrees degrees  .5-.5   3/4.5  - SPANISH  Bencina blanca  Gasolina  Queroseno  Diesel SWITZERLAND  Kocherbenzin, Reinbenzin  Autobenzin  Petroleum  Diesel THAI      "  " TURKISH  Nafta  Benzin  gazya  Dizel VIETNAMESE  trng khí  xng  du ha  -     http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Netherlands http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Netherlands http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Netherlands-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherlands) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website   Time of Visit    I lived there 25 years.   Visa The Netherlands are part of the Schengen agreement. You need one visa for all the Schengen countries. See Shengen by Wikipedia   Borders You can enter and leave everywhere to Belgium or Germany. No border control. Boats to England from Hoek van Holland, also boats to Norway. Route I cycled almost everywhere in the Netherlands. In general you can say that the country is flat. The only hills you find in the far south, near the German border and to the east of Utrecht. Highest elevation is 321m. Wind and rain are always possible. All months are equally wet, wind directions mostly north west, west or south west. Due to the nearby warm golf stream the climate is temperate. Summer is never really hot, winter can be cold with wind from the east, but is mostly gentle. Expect 18 to 27C in July and August and -2 to 10C in January and February. Winter season is from November to April. It is a very often gray and daylight is short. With about 1000 hours of sunshine per year it is not a very sunny place anyway. Of course the best thing about cycling in the Netherlands is the extremely extensive and well-organized system of bike lanes in all cities and the cycling routes all over the country (more than 10,000km). Mostly you will be on traffic free, paved bike lanes or on quiet roads. In my opinion stealth camping is easy, but it is not legal. Fortunately Dutch policemen are mostly friendly and will almost never fine you, that is if they find you. But in fact I never had anyone bothering me while wild camping. I mostly choose small patches of forest or ask a farmer if I can camp on there land. Groceries and water are available every few kms. On Sunday most shops are closed. Don’t expect wild nature in the Netherlands. Absolutely everything is manmade. Rivers have dikes and not many curves, forests are planted, wild life is all introduced by men, wetlands are pumped dry and almost everywhere you will hear a highway, airplanes and other noise. That doesn’t mean it is not a beautiful country. Some of the constructions of dikes, gates and dams that keep the sea out are absolutely amazing. The river landscapes are beautiful on a sunny or stormy day. Clouds and sunsets vary every day. Spring and summer are very green, autumn colors in October are great. You can swim almost everywhere. Rivers and lakes are becoming cleaner every year (I even drank from the Rhine without getting sick.) But the real attraction of the Netherlands is the open-minded people. Not just the legal smoking of marihuana and prostitution, also the acceptance of homosexual men and women, abortion and euthanasia. If there is a place in the world where you are free to do and think what you like, then it is probably here. Try to visit Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Groningen or Maastricht and meet the people, share your ideas, discuss everything you like. The BEST route   LF1 (the LF routes are the long distance bike routes that cross the country) along the coast. This is part of the North Sea Cycle Route. Beautiful bike path that follows the dunes and shows you all the big dams. Getting lost in the hills in the far south. You will meet hundreds of cyclists that are looking for our few difficult little climbs. Some good views and lush forests. Cycling on the dikes of the big rivers Rhine, Waal, Maas or IJssel. Beautiful river landscapes, quiet cycling. Cycling in the north east (Groningen and Drenthe provinces). The quietest part of the country that still has some country side feeling. Join the cycling crowds in Amsterdam or Utrecht and see if you can beat the locals that cycle home from work like madmen in their best suits, dresses or high heels. The WORST Route   Many roads are extremely busy and noisy, especially around rush our. They are easy to avoid by using the bike paths. Bicycle Shops   Many bike shops everywhere in small and big towns, closed on Sunday and often on Monday. Quality of service is good, but some are better at selling than repairing. Ask a local for the best place. Large choice of everything. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   Also panniers, touring tires and rims, good racks are available. Better go to the bigger cities for this. Camping Gear Shops   All camping gear is available in the bigger cities. Best Season   May to September Worst Season November to March Maps   1:100.000 Several brands, available in bookshops and specialized map shops in bigger cities. Languages   Almost everyone speaks English and very often German. Average for Cheap Lodging   30€ Locals' Average Salary 2000€ per month Transport your Bike By Air: I used Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Rotterdam airport. It is very easy to cycle in and out of the airport on a bike path. Schiphol is also easily accessible by train. (You pay 6 Euro to take a bike in the train, nothing if it is already in a box) I flew with many companies in and out of the Netherlands with my bike. Never a problem, always for free, the never damaged my bike. By boat: See for example: Stenaline ferry The most common is the ferry to England from Hoek van Holland to Harwich. By bus: Long distance transport is always by train. Very good railway network, easy to take a bike. Information and map of the network See for tickets and prices here Useful Website Information about bike routes (check out the pdf-file on the right) You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_panniers_vs_trailers http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_panniers_vs_trailers http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_panniers_vs_trailers-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page.   This is an old and classic debate: Panniers vs. trailers. It is a hard choice to make and a very personal one. Some people prefer panniers; other prefer trailers.I will compare the pros and cons by assuming that we are comparing good quality panniers (Ortlieb, Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Vaude, Topeak, Arkel, etc.) set on good quality racks (Tubus, Racktime) vs. good quality trailers (BOB, Burley, etc.) with good quality dry bags (Ortlieb, BOB, MSR, SealLine, etc.). One should note that pros and cons might vary from 1-wheel and 2-wheel trailers (but this is another debate entirely). PANNIERS Pros: Overall, the pannier system is lighter (2 racks and 2 panniers weigh less than a trailer and a dry bag) Are more compact than a trailer 2 panniers and a rack are cheaper than 1 trailer and a dry bag Cause less drag and less rolling resistance Allow the separation of gear into 2 to 4 bags (and usually a 5th dry bag on top of the rear rack)[/li][/list] It is easier to find what you are looking for because your things are separated into several bags as opposed to one bag It is possible to carry more gear (volume-wise) if you use 4 panniers Are accessible while riding Easy to carry (to your tent, to your room, up stairs, over a fence, across a river, etc). Are mechanically simpler, therefore more reliable Require little to no maintenance Usually cause less broken spokes Cons: Need to be well-organized in order to retrieve things easily and to balance the weight between the left and right sides Require sturdy racks Cause more rapid wear of tires Raise the center of gravity Are less aerodynamic Cause the ride to be more readily affected by side winds Make the bicycle very heavy, which affects the balance Need to be taken off when fixing a flat, adjusting derailleur, cleaning the chain, etc. TRAILERS Pros: Can come in handy to carry heavy/bulky items around camp (wood, ice, groceries, case of beer, etc.) Depending on the design, at the campsite, it can be used as a piece of furniture (table, seat, etc.) Can be attached to almost any frame Are a good option for tandems Are better suited to the carrying of longer or larger items Are easier to pack The large opening of the dry bag allows for easy access Take the weight off the bike Has a lower center of gravity, making for an easier ride Much less stress on the rear hub Because the bike does not require racks, it is lighter once the trailer is removed, allowing for an easier ride around town or camp Don’t get in the way of the feet/pedals during the ride (although a properly-designed touring bike should not have this problem with panniers) Cons: Trailers add momentum to a bike, especially downhill, which can be dangerous in case of a sudden emergency stop Might take longer to get used to riding with a trailer Bike and trailer can shimmy, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds (BOB recommends not accelerating in excess of 24 mph / 40 km/h) Can be a real hassle to carry aboard airplanes, buses, trains, etc. You might need to carry extra tools and extra spares Spares for 20” wheels (or worse, 16”) can be hard to find The bike/trailer system takes a lot of room lengthwise Are more troublesome to park, move around, and move backwards Are arguably heavier Allow one to carry less volume (unless 2 front panniers are also used in conjunction with the trailer) Broken parts can be a real problem, especially in remote areas Broken spokes are more common Need a lot of room for storage Suffer on bad roads, especially in the long-run If front panniers are not used, it can be inconvenient to have to open the big dry bag in order to grab things during the day It is almost impossible to ride off the saddle, especially with a one-wheel trailer 2-wheel trailers add extra problems. You end up with 3 tracks instead of one, which causes much more drag. It is also harder to avoid potholes and other obstacles. You can see the responses from our forum members on the following link: Panniers vs. Trailers - CycloCampingForum.com Note: www.traveladventures.org is the exclusive proprietor of the image of the man and the loaded bicycle in Kathmandu (first picture above) You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Peru http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Peru http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Peru-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website   Time of Visit    November–December 2008   Visa Citizens of Western European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Israel and most Latin American countries don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.   Borders I entered by road from Bolivia at the Copacabana-Yunguyo border crossing (Lago Titicaca). And left to Ecuador by road at the Namballe-La Chonta crossing, a very quiet one in the mountains near Jaén. Route Lago Titicaca (border Bol)-Cuzco, 490km (paved) After cycling the beautiful Bolivian side of Lago Titicaca the Peruvian side is a bit disappointing. The road runs across a fairly densely populated, barren plain and gets busier as you approach Puno. The Holy Lake is rarely visible. Puno (140km) and Juliaca (185km) are both quite big cities and good basis to explore the shores of Titicaca, some temples and the floating islands. Unfortunately, the mass tourism also attracts thieves. In Puno I had my only moment of feeling unsafe in 2.5 years South America, when a clearly organized group of criminals tried to direct my girlfriend and me away from the main road to rob us. Fortunately, some friendly locals warned us in time and we escaped. We didn’t like the area and decided to put in some bigger days to quickly reach Cuzco (490km), passing only one minor pass, Abra la Raya (308km, 4312m). The cycling is easy, on paved roads. The scenery not spectacular, but interesting and the closer you get to Cuzco the more Inca ruins and other remains of ancient cultures you will find. For the whole area I think it is better not too be too early nor too late on the road. We always asked in a school or a church if we could sleep inside, we always got a yes. We encountered a lot of roadblocks and demonstrations, but always got through with smile and a wave. Still the atmosphere was often a bit tense. Loops around Cuzco Short loop: Cuzco-Pisaq-Urubamba-Cuzco, 130km (paved) There is more to be found around Cuzco than just Machu Picchu. The ruins of Saqsaywaman can be visited from the city, but also on your way out to Pisaq. You will pass many more ruins that can all be visited for free if you are very early. Enjoy the sunrise without other people around! The Rio Urubamba is disappointingly dirty and smelly, but still the valley has a great feeling about it. Long loop: Click here for details Cuzco-Ayacucho, 593km (some pavement) Ilse and Tore have described this difficult stretch very well in an excel file. I just want to add some general comments. The route that they describe is not the only one. When I asked for directions, local people always called it a remote and exposed road through the altiplano, they directed me to lower, local roads with more villages. The first choice you have after Abancay. You go first down to a big river, cross it with a bridge and then you start climbing. In a small village, already quite high up you can turn left to the road of the Excel file, or go straight to Huancarama. Both roads will take you to Andahuaylas, but the last option passes by the Laguna Pacucha and nearby Inca ruins. The second choice comes in Talavera, about 5km after Andahuaylas. Here you can turn right and follow a very quiet road through small villages to Uripa and continue the main road to Ayacucho. There are several more variants to the route. In general it seems that the main road has higher passes and is more exposed. But I don’t think you have to climb less on the variants. The whole stretch is very hard, due to the enormous climbs and sometimes, bad road conditions. In the valleys annoying sand flies will keep you moving, it is better to camp or lunch higher up. I encountered an incredible hospitality in the villages. Four days in a row I was invited for dinner and for the night. It is easy to find water and food. Ayacucho-Huancayo via Abra Apacheta, Abra Chonta and Huancavelica, +/-400km (partly paved) The shortest way to Huancayo is described in the Excel file mentioned above. I chose another, extremely beautiful route over some very high passes. You have to take enough food to reach Huancavelica. From Ayacucho take the paved road in the direction of Pisco. Slowly you climb higher and higher to the Abra Apacheta (100km, 4750m). About 10km after the pass you have to turn right. It is another 52km to Santa Inés on a dirtroad in moderate condition. You continue climbing through incredible landscapes to Abra Chonta (200km, 4853m). A bit later you see to your right a turnoff to a even higher pass (5059m), one of the highest in South America. But go straight to Huancavelica, a pretty town (compared to other cities in the area) at 3680m. After Huancavelica most of the road is paved to Huancayo. The scenery changes from the high plateau to narrow dry river valleys. But traffic is still light and cycling pleasant. Huancayo-Lima, 306km (paved) Some people prefer to stay in the mountains on their way north, they can follow the notes of Iris and Tore. I chose to visit Lima, the huge capital of Peru. It is all straight forward. Follow the main road to La Oroya (125km), a busy mining town. Traffic around La Oroya is annoying but dies out soon. Turn left to Lima. It is a long gradual climb to the Abra de Anticona (175km, 4843m). From there on a huge downhill takes you to the outskirts of Lima, almost on sea level. Expect some headwinds. Lima is huge, traffic shocking. Still I found cycling into the city not too bad. Especially going downhill you can keep up with many of the old cars, trucks and busses. Closer to the center there are even some bike lanes! Lima-Huaraz, 427km (paved) Cycling out of Lima to the north is not too much fun, but acceptably safe. Locals pointed me to some bike paths and quieter roads, including the coastal road to Ventanilla. Still there are 50 very noisy kilometers from the center to leave the outskirts, even more from Miraflores. After that the desert road to the north becomes surprisingly quiet, considering the nearby metropolis. Winds usually blow from the south and will help you to quickly cross the sometimes boring desert. In Barranca (+/-220km) I turned left to the Cordillara Blanca. The road climbs for more than 100km from sealevel to over 4000 meters. When you reach Conococha (345km) you have done most of the climbing. From here the easiest way is to follow the Rio Santa down stream, with on your right the Cordillera Blanca and on your left the Cordillera Negra. Some loops are possible in the Cordillera Blanca Beat Heim: Through Punta Olimpica Pass Through Abra Yanashalla Pass Tracey and Colin: Cycling the Huascarán Circuit Huaraz-Trujillo, 331km (partly unpaved) This section is completely present in the Excel file of Iris and Tore. It is mostly downhill, but the Cañon del Pato (40 tunnels!) and the dirt road after that can still be hard at times, because of bad road conditions. The lower you go the hotter it gets. Important is to cross the bridge 8km after Chuquicara (we stayed with the very friendly police here). Somebody will open the gate for you and you can take the shortcut to the Panamericana. Take enough food and water, you are entering a desert. There is almost no traffic and only a few villages. Trujillo-Namballe (border Ecu), 700km (almost all paved) Most cyclists stay for a while in the famous casa de ciclistas of Lucho. He can give you all the information you need. Going north is easy. The wind almost always blows from the south, very strong in the afternoon. I cycled in one day to Pacasmayo (120km) and another day to Chiclayo (220km), staying with friends of Lucho in both cities. Some cyclists have been robbed around Paiján. Look for an escorte or take a bus. As on most of the Panamericana in Peru and Chile, there is some truck traffic, but the pavement is good and the shoulder mostly wide enough. If you like deserts you will enjoy this stretch. From Chiclayo you can follow the main road to Ecuador or go inland to a more quiet border crossing. Both options still have the great tailwind. I went inland, slowly climbing to one of the lowest passes across the Andes (370km, 2145m). After that you follow the Rio Chamaya downstream to the village Chamaya (511km). Turn left here to climb to Jaén (533km). There is another casa de ciclistas here. The roads are quieter now and the more you move east, the greener it gets. From Jaén you have to continue north on a road that gets worse and more remote. The border crossing, about 160km from Jaén and almost 700km from Trujillo is very quiet. I was the only one crossing that they (except for the smugglers a bit downstream, carrying patrol across the river). Expect some steep up and down on dirt roads in the last 60km or so. Locals are very friendly in this area. The BEST route   Abra Apacheta and Abra Chonta, surprisingly beautiful landscapes, quiet cycling. The WORST Route   Puno/Juliaca area, I had a bad feeling there. Not very pretty. Bicycle Shops   Lima is by far the best place to get good stuff. Other big cities have something as well. Lucho can fix almost everything. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   I don’t know, I haven’t seen any. Camping Gear Shops   I guess Lima and the bigger towns around the Cordillera Blanca have best choice Good Address   Casa de ciclistas in Trujillo, Lucho is a living legend. Best Season   May to October is the drier season in both the Amazonas and the mountains. Clearer skies, lower chance of snow on the passes. Worst Season November to April is the raining season Maps   Reise Know How, 1: 1,500,000 Languages   Spanish is useful Average for Cheap Lodging   2 USD Locals' Average Salary 150 USD You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_stove_tips_tricks http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_stove_tips_tricks http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_stove_tips_tricks-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com 12 Tips and Tricks to use your stove while travelling   1) Clean the jet without the tool: At the burner assembly, the fuel comes out of a tiny hole called in the jet which can get obstructed.The cleaning tool consists of a very thin wire encased in plastic.It is likely that the wire may break and get lost.You may not have realized it, but your brake and derailleur cables are made of the very same wire!Just cut a piece of one thread of a cable and voila! You have your very own cleaning tool! 2) Primer "sponge" broken or lost? Some stoves come with a piece of material that will absorb the fuel you let go before priming.Depending on the model you use, this piece of fabric may eventually break and so may the spare part.A cheap way to replace it is to use a piece of thin fiberglass sheet cut at the same size.It works just as well, does not burn, and will never break. 3)Running your gas cartridge stove in cold temperatures can be tricky. Propane burns much better in subfreezing temperatures than butane. If you don’t try to keep your cartridge warm while you cook, you will end up with only butane in your cartridge and won’t be able to use it.Here are some tricks to keep it warm:     Hold it in your hand Use chemical hand-warmers (while you cook and then use them for yourself!) Dip the cartridge in warm water (or urine) Keep it in your jacket to warm it up Sleep with it in your sleeping bag so you can use it for breakfast Place the cartridge close to the stove (be careful not to overheat the cartridge as it might explode).Note:Warning sign of overpressure:cartridges are designed with a concave bottom that will pop outwards before complete cartridge rupture. 4) Use a windscreen to dramatically improve the efficiency of the flame, as well as decrease fuel consumption. 5)What liquid fuel should I use? In gas stations, especially in less developed countries, I always buy the most expensive fuel, hoping it is the cleanest one (I might be wrong!). I prefer unleaded over leaded, for obvious health reasons.White gas is more difficult to find and is more expensive. However, it is cleaner, has less of an unpleasant odor, and produces less fumes, leaving less residue (so easier dish washing!).Kerosene should be your last choice since it is the dirtiest and least efficient fuel.Some stoves claim to work with everything: oil, diesel, etc. (I know someone who used vodka in his MSR XGK!), but those fuels are extremely inefficient and dirty. 6)Cooking in your tent? Every instruction manual highly recommends against cooking in your tent. So do I!I certainly would not recommend cooking inside the inner part of the tent, especially when using liquid fuel.However, some tents have a large vestibule, and many bicycle tourers cook underneath of it. If you decide to do this (at your own risk), make sure you practice many times beforehand, and that you are very familiar with your stove.It is highly recommended to cook near an opening of the tent so the toxic CO and CO2 gases can escape.Be extremely careful with the priming of the liquid fuel stove (the flame is uncontrollable and can set the tent on fire). 7) Saving on weight by choosing a small fuel bottle size: I would recommend you take a small fuel bottle size (1/3 or ½ - liter bottle) unless you are planning to bike through an extremely remote area, stay for a long period of time in an area with no gas station, or plan to use only white gas.We started with a 1L bottle and found it was much bigger than what we needed, and we changed to a 1/3 liter. 8)Repair kit:This can come in very handy.Stoves usually come with a tool that will allow you to clean it and keep it running.A repair kit is used to replace missing, worn, or broken parts, as well as maintain your stove. I would recommend taking one with you if you are going on an extended trip (several months or longer). 9) How to get my stove working at high altitude? By reducing the number of pumping strokes during priming, you will reduce pressure in the fuel line, allowing you to operate the stove more efficiently at high altitudes (the stove won’t function as well at high altitudes due to higher pressure and less oxygen). 10) “Simmering” with a liquid fuel stove? A lot of liquid fuel stoves don’t allow you to simmer (some design fixed that problem).Tip #9 can also be used when lower heat is needed for slow cooking.If the heat is still too high, you can hold your pot or pan 2 or 3 inches higher (not real practical to simmer a stew, but can come in handy when your meal is starting to burn). 11) Use a puncture type canister with a screw-thread canister type stove: Vaude manufacture a convenient adapter allowing you to use puncture type canister with your screw-thread-cartridge stove. Very useful since the puncture type canister are easier to find, plus it is light and compact. 12) Home-made windscreen: A good way to make a homemade windscreen for your stove is to use 22 gage aluminium sheet found at hardware store, you can also use aluminium oven liners, ususally found next to those disposable aluminium pans that our moms use in their ovens when they bake (the liners are better than the pans because they are a bit thicker). Just cut a long rectangular piece so it will fit all around your stove, making sure to leave a 1/4- to 1/2-inch gap between the pot and the windsceen because you still need a bit of airflow.You don't want to completely block the air (you need O2 to circulate for your stove to be efficient). The gap should not be too big, either, otherwise you will lose too much heat. Also, you might want to cut out a window or 2 at the bottom for the same reason. Some people punch holes all around it at the bottom. You can fold over the edges to make it stiffer and less sharp, and also so it won't fall apart as quickly. Also, just as with the MSR windscreen, you might want to cut a disk to use as a base for heat reflection. Also, you can use paper clips to hold the windscreen closed around the stove. Tip: when you cut your oven liner, add an extra inch or two in order to leave room for error. Related Articles   How to choose the right camping stove? Understand the different types of fuels International Fuel Names (all major fuels in 19 languages) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_bicycle_touring_winter http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_bicycle_touring_winter http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_bicycle_touring_winter-1.jpg Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com   Intro Bicycle touring in cold weather can be frightening. I can't say it is easy and always fun because it can very much be difficult, challenging and even painful. However if you are prepared and have the right camping equipment and follow those few cycle touring tips, it will make your life much easier. Biking and camping in the cold can even offer some advantages. When my wife and I crossed central and eastern Europe during the winter, we spent so much time with locals who ask us in out of the cold. Most of the truly wonderful encounters that we had with local people came about during the wintertime, and gave us some of our best memories. Traveling really takes on a special meaning when you are having a rough time of it and people help you out. Clothing   When it comes to clothing and exercising in the winter, the key is layering. First, you need an insulation layer (Merino wool from Icebreaker is the best - see here the Icebreaker review by TravellingTwo.com). On top of that you should have a micro-fleece layer, then a fleece layer, and finally a Gore-Tex jacket. You will wear all of these layers at once only at nighttime around camp, but the layers allow you to peel them off as you need. Gore Bike Wear manufactures Goretex jacket designed for cycling activities. The same rule applies for pants. Use an insulation layer under a Gore-Tex layer. Gore bike wear also offers Goretex pants with special features (reinfored seat, elastic fabric at the knee, back pocket etc.) For the Gore-Tex, I recommend Paclite because it is very lightweight and extremely compact and can be used year-round. Don't shop in the classic winter/ski section; you'll end up with an apparel that is way too heavy for what you'll need. You’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes. The mid ankle model is sufficient and preferably with a Gore-Tex layer to keep your feet dry. Feet are the most painful area of your body when cycling in sub-freezing temperatures due to the fact that your feet are not exercising, plus they are in constant movement into the wind. Always choose a pair of hiking shoes that is slightly too large - the main reason is that you'll need extra room when your feet swell while hiking, and while cycle-touring, you'll be able to wear an extra pair of socks. Don't be shy on spending the extra bucks on your socks. You'll need quality over quantity. Never wear too many layers of socks. First, it reduces the blood circulation, which brings warmth to your feet. Second, compressing any type of fabric reduces its insulation ability. The next painful area is going to be your hands. In sub-freezing temperatures you will need a heavy pair of Gore-Tex gloves. I also carry a pair of glove liners to wear inside of the Gore-Tex gloves when it is cold or just by themselves if it is warm enough. Bicycle touring gloves have the advantage of giving you a good grip on the handlebar and usually have some padding at the palm of the hands. Nowadays, hand and feet warmers are very efficient. You won’t regret adding them to your budget. They are activated by contact with oxygen so make sure to store them where the wrapping won't get punctured (ie. in between your clothing).    While riding Eat a lot of carbs and fat, this is the best fuel for your body to generate heat. Alcohol only gives a false sense of warmth. In fact, alcohol is a vasodilator; in other words, it expands your vessels, which increases the exchanging surface area, thus allowing heat to escape and bringing down the temperature of your blood. Don't hit the road wearing all of your nighttime layers - you'll have to stop in a couple of miles because you're too hot and sweaty. Buff scarves are great because they can be used in many different ways: around your neck during the day or in the evening, around your head when you sleep, or as a face mask when riding, etc. The fabric is lightweight and comfortable, and it breathes very well, so it keeps you nice and toasty (Buff makes some warmer models, but I like the original because it can be used year round - I even used it in the desert as protection against sunburn and sandstorms). Link: 9 different ways to wear a Buff scarf. While buying groceries, warm your gloves on top of the store heater. Take short breaks so your body doesn't have time to cool off too much, plus frequent snacks are more efficient. Choose a Gore-Tex jacket with a pitzip (a zip along the armpit). This is a great feature that allows you to vent heat and sweat while riding. Marmot Minimalist Jacket is an excellent and affordable jacket. More expensive but specifically designed for cyclist, Gore Bike Wear apparel are the best on the market. Once you stop riding, add more insulation layers right away - don't wait to be cold, your body will have to burn less calories to keep you warm. Tie loops of cord on your zippers so you can open and close them with your gloves on. Be aware of the very slippery patches of black ice on the road (black ice - wikipedia). Don't use your front brake on ice or snow. Choose appropriate (off-road) tires. Schwalbe  simply offers some of the best tires for cyclo-touring, including in winter conditions. Sleeping Pad / mattress: It is even more important to be insulated from the ground than from the air. I would suggest taking a 5-cm thick pad. The thicker your pad is, the most insulation you get from the ground. Therm-A-Rest are the leader in the industry and one of their pad that I always recommend is the Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus. Sleeping bag temperature rating: Check what temperature you will be exposed to and choose a sleeping bag with a rating at least 5oC below it, 10oC if you are a woman (no offense but ladies tend to be colder than men) or if there will be an important wind factor. The most reliable rating system is by far the EN testing done in Europe.  More and more reputable US brands use this standardized rating system (ie. GoLIte and Marmot). For more info see: What is EN Testing (by Marmot, with video)? Sleeping bag: 2 options: Either a very warm bag and an additional light liner or a lighter sleeping bag and a heavier liner. Sea To Summit are the leader in the industry for high quality liners. The Sea To Summit Reactor adds 15 degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag for only 9 extra ounces! Sleeping bag option 3: - If you are not planning on biking in sub-freezing temperatures and don't want carry an extra liner, the GoLite Vario allows you to have two different temperature ratings with only one sleeping bag just by using it upside down. Our recommended sleeping bag for the wintertime is the Marmot Never Summer. Couples: Be aware that there are not many "twinable" sleeping bag with a very low temperature rating. It will be difficult to find anything under -18oC (0oF). However if it is very cold it will be more efficient that each of you sleep in their own sleeping bag as it will reduce the empty space inside the sleeping bag. Stuff the bottom of your sleeping bag with warm fabric (fleece, damart, wool - not cotton) in order to fill the empty space so your body heats the inside of your sleeping bag more efficiently. Don't overdo it; you could end up compressing the filling material of your sleeping bag. Filling material needs to be expanded as much as possible to be efficient. Never wear cotton in your sleeping bag; it traps the heat generated from your body and cotton takes a long time to dry. Always sleep with the least number of layers possible (just your underwear is ideal) and if it is too cold, wear thin insulation layers (ie. Icebreaker), and add a fleece layer on top of that if needed. "If your feet are cold, put on a hat." Wear a Buff scarf around your head or even as a facemask. Don't breathe inside of your sleeping bag. Your breath will dampen the filling material, which will drastically reduce the insulation performance. Note that, once they are wet, synthetic sleeping bags perform better than down sleeping bags. Don't wrap your bag in a non-breathing material (ie. emergency blanket). Everything will get very wet very quickly, making you even colder. Once your noodles are cooked, pour the warm water in a water bottle (aluminum bottle are better, as plastic may melt) and leave it inside of your sleeping bag until bedtime. If you are planning to stay in your sleeping bag with the bottle, make sure you avoid any burn injuries: wrap the bottle in some kind of insulated fabric or foam, make sure the bottle doesn't leak, and that it is well-sealed so that the cap won't get loose. If you are running short on batteries, keep them close to you at nighttime (ideally inside of your sleeping bag). The cold discharges batteries quite rapidly. Tent A tent from a reputable brand is crucial. A good-quality tent ensures that condensation inside of it will be minimal while it will keep some of your body's heat. Do not take a tent with a full mesh body because your body will have a hard time to heat the space inside of the tent; if you do, make sure you take a much warmer sleeping bag. Terra Nova Voyager XL is very well suited for cycle touring in the winter. Be careful: 3-season tents don't handle a heavy load of snow very well (the steep roofs of the 4-season tents are better designed). A bit of snow is OK but not too much. Try to pitch your tent so it is exposed to the east so that the sun will warm you up in the morning. Make sure you dry your tent and sleeping bag during the daytime as much as possible, because mildew is the worst enemy of any fabric (especially bad for the waterproof coating on synthetic fabric). If possible, choose a campsite sheltered from the wind. You can hang a tarp between two trees or poles to block the wind. This multifunctional blanket / tarp is very handy in many different situations, making it. Pack down the snow before setting up the tent on top of it; it will make sleeping more comfortable, otherwise you body will melt the snow unevenly. Food / Water / Stove Stove: Keep your gas canister in your sleeping bag if you want to use it in the morning because most fuels don't burn as well in sub-freezing temperatures; note that Butane doesn't even burn at all. Gasoline burns better in cold temperature than white gas. See the section “Running your gas cartridge stove in cold temperatures” in this "Tips for Stove Users" article. The best is to use a multifuel stove like the Primus Multifuel which is the only stove that can burn white gas and liquid fuel. If you carry a water filter, make sure it is not sitting outside overnight while wet. Any water inside of it will damage the ceramic while freezing. Consider carrying a thermos-type bottle to carry warm beverages, soup, etc. Keep your drink and food inside of your tent so they don't freeze overnight. If you leave bottles outside of your tent, place them upright so that the neck is not blocked by the ice. If you don't want to keep your socks, underwear, or shoes inside in your sleeping bag during the night, at least put them in your sleeping bag for 20 minutes in the morning - you'll be happy when you put them on. Snack before bedtime so your body has enough fuel to produce heat. Consider doing 5 min. of exercise before going to bed so your body will produce a lot of heat right when you get in your sleeping bag.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_camping_stove_fuel http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_camping_stove_fuel http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_camping_stove_fuel-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of experience in bicycle touring (2010) www.cyclocamping.com Fuel for Stoves   White Gas: (or white gasoline, or naphta) White gas is a common name for two flammable substances. In its most common modern usage, it is used as a generic name for camp stove and lantern fuel, usually naphtha. White gasoline, also called white gas can also be a name for pure gasoline, without additives (dye added for identification). White Gas is a cleaner fuel to burn than regular gasoline. Clean ++, availability +, efficiency +++ Kerosene: (or paraffin oil) Sometimes spelled kerosine in scientific and industrial usage, kerosne is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid is produced chiefly by the distillation and purification of crude oil. Clean +, availability ++, efficiency ++ Diesel: A fuel derived from petroleum but heavier than gasoline/petrol. Used to power diesel engines which burn this fuel using the heat produced when air is compressed. The worst fuel to use with your stove (a lot of stoves won't even burn it). clean -, availability +++, efficiency + Gasoline: (or petrol) is a petroleum-derived liquid mixture, primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines. It is also used as a solvent, mainly known for its ability to dilute paints.  clean ++, availability +++, efficiency +++ Alcohol: (denatured alcohol, methylated spirit) Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has additives to make it poisonous, unpalatable, and thus, undrinkable. In some cases it is also dyed. It is used as a solvent and as fuel for spirit burners and camping stoves. It relatively clean to burn and works pertty well on stove designed for it (ex. evernew alcohol stove) but work poorly on liquid fuel stove. clean ++, availability ++, efficiency ++ Liquified Petroleum Gas: (or LPG, LP Gas, GPL, Gas canister, Gas cartridges, Butane / Propane) LPG is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as a fuel in heating appliances and vehicles, and increasingly replacing chlorofluorocarbons as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant to reduce damage to the ozone layer, inferring that it is flammable. This is the cleanest fuel you can burn on your stove but it won't perform well at cold temperature.  clean +++, availability +, efficiency +++ Related Articles International Fuel Names (all major fuels in 19 languages) Tips and Tricks for using your stove while traveling How to choose the right camping stove? http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_understanding_waterproof_coating http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_understanding_waterproof_coating http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_understanding_waterproof_coating-1.jpg Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com Waterproof coatings   Each manufacturer has its own way to make a tent waterproof, UV resistant and at the same time breathable. The waterproofness of the material is rated in mm and this is a specification you want to look for when you are comparing tents. Numbers go between 800 mm and 10,000 mm. The number refers to a water column height in millimeters. For example, 1500 mm means that the fabric will withstand a 1500mm (5') column of water for more than one minute before a single drop might appear through the fabric. That's strong enough to prevent rain from leaking in a 75 mph hurricane-force storm. In the outdoor industry, they use this number as shorthand to describe the amount of coating used to make the nylon or polyester tents waterproof. Some people may also refer to this value as the hydrostatic head pressure. The general consensus is that from 800-1000mm on, the material is waterproof. BUT, it is better to have a high water column because coatings will wear off, and the waterproofness value will decrease. The higher the number is, the longer the waterproof ability of the material is going to last, and the more durable the tent is going to be; but the weight of the material - therefore the tent - will be noticeably higher. Long distance bicycle travelers usually choose tent with a high waterproof rating. Did you know? Several tents from the UK manufacturer Terra Nova are among the highest rated tents in terms of waterproof ability. The PU (polyurethane) coating is one of the strongest and most abrasion-resistant kinds of coating, but manufacturers usually don't tell what coating they use so you'll need to contact them to find out. PU optimizes the waterproofness and strength while still being light-weight.Manufacturers can maximize the amount of coating only to a certain point. More coating means more weight and more cost. Also chemicals in coating weaken the fibers, so at some point, increasing the water column value too much will decrease the fabric strength. This is why 10000 is the highest value you can find. From my personal experience a 7000 mm Ripstop fly, which was used in rough condition, with poor maintenance (I didn't know better) started to leak after about 500 nights of use. There are no test standards or easy ways to verify the water column value for products on the market so you have to trust the manufacturer.   The Terra Nova Voyager XL Floor: 7000 mm Fly: 6000 mm   Related Articles   How to choose the right bicycle touring tent? Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Bivies/Hammock/Tarps: An lighter alternative to tents http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_tibet_update http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_tibet_update http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_tibet_update-1.jpg (Enlarge)  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Last Update: 01/02/2011 Since the question of entering Tibet pops up a lot, and since the situation dramatically changed since I cycled Tibet myself in 2006, I did some research and contacted some knowledgeable friends and connections to find out what the current situation is like. Overview    First I will give a summary to those of you who are unfamiliar with the situation of cycling in Tibet. Traveling on your own in the TAR (Tibetan Autonomous Region) is illegal; if you get caught you will be subject to a fine and sent back to China, or out of China, depending on where you are. So, in order to travel in Tibet, you are required by Chinese law to buy a permit and to be accompanied at all times by a Chinese guide. This is almost always accomplished by joining a tour group. So, what one needs to do to enter Tibet independently, is to sneak in. Travelers go through checkpoints in the middle of the night and avoid sleeping in hotels, as the owners are known to call the police (known as the PSB) on tourists without permits. For doing so, the owners receive a cash payment and the tourists are fined and sent out of Tibet by bus. It used to be easier because the PSB didn't used to care if you passed them on the road during the daytime, as long as it was between checkpoints and not at the checkpoints themselves (the PSB would even sometimes wave hello as you passed by, with your heart pounding). The 4 routes to enter Tibet are the following: From the south by the Friendship Highway from Nepal. This route has always been by far the most difficult to go through illegally (I haven't heard of anyone who sneaked in that way for many years). From the east by the Yunnan or Sichuan Highway (both join at Markham) - arguably the most scenic route. This route from the east used to be relatively accessible as long as you followed the two rules mentioned above (checkpoints at night and no hotels). From the north through Golmud. This route has fewer checkpoints than the routes coming from the south and east. From the west.  This route is known to be the most challenging (higher, drier, very remote, poor road conditions). This route used to be the most accessible, but because of the the checkpoint in Kudi, this route is, according to Ben Koons, "pretty much impassible without a permit" when coming from the west (see details below).  This checkpoint is not really an issue when coming from the east because you will be exiting Tibet at that point.   These were the rules of thumb before the riots that took place in Tibet in March of 2008. Since the riots, the Chinese government started taking drastic measures to stop solo travelers from sneaking into the TAR. Warning for Forum Users There has been evidence that the PSB is following travelers' forums to spot illegal travelers on the road. I highly recommend not leaving any names, or worse, any times and locations while you are attempting to cycle independently through Tibet. For example, imagine you managed to cycle to Lhasa.  It is probably not a good idea to mention it on a forum, saying "Hey guys, I did it! I'm currently staying at this hotel, or tomorrow I'll be heading that way, etc." Tibet's Situation post-March 2008 I contacted some knowledgeable contacts to understand how the situation has evolved since the riots in 2008. Janne Corax: I contacted Janne (March 2010) on his way to Argentina. For those who don't know Janne, he is probably the most knowledgeable Tibet bicycle traveler (see Janne Corax website). He biked almost every single paved road, dirt road, and path in Tibet. If there is one experienced Tibet Cyclist, it is Janne.  This is what he told me: "Tibet became very, very strict and hard for independent traveling. Even my Chinese biking friends have problems. There are mobile checkpoints now, and the PSB actually controls travelers on the road between checkpoints. Also, some bridges have military at night. The PSB checks all hotels. Also, the locals are supposed to tell the police if they see a foreigner, so it's very hard to get away. A friend of mine was handed over to the police by Tibetan nomads. No safety anywhere. There are many more hard checkpoints and also the military will arrest you and that wasn't the case before. They actually used to help you against the PSB sometimes. If any police see you along the way, they will stop you. That was the way my Chinese friends ended up in trouble. That said, things may change soon. A lot depends on how the "critical time" in March goes. If it's calm, perhaps some of the restrictions will be lifted. Some persons I judge knowledgeable say there will be very tight security, as it's the 50 year anniversary of the liberation of Tibet. In Fall 2008, I went straight over the Kunlun mountains and then over the Chang Tang Plateau. Over one month with no roads and no people.  A total of 54 days in the wilderness. Caught on the southern side and then kicked out of China, to Kyrgyzstan." My friend Lee. Lee is a good friend of mine, he is Chinese, and a hard-core bicycle traveler himself. He has been living in Lhasa for the past 6 years. He confirmed that there are now many more checkpoints and that the PSB runs mobile checkpoints all the time on all 4 roads. He also said that the Chinese army set up several settlements on these roads, which are used as checkpoints and as a base to patrol the area. The route from the west now has some of these army points as well (apparently this route is mostly patrolled by the army but also by the PSB as you get closer to Lhasa). Lee has not heard of any cyclist who managed to enter Tibet illegally since 2008 (and believe me, this guy knows a LOT of people, he would know). He heard about several cyclists who got arrested on the northern route in 2008 and in 2009, and also a solo traveler on the western route in 2009. He told me that there are rumors in Lhasa that it will take at least two years before China cuts back on the budget to control these roads. Finally, Lee told me that every cyclist he sees in Lhasa belongs to a tour group.   Internet Resources A lot of information on these websites is outdated, but some will never change, so they remain excellent sources of information. Janne Corax Website: Excellent information about Tibet with route descriptions and elevation charts. Fred Ferchaux website: Fred gives tables with descriptions of what you will see every half a mile. In French, but the tables are understandable for English speakers thanks to the link "understand table" found at the top of most of the tables. AutonomousCycling.com From March to June 2009, Ben and Nils managed to bike the Yunnan Highway to Lhassa and then all the way to Kashgar (see details below: "update from Ben"). Ray's travels A good source of information, maps, and links. Tip: In China, a lot of websites are censored so you won't be able to access any url you want (especially if Tibet is mentioned). However, some people reported that you were able to access many more websites by using this link first: Anonymouse.org Maps Yunnan Highway (Kunming - Lhassa) Tibet Maps Maps of Himalaya Elevation Charts Chengdu - Lhassa (click to enlarge) Dali Lhassa (by Corax) Golmud Highway (by Corax) Kargilik - Katmandu (incl. Route 219) (by raize.ch) Other routes (by Corax) Yunna / Sichuan Highway Info Route details with tables indicating km. markers, water, food, passes, altitude, asphalt, checkpoints, etc. Lhassa - Zhongdian (by CyclingNomads.org) Dali - Lhasa - Katmandu (by Fred Fearchaux - In French, but the tables are understandable for English speakers thanks to the link "understand table" found at the top of most of the tables.) Golmud Highway Info Route details with tables indicating km. markers, water, food, passes, altitude, asphalt, checkpoints, etc. Xining - Golmud - Lhasa - Kathmandu (by PedalGlobal.net) Kashgar / Lhasa Info Route details with tables indicating km. markers, water, food, passes, altitude, asphalt, checkpoints, etc. Kashgar - Lhasa (by CyclingNomads.org) Kashgar - Kathmandu (by PedalGlobal.net - updated in 2001) High resolution Satellite Pictures of route 219 (by raize.ch) Route 219 Info (by raize.ch) Update from Ben Koons The account from Ben and Nills is the only one I have of cyclists who managed to bike independently through Tibet after the riots of March 2008. From March to June 2009, they cycled and hitch-hiked from Kunming (Yunnan) to Kashgar (Tibet) via Lhasa. I spent almost an hour on the phone with Ben to get as many details as possible on the experience he and Nills had going through Tibet. I would like to thank him for his time and this valuable information and thank Anne for emailing me Ben's blog. This is the google map of their route: Kunming - Lhasa - Kashgar General Information: Ben and Nills used the two tables "Lhasa - Zhongdian" and "Kashgar - Lhasa" (see links above) to find checkpoints, towns, food, water, etc. "They are very accurate and only a few have changed." Ben reported about 20 PSB checkpoints east of Lhasa. Except for a few checkpoints that they had to sneak around, most most of them were " pretty easy to slip through at night with mostly just gates." "Between Lhasa and Kashgar there are fewer checkpoints, but they mostly are army ones and seem to be much tighter." In 3 months, they didn't see any mobile checkpoints. The PSB, police, and army passed them numerous times on the road but never asked about their permits. They just waved or even stopped to take photos. To pass the checkpoints, they went through at dusk or dawn when they didn't need flashlights to bike. " Every encounter with the army and police, although sometimes inconvenient, was pleasant.  For the most part, they are very nice to foreigners, although they are sticklers to rules." They were busted 3 times. Once at the Mekong bridge on the Yunnan Highway, once west of Paryang (Kashgar - Lhasa route) and once at an army checkpoint just before the Myrium La Pass. They were asked for permits 4 times in the whole trip - when they were arrested in eastern Tibet, in Lhasa, when arrested at km 1474, and at the Kudi checkpoint. They never ate in a restaurant, they stayed in hotels only in Ali and Lhassa (and were reported to the PSB in the first one). "In those two cities, we just found a local hotel that didn't deal with foreigners and didn't know or care to ask about papers or try to register us with the PSB as they are supposed to. They bought food only in small- to medium-sized towns and never in towns with checkpoints and stopped as briefly as possible. Checkpoint highlights: "Even with the increased security, we found that you are still dealing with a pretty unorganized network with little communication and there are plenty of holes to slip through. Most of the outposts are isolated and they have little idea outside of Lhasa and Kudi what to do about foreigners because they never encounter them. We were arrested early in eastern Tibet and they wrote our names down on a piece of paper that stayed in the station and never made it further. So after we slipped by them a second time, there was no follow up.  Apart from Kudi, the checkpoint situation in western Tibet is much easier than eastern Tibet, although the riding is harder." Yenjing: The 1st checkpoint comes up in the town of Yenjing, about 8 km. after passing the official TAR border (large arch). They came up at midnight, saw some lights from a distance with some guards, so they turned around, camped, and waited for dawn to pass under a series of 3 barriers. Markham: They biked through at night. Mekhong bridge: On their way to cross the Mekhong River, they met an Austrian who just got busted at the Mekhong checkpoint and was shipped back to Sichuan on a truck (he actually stopped the truck to warn Ben and Nils of the checkpoint). They decided to camp a few km. before the bridge, but they were getting too confident and didn't hide much, so several cars spotted them. They were probably reported, as the PSB woke them up in the middle of the night and took them to the checkpoint station, where they spent the night. During that night, they witnessed the activity of the checkpoint and realized that the guards do not sleep and control everything passing through. The next day, they were sent back on a truck to Markham and were supposed to be sent back to Sichuan on a bus, but they talked the PSB out of it and were allowed to leave by bike. They pretended to leave Tibet, but instead turned around and hitchhiked back to the Mekong checkpoint. The checkpoint is actually a few hundred meters after the bridge, so they snuck around by climbing right after the bridge, crossed a field, and rejoined the road (see dotted line on the picture below). The climb is difficult but feasible. Bomi: There is a checkpoint before Bomi and outside of Bomi. Be careful, the latter is not really a problem but it is NOT mentioned in the table "Zongdhian - Lhasa". This part of the route is in a long flat stratch in a wide valley, so if you see any guards at the checkpoint you can easily go around it. Lhasa: There are no checkpoints, but hostels and hotels are required to report you to the PSB to check for your permit. This is what happened to them and the PSB came to question them and told them they needed to buy a permit and a tour to pursue their route.  They basically said, "Ok, we'll think about it" and changed hotels. They went to several hotels until they found a local hotel run by a Tibetan who didn't speak English and was not used to foreigners.  They felt as if he wouldn't report them, and he didn't.  After a few days, they were on the road to Kashgar. Shigatse: They stopped at a restaurant. Easy checkpoint with no barrier. Lhatsi: Town at the Junction with the route to Katmandu. The checkpoint is well-guarded so they sneaked around. Saga: After rounding a corner, they came upon a checkpoint that was earlier than they expected.  The PSB arrested Ben and Nills, confiscated their passports, and gave them one day so that they (the PSB) could figure out what to do with them.  Ben and Nills used that time to buy food and check out a way to sneak around the checkpoint. The army told them that they had to go back to Shigatse, they said "ok", and then camped a few km. down the road and sneaked around the checkpoint at night. There is a way south of the checkpint along the river bed. They had to cross a few streams and sand dunes to rejoin the road. Km marker 1474: At that point, they were running out of time for their visas, so they hitchhiked almost the whole way to the western frontier. There is a flat riverbed before Maryum La Pass. This is a large army base in the middle of nowhere used as checkpoint. They attempted to sneak around, but they think they were reported (by locals or by the driver) because they were found where they could not be seen from the road. They attempted to sneak around by crossing the river that goes along the road. Again, the PSB didn't know what to do with them. They finally let them go and told them to get a permit in Darchen. Darchen: "... at this point, we were getting lazy about checkpoints because we figured the worst that could happen was that they shipped us out, which was ultimately what we wanted since our visas were running out." So they were not hiding, and after hiking to Mount Kailash, they were arrested in town. They had to pay a fine and buy a permit for a total of 450 RMB per person ($65). Kudi: This is the last checkpoint going westward. According to Ben this is, by far, the worst checkpoint they had seen on the entire road. " The Kudi checkpoint is pretty much impassible without a permit. It has probably only gotten worse after the Xinjiang Uyghur riots." The checkpoint is in a steep and narrow gorge. It is guarded 24/7 by guards armed with machine guns. There is a gate, spike strips, and even a fence going across the gorge. This is the only checkpoint that they saw that was equipped with computers. Ben said that if you're really adventurous, you might be able to go around on the east side and the far side of the river. However, although he thinks that it might be feasible by foot, he can hardly see how it would be possible with a bike and panniers due to the steepness of the gorge (remember that Ben is pretty fit, as he is an Olympic athlete competing for NZ). Update from Anne @ transhimalaya.blogspot.com (September 2010) Back in September 2010, Anne from transhimalaya.blogspot.com and her friends Celine and Pierre attempted to do the western route (Kashgar-Lhassa-Khatmandu) by bike. They were arrested 60 km. after the Ali checkpoint and sent back to Kashgar. We emailed each other back and forth when she was preparing her trip and gathering some information and helping me with this article before hitting the Karakoam Highway. I will give only a summary of the info related to checkpoints that I gathered from her blog. For the fun stuff and their experience biking one of the most challenging roads on earth, I invite you to visit her blog: http://transhimalaya.blogspot.com. Kudi checkpoint: They entered Tibet on route 219. First, they met a Spanish cyclist near Yarkand who had been turned around by the Police. He confirmed the heavy presence of the Police and army in Kudi but this is how they successfully snuck through the first checkpoint in Kudi: They camped 6 km (4mi) before Kudi and biked through the town around 4 AM. The first barrier at the entrance of Kudi was open but the real checkpoint is on the other side of the town. At the checkpoint, the barrier was closed, so they turned off their lights and silently went underneath of it. They quickly took off and heard "Hey!" from one of the guards and decided to bike even faster. Of course, at this point they didn't know if the PSB would be looking for them, so they biked until dawn, then hid again during the daytime. They heard about a Dutch cyclist who got caught 10 km after Kudi so they kept low key and biked only at night the following day. Perhaps the guard didn't say anything, worrying that he might get in trouble for letting them slip by? Then they hitchhiked the last 50 km to Mazar. Domar checkpoint: Several hundred km. farther on, they reached the next checkpoint at Domar, a large Tibetan village. They went through it at 2.30 AM.  There was some light, the police were present, and a rope was "closing" the road. The cold and the dogs didn't make it easier but, again, they silently went underneath the "barrier" and made it through. Ali checkpoint: A Chinese cyclist warned them about the checkpoint 2 km after the town of Ali. They went through at night at 4AM; the guard was inside watching TV, and the rope was laying on the ground, so they just went over it. Up to that point, they passed the PSB several times and never had any problems, but unfortunately 60km after Ali (km 1120) they passed a pickup truck with not only the PSB inside of it, but also the person who is actually in charge of delivering permits. Anne and her friends were first taken back to the PSB office in Ali, where they stayed a week (negotiating?) and then the PSB shipped them back to Kashgar. In 48 hours, they retraced the same route that had taken them a month on their bikes. After that, they traveled in Tibet the "legal" way: airplane to Xining and train to Lhasa, where they joined a guided bike-tour Lhasa-Katmandu via the Friendship Highway with the required permit and the required - and expensive - Chinese escort. For more details on their adventure and to see some of their stunning pictures, visit their blog  http://transhimalaya.blogspot.com and check their journal from September to November 2010. TO KEEP THIS PAGE UP TO DATE AND TO HELP OTHER BIKERS, PLEASE LEAVE ANY INFO YOU MAY HAVE IN THE REVIEW SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE OR BY EMAIL at info(at)cyclocamping.com. If you managed to go through, please indicate the route and date and details on how you did it and/or complications you encountered. If you got arrested, please indicate where, how, by whom, and the outcome. Of course, the more details, the better. If you wish your name to be added to the update, let us know. Thank you. You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_USA-FL-NC-TN-WV http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_USA-FL-NC-TN-WV http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_USA-FL-NC-TN-WV-1.jpg (ENLARGE) You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. For country information, please try to follow the categories given in the following article. Author Peter Van Glabbeek (Netherland) 7 years of bicycle touring experience including a 4-year long journey around the world Cycled through 40 countries Peter's website Article written in 2010   Time of Visit  March-April 2009   Visa I got an entry stamp at the airport that gave me a stay for 90 days. No visa required. The same rules for citizens from the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.   Borders I entered by plane in Miami from Bogota. I left by plane from New York to Amsterdam. The first flight was with LAN Airlines, the second with Delta. Both times I packed my bicycle in a box and didn’t pay an extra fee. Route Florida: From Miami to High Springs, 750km From Miami I did a nice ride through the Everglades by night. Great to see the alligators and have the whole park to yourself. From Miami I followed the road A1A north. It is almost always close to the ocean and very often runs on the barrier islands with ‘the river’ on the left and the beach on your right. Scenery is great, many state parks and other protected nature. I saw many special birds, dolphins, manatees, alligators and other wildlife. The interstate I95, that runs a bit inland, has most of the traffic, the A1A becomes fairly quiet about 50km out of Miami. My route was part of the Atlantic Coast route from the Adventure Cycling Association, but I didn’t see any signposts. I guess you have to buy the maps. I followed the coast until Flagler Beach: View Florida coast in a larger map From Flagler Beach I cycled inland to see some different scenery. The Ocala National Forest offers nice quiet cycling, not spectacular. Highway 40 has some traffic, but not too bad. Gainesville is a nice college town. View Cycling Florida in a larger map Chattanooga, TN to Bryson City, NC, 260km I got a ride with a car through Georgia and started cycling again from Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a good map or google maps you will find your way out of the populated areas. I cycled west to Cleveland and took highway 40 to the Cherokee national forest. All roads here offer beautiful scenery, easy stealth camping and have not much traffic. The route I describe here is only one of the many possibilities. Turn left at Lake Ocoee on highway 30 and about 11km later take a right on highway 135. This road takes you to Tellico Plains. Here starts the Cherohala Scenic Drive, 84km/52miles. ENLARGE   There are several side trips possible. For example, turn right on road 210 and follow the Tellico River upstream to the Bald River Falls. This road actually continues all the way to Murphy, NC, but is not all paved. You can also turn left on road 217 (North River Road) and come back to the Scenic Drive. Also not completely paved. The Cherohala Drive takes you to Robbinsville, from there take roads 143 and 28 to Bryson City. Blue Ridge Parkway 755km The Blue Ridge Parkway is an extremely beautiful ride of 755km/469miles. There free maps available in the visitor centers, next to the road or here Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, 169km The Skyline Drive is connected with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It runs for 169km/105miles through the Shenandoah National Park. For all the information see here. The northern end is in Front Royal, WV From Front Royal, WV to Washington DC (C&O Canal), 170km A great way to cycle into Washington DC is on the C&O Canal cycling route. There is a unpaved bike path next to canal that runs from to the center of Washington DC. I joined it at Harpers Ferry, WV (about 72km/45miles from Front Royal and 100km/65miles from the capital) and it took me straight to the center, without any traffic. Scenery is great, camping easy. See info. The BEST route   In general I like the northwest of Argentina more than famous Patagonia. The great scenery of the altiplano and the high Andes, that is so different from Himalaya or Alps, keeps me going back there. The Antofagasta de la Sierra route offers the most remote cycling and very beautiful scenery. Quebrada de Humahuaca and all the high passes are also fantastic. The WORST Route   n/a Bicycle Shops   Many good bike shops all over the country. Bicycle Touring Gear Shops   Available in all the bigger cities. www.cyclocamping.com Camping Gear Shops   Probably the best country in the world to buy camping equipment: low prices and good quality. www.cyclocamping.com Good Adress www.warmshowers.org and www.couchsurfing.com works great in the US to find free lodging. Best Season   Florida has a very pleasant spring and autumn season, winter is mild. In the Appalachians summer and the autumn colors are great, but attract many tourists. Late spring (May) might be the best time. April was very nice and quiet, but trees were still without leaves. Worst Season Florida summer is very hot and humid. Most of the northeast part of US has a very severe winter. In July and August some places get very crowded. Maps   Adventure cycling Association have unrivaled bicycle map for the USA Languages   In America you speak american! Average for Cheap Lodging   Cheap motels can go from  $40 to $60. Cheap camping: $17. Locals' Average Salary I don't know Transport your Bike By Air: See above By bus: I took my bike in the so-called Chinese busses from Washington DC to Philadelphia and then to New York. It is very easy to take a bicycle, just put it in the luggage space yourself. The rides cost me 15 and 10 USD respectively. Usefull Website Adventure cycling Association  You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_quality_camping_tent http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_quality_camping_tent http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_quality_camping_tent-1.jpg Photo 1: Terra Nova Voyager XL - Photo 2: MSR Mo Room - Photo 3: Wild Country Duolite Tourer - Photo 4: Vaude Mark III - Photo 5: Nemo Morpho 2P You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com. Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com   Descriptions   If you choose your tent from a well-known manufacturer you can’t go wrong. If you’re a newbie here is a list of top quality tent manufacturers (see below). Best tent brands   Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Helsport, Hilleberg, GoLite, Kelty, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, MSR, Nemo, Roben, Stephenson’s, Sierra design, The North Face, Terra-Nova, Vango, Vaude, and Wild Country. On the high quality/ expensive side: Hillberg, Terra Nova, Black Diamond More affordable but still good quality: Kelty, Vango and Wild Country Recommendations from CycloCamping.com: We particularly like Terra Nova, MSR and Wild Country but we also recommend Vaude, Marmot, Black Diamond and Big Agnes. Why? Because we field tested them and were happy with the performances, because they have the best reviews from the bicycle touring community, and most important, because we believe that they are the best suited and most reliable tents for bicycle touring. These brands are recommended with objectivity; as one can see, there are several recommended brands that CycloCamping.com does not actually carry (most likely because the manufacturer doesn't sell to online-only store, sometimes a brick and mortar store is required in order to be an authorized dealer). Why do I need a good tent?   A good tent won't start leaking after a few weeks. Sleeping in a waterproof tent during a storm is fun, but can be an absolute nightmare if you know your tent is about to leak. Cheaper tents have weak poles that break easily. Broken zippers are common problems in less expensive models. There is nothing you can do once the zipper is broken. The tent become pretty much useless. Cheap tent have cheap waterproof coating and the tent floor will be leaking very early. Waking up in a paddle is not fun. Cheap tents also have poor ventilation, so condensation builds up very easily. Not only condensation makes the tent miserable and very uncomfortable, it also allows mildew to grow which prematurely deteriorate the fabric (not to mention the negative effect on health).   Related Articles    How to choose the right bicycle touring tent? Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivies/Hammock/Tarps: An lighter alternative to tents    You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)  Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TAL300 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TAL300 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/TAL300-1.jpg Take a Look Mirror products features durable stainless steel and brass construction with optically correct acrylic mirrors for a wide field of vision and pivots in three planes to provide you a clear view without straining your eyes. Fits eyeglass & helmet visors securely without vibration Easy to find the best field of vision Mirror size 1 7/16 x 1 1/16; arm reach 4 1/2 Attachable t"o either a helmet or eye glasses Frameless acrylic mirror provides wide, uninterrupted field of vision http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TAL100 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TAL100 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/TAL100-1.jpg Take a Look Mirror products features durable stainless steel and brass construction with optically correct acrylic mirrors for a wide field of vision and pivots in three planes to provide you a clear view without straining your eyes. Fits eyeglass & helmet visors securely without vibration Easy to find the best field of vision Mirror size 1 7/16 x 1 1/16; arm reach 4 1/2 Attachable t"o either a helmet or eye glasses Frameless acrylic mirror provides wide, uninterrupted field of vision http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A17202/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A17202/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/B211A17202-3-1.jpg Description The B17 is our flagship model, ideal for long distance spors touring, trekking and atb use. The B17 Special features a copper plated steel metalwork and hand hammered copper rivets. Available in black and honey.   Specifications   Width: 170mm Length: 280mm Weight: 540g Video   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211PLA07210/B211DPLA07210 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211PLA07210/B211DPLA07210 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/B211PLA07210-B211DPLA07210-1.jpg Description The B17 and B17 S Aged are the new versions of Brooks' flagship models. The B17 has been on the market for over 100 years, being featured in as early as the 1898 catalogue. Comfortable from day 1 thanks to the softer leather, the B17 and B17 S Aged are ideal for sports touring, trekking and atb use.   Specifications   Width: 6.9 in (175 mm) Length: 10.8 in (280mm) Height: 2.6 in (65 mm) Weight: 18.3 oz (520g) Men's Model: SKU: B211PLA07210 Ladies' Model: SKU: B211DPLA07210 Video   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A07202/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A07202/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/B211A07202-3-1.jpg Description The B17 is our flagship model, ideal for long distance spors touring, trekking and atb use. The B17 Titanium features a titanium frame. Available in black, honey, green and brown.   Specifications   Width: 170mm Length: 280mm Weight: 525g Video   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A27202/3/5 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=B211A27202/3/5 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/B211A27202-3-5-1.jpg Description The B17 is our flagship model, ideal for long distance bicycle touring, trekking and atb use. The B17 Titanium features a titanium frame with hand hammered copper rivets. Available in black, honey, green and brown.   Specifications   Width: 170mm Length: 280mm Weight: 410g Frame: Titanium Video   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BT02A07202/3/5 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BT02A07202/3/5 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/BT02A07202-3-5-1.jpg In the Brooks tradition, this bar tape is made of natural leather to make it the perfect complement to your Brooks saddle. The bar tape comes in a kit including: - 2 strips of light, perforated leather bar tape, - 2 natural cork and wood bar-end plugs, - 2 adhesive cloth strips.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BMK001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BMK001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/BROO-BMK001-1.jpg Each Brooks Saddle comes with a care leaflet. Maintaining your saddle, as described therein, will ensure that it becomes the most comfortable and durable saddle you could ever wish for. The maintenance kit includes all you need to take care of your Brooks Saddle: a can of Proofide leather dressing, a cotton cloth to polish the saddle and a Brooks Spanner. Please note that the standard spanner works on most models with the exception of the Swallow Titanium, which has its specific spanner, and the Swift Titanium, which can be tensioned with an allen key.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HL-EL530 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HL-EL530 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/HL-EL530-1.jpg Power Battery Life Distance Weight Modes 1500 cdlpwr 30H NiMH 197ft (60m)  0.45lb (207gr)  3 Description   This light sets a new standard in brightness for an alkaline battery lamp, producing over 1500 candlepower from a single white LED. With the use of the latest in LED design and Opticube lens technology, this light is a full 50% brighter than the 2005 model of HL-EL500. Features   50% brighter than the HL-EL500 Magnetic switch Uses 4 AA batteries More than 90 hours of runtime Side visibility FlexTight™ mounting bracket Highly water resistant   Additional Information    Compare Cateye bike lights http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0753 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0753 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0753-1.jpg Coghlan's 40" Stretch Strap will secure your bags on your bicycle without scratching the racks. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0425 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0425 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0425-1.jpg Attaches to your bicycle while you are sleeping so the ringing can alert you in case anyone is touching you belongings. Also, it attaches to clothing or pack with a velcro strap to scare bears while you are in the woods. In the bag, the magnet eliminates any noise. Movement will cause a steady ringing to warn animals of your presence. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9335 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9335 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9335-1.jpg Absorbs 10 times its weight in water. Wringing removes 92% of water making it instantly ready for reuse. Use as a towel, dishcloth, pot holder, wash cloth or emergency bandage.   Made from 50% Polyester / 50% Rayon.   Size: 12” x 30” (30.5 x 76 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9936 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9936 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9936-1.jpg The perfect bag to ensure dry storage for gear and clothing around camp, in boats or backpacks. Rugged 210 Oxford Nylon with PVC coating made with sewn, hot-air taped seams. Velcro closure tabs and quick-release buckle closure. Round bottom to maximize volume.   Size: 13” dia. x 36” (33 x 91.4 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT1025 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT1025 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT1025-1.jpg   Written for parents or grandparents with little knowledge about the outdoors, yet want to take their family out camping. The 32-page booklet includes a comprehensive shopping checklist that empowers sales staff and reassures nervous novices that they're on the right track. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9760 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9760 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9760-1.jpg  Double wide, suspends with poles or ropes (not included). 156 mesh polyester with 6 reinforced tie tabs. Washable.    Size: 63” w x 78” l x 59” h (160 x 200 x 150 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9560 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9560 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9560-1.jpg Light, strong and compact. Requires no liquids, no priming, no wick and no pressure – the ideal emergency stove. Twenty-four Fuel Tablets included. Uses any solid fuel such as Hexamine, Trioxane or Sterno.    http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT7600 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT7600 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT7600-1.jpg Coghlan's folding scissors are made of stainless steel blades. Chrome plated die cast handles. Extremely light, compact, effective and durable.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9565 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9565 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9565-1.jpg For use with Coghlan’s Emergency Stove. A safe, clean burning fuel, easy to ignite, smokeless, odorless and non-toxic.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT702 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT702 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT702-1.jpg Extremely compact, light weight and strong. Easy to use with simple back and forth motion. Made from hardened carbon steel Nickel plated Stay sharp for years   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0661 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0661 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0661-1.jpg High quality colored Duct Tape with peel off backing. Comes in Red, Yellow, Green and Black. Fits anywhere – in your pocket, pack, fi rst aid kit, toolbox and wallet!   Size: Each color strip is 1.97” x 24” (5 cm x 61 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9775 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9775 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9775-1.jpg  Single point suspension net features a rugged 6” (15 cm) sheeting border that tucks under mat to secure. Comes with 4 corner rings. Super-fine 196 knitted polyester mesh. Carry bag included.   Height: 73” (1.85 m) Length: 83” (2.1 m) Width: Front 57” (1.45 m) Back: 36” (1.0 m) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT516 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT516 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT516-1.jpg Coghlan's Stretch Cord is a multi strand rubber core with a durable outer wrap. Stretches to 20”. Perfect to secure items on top of your handlebar bags and to prevent the map holder from flapping in the wind.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9640 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9640 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9640-1.jpg  Single wide, suspends with poles or ropes (not included). Fine mesh polyester provides protection from insects. Six reinforced tie tabs. Washable. Use indoors or outdoors.    Size: 32” w x 78” l x 59” h (81 x 200 x 150 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT701 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT701 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT701-1.jpg Coghlan's Nylon Cord is a white braided nylon cord on a reusable spool. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT711 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT711 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT711-1.jpg Rip-stop nylon with pressure sensitive adhesive backing. Four assorted colors in each kit. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0205 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0205 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0205-1.jpg Everything you need for repairs to your Nylon Tent. Contains: 2 adhesive-backed nylon patches, 2 mesh screen patches, 2 spools nylon thread, 1 #4 needle, 3 ferrules, 45” (114 cm) shock cord, 1/2 fl . oz. (14.8 mL) Seam seal, and a Ziplock bag for storage. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0001-1.jpg Expandable, unbreakable, water resistant container. This basic and practical molded kit contains 37 items for the treatment of minor injuries.   The Pack I measures 3 x 3 3/8 x 1/2 in. (7.6 x 11 x 1.2 cm) and weights only 1 1/2 oz. (45 gr).   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9747 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9747 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9747-1.jpg Stuff clothing into the pocket creating an ideal Pack Pillow.   Made from 100% nylon.   Size: 15” x 20” (37 x 50 cm) Weight: 1.5 oz. (4.3 g) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0433 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT0433 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT0433-1.jpg With Coghlan's Pegless Bungee Clothesline, no clothes pegs needed. Lightweight and convenient.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT8402 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT8402 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT8402-1.jpg The handy way to carry soap when using showers at campgrounds, swimming pools, gymnasiums, schools, outdoor showers or at the beach. Polypropylene rope won’t rot. Drain holes allow soap to dry. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT658 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT658 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT658-1.jpg Keeps bar soap handy in a virtually unbreakable plastic container. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT8544 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT8544 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT8544-1.jpg Reinforced layered construction of aluminized polyethylene is strong, compact and soil resistant. Can be used as a tarp, foot print for your tent or blanket; to lay on, in emergency situation, to provide shade or to prevent your tent, or mattress from puncture. The corners have reinforced grommets and the edges are stitched. Windproof and waterproof.   Size 50 x 79 in. (127 x 200 cm) - Weight: 12 oz. (340 gr).   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9869 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9869 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9869-1.jpg Coghlan's Ditty Bag Set includes 3 polyester mesh bag with a drawstring closure and cord lock on each bad. Perfect to organize and easily find your stuff in your pannier. Set includes one: 6” x 13” (15.2 x 33 cm) 5” x 11” (12.7 x 28 cm) 4” x 9” (10 x 23 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT1000 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT1000 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT1000-1.jpg Coghlan's Ultralight Tent Stakes are orange anodized aluminium tent stakes featuring a three-sided design making them nearly indestructible. Versatile enough to work well with just about any tent and durable enough to last for years. Features a notch at the top for securing guylines; attached nylon pull-cord allows for easy removal. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT712 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT712 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT712-1.jpg Tough vinyl plastic material with pressure sensitive adhesive backing. Four assorted colors in each kit. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9695 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT9695 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT9695-1.jpg Waterproofs sewn seams on nylon and other synthetic outdoor fabrics. Easy to use applicator. Colorless, fl exible, and washable. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DVD-bike-tour http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DVD-bike-tour http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/DVD-bike-tour-1.jpg  Description   50 min. slideshow of Stephane and Sheri's 5-year Bicycle Journey around the World. Enjoy 400 Stunning Photos with commentary and Music from Across the Globe.  This video will take you through the 22 countries that Stephane and Sheri traveled.  It includes photos from Europe, the Middle-East, India, Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Oceania and the USA.  This is a great gift for anyone who likes to travel and for any adventurous spirit.  It is a great inspiration for any novice or seasoned bike traveler. You can consider this DVD free as it comes with a $10 OFF coupon! (restrictions apply). We know you'll enjoy it! Specifications   50 min NTSC format Zone-free DVD Reviews   Here is some of the feedback we received from our Facebook friends on our photos: "One of the most inspiring journeys I've ever seen, andvery well photographed - congratulations!" ~Tim McCallum "incredible, I don't know what else tosay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" ~Paul Alderson "Wow, there is something truely inspiring in your photosthat just makes you forget all the hard times in the saddle and want to get outand ride it all again. Congrats" ~Antony Jeffries "Unbelievable pics!!" ~Ricki Nethercote "No comment...no word...just beautiful" ~Alexandar Chavdarov "OMG I so enjoyed looking through your pictures. Wow, whata journey. I'm sooo jealous. Thanks for sharing!" ~Kristi Ketterman Miller "Truly AMAZING!! Thanks for sharing and being aninspiration to many :o)" ~Sandra Loh http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_biketourbasics_ebook http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_biketourbasics_ebook http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_biketourbasics_ebook-1.jpg This ebook is NOT included with the purchase of our CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are also NOT included)  To purchase the CD-ROM, simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. A FREE manual / guide for bicycle touring is finally available! This inspirational ebook from TravellingTwo.com called "Bike Touring Basics" is a very useful and reader-friendly piece of work! It's 60 pages of advice, tips and inspiration, drawn from Friedel and Andrew bike touring experience and put together with photos, quotes and contributions from across the bike touring community. It will encourage you to get out and travel by bicycle, as well as answering some of those questions everyone has when they get ready for a big tour. In the book, you’ll learn about: Why bike touring is so much fun How to save money for a tour How to pick out a destination and a route Training before you leave What bike to buy The basic gear (sleeping mats, tents, bike accessories) Finding the pace that’s right for you Where to sleep Managing Money And more! Download Now! This ebook is NOT included with the purchase of our CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included) To purchase the CD-ROM, simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY255 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY255 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EBY255-1.jpg Evernew Ti DX is perfect for ultralight bicycle travelers, backpackers and climbers. This stove set includes a titanium stove and a titanium windshield. This stove can use the following fuels: alcohol, wood and solid fuel. This set includes a multi-fuel Titanium stove and a pot stand which offers protection from the wind.   Weight Fuel* Boil Time 3.03oz (86g) Wood, Alcohol   Dimensions: 3.26 x 2.36 in (upper part) 2.36 x 1.97 (lower part) Material: Titanium http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY254 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY254 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EVER-EBY254-1.jpg Compact, lighweight and efficient. The Bi-Level Jet system creates a strong and stable flame. Fuel Capacity: 2.37 floz (70 ml) Dimension: 2.81 x 1.65 in. (7.1 x 4.2 cm) Weight Fuel 1L boil Time  1.2 oz  (34g) Alcohol Not Specified   Related Articles How to choose the right stove for cycle touring, backpacking or hiking? International Fuel Names (all major fuels in 19 languages) Tips and Tricks for using your stove while traveling by bicycle   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA251/2/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA251/2/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ECA251 2 3-1.jpg This titanium ultralight pots features an insulated handle with heat resistant silicon. Mesh stuff sac included. Evernew Ultralight pots are designed especially for backpackers and bicycle travelers as minimal as possible. Evernew reduced the Ultralight pots' weight by eliminating the coating and also by using thinner titanium without compromising the durability.  Model # Capacity (pot) Tot. Weight Dimensions ECA251 0.63 qt (0.6L) 3.4oz (96.4g) 4.9x2.1 in (12.5x5.2 cm) ECA252 0.95 qt (0.9L) 4.1oz (116g) 5.4x2.5 in (13.7x6.4 cm) ECA253 1.37qt (1.3L) 4.6oz (130g) 5.9x3 in (15x7.7 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY253 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY253 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EBY253-1.jpg Specification Weight: 0.5 oz / 16 g Dimensions: 1.12" x 3.75" (2.8cm x 9.6cm) Description Material: All Titanium Pot stand for Evernew Alcohol Stove (Evernew EBY254) Cross stand gives an optimal height to burn the stove efficiently Minimalist option for Alcohol stove user Corss Stand also fits on Evernew DX Stand http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA417/8/9 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA417/8/9 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ECA417-8-9-1.jpg Description Winners of the 2005 winner of the Backpacker.com Editor's Gold Choice Award, both the Evernew Titanium Non-Stick DX Pot + Non-Stick Fry Pan are composed of titanium, which likely makes them any cyclist or camper's best friend. These products, which also feature silicone-covered handles and silicon-ceramic non-stick coating, include a nylon sack to store the cookware for convenience on the go.   Evernew Titanium Non-Stick Pot & Non-Stick Fry Pan REVIEW A reviewer on Backpacker magazine's reviewed Evernew Titanium Non-Stick cookware and praised for its feather light, durable construction. He also mentioned that its non-stick coating guarantees that you won't have to spend an hour slaving over burnt food at the bottom of a pan when you're done cooking. Specifications   Evernew Titanium Non-Stick Titanium DX Pot + Non Stick Fry Pan are made of titanium, with silicone-covered handles and silicon-ceramic non-stick coating. Includes nylon stuff sack. Winner of the 2005 Editor's Choice Award.     Model # Capacity (pot + pan) Tot. Weight Dimensions ECA417  0.95+0.52 qt (0.9+0.5 L) 7.1 oz. (200 g.) 5.35x2.5 in. (13.6x6.4 cm.) ECA418 1.37+0.7 qt (1.3+0.65 L) 8.1 oz. (230 g.) 5.91x3 in. (15x7.6 cm.) ECA419 2+0.8 qt (1.9+0.75 L) 10.6 oz. (300 g.) 6.5x3.54 in. (16.5x9 cm.)   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA441/2/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA441/2/3 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ECA441-2-3-1.jpg Evernew Titanium Non-Stick Fry Pan16 is made of titanium, with silicone-covered handles and silicon-ceramic non-stick coating. Winner of the 2005 Editor's Choice Award.   Model # Weight  Dimensions Pan16 ECA441 4.2 oz. (120 g.) 6.5x1.46 in. (16.5x3.7 cm.) Pan18 ECA442 4.9 oz. (138 g.) 7.28x1.57 in. (18.5x4 cm.) Pan20 ECA443 5.5 oz. (155 g.) 8.07x1.57 in. (20.5x4 cm.)   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA421/4 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECA421/4 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ECA421 4-1.jpg Evernew Non-Stick Titanium Pot is made of titanium, with silicone-covered handles and silicon-ceramic non-stick coating. Includes nylon stuff sack. Winner of the 2005 Editor's Choice Award.   Model # Capacity Tot. Weight Dimensions ECA421 0.63qt (0.6L) 4.2 oz (120g.) 4.88x2.05 in (12.4x5.2 cm) ECA422 0.95qt (0.9L) 4.9 oz.(140g.) 5.35x2.52 in (13.6x6.4 cm) ECA423 1.37qt (1.3L) 6 oz (170g.) 5.91x3.03 in (15x7.7 cm) ECA424 2qt (1.9L) 8.8 oz (250g.) 6.5x3.54 in (16.5x9 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY206/7/8 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EBY206/7/8 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EBY206-7-8-1.jpg Evernew Water Carry is made of a 3-layer nylon / low-odor polyethylene.  Model #: EBY206, EBY207, EBY208.   Capacity Weight Dimensions 900 ml / 30.4 fl oz 1.0 oz / 29 g 5.9 x 11 in (15 x 28 cm) 1500 ml / 1.59 qt 1.3 oz  / 36 g 6.7 x 13 in (17 x 33 cm) 2000 ml / 2.1 qt 1.5 oz / 42 g 8.3 x 13 in (21 x 33 cm)   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=516100 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=516100 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/516100-1.jpg Description The lightest, easiest way to carry tableware in the world just got better! New silicone coating for non-slip grip, measuring cup lines, and fresh colors and graphics let you eat in style – anywhere. Complete 1 person set (Cup, Bowl, and Dish) – Fozzils are perfect for hikes, picnics, boating, traveling – even the office. Easy to clean non-stick surface, a great (BPA free) reusable alternative to disposables! The lightest, thinnest complete 1 person set on the planet!   Fozzils designs are an innovatice and elegant solution to saving space and weight. The patended active fold products are virtually unbreakable, abusrdly light, and feature a non-stick, odor free, easy clean surface (BPA free). Total weight for the entire Fozzils set: 4oz (113gr) !!!   Specifications   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=160005110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=160005110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/160005110-1.jpg Description   The lightest member of the Adrenaline Series is amazingly compressible yet relofts quickly when freed from its stuff sack thanks to the springy 800+ fill power goose down. Materials   800+ Fill Power Goose Down Insulation 100% Tier 1 Recycled 22 Denier Polyester Fabrics Diamond Ripstop Shell; Ripstop Lining Waterproof-Breathable Pertex® Shield Eco Hood and Foot Protection Features   Center-front zipper with draft tube and top snap for venting is always easy to reach and prevents a hard pressure point when sleeping on your side Single pull cinch on the snug-fitting SkullGlove™ hood for ease of adjustment Arid Zones™ with Pertex® Eco waterproof-breathable fabric at the head and foot of the bag protect against condensation in critical areas 6"/15 cm quilt spacing with 3-4" total loft Dependable YKK® zipper with reversible slider backed by snag-resistant guard on lining Vertical and horizontal chambers optimize down distribution for maximum warmth 50/50 down distribution for full loft on top and bottom of bag for consistent warmth in all sleeping positions Internal and external hang loops for drying and storing Upgraded with 100% Tier 1 Recycled shell, lining, Arid Zone™ and stuffsack fabrics Premium 800+ fill power goose down - the loftiest fill power sustainably harvestable Waterproof recycled nylon stuff sack and breathable cotton storage sack included Specs   US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 40°F (4°C)   800+ down  1lb 5oz (610g)  Central Front Zip  Award   Winner of the 2010 Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice Award.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=260005110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=260005110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/260005110-1.jpg Description   Designed for women (shorter length and more insulation in the feet, hip and shoulder area). The lightest member of the Adrenaline Series is amazingly compressible yet relofts quickly when freed from its stuff sack thanks to the springy 800+ fill power goose down. Materials   800+ Fill Power Goose Down Insulation 100% Tier 1 Recycled 22 Denier Polyester Fabrics Diamond Ripstop Shell; Ripstop Lining Waterproof-Breathable Pertex® Shield Eco Hood and Foot Protection Features   Center-front zipper with draft tube and top snap for venting is always easy to reach and prevents a hard pressure point when sleeping on your side Single pull cinch on the snug-fitting SkullGlove™ hood for ease of adjustment Arid Zones™ with Pertex® Eco waterproof-breathable fabric at the head and foot of the bag protect against condensation in critical areas 6"/15 cm quilt spacing with 3-4" total loft Dependable YKK® zipper with reversible slider backed by snag-resistant guard on lining Vertical and horizontal chambers optimize down distribution for maximum warmth 50/50 down distribution for full loft on top and bottom of bag for consistent warmth in all sleeping positions Internal and external hang loops for drying and storing Upgraded with 100% Tier 1 Recycled shell, lining, Arid Zone™ and stuffsack fabrics Premium 800+ fill power goose down - the loftiest fill power sustainably harvestable Waterproof recycled nylon stuff sack and breathable cotton storage sack included Specs   US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 40°F (4°C)   800+ down  1lb 5oz (610g)  Central Front Zip  Award   Winner of the 2010 Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice Award.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=361003110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=361003110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/361003110-1.jpg Description: With its lightweight, durable materials, roomy semi-rectangular shape that unzips to mate with other bags or serve as a warm-weather blanket, this just might be your favorite summer bag. Features:   6" quilt spacing with 3" loft 3-D footbox maximizes efficiency and comfort Dependable YKK® zipper with reversible slider backed by snag-resistant guard on lining Internal and external hang loops for drying and storing Strong, lightweight 100% Tier 1 Recycled shell, lining, and stuffsack fabrics Semi-rectangular shape is our roomiest design and allows you to roll inside the bag High-quality 650+ fill power down - excellent compressibility, resiliency and warmth-to-weight ratio Full-length wrap around zipper with top snap & drawcord for venting allows unzipping for use as a comforter or for pairing with second bag Waterproof recycled nylon stuff sack and breathable cotton storage sack include Rating: 40°F / 4°C Materials:   650+ Fill Power Goose Down Insulation 100% Tier 1 Recycled 50 Denier Polyester Fabrics Ripstop Shell and Taffeta Lining Specs US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 40°F (4°C) 650+ down 2lb 1oz Left  roomy design   Awards     Winner of the 2010 Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice Award. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=372002110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=372002110 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/372002110-1.jpg Descriptions Sometimes when you are going solo, you deserve a bit more than the basics. The Eden 1 has better living space than other tents of similar weight. Specifications Capacity Weight Interior Vestibule Floor Fly Features   1 pers. 3lb7oz (1.56kg) 23 sq ft (2.1m2)  ?  3000mm 1200mm  1 door     Features   Reinforced vents with visor covers over both vestibule doors optimize cross-ventilation No-See-Um Mesh body works with adjustable-coverage end awnings to optimize ground-level airflow Tension-sleeve integrated flysheet and body provide excellent stability with continuous sleeve construction Rugged brass grommets, mushroom head pole tips and impact resistant ladderlock buckles for adjustable tension Reflective guy points for stability and visibility High internal gear loops for clothes lines and hanging items Durable YKK® zippered door with snag-guard, Velcro® & snap closures Color-coded, variable-diameter DAC Featherlite™ NSL poles feature proprietary Green Anodizing that minimizes processing and recycles harsh chemicals, reducing consumption by up to 90%   Related Articles How to choose the right bicycle touring tent Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JALPWO3799 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JALPWO3799 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/JALPWO3799-1.jpg Description    GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell with Special fit for cyclist posture. Very lightweight, waterproof and breathable mountain bike jacket. It performs well in various weather conditions and riding levels thanks to its ventilation features.   GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell Pre-shaped elbows Stow-away hood in collar Adjustable hood (width and fi eld of vision) Zip-underflap Concealed zip back pocket Media pocket with cable outlet and cable guidance at collar  Fold-away shirt tail, extra-long Hem-width adjustable by easy-to-use covered cord stoppers and elastic draw-cord Adjustable cuff  Slim fit    Technologies GORE-TEX® PACLITE® SHELL When weight and size matter Made from the lightest, most packable fabrics with no compromise on durability, extreme breathability, or weather protection. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are ideal when pack weight and volume are important. Additional Info    Chart Size http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HHELMC9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HHELMC9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/HHELMC9900-5458-1.jpg Description Elastic, waterproof and breathable helmet cover. Keeps you dry. Fits to almost every type of bike helmet.   Features •GORE-TEX® PACLITE® stretch •Special fit •Reflective print on back •Reflective logo  Technology GORE-TEX® PACLITE® SHELL When weight and size matter Made from the lightest, most packable fabrics with no compromise on durability, extreme breathability, or weather protection. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are ideal when pack weight and volume are important.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JGPATH9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JGPATH9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/JGPATH9900-1.jpg Description    Gore-Tex Paclite Shell. Get yourself started: A jacket that provides the necessary basics: reliable protection against rain and wind with a comfortable fi t. The best choice on your daily trip. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell Loose fit Shifted seams for less chafing Velcro fastening for separate hood Zip cover Zip-underflap Pre-shaped elbows Adjustable cuff Long back Hem-width adjustable by easy-to-use covered cord stoppers and elastic draw-cord Technologies GORE-TEX® PACLITE® SHELL When weight and size matter Made from the lightest, most packable fabrics with no compromise on durability, extreme breathability, or weather protection. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are ideal when pack weight and volume are important. Additional Info    Chart Size http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TSOLIO9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TSOLIO9900 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/TSOLIO9900-1.jpg Description    Gore-Tex Paclite Shell. Lightweight: Waterproof, windproof and breathable rain pants that take up minimal room in your backpack.   GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell Loose fit High-cut back  Adjustable elastic waistband with cord Wear-resistant seat reinforcement Back zipped stow pocket  Adjustable leg width with Velcro fastening for chain protection Technologies GORE-TEX® PACLITE® SHELL When weight and size matter Made from the lightest, most packable fabrics with no compromise on durability, extreme breathability, or weather protection. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are ideal when pack weight and volume are important. Additional Info    Chart Size http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1412302211 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1412302211 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/1412302211-1.jpg Description Exceptionally comfortable our best selling bicycle handlebar grips. These touring grips are made from high density long lasting EPDM foam. Perfected over the last 35 years these grips are the standard in long distance bicycle grips.  Exceptionally  durable, these grips will last for ever especially when covered with handlebar tape like the Velox Tressostar (You will need 3 rolls of Velox Tressostar to cover the 4 tubes). The NeoFoam construction is scientifically optimized to absord shocks and vibration providing outstanding comfort.   Specifications   Perfect for Drop down handlebars and Trekking Handlebars (Butterfly Handlerbar, Bullhorn Handlebar, and Mustache Handlebar) Sold as a set of 4 tubes Lenght: 8 in (20 cm) Fits on handlebar with a diameter of 0.75 to 0.875 in (19mm  to 22.3mm) - May fit up to 1 inch with the use of air pressure Foam thickness: average of 0.28 in (7.1mm)   How to Tips to use GrabOn Maxi Kit: Use alcohol or windex in order to slide the tubes on the handlebar more easily If you need to slide the grips on handlebars much larger than the standard diameter, you will have to use air pressure (up to 1-inch diameter) Cover the grips with cloth handlebar tape or with leather tape so the foam grips will last even longer and be even more comfortable You will need 3 rolls of Velox Tressostar to cover the 4 tubes       http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8313AWB http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8313AWB http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8313AWB-1.jpg The All Reason - All Season Outdoor Blanket - Color: Olive, Red or Blue All Weather Blankets are 5' x 7' with full edge binding and grommeted corners. Silver on reverse. Weight 12 oz. (340 gr.)   The Original Space® Brand All Weather Blanket is a by-product of the super insulating materials originally developed for the NASA/APOLLO Space Missions. Engineered to reflect and retain over 80% of radiated body heat, it provides the user with warmth, comfort and protection from harsh elements. Utilizing a four layer construction technique that gives the blanket dimensional stability, while enabling the reflective properties to function effectively in an outdoor environment, it's an ideal accessory for all those venturing into the outdoors. The blanket is totally reusable and will last a very long time. There are reports and samples of the product still in the field after 25 years. There are many ways that the millions of All Weather Blankets purchased since 1964 have benefited a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the many uses are: Shelter: Use as a personal emergency shelter against the effects of wind, rain and cold. Use the silver side facing towards you for maximum reflectivity. Use as a sun reflector by facing silver side outward or line the inside of your tent to keep out heat or cold. Medical: Help prevent hypothermia by maintaining body heat. Sit or squat, when possible, to effectively concentrate your core body heat. Protect your head and chest area. Move around frequently, to maintain good circulation and create body heat. Protection: Use as a heat reflector on the back wall of a shelter; sit between fire and blanket. Line the roof of any makeshift shelter to keep out the wind and moisture. Keep in your vehicle; place over inside of windows, fabric to prevent heat build up and UV damage when leaving your vehicle for extended periods in hot weather (silver side to the sun). Ground Cover: Helps keep moisture and dampness away from your sleeping bag or tent floor. Use folded as a comfortable seat cushion while fishing, open it's a table cover, or picnic blanket. Universal: Use as a clean ground cloth when repairing a vehicle, cleaning game or fish. Just rinse off excess dirt or blood and wipe with a damp sponge. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371969 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371969 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/371969-1.jpg Description This award winning hammock is simply the lightest hammock in the world! Everybody loves hammocks, but not everybody is willing to add weight to their pack. This is no longer an issue with the NANO 7. It weighs in at 6.7 oz with lightweight carabiners, is made from rip-stop nylon, and provides amazing comfort.   Specifications Lightest hammock on the market Rip-Stop nylon High-strength carabiners Super compact Award BEST Outdoor Recreation Products Award 2010: Nano-7 Hammock by Grand Trunk Goods. Whether camping, hiking, or relaxing outdoors in your backyard, the Nano-7 Hammock is the perfect hammock for all-around versatility.It is the most lightweight and sturdiest hammock on the market today.It folds up into asack just a little bigger than your hand.It only weights 6.7 oz. and is made of rip-stop nylon. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT50172 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT50172 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT50172-1.jpg Description   Ultimate Durability, efficiency, heat distribution. Includes: 2 L Pot, 8 Frypan, Strainer Lid, Folding Pot Gripper, Stuff Sack/Wash Basin. Pinnacle series cookware uses Teflon® with Radiance technology which has been tested and approved expressly for campware use. The secret lies in a specially-formulated topcoat engineered to enhance heat dispersion and virtually eliminate hot spots. Moreover, the three layer coating was built to survive the toughest conditions and boasts an unprecedented level of scratch and abrasion resistance. It’s even safe for use with most metal utensils! The nFORM Gourmet line represents a unique solution of ingenious tableware and cookware items designed to eliminate the guesswork of packing for the outdoors. Thanks to clever details like a strainer integrated into pot lids, a gripper which remains attached to the pans while you cook, real insulated mugs which store compactly, and a truly inspired welded sink which doubles as the stuff sack, nFORM Gourmet has been designed to answer the needs of true outdoor gourmands. À la carte or in preconfigured sets, nFORM Gourmet is redefining outdoor function with everything that you really need to enjoy great food in the great outdoors.   Specifications Model # Capacity (pot) Tot. Weight Dimensions 50172 0.52gal (2L) 22.3oz (630g) 8.4x5.4 in (21.3x13.7 cm) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_how_to_choose_bicycle_touring_tent http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_how_to_choose_bicycle_touring_tent http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_how_to_choose_bicycle_touring_tent-1.jpg You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included)Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. Note from CycloCamping.com: If you would like CycloCamping to publish your article, reviews or any additional information, please email YOUR OWN WORK to info@cyclocamping.com.   Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com   Description This guide will help you to determine what is the right cycle touring tent according to your needs. The perfect bike touring tent for anyone else may not be the best touring tent for you. When you are touring on your bicycle, it is more than likely that your tent will be your primary home. After a hard day of biking, you will need a good restful night. A camping tent can be pricey but is certainly worth the money. While getting ready for a bike tour, there are three items I would recommend spending extra money on: your bicycle, your camping tent and your panniers – buying quality in these areas saves you tenfold in peace of mind. So, unless you are planning to use your tent only for emergencies, or only for a one-time trip, I highly recommend that you buy a brand name and reliable tent. See article: Why do I need a good tent? Which are the high quality brands? There are hundreds of models and manufacturers out there and making a choice can be a daunting task. In reality, you will find that when you put together all the features you want for your tent according to your needs and preferences, you will end up with far fewer choices. The goal of this article is to give you a clear idea of what sleeping system best meets your needs. Tent Features   The best way to pick up a tent is to prioritize the features you need it to have. This is the list of features you should consider when picking up the perfect tent for your bicycle journey; but remember, first make sure you are picking your tent from a reputable brand.   SIZE: If you are planning a long journey, I would recommend taking atwo-person tent for solo trips, and a large two or three-person tent for couples. The few extra ounces are worth it. The older you are the truer it is, and your back will thank you. WEIGHT: Just like snails do, you will carry your home with you, so you should pick a light one. Forget about the 20lb family tent! You will have to find a balance between comfort (space, features and durability) and weight. On one extreme you will find the solo traveler carrying a bivy, a hammock, a one-pole tent, a tarp-tent or even a simple tarp; on the other extreme you will find couples choosing a 3 person dome tent with a huge vestibule and all the optional features. Both extremes are perfectly fine, and depend on your individual preference. I personally prefer to go on a heavy side; I would rather carry the extra pound or two and gain comfort and space. However, I would not recommend carrying a tent over 4,5kg (9lb). In today’s market you can easily find a two-person tent with a huge vestibule weighing around 3.5 kg. See Terra Nova Laser Photon Elite (world record for the lightest tent) vs. Terra Nova Laser Space 2 (where you can actually stand up in the tent). COLOR: though this might seem like it doesn’t matter, it really can make a huge difference. Color is especially important when doing stealth camping which is very frequent on long distance tour. In this case you should focus on camouflaged or natural colors that will help you blend in with your surroundings. If visibility is important to you (ie. crowded campground, mountaineering), bright colors are widely available. Also keep in mind that darker color tent attract the sun more (can be good or not depending on the weather). The MSR Mo Room has a nice light color that can blend almost anywhere. FREE-STANDING: A tent that stands up without a need for stakes. Some would never buy anything other than a freestanding tent, while some don’t think it is an issue. Note: even on a FS tent the vestibule usually DOES need pegging (see tips and tricks below). A non-pegged Free-standing tent will most likely leak during a storm and does not have the best ventilation. I personally recommend a free standing tent especially if you are going on a long tour with a lot of camp out nights. You will encounter situations where the ground doesn’t allow you to use a stake (see situations below). FS and NFS have their own pros and cons (see below). The MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person is completely free-standing. See Article: Free Standing tents vs. Geodesic tents VESTIBULE SIZE: I consider this to be a big priority. Knowing I was going to spend many nights and many rainy and/or resting days in my tent, I chose the largest vestibule possible. I purchased the MSR Velo, which is unfortunately no longer manufactured – but cyclocamping.com dug out some that are similar and even better for you! See Terra Nova Voyager XL huge vestibule Advantages of a large vestibule: store all your panniers and leave your muddy shoes in it and still have room to “hang out”. On rainy or windy days one can read comfortably, cook, do the dishes or even have a guest visit to play cards! Some of the largest vestibules allow you to store two bicycles and all of the panniers under the vestibule if you’re camping in a less than desirable area. In the MSR Velo we were able to leave two bicycles, fourteen bags (panniers, dry bags and handlebar bags) and I still had a bit of room to sit and cook! This extra space is a luxury and I was willing to carry the extra pound for it, some people travel with a just a tarp and manage fine. It’s a matter of personal choice. ABILITY TO PITCH THE FLY FIRST: See Wild Country Duolite Tourer. Some tents allow you to pitch the waterproof part (the top, also called the rainfly) first – keeping the inside part of the tent dry. This added advantage allows you the flexibility to just carry the fly (and leave the body at home) to save weight when you go on short, mild, and bug-free trips. However, the downside is that this type of tents prevents you from using the inner part of the tent without the fly. In hot and humid conditions, sleeping without the fly can be a bonus because of the improved air circulation. Plus it allows you todo star gazing, all of the advantages of sleeping in the open without the bugs - pretty nice believe me. USE FLY ONLY OR BODY ONLY: Some tents from Big Agnes allow you to pitch either the fly only or the inner part only, with or without the floor. See Emerald Mountain SL2 from Big Agnes THREE or FOUR-SEASON TENT: Usually bicycle travelers choose a three-season tent because they are lighter and breath better. Four-season tents are designed for mountaineering, can handle very cold weather, and have a reinforced structure that can support the weight of snow. Four-season tents have bright colors so they can be spotted from a distance. The Terra Nova Voyager XL is sold as a 4-season tent but has great ventilation options.   Tent Options and Variations TITANIUM PEGS: some good brands will have titanium stakes included with your tent. They are nice and strong. I strongly recommend the stronger aluminum star-shaped stakes like the Ground Hog from MSR or the Ultralight stakes from Coghlan's. I was literally able to go through rocks with them, and after hundreds of uses they work like new! ONE-POLE TENT: these are some of the lightest options you will find. They perform very well in strong winds and have good ventilation. A downside is that you will need an appropriate site, as they require a lot of pegging. See Marmot Haven 2P AIR SUPPORTED TECHNOLOGY: Nemo invented the amazing AST technology for some of their tent. AST is a system of low pressure inflatable tubes (called airbeams) and lightweight pumps that provides a high performance alternative to traditional poles. More info: What is NEMO AST technology? See the 2-person Nemo Morpho 2P or the 1-person Nemo Gogo EX. FOOTPRINT: This is essential. By protecting the tents floor you insure years of increased use.. The Achilles heel of your tent is the floor.. Get a footprint so it can take the scratches, wear, punctures and other damage. It is much cheaper to replace than your tent.A tarp is cheaper, but it’s bulkier, heavier, doesn’t breath as well, and won’t match the size of your tent SINGLE-WALL TENT: They are extremely light, compact, easy to pitch, and quite durable if manufactured by a well-known brand (warning: cheap one-season tents are usually single wall). The main complain people seem to have about these tents is the poor ventilation and the tendency to have condensation problems. The condensation builds up inside of the tent, so they perform poorly in colder temperatures. I would not recommend this type of tent in subfreezing temperature. But they could be a great option if you plan a journey in warm and dry weather, or if you plan to use the tent only for emergencies. ALL-MESH BODY: Some inner parts (or body) are entirely or mostly made of mesh. It increases ventilation considerably and reduces weight tremendously. An all-mesh body is fantastic for stargazing when you don’t setup the fly. This is ideal for warmer climates, but it is not recommended for warming up in on cold nights. See Kelty tents. DOUBLE LAYER DOOR: Most of the tents that have an all-fabric body usually have a double layer door. You can roll up the fabric leaving you with just a mesh door to increase ventilation during warm nights. VERTICAL WALL: Some new tent designs have a side-wall that is almost vertical and can dramatically increase the inner space of the tent. The downside is that the tent won't stand as well against strong winds. CLOSABLE VENTS: another feature that allow you to increase ventilation when needed. CEILING LOOPS & CEILING MESH POCKET: The mesh-pocket is also a great option as it lies flat a few inches from the ceiling and allows you to store your clothing. Great to hang a flashlight, wet socks and sweaty bike shorts to dry (it's nice to have dry and warm underwear in the morning!), or you can store anything you need handy. See Tent Accessories POLE SLEEVES vs. POLE CLIPS: pole sleeves make a more stable tent in wind, but it is slower to pitch (unless if the sleeve is a one unique long sleeve) and decreases airflow. Pole clips allow an easier and faster setup, enable greater ventilation, but makes for a less stable tent. INSIDE POCKETS: Great for storing items you want handy or safe by being close to you (Mp3 player, headlamp, wallet etc.) HUBS: More recently manufacturers use more metal pole junctures called hubs. They allow three poles of differing length to join, cutting down the poles weight and adding sturdiness to the structure (only true in well designed tents). REFLECTORS: Some tents have reflectors on the fly, which can be helpful when you camp where vehicles might drive in the middle of the night (open field, roadside etc.). The downside is that these reflectors can rat you out from miles away. OPTIONAL VESTIBULE: Some tents have a detachable vestibule so you have the option to leave it at home when needed (on shorter or warmer trip for example). See Emerald Mountain SL2 from Big Agnes What makes a tent durable and reliable THE POLES: strong aluminum poles > 8mm in diameter. Carbon fiber poles are extremely strong for half the weight of aluminum poles but are extremely expensive and are usually used in serious mountaineering expedition. THE FABRIC: All brand name tents are made of synthetic, usually Ripstop polyester, the best material you can find, and each manufacturer will have its own formula and will give it a proprietary name. The way manufacturers give the specs for their tent make it very difficult to compare but as a rule of thumb, the heavier the tent is (for the same space), the stronger the fabric will be, and the longer the tent will stay waterproof over time. This is due to the waterproof coating: WATERPROOF COATING (usually polyurethane or silicon): Each manufacturer has their own way to make a tent waterproof, UV resistant and at the same time breathable. The waterproofness of the material will be rated in mm and this is a spec you want to look for: Numbers go between 800 mm and 10,000 mm. The number refers to a water column height in millimeters. For example, 1500 mm means that the fabric will withstand a 1500mm (5') column of water for more than one minute before a single drop might appear through the fabric. More details here: Understand the waterproof coating (in mm) on tents fabrics GOOD VENTILATION: This is extremely important. A good tent has a design allowing the air to circulate through it, thus preventing condensation of the water you exhale inside the tent. This makes a huge difference especially in cold weather. The tent should offer features like closable vents and mesh doors to allow you to regulate the air circulation (see feature above). THE SEAM: Good tents will have nice and strong seam. But whatever manufacturers do, seams seem to always be the weakest part of the tent, after the floor, especially on the fly; and overtime the tent will start to leak (it will still take several years of hard usage for good tent). The good news is that we know the trick to prevent your tent from leaking (see below tips & tricks)! THE ZIPPERS: anyone who bought a cheap tent knows this: sooner or later the zipper will break and there is nothing you can do once it occurs (you might fix it by squeezing back the zipper with a pair of pliers, but it will last only for a few nights). The part along the zipper is where the tent will endure the most stress, so serious tents will have good triple or quadruple seam sewing with an extra layer of strong material along the zip, and the zip itself will be bulky and strong. Related Articles Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents You can purchase a CD-ROM containing every article published by CycloCamping.com! (maps, links, pictures, third-party videos & info from other websites are NOT included) Simply click on the "add to cart" button on any article page. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371863 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371863 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/371863-1.jpg Description  Mosquito Free Hammock Bliss combines highquality materials with exceptional comfort to create the ultimate pest freehammock experience. This incredible hammock has so much room it is larger than adouble size bed. The white mosquito netting is constructed of quality nylon andis attached to the entire length of the hammock. The mosquito netting issupported by 100” of cord that allows the net to hang well above the sleepingarea. Hammock Bliss have provided inside and outside double YKK zippers to make it a snapto zip yourself into and out of your bug free zone. This hammock is alsocompletely reversible so when bugs are not a problem just flip it over. Attach  the All Purpose Waterproof Shelter above this hammock for a complete mosquitoproof and rain proof sleeping system.     Dimensions Dimensions: 4'11" x 9'10" (150 cm x 300 cm) Weight: 25 oz (700 gr) Features 100% Nylon Mosquito Netting Supported By Cord For Pest Free Relaxation Wherever You Go Easy Access With Inside/Outside YKK Zippers Hammock Constructed Of 100 % Nylon Parachute Material – Strong & Breathable Quick Drying – Resists Rot & Mildew Super Tough - 770 lb Test - 100% Nylon 6mm Climbing Rope - 100 Inches Per Side Included For Easy Set Up On The Go Hammock Is Compact, Lightweight & Ready For Adventure - Travel Bag Is Permanently Attached & Doubles As A Handy Gear Pouch Reversible - Just Flip To Use As A Regular Hammock - Gentle Machine Wash & Dry Strength Tested - 350 Pounds http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371867 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371867 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/371867-1.jpg Change the way you camp forever with our No-See-Um No More Hammock Bliss - the ideal hammock when pesky insects are a problem. Our 2100 holes per square inch no-see-um netting offers the utmost in protection as the netting is so fine, even the tiniest creatures cannot penetrate including sand flies, fleas, gnats, midges, mosquitoes & no-see-ums. This extremely durable netting is attached to the entire length of the hammock and is supported by 100” of cord per side, allowing the net to hang well above the sleeping area. Double pull YKK zippers make it a snap to enter or exit your insect free space. Hang the Waterproof Shelter above your hammock and kiss your tent goodbye. Lay back, let go and relax in bug free bliss. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371850 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=371850 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/371850-1.jpg Description The Ultralight is the lightest and most compact hammock from hHammock Bliss. At only 13 oz, the Ultralight sets the standard for hammock portability and comfort. So small it fits into the palm of your hand, Bliss Ultralight folds out into a fully relaxing floating bed. Featuring soft & breathable nylon parachute material and complete with its own rope, the Ultralight allows you to enjoy the pleasures of a hammock anywhere your imagination takes you. Take your Ultralight wherever you go – it’s your portable home in a bag.   Dimensions Dimensions: 4'6" x 7'11" (140 cm x 240 cm) Weight: 13 oz (380 gr) Features The Lightest, Most Compact & Most Portable Hammock Incredible Comfort That Fits In The Palm Of Your Hand Go Further - Experience Blissful Relaxation Anywhere Hammock Constructed Of 100 % Nylon Parachute Material – Strong & Breathable Quick Drying – Resists Rot & Mildew Super Tough - 770 lb Test - 100% Nylon 6mm Climbing Rope - 100 Inches Per Side Included For Easy Set Up On The Go Hammock Is Compact, Lightweight & Ready For Adventure - Travel Bag Is Permanently Attached & Doubles As A Handy Gear Pouch Reversible - Just Flip To Use As A Regular Hammock - Gentle Machine Wash & Dry Strength Tested - 350 Pounds Additional Information Video: Hammock Bliss Ultralight http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bicycle_Tour_Knee_Pain http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Bicycle_Tour_Knee_Pain http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Bicycle_Tour_Knee_Pain-1.jpg   Author   Stephane Marchiori 10 years of bike-touring experience (2010) www.cyclocamping.com   Introduction One of the most common problems encountered during a bicycle tour - especially an extended one - is knee pain. The most common cause is patellar tendonitis, which causes anterior knee pain. If this condition is not taken seriously, it can lead to serious life-long damage and/or might require knee surgery. Causes & Risk Factors Poor muscle mass. If you lack cycling experience, chances are that your muscle mass is not sufficient, so much more stress is put on the tendon Heavy load. Too much weight on the bike = Too much stress on your knees RPM (cadence) is too low. In other words, you are pushing too hard on the pedal Cold weather. This causes vasoconstriction, so fluids and blood flow to the knee are reduced Dehydration. The body needs fluids to lubricate the mechanics of the tendon Lack of rest and/or day off Bad saddle position. In this case, it is usually too low or too close to the handlebar Crank arm is too long Anatomy discrepancy (one leg shorter than the other) Bad foot position on the pedal and/or crooked pedal Treatment & Prevention STOP. This is the #1rule! AS SOON AS it starts hurting: STOP BIKING! It doesn't matter where you are - stop, go see a doctor, and rest for a few days. The more you bike on a painful knee, the longer you'll need to wait for the tendon to recover. For each day biked on a painful knee, you may need one week of rest. Biking several days with a painful knee may cause irreversible damage. Training. Train before leaving or at least take it easy when you start. Every sport uses a specific set of muscles. It doesn't matter if you're in great shape; if you are not used to biking, it is guaranteed that you don't have the proper muscle mass and your tendons will suffer no matter what. Rest. Force yourself to rest, especially during wintertime and even more so if you are not trained. For the first few months, it is usually recommended to take a day off every two days of biking so your tendons have time to rest. Remember that it is continuous overuse that causes tendinitis. Weight. A good rule of thumb is to carry no more than half of your own weight on your bike. Gear. Don't be afraid to use a small (easier) gear. You should ride at 70 - 75 rpm or higher. Knee brace. Wear a knee brace or knee warmer in order to increase circulation to the knee area. This works better as a preventive measure. It won't actually cure the tendinitis. Warmth. Wear warm and breathable clothes in cold weather. Merino wool (ie. Icebreaker) is an excellent material (the best in my opinion). Gore-Tex or eVent on top of a warm layer (ie. Merino) are seriously recommended, especially if it is raining or snowing. I personally wear the knee brace in addition to those layers when it is really cold (below freezing). Clips & Straps. It is best to keep the foot in its ideal position (once you have found that position). Clips are the most efficient. Straps are a lot better than nothing at all, but not ideal. An excellent compromise - and my personal preference - is to use Power Grips.  They are very close to the efficiency  of clips without the hassle of having to carry bike shoes. Stretching. Do your basic stretching exercises before and after the ride. Adjustments. The best thing to do first is to see a bike specialist. If you are doing adjustments on your bike, do them one at a time and wait for about a week to see if there are any improvements. That way, you'll be able to tell what helps and what doesn't. Saddle. Make sure your saddle height is correct. If it is, try to raise your saddle anyway 1/2 inch at a time and see if there is any improvement. Anatomy. If you know that you have one leg considerably shorter than the other, you might want to consider getting professional advice and to invest in a custom-made bike. Water. Be sure to drink plenty of water, as in any sport. Anti-inflammatory. Pain killers while biking are not recommended, as they simply mask the pain and the damages on the tendon will simply get worse. Anti-inflammatory creams and medication should be used ONLY while resting to ease the pain. But do not use them without seeing a doctor first and DO NOT use them simply to be able to keep biking. YOU NEED TO REST! Wait until the pain is completely gone and then wait a few extra days before hitting the road again. Additional Information "Bicycle Knee Pain" article published by the "Physician and Sport Medicine" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=17655001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=17655001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/17655001-1.jpg Description   German made high quality horn handlebar for a comfortable ride. Handlebar AHS-Basic Sport /Sport 25.4 is an adjustable multi-position handlebar system with ergonomically shaped centre piece. The handlebar ends are individually adjustable and removable and can be switched with any of the Humpert AHS 25.4 bar-ends (sport, classic, comfort): From top to bottom: Sport, Comfort, and Classic (the bar-ends included with this item are the Sport model) Specifications   Width: 580 mm Grip-L: 170 mm Rise: 0 Deg Angle: 12 Deg Weight: 560g Clamp: 25.4 mm Bar Diameter: 22.2 mm Material: AL-6061-T6 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1281V-GRN-OOS http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1281V-GRN-OOS http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/1281V-GRN-OOS-1.jpg Stylish unisex running bib adds a unique silhouette visibility to the runner's standard vest. microBREATHE fabric with Teflon® Adjustable Velcro sizing straps dayBRITE color ways for enhanced daytime visibility http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_biciclown-interview http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_biciclown-interview http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_biciclown-interview-1.jpg Introduction Known as the “biciclown,” Alvaro Neil left his hometown in Spain in November of 2004 with the goal of bicycling around the world over a period of ten years and spreading laughter along the way by performing as a clown in the different countries he visited.He aptly calls his journey “Miles of Smiles Around the World.” As of March 2010, the biciclown is 5 years into his journey and has biked 73,000 km. (44,000 mi.) through 56 countries. In this interview, he tells us about his philosophy of the “art of living” and bicycle travel and gives advice to others who may wish to follow in his footsteps.With great humor, he describes the joy of performing in Africa, the difficulties he faced in India, and challenges he faced along the way.He also talks about bike-touring gear and shares a few valuable tips, such as what to do when you’re spotted while camping in the wild, how to locate a puncture with very little water, and much more.     Interview Highlights What is Biciclown's philosophy of living and bicycle touring? What are the realities of traveling by bicycle? How does a clown perform despite cultural barriers? What are some of the highlights of his journey? The difficulties Alvaro faced in India. Tips & Tricks on camping, fixing a tire, riding in extreme conditions, etc. Alvaro recommends specific gear for its reliability and durability Biciclown's Recommendations   Schwalbe Marathon Tire:  "After 10,000 km. and no punctures, I almost forgot how to fix a flat" Ortlieb Panniers: "Almost everyone I met chose these panniers. They are worth the money.They will last a lifetime.." Brooks Saddle: "Always choose Brooks, Heinz has done 590,000 with just 2 of them" Tubus Racks: "You need this kind of rack if you carry a lot of weight"   The Interview Launch in external player   Biciclown's Links   Support Biciclown and purchase: - His Picture Book (in English or Spanish): "Photographic diary of a clown in Africa" - His Film / Documentary (in Spanish): "Biciclown el Documental. A la velocidad de las mariposas" - His DVD (in Spanish): "El arte de vivir" - If you speak Spanish, you can find much more here Follow his Journey: - www.biciclown.com (journal, photos, newsletter and more) - www.facebook.com/biciclown - www.youtube.com/biciclown - www.twitter.com/biciclown http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1440 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1440 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KBL1440-1.jpg 9/16 Inch Diameter, 2.5 ft long, flexweave woven Cable locks with a reset combination OR a key!   Features   Woven cables take security to a whole new level.    Integrated 4 digit combination lock in case you lose your key Additional key lock in case you forget your combination 10,000 different combinations VELCRO® brand closure strap for bundling, coiling, and mounting anywhere on your bike or pack Vinyl-coated cable is made of high carbon brass-plated steel wire, braided over steel aircraft cable Metal Dials All Metal Internal Components High Impact Protective Covers Tooled Steel Locking Pin Fits Through Small Openings Spins While Locked to prevent Tangling Set to any of 10,000 Combinations     Specifications Material: Vinyl / Carbon Steel Dimensions: 9/16 in. x 2.5 ft. Made is USA http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1441 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1441 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KBL1441-1.jpg 9/16 Inch Diameter, 5 ft long, flexweave woven Cable locks with a reset combination OR a key!   Features   Woven cables take security to a whole new level.    Integrated 4 digit combination lock in case you lose your key Additional key lock in case you forget your combination 10,000 different combinations VELCRO® brand closure strap for bundling, coiling, and mounting anywhere on your bike or pack Vinyl-coated cable is made of high carbon brass-plated steel wire, braided over steel aircraft cable Metal Dials All Metal Internal Components High Impact Protective Covers Tooled Steel Locking Pin Fits Through Small Openings Spins While Locked to prevent Tangling Set to any of 10,000 Combinations     Specifications Material: Vinyl / Carbon Steel Dimensions: 9/16 in. x 5 ft. Made is USA http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1337 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1337 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KBL1337-1.jpg 3/8 Inch Diameter, 10 ft long, flexweave woven Cable with Integrated Locking Mechanism. This cable is made from high-carbon steel with brass and is woven (not twisted) making it stronger than most other cables on the market.     Features   Woven cables take security to a whole new level.    Integrated 4 digit combination lock 10,000 different combinations Long enough to secure 2 wheels of 2 bikes to a pole all at once! VELCRO® brand closure strap for bundling, coiling, and mounting anywhere on your bike or pack Vinyl-coated cable is made of high carbon brass-plated steel wire, braided over steel aircraft cable Metal Dials All Metal Internal Components High Impact Protective Covers Tooled Steel Locking Pin Fits Through Small Openings Spins While Locked to prevent Tangling Set to any of 10,000 Combinations     Specifications Weight: 1lb. 8 oz. Material: Vinyl / Carbon Steel Dimensions: 3/8 in. x 10 ft. Made is USA http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1336 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KBL1336 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KBL1336-1.jpg 3/8 Inch Diameter, 6 ft long, flexweave woven Cable with Integrated Locking Mechanism. This cable is made from high-carbon steel with brass and is woven (not twisted) making it stronger than most other cables on the market.     Features   Woven cables take security to a whole new level.    Integrated 4 digit combination lock 10,000 different combinations Long enough to secure 2 wheels of 2 bikes to a pole all at once! VELCRO® brand closure strap for bundling, coiling, and mounting anywhere on your bike or pack Vinyl-coated cable is made of high carbon brass-plated steel wire, braided over steel aircraft cable Metal Dials All Metal Internal Components High Impact Protective Covers Tooled Steel Locking Pin Fits Through Small Openings Spins While Locked to prevent Tangling Set to any of 10,000 Combinations     Specifications Material: Vinyl / Carbon Steel Dimensions: 3/8 in. x 6 ft. Made is USA http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8018280 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8018280 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8018280-1.jpg Overview The Katadyn Hiker Pro is the most widely sold microfilter in the U.S. outdoor market. For its market launch in Europe, we have packed the formerly gray-blue filter into a trendy black body. The Hiker Pro is small, weighs a mere 310 grams, and thanks to its large filter area delivers an outstanding pumping performance. It reliably eliminates bacteria, cysts, and sediments from water. The filter is very easy to clean on trips thanks to its cleanable filter protector. The filter protector also appreciably extends the life of the 0.3 micron glassfiber filter cartridge. Its active carbon filling improves the taste of water and eliminates odors. Installation and removal of the input and output hoses is child’s play, thanks to convenient Quick Connect fittings. Includes: prefilter, removable filter protector, 2 quick connect hose sets, Easy Fill bottle adaptor and carry bag     Specifications Capacity Dimensions Ouput Weight Effect*  304gal (1150L)  3x6.5x2.4in (7.6x16.5x6.1cm)  1qt/min (1L/min)  11oz (310g)  B,P,S *B=Bacteria, P=Parasites, S=Sediments   Videos         Additional Info   English Fact Sheet  English Manual http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8017684 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8017684 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8017684-1.jpg Overview The Katadyn Mini is the lightest and most compact filter on the market. Its small size fits in a coat pocket or waist pack and is ideal for travel, business trips and day hiking. Exclusive silver impregnated ceramic filter removes bacteria and protozoa. Includes: Prefilter and carry bag.     Specifications  The Katadyn Mini is the lightest and most compact filter on the market. Its small size fits in a coat pocket or waist pack and is ideal for travel, business trips and day hiking. Exclusive silver impregnated ceramic filter removes bacteria and protozoa. Includes: Prefilter and carry bag. Capacity Dimensions Ouput Weight Effect*  7000L  3.2x7x2in (8x18x5cm)  0.5qt/min (0.5L/min)  8oz (210g)  B,P,S, R *B=Bacteria, P=Parasites, S=Sediments, R=Radioactive Particles (For more details see Fact Sheet below)   Videos       Additional Info   English Fact Sheet   English Manual http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8013632 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8013632 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8013632-1.jpg  Ceramic Replacement Element for the Katadyn Mini Microfilter http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8015036 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8015036 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8015036-1.jpg   Carbon Replacement for the Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Microfilter http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8014932 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8014932 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/8014932-1.jpg Overview The Vario combines individual efficiency with the simplest possible handling. The technology it uses consists of three filter levels: a high-performance glass fiber filter, a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted individually according to the cloudiness of the water, and active charcoal for eliminating odors. Anyone who needs up to two liters of drinking water per minute can use the glass fiber and active charcoal filter. If the water is extremely cloudy, the ceramic pre-filter can be fitted in a moment in order to extend the service life of the glass fiber filter. The Vario is compatible with most standard outdoor bottles and hydration bladders.     Specifications   Capacity Dimensions Ouput Weight Effect*  530gal (2000L)  7.5x4in (19x10cm)  up to 2qt/min (2L/min)  15oz (425g)  B,P,S,C *B=Bacteria, P=Parasites, S=Sediments, C=Chemicals   Videos         Additional Info   English Fact Sheet   English Manual http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=110415 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=110415 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KRYP-110415-1.jpg KryptoLok Combo. Bicycle security for low to moderate crime areas with no keys to lose. Dimensions Manufacturer Rating (?) Weight  4" x 8" (10.2 x 20.3cm)  6/10   2.3lb (1.04kg) Features   COMBO SAFE program in case you forget your combination (see details below). Anti-Theft Protection (see details below) VdS Test Certification 13mm hardened high-grade carbon alloy steel shackle resists hand tools 4-digit resettable combination High security Bent Foot(TM) design Anti-rattle bumpers reduce noise during transport Protective vinyl coating Includes side mount, snap-in bracket   Anti-Theft Protection Kryptonite offers anti-theft program in case your bicycle get stolen. You have 15 days after the date of purchase to enroll for the anti-theft program. Coverage: US & CAN Bicycle - $1250 UK Bicycle - 700 *see manufacturer's website for details Combo SAFE Program Worried you may forget your combination? Kryptonite got you covered with their Combo Safe Program. Register here. Manufacturer Rating   What's this? http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=999393 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=999393 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KRYP-999393-1.jpg KryptoLok® series 2 LS. The next generation in standard bicycle security Dimensions Manufacturer Rating (?) Weight 4" x 11.5" (10.2 x 29.2cm)  6/10   3.2lb (1.45kg) Features   KEY SAFE program (Check Manufacturer website for more information) SOLD SECURE Test Certification 13mm hardened Performance steel shackle resists cutting and leverage attacks High security Bent Foot™ design for serious protection and great value Patented deadbolt locking mechanism for extensive holding power High security, pick and drill resistant disc-style cylinder Enhanced internal engineering resists twisting leverage attacks Offset key location and overhead cam locking mechanism resists leverage attacks Rotating dust cover protects and extends cylinder life Includes versatile EZ Mount transportation bracket 2 keys - new "I" keys for easier usage    Anti-Theft Protection Kryptonite offers anti-theft program in case your bicycle get stolen. You have 15 days after the date of purchase to enroll for the anti-theft program.  US & CAN Bicycles - $1500 UK Bicycles - £800 US Powersports - $500 Key SAFE Program Worried you may lose your key? Kryptonite got you covered with their Key Safe Program. Register here.  Manufacturer Rating   What's this? http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=180104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=180104 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/KRYP-180104-1.jpg Kryptonite New York Lock® STD with bracket. This is Kryptonite's flagship bicycle lock. For high crime areas. Dimensions Manufacturer Rating (?) Weight  4" x 8" (10.2 x 20.3cm) 9/10  4.35lb (1.97kg) Features   KEY SAFE program in case you forget your combination (see details below). Anti-Theft Protection (see details below) Patented hardened steel sleeve over crossbar for double security Center keyway defends against leverage attacks VdS + Sold Secure + Thatcham category 3 test certifications 16mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks Higher security disc-style cylinder Double deadbolt locking for extensive holding power Protective vinyl coating Sliding dustcover protects and extends cylinder life Includes: Versatile EZ Mount transportation bracket 3 keys - one lighted with high intensity bulb & replaceable battery Anti-Theft Protection Kryptonite offers anti-theft program in case your bicycle get stolen. You have 15 days after the date of purchase to enroll for the anti-theft program. Coverage: US & CAN Bicycle - $3000 UK Bicycle - 1200 Germany Bicycle - €1000 US Powersports - $1000  *see manufacturer's website for details Key SAFE Program Worried you may lose your key? Kryptonite got you covered with their Key Safe Program. Register here. Manufacturer Rating   What's this?   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=934870 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=934870 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/934870-1.jpg Any Leatherman tool or knife with a bit driver will accept these 21, double-sided tool steel bits. Sheath included. Bits are: Hex 1.5mm and 2mm Hex 2.5mm and 3mm Hex 4mm and 5mm Hex 6mm and 1/4" Hex 7/32" and 3/16" Hex 5/32" and 9/64" Hex 1/8" and 7/64" Hex 3/32" and 5/64" Hex 1/16" and .050" Square Drive #3 and #2 Square Drive #1 and Pozi Pozi #2 and #1 Torx #10 and #15 Torx #20 and #25 Torx #27 and #30 Phillips #0 and #3 Phillips #1 and #2 Slotted 3/32" and 1/8" Slotted 5/32" and 3/16" Slotted 7/32" and 1/4" Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Fits: Removable Bit Driver, Skeletool®, Skeletool® CX, Charge® AL, Charge® ALX, Charge® TTi, Surge®, Wave®, Charge® Ti, Charge® XTi, c33B/c33Bx, c55B/c55Bx, e33B/e33Bx, e55B/e55Bx, k502/k503x, h502/h503, e306x/e307x http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830674 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830674 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/LEAT-830674-1.jpg The Leatherman Charge ALX swaps out the Charge AL scissors for an aggressive cutting hook on the back of the serrated blade. Rip through tough materials like seatbelts, linoleum and leather with no problem. Get your hands around the Charge ALX's unbeatable ergonomic grip, outside-accessible blades and premium materials like 154CM and 6061-T6, anodized aluminum. Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  8.3 oz (235 g)  18 4 in (10 cm) Tools   154CM Stainless Steel Clip Point Knife 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife with Cutting Hook Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Wire Stripper Wire Crimper Two Large Bit Drivers Small Bit Driver Wood/Metal File Diamond-coated File Saw Bottle Opener Can Opener 8 in | 19 cm Ruler Included Bits   Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit Hex 5/32" and 9/64" Bit Hex 1/8" and 7/64" Bit Hex 3/32" and 5/64" Bit Hex 1/16" and .050 Bit Square Drive #2 and #3 Bit Screwdriver 1/8" and Torx #15 Bit Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Screwdriver Bit   Features Stainless Steel with 6061-T6 Hard-anodized Aluminum Handle Scales Stainless Steel Body Black Oxide Version Available Outside-accessible Blades for One-handed Opening All Locking Blades and Tools Fixed Lanyard Ring Quick-release Lanyard Ring Removable Pocket Clip Leather or Nylon Sheath 25-year Warranty Additional Photos         Video         Additional Information  Charge ALX User Guide Press Review   QUOTES "Leatherman is steadily pushing the state of the art, fine-tuning the materials and design used in its successful Charge series." — Popular Mechanics "The Leatherman Charge ALX is a rugged and sleek tool that has been more useful to me than any other personal multi-tool I've ever used on the job." — Journal of Emergency Medicine (JEMS) RECOMMENDED BY: ATV Illustrated, Autoweek, Field and Stream, Hunting the West, Outdoor Photographer, Salmon Trout Steelheader, Shooting Sports, Snowmobile http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830682 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830682 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/LEAT-830682-1.jpg The Charge TTi is a combination of the Charge AL and ALX.. In addition to all the other Charge features, Leatherman gave the TTi premium comfort-sculpted titanium handle scales and the S30V® stainless steel clip-point knife. Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  8.2 oz (232 g)  19 4 in (10 cm) Tools   S30V® Stainless Steel Clip Point Knife 420HC Serrated Knife with Cutting Hook Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Wire Stripper Wire Crimper Large Screwdriver Large Bit Driver Small Bit Driver Scissors Wood/Metal file Diamond-coated file Saw Bottle Opener Can Opener 8 in | 19 cm Ruler Included Bits   Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit Hex 5/32" and 9/64" Bit Hex 1/8" and 7/64" Bit Hex 3/32" and 5/64" Bit Hex 1/16" and .050 Bit Square Drive #2 and #3 Bit Screwdriver 1/8" and Torx #15 Bit Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Screwdriver Bit   Features Stainless Steel with Premium Titanium Handle Scales Stainless Steel Body Outside-accessible Blades for One-handed Opening All Locking Blades and Tools Fixed Lanyard Ring Quick-release Lanyard Ring Removable Pocket Clip Leather or Nylon Sheath 25-year Warranty Additional Photos         Video         Additional Information  Charge TTi User Guide Press Review   QUOTES "With titanium handles and a veritable panoply of smart, multifunctional utensils, this thing is the roboCop of all-in-one tools." — Outside "From clippers to hook files, pliers to knives, anglers carry more stuff than a hardware store. But if you're tired of searching for the right tool when you need it try the new Charge TTi." — Saltwater Sportsman RECOMMENDED BY: Guns, Hunting the West, Ontario Out of Doors, Outside Life, Traveling Angler http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830950 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830950 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/LEAT-830950-1.jpg The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics... very cool basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. With a 154CM combo stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  5 oz (142 g) 7 4 in (10 cm) Tools   154CM Stainless Steel Clip Point Knife Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Large Bit Driver Bottle Opener Carabiner Clip Included Bits   Phillips #1 and #2 Bit Screwdriver 3/16" and 1/4" Bit   Features DLC-coated Stainless Steel Handles with Carbon-fiber Handle Insert Stainless Steel body Outside-accessible Blade for One-handed Opening All Locking Blades and Tools Removable Pocket Clip DLC Coating for Scratch and Corrosion Resistance Nylon Sheath Sold Separately 25-year Warranty   Video         Additional Information  Skeletool CX User Guide Press Review   QUOTES "Leatherman always seems to keep one step ahead, making tools that work great and look good too. There's no substitute for quality and the Leatherman Skeletool line continues the company's legacy." — Fly Fishing in Salt Waters "In its 25 years in the game, Leatherman has learned a thing or 50 about how to put all those tricks to use in the Skeletool CX." — Playboy "...we like the real-world simplicity of the five-ounce Skeletool CX." — GQ "…all you really need to deal with woodland misadventures is a good, sensible knife…The Skeletool CX provides just that—and seven other must-have tools…all of which make short work of outdoorsy jams." — Portland Monthly "A great multi-tool for building PCs…" — Maximum PC http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830948 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830948 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/LEAT-830948-1.jpg At a mere five ounces, the full-size Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener.  Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  5 oz (142 g) 7 4 in (10 cm) Tools   420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Combo Straight/Serrated Knife Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Large Bit Driver Bottle Opener Carabiner Clip Included Bits   Phillips #1 and #2 Bit Screwdriver 3/16" and 1/4" Bit   Features Stainless Steel with 6061-T6 Aluminum Handle Insert Stainless Steel body Outside-accessible Blade for One-handed Opening All Locking Blades and Tools Removable Pocket Clip Nylon Sheath Sold Separately 25-year Warranty Additional Photos        Video         Additional Information  Skeletool User Guide Press Review   QUOTES "From cutting salami to adjusting crampons to pulling on a piece of webbing that my cold-numbed fingers couldn't grasp, I used every implement and didn't find myself wanting more." — Backpacker "This stunning 5-ounce multitool is a master class in less-is-more industrial design." — Popular Mechanics "More than just an exercise in industrial design, this 5-ounce must-have positively radiates trail-cred." — Wired "Worthy of the name 'Jack of all tools.'" — Backcountry Magazine AWARDS "Best American Design 2008" — Blade Magazine "Gear of the Year" — Men's Journal "Fish Alaska 2009 Field Favorite" — Fish Alaska "Editor's Choice 2010" — Backcountry Magazine "2009 Editor's Choice Award" — Backcounty Magazine RECOMMENDED BY: Blade, Bowhunter, Camping Life, Climbing, Fish Alaska, Fishing and Hunting News, Hoops, Hunting the West, Knives Illustrated, Maxim, Maximum PC, Men's Health, Men's Journal, Outside, Petersen's Hunting, Playboy, Salmon Trout Steelheader, Skiing, Professional Tool and Equipment News, Wheelin' Sportsman http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830162 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830162 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/LEAT-830162-1.jpg The Leatherman Surge is one of the two Leatherman largest multi-tools (largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks). A unique blade exchanger, large and small bit drivers and four outside-opening blades give you quick access to the tools you use most. The Surge was built for tough jobs and the hands that do them. Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  12.5 oz (335 g)  18 4.5 in (11.5 cm) Tools   420HC Clip Point Knife 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Stranded-wire Cutters Wire Stripper Electrical Crimper 5/16" Screwdriver Large Bit Driver Small Bit Driver Scissors Wood/Metal File Diamond-coated File Saw Bottle Opener Can Opener 9 in | 22 cm Ruler Awl with Thread Loop Included Bits   Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Screwdriver Bit   Features Stainless Steel Handles Stainless Steel Body Black Oxide Version Available Outside-accessible Blades for One-handed Opening Blade Exchanger All Locking Blades and Tools Lanyard ring Leather or Nylon Sheath 25-year Warranty Additional Photos           Video         Additional Information  Surge user Guide Press Review   QUOTES "The must-have MacGyver tool. The Leatherman Surge is a do-it-all implement for the active sportsman." — Outdoor Life "Just hold the Surge and you will know it will stand up to a lifetime of punishment." — Field and Stream "I can’t think of a more useful item than a Leatherman tool. I have five models but the one that always travels with me on my hip is the Surge." — American Rider AWARDS "Best of the Test (multi-tools)" — Field and Stream "Editor's Choice Award" — Overland Journal "Long-term Field Test Editor's Choice" — Overland Journal RECOMMENDED BY: Knives Illustrated, North American Hunter, Professional Tool and Equipment News, Sports Illustrated, This Old House, The New York Times, Overland Journal, Texas Outdoor Journal, http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830037 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=830037 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/830037-1.jpg The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is hands down the most popular model (International best-seller), made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. When we redesigned it in 2004, we gave the new Wave larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. Weight Functions Dimensions (closed)  8.5 oz (241 g)  17 4 in (10 cm) Tools   420HC Clip Point Knife 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife Needlenose Pliers Regular Pliers Wire Cutters Hard-wire Cutters Wire Stripper Large Screwdriver Large Bit Driver Small Bit Driver Scissors Wood/Metal File Diamond-coated File Saw Bottle Opener Can Opener 8 in | 19 cm Ruler Included Bits   Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Screwdriver Bit   Features Stainless Steel Handles Stainless Steel Body Black Oxide Version Available Outside-accessible Blades for One-handed Opening All Locking Blades and Tools Fixed Lanyard Ring Leather or Nylon Sheath 25-year Warranty Additional Photo       Video         Additional Information  Wave user Guide Press Review   QUOTES "With its wire cutters, bottle opener, and 16 other equally useful functions, the no-classic Wave remains the best travel multitool." — Outside "It’s the perfect gift for gadget buffs, one that would keep MacGyver busy for years." — Outpost "Voted one of "The 20 Best Knives Ever Made" — Field and Stream "It’s not that it’s better than any of the seventeen implements it contains. It’s that its seventeen implements are good enough that you don’t have to carry any of them individually." — Esquire RECOMMENDED BY: Bionic Lobster (the epic tale), Blade, Escapees, Men's Health, ReadyMade, SledHeads, SnoWest, Sports Illustrated, Tactical Knives, Western Outdoors http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JH406C http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=JH406C http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/JH406C-1.jpg  A bell and a compass, all-in-one! http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=16-5400 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=16-5400 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/16-5400-1.jpg 8 groove spoke wrench for 10-15G spokes http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=50110001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=50110001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/50110001-1.jpg   Description Marmot have combined superior weather beating performance with a wealth of creature comforts to create the Aegis jacket. MemBrain® Strata™ fabric sheds water and breathes easily to keep you dry. Hand warmer pockets featuring water resistant zippers, DriClime® lined collar and cuffs, PitZips™, and an adjustable hood that rolls into the collar, all add up to an essential backcountry companion.  Features   Marmot MemBrain® Strata™ Waterproof / Breathable Fabric 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood that Rolls Into Collar - gives you the option to tuck-away when not needed PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Handwarmer Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Sleeve Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper - Sleeve Pocket with W/R Zipper DriClime® Lined Cuffs with Adjustable Velcro® Tabs DriClime® Lined Collar and Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric for Comfort Around Your Neck and Face Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up   Specs Center Back Length: 28.75in / 73cm Overall Weight: 13.4 oz / 379.9 g Main Material: MemBrain®Strata™ 100% Nylon Ripstop 3.0 oz/yd Technology Marmot’s own lightweight waterproof / breathable technology. A lamination technology that rates a whopping 20,000mm in waterproof performance and 20,000 gr in breathability. Requiring neither lining nor 3-layer construction like many similar lamination processes, MemBrain® Strata™ products are by far the lightest, most breathable garments in their categories. Marmot’s proprietary 2.5 layer MemBrain® Strata uses micro non-organic particles on the inside of the lamination to increase durability and provide a dry touch instead of that clammy feeling you get from some other products. The back print pattern is carefully designed to achieve the maximum durability and breathability. Abrasion tests rate 4-5 times better than regular MemBrain® (which is why regular MemBrain, as well as all 2-layer laminates require a separate lining). Compared to 2.5 layer coatings in the market, our 2.5 layer lamination is about 100% more breathable. In addition, laminated stretch fabrics stretch more and have a softer hand than 2.5 layer coated fabrics. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=501107753 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=501107753 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/501107753-1.jpg   Description Marmot have combined superior weather beating performance with a wealth of creature comforts to create the Aegis jacket. MemBrain® Strata™ fabric sheds water and breathes easily to keep you dry. Hand warmer pockets featuring water resistant zippers, DriClime® lined collar and cuffs, PitZips™, and an adjustable hood that rolls into the collar, all add up to an essential backcountry companion.  Features   Marmot MemBrain® Strata™ Waterproof / Breathable Fabric 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood that Rolls Into Collar - gives you the option to tuck-away when not needed PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Handwarmer Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Sleeve Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper - Sleeve Pocket with W/R Zipper DriClime® Lined Cuffs with Adjustable Velcro® Tabs DriClime® Lined Collar and Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric for Comfort Around Your Neck and Face Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up   Specs Center Back Length: 28.75in / 73cm Overall Weight: 13.4 oz / 379.9 g Main Material: MemBrain®Strata™ 100% Nylon Ripstop 3.0 oz/yd Technology Marmot’s own lightweight waterproof / breathable technology. A lamination technology that rates a whopping 20,000mm in waterproof performance and 20,000 gr in breathability. Requiring neither lining nor 3-layer construction like many similar lamination processes, MemBrain® Strata™ products are by far the lightest, most breathable garments in their categories. Marmot’s proprietary 2.5 layer MemBrain® Strata uses micro non-organic particles on the inside of the lamination to increase durability and provide a dry touch instead of that clammy feeling you get from some other products. The back print pattern is carefully designed to achieve the maximum durability and breathability. Abrasion tests rate 4-5 times better than regular MemBrain® (which is why regular MemBrain, as well as all 2-layer laminates require a separate lining). Compared to 2.5 layer coatings in the market, our 2.5 layer lamination is about 100% more breathable. In addition, laminated stretch fabrics stretch more and have a softer hand than 2.5 layer coated fabrics. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=501102707 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=501102707 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/501102707-1.jpg   Description Marmot have combined superior weather beating performance with a wealth of creature comforts to create the Aegis jacket. MemBrain® Strata™ fabric sheds water and breathes easily to keep you dry. Hand warmer pockets featuring water resistant zippers, DriClime® lined collar and cuffs, PitZips™, and an adjustable hood that rolls into the collar, all add up to an essential backcountry companion.  Features   Marmot MemBrain® Strata™ Waterproof / Breathable Fabric 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood that Rolls Into Collar - gives you the option to tuck-away when not needed PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Handwarmer Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Sleeve Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper - Sleeve Pocket with W/R Zipper DriClime® Lined Cuffs with Adjustable Velcro® Tabs DriClime® Lined Collar and Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric for Comfort Around Your Neck and Face Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up   Specs Center Back Length: 28.75in / 73cm Overall Weight: 13.4 oz / 379.9 g Main Material: MemBrain®Strata™ 100% Nylon Ripstop 3.0 oz/yd Technology Marmot’s own lightweight waterproof / breathable technology. A lamination technology that rates a whopping 20,000mm in waterproof performance and 20,000 gr in breathability. Requiring neither lining nor 3-layer construction like many similar lamination processes, MemBrain® Strata™ products are by far the lightest, most breathable garments in their categories. Marmot’s proprietary 2.5 layer MemBrain® Strata uses micro non-organic particles on the inside of the lamination to increase durability and provide a dry touch instead of that clammy feeling you get from some other products. The back print pattern is carefully designed to achieve the maximum durability and breathability. Abrasion tests rate 4-5 times better than regular MemBrain® (which is why regular MemBrain, as well as all 2-layer laminates require a separate lining). Compared to 2.5 layer coatings in the market, our 2.5 layer lamination is about 100% more breathable. In addition, laminated stretch fabrics stretch more and have a softer hand than 2.5 layer coated fabrics. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=222006169R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=222006169R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/222006169R L-1.jpg Description For traveling light in summer, this ultra-light bag provides reliable transport to the Land of Nod at just over two packable pounds, and it doesn’t skimp on features either. “Feely” draw cords, a trapezoidal foot box with a heater pocket, and the included compression stuff and storage sack all add up to some seriously plush woodland digs. Specifications Colors: Cardinal / Chili Pepper (6169) Overall Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz / 992 g Fill Weight: 9.87 oz / 280 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 41in/104cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Micro Double Ripstop WR/ AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material: 100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 650 Fill Power Down EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman Features   650 Fill Down EN Tested Nautilus 5-Baffle Hood Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Stitch-through Construction Zipper Garage   Video   Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.   Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Features How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=216902766 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=216902766 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/216902766-1.jpg Description Marmot have set the industry standard with the Cloudbreak 20, a synthetic sleeping bag with a warmth/weight ratio nearly as good as our down bags. Super compactable and lightweight, the bag is EN-tested to keep you warm in temps below freezing. Body-mapped insulation yields maximum thermal efficiency, giving you extra warmth for core and feet while significantly reducing weight.   Features   EN Tested Body-mapped Insulation Yields Maximum Thermal Efficiency without Added Weight Stuff Sack Included 3D Hood Construction Full Length Zipper Snagless Draft Tube - Has Heavy Oxford Cloth to Repel Biting Zipper Coils Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 20°F (-7°C)  Thermal R  2.9lb (1.3g)  L EN tested    Colors: Cobalt Blue/Bright Navy (2766) Overall Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz / 1304 g Fill Weight: 34 oz / 964 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 38in/96.5cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop Embossed DWR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: Thermal R   EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=216504082 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=216504082 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/216504082-1.jpg Description This industry-leading bag is as compactable and lightweight as down, but completely synthetic, featuring thermally efficient hybrid technology for added warmth where you need it most – your core and feet. EN-tested for warmth down to freezing, the fully-featured bag has full-length dual slider zipper, 3D-constructed hood and full-length snag free draft tube for plush comfort.   Features   EN Tested Body-mapped Insulation Yields Maximum Thermal Efficiency without Added Weight Stuff Sack Included 3D Hood Construction Full Length Zipper Snagless Draft Tube - Has Heavy Oxford Cloth to Repel Biting Zipper Coils Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 30°F (-1°C)  Thermal R  1.9lb (822g)  L EN tested  Colors: Envy/Greener Pastures (4082) Overall Weight: 1 lbs 15.8 oz / 900 g Fill Weight: 22 oz / 624 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 38in/96.5cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop Embossed DWR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: Thermal R EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2379091L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2379091L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/2374091L-1.jpg With heaps of high-quality down and an expedition-friendly design, the Couloir delivers guaranteed cold-weather performance for four-season camping and treks among the high peaks of the world. Specifications Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz / 1445 g Fill Weight: 31 oz / 878 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Silicone DWR 1.05 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Insulation Material:  850+ Goose Down Size for stature: 78in / 198 cm Size on shoulder: 64in /162.5 cm Size on hip: 62in/157.5cm     Colors: Curry EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   High-loft 800-fill-power goose down gives you unsurpassed warmth for remarkably little weight--packs down tight, too! Water-repellent, windproof, downproof nylon microfiber shell is ultra-lightweight, yet strong; Sarcophagus Shape™ increases comfort Nautilus 6-baffle hood envelopes your head in warmth, while the Face Muff allows hood to be cinched snug without digging into your face Down-insulated draft collar and draft tube backing the full-length zipper seal cold out; zipper guards prevent zipper snags Draft collar features easy-access drawcord; locking, two-way zipper prevents bag from inadvertently opening during the night Hidden two-way draft tube pocket inverts into draft tube; holds watch or small essential items you need in the night Spacious Nautilus footbox allows down to loft fully around your feet for optimum warmth Ground-level side seams eliminate cold air leaks Baffles are made with stretch tricot, providing strength and long-wearing durability Includes nylon stuff sack and cotton storage sack   Videos Marmot's own Curly Cervone takes you into the Down Room at Marmot Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, where our 850+ fill sleeping bags are filled, sewn, and hand crafted right in our offices.      Additional Information   What makes Marmot Down so Special? (with video) 850+ Fill Down Specific Featrures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) Press   Rock & Ice 2008 Gear Guide Couloir: In the 1970’s, Eric Reynolds and Marmot changed the industry. They made a better sleeping bag using higher lofting down, and others followed. The Couloir maintains that legacy. One tester, a professional mountaineer called the Couloir a classic bag, “warm with comfortable dimensions, not too tight or too wide, a great hood, an efficient collar and raised warm foot section.” We all agreed. Pros: Conservative rating. Great price. Warm hood/collar combo. Very warm. Comfortable raised foot. Good warmth-to-weight ratio. Cons: None - Larry Amkraut Skiing December 2007 Couloir Must have. Marmot stuffs high-loft down into this zero-degree sack, then adds smartly placed drawcords and extra baffles so you can seal in the warmth. At three pounds, three ounces, you’ll barely notice it in your pack.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2374091L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2374091L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/2374091L-1.jpg With heaps of high-quality down and an expedition-friendly design, the Couloir delivers guaranteed cold-weather performance for four-season camping and treks among the high peaks of the world. Specifications Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz / 1445 g Fill Weight: 31 oz / 878 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Silicone DWR 1.05 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Insulation Material:  850+ Goose Down Size for stature: 6'0"/183 cm Size on shoulder: 158 cm Size on hip: 60in/152cm Size on foot: 42in/106cm Colors: Curry EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Filled and Finished in Santa Rosa, California Certified 800+ Fill Power Goose Down - Independently Tested and Certified by International Down and Feather Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retested at Fill Time in Santa Rosa to Ensure 800 Fill Power Every Time. If the Down Does Not Meet Our In-House Test, We Send It Back EN Tested Thermo-Pane Foot Box - Double-Layer Baffle Construction for Increased Warmth in Foot Area Lightweight 20d Nylon Shell with Silicon DWR Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Contoured Zipper Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Down-Filled Draft Tube - Eliminates Cold Leaks Through the Zipper "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Forward Lean Foot Box Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Hidden Draft Tube Pocket - Inverts Into Draft Tube and Used to Store Watch or Alarm and Stay Out of Our Face Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood - 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Videos Marmot's own Curly Cervone takes you into the Down Room at Marmot Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, where our 850+ fill sleeping bags are filled, sewn, and hand crafted right in our offices.      Additional Information   What makes Marmot Down so Special? (with video) 850+ Fill Down Specific Featrures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) Press   Rock & Ice 2008 Gear Guide Couloir: In the 1970’s, Eric Reynolds and Marmot changed the industry. They made a better sleeping bag using higher lofting down, and others followed. The Couloir maintains that legacy. One tester, a professional mountaineer called the Couloir a classic bag, “warm with comfortable dimensions, not too tight or too wide, a great hood, an efficient collar and raised warm foot section.” We all agreed. Pros: Conservative rating. Great price. Warm hood/collar combo. Very warm. Comfortable raised foot. Good warmth-to-weight ratio. Cons: None - Larry Amkraut Skiing December 2007 Couloir Must have. Marmot stuffs high-loft down into this zero-degree sack, then adds smartly placed drawcords and extra baffles so you can seal in the warmth. At three pounds, three ounces, you’ll barely notice it in your pack.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27040117 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27040117 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27040117-1.jpg Description An ultra-light, hassle-free shelter for excursions into the wild; the Haven 2P features a large D type door for easy ins and outs, while perimeter vents allow fresh air to circulate freely so you’ll never experience that “sauna” effect. The floor is conveniently removable, and nylon zipper pulls are quiet and smooth. Specifications Capacity Weight Interior Vestibule Floor Fly Features   2 pers. 4.7 lb (1.8kg) 56 sq ft (5.22m2) n/a  3000mm 1800mm  Removable Floor Maximum Weight: 4 lbs 11 oz / 2.126 kg Minimum Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz / 1.786 kg Dimensions: 45x106x120in / 114.3x269.2x304.8cm Packed Size: 6 x 21 in / 15.2 x 53.3 cm Tent Poles: 1 / DAC NSL 9mm Floor Area: 56 sq ft / 5.2 sq m Tent floor Material: 40d 100% Nylon 3000mm W/R, F/R Tent fly Material: 40d 100% Nylon Ripstop Silicon/PU 1800mm W/R, F/R Technology  DAC Featherlite tent poles are up to 15% lighter than aluminum, yet comparable in strength. Through innovative design, DAC created a light weight and compact folding tent pole. Related Articles How to choose the right bicycle touring tent Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2001025 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2001025 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/2001025-1.jpg The popular Helium packs smaller than a loaf of bread, weighs less than two pounds and keeps you warm down to 15°, making it ideal for lightweight mountaineering and backpacking. Specifications Weight: 1 lb 15.83 ozs / 902 g Fill Weight: 19.5 ozs / 552.8 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop DWR 1.2 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Taffeta DWR 1.0 oz/yd Insulation Material:  850+ Goose Down Size for stature: 183 cm Size on shoulder: 158 cm Size on hip: 147 cm Size on foot: 102 cm Colors: 025 - Pacifica EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room Full-length Zipper Hood Draw Cord Positioned for Easy Access Insulated Draft Tube Eliminates Cold Leaks Through the Zipper Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Filled and Finished in Santa Rosa, California Certified 850+ Fill Goose Down The Best Weight to Warmth Down in the Market; Independently Tested and Certified by International Down and Feather Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retested at Fill Time in Santa Rosa to Ensure 850+ Fill Power Every Time. If the Down Does Not Meet Our In-House Test, We Send It Back EN Tested Passive Collar Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Videos Marmot's own Curly Cervone takes you into the Down Room at Marmot Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, where our 850+ fill sleeping bags are filled, sewn, and hand crafted right in our offices.      Additional Information   What makes Marmot Down so Special? (with video) 850+ Fill Down Specific Featrures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) Awards Marmot’s Ultralight Series Sleeping Bags Named Backpacker 2008 Editor’s Choice Gold Award Winner.   The Backpacker Editors’ Choice Awards, given annually since 1993, honor the products that Backpacker editors have chosen as the best of the year based on months of trail testing by teams of highly experienced hikers and climbers. With no set categories for the awards and no set number of recipients, the products and the testing process drive the award categories. Marmot was two of only 17 innovative products that have been honored with a 2008 Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3218001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3218001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/3218001-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 15 oz / 425.2 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® with Paclite® Technology PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood - Offers a full range of adjustability for complete weather protection Chest Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper - Chest Pocket with W/R Zipper Zippered Hand Pockets - For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart How to care for your Gore-Tex Jacket (video)     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3218470 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3218470 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/3218470-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the Minimalist is a lightweight shell, while Gore's inimitable Paclite® gives it guaranteed reliability. Specifications Weight:15 ozs / 425 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry PitZips™ Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting 100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Chest Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper Chest Pocket with W/R Zipper Zippered Hand Pockets For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart     Reviews Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=32182645 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=32182645 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/32182645-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the Minimalist is a lightweight shell, while Gore's inimitable Paclite® gives it guaranteed reliability. Specifications Weight:15 ozs / 425 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry PitZips™ Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting 100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Chest Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper Chest Pocket with W/R Zipper Zippered Hand Pockets For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart     Reviews Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=30320001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=30320001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/30320001-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry - Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Hand Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Elastic Waist with Snap Closure and Zip Fly Articulated Knees - Design Feature to Reduce Excess Fabric and Improve Mobility Ankle Zippers - For Easy On/Off Over Shoes Standard Cut - Standard cut has a straight leg and a comfortable fit through the hips and thighs Video       Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=303201268 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=303201268 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/303201268-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry - Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Hand Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Elastic Waist with Snap Closure and Zip Fly Articulated Knees - Design Feature to Reduce Excess Fabric and Improve Mobility Ankle Zippers - For Easy On/Off Over Shoes Standard Cut - Standard cut has a straight leg and a comfortable fit through the hips and thighs Video       Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=94330001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=94330001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/94330001-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry - Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Hand Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper Elastic Waist with Snap Closure and Zip Fly Articulated Knees - Design Feature to Reduce Excess Fabric and Improve Mobility Ankle Zippers - For Easy On/Off Over Shoes Standard Cut - Standard cut has a straight leg and a comfortable fit through the hips and thighs Video       Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=30170001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=30170001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/30170001-1.jpg Features   GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry - Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Attached Adjustable Hood - Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Water Resistant Front Zipper - WR Front Zipper Pack Pockets™ with Water-resistant Zippers - Pack Pockets with Water-resistant Zippers Integrated Laser-Drilled Pocket Backing for Enhanced Breathability Reflective Logos Asymmetric Cuffs Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Center Back Length: 28in / 71.1cm Weight: 8 oz / 226 g Main Material:GORE-TEX®Paclite® 100% Nylon Ripstop 2.2 oz/yd   Technology The lightest, most packable outerwear available, GORE-TEX® PacLite® garments are durably waterproof, windproof and breathable and are built for activities when weight and space are critical, but protection is still important. The face fabric is constructed of high-performance polyester or nylon and on the inside GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells use a specific GORE-TEX® membrane with a protective layer made of an oil-hating substance and carbon. So no separate lining is required. This makes GORE-TEX® Paclite® shells lighter and smaller to pack away. Special Gore-Seam® tape technology ensures all seams are 100% waterproof. GORE-TEX® PacLite® Shells are great for trekking, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, cycling, hunting, fishing, golfing and water sports.   Related Article REVIEW: Marmot Nano Jacket (article and videos included) Video     http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=214606278 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=214606278 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/214606278-1.jpg Description Stuff the super packable NanoWave 45 into your kayak stern or bike paniers – the lightweight bag is a master space-saver. DWR-treated polyester taffeta fabric sheds moisture. EN-tested to 45°F, the bag has synthetic SpiraFil high loft insulation that stays warm even when wet.   Features   SpiraFil High Loft Insulation Compression Stuff Sack "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Snagless Draft Tube - Has Heavy Oxford Cloth to Repel Biting Zipper Coils Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Blanket Construction - For Consistent Insulation Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Zipper Garage   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 45°F (7°C)   SpiraFil 100  1.9lb (822g)  L EN tested  Colors: Team Red (6278) Overall Weight: 1 lbs 13 oz / 822 g Fill Weight: 14 oz / 400 g Size on Hip: 58in/147.3cm Size on Foot: 40in/101.6cm Main Material: 100% Polyester Tafffeta DWR 2.2 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Polyester WR 1.3 oz/yd (Liner) Insulation Material: Spirafil 100  EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=214701105 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=214701105 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/214701105-1.jpg Description Stuff the super packable NanoWave 55 into your kayak stern or bike paniers – the lightweight bag is a master space-saver. DWR-treated polyester taffeta fabric sheds moisture. EN-tested to 45°F, the bag has synthetic SpiraFil high loft insulation that stays warm even when wet.   Features   SpiraFil High Loft Insulation Compression Stuff Sack "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Snagless Draft Tube - Has Heavy Oxford Cloth to Repel Biting Zipper Coils Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Blanket Construction - For Consistent Insulation Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Zipper Garage   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 45°F (7°C)   SpiraFil 100  1.9lb (822g)  L EN tested  Colors: Flint (1105) Overall Weight: 1 lbs 8 oz / 680 g Fill Weight: 9 oz / 255 g Size on Hip: 58in/147.3cm Size on Foot: 40in/101.6cm Main Material: 100% Polyester Tafffeta DWR 2.2 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Polyester WR 1.3 oz/yd (Liner) Insulation Material: Spirafil 60 EN Tested   What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213309512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213309512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/213209512R L-1.jpg Description Down warmth to temperatures as low as 0° F, with updated liner fabric, baffle height and shape to assure warmth amidst the vagaries of shoulder-season weather. The Never Summer an ideal choice for trips, climbs and treks when sub-freezing weather is imminent.    Features   Certified 650 Fill Power Down EN Tested Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 5-Baffle Hood Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 0°F (-18°C)   650 down  3lb14oz (1.7kg)  L or R EN tested  Colors: Malaia Gold/Flint (9512) Overall Weight: 3 lbs 14.46 oz / 1771 g Fill Weight: 30 oz / 850 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 41in/104cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material: 100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 650 Fill Power Down      EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=210309512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=210309512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/210309512R L-1.jpg Description Long version of the Marmot Never Summer, fits up to 6ft 6 in. (192.1cm). Down warmth to temperatures as low as 0° F, with updated liner fabric, baffle height and shape to assure warmth amidst the vagaries of shoulder-season weather. The Never Summer an ideal choice for trips, climbs and treks when sub-freezing weather is imminent.    Specifications Weight: 3 lb 14 ozs / 1.77 kgs Fill Weight: 32 oz  Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Fits to: 6ft 6in (198.1cm)            EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)   Features   Certified 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Tested Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood - 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=211101229R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=211101229R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/211001229R L-1.jpg Description When you’re cloud-high during shoulder season, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Make sure your sleep isn’t. This bag is stuffed with quality 600+ fill down for warmth down to 0° F, and protected with Marmot’s MemBrain® fabric for outstanding waterproof, breathable comfort. Marmot have updated the liner fabric, shape and baffle height for improved coziness and warmth.   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 0°F (-18°C)   600 down  4lboz (1.8kg)  L or R Membrain Overall Weight: 4 lbs / 1814 g Fill Weight: 32 oz / 907 g Size on Hip: 59in/150cm Size on Foot: 43in/109cm Main Material: MemBrain® 2L 100% Nylon Ripstop 2.3 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)             Red: Comfort -   Yellow: Lower limit -   Blue: Survival   Features   Certified 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Tested Pertex© Shield® Waterproof/ Breathable Shell Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood - 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils     Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=211001229R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=211001229R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/211001229R L-1.jpg Description When you’re cloud-high during shoulder season, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Make sure your sleep isn’t. This bag is stuffed with quality 600+ fill down for warmth down to 0° F, and protected with Marmot’s MemBrain® fabric for outstanding waterproof, breathable comfort. Marmot have updated the liner fabric, shape and baffle height for improved coziness and warmth.   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 0°F (-18°C)   600 down  3lb13oz (1.7kg)  L or R Membrain Overall Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz / 1729 g Fill Weight: 30 oz / 850 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 41in/104cm Main Material: MemBrain®2L 100% Nylon Ripstop 2.0 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)             Red: Comfort -   Yellow: Lower limit -   Blue: Survival   Features   Certified 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Tested Pertex© Shield® Waterproof/ Breathable Shell Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Nautilus 5-Baffle Hood Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213209512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213209512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/213209512R L-1.jpg Description Down warmth to temperatures as low as 0° F, with updated liner fabric, baffle height and shape to assure warmth amidst the vagaries of shoulder-season weather. The Never Summer an ideal choice for trips, climbs and treks when sub-freezing weather is imminent.    Features   Certified 650 Fill Power Down EN Tested Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 5-Baffle Hood Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 0°F (-18°C)   650 down  3lb14oz (1.7kg)  L or R EN tested  Colors: Malaia Gold/Flint (9512) Overall Weight: 3 lbs 14.46 oz / 1771 g Fill Weight: 30 oz / 850 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 41in/104cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material: 100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 650 Fill Power Down      EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=210109512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=210109512R/L http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/210109512R L-1.jpg Description Down warmth to temperatures as low as 0° F, with updated liner fabric, baffle height and shape to assure warmth amidst the vagaries of shoulder-season weather. The Never Summer an ideal choice for trips, climbs and treks when sub-freezing weather is imminent.    Specifications Weight: 3 lb 9 ozs / 1.6 kgs Fill Weight: 30 oz / 850 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Size on shoulder: 158 cm Size on hip: 147 cm Size on foot: 102 cm Colors: 9287 - Bonfire/Sauce      EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)   Features   Certified 600+ Fill Power Goose Down EN Tested Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood - 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Fetaures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21214486L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21214486L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/21214486L-R-1.jpg At sub-two pounds, the Never Winter is an ideal summer bag for camping and river trips, but it also has enough down insulation to keep you warm when frost is in the air. Specifications Weight: 2 lb 2 ozs / 964 g Fill Weight: 12 ozs / 340.2 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Size on shoulder: 64 in. (163 cm) Size on hip: 60 in. (152 cm) Size on foot: 42 in. (107 cm) Max. User Height:  6 ft. 6 in. (197 cm)   EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams Eliminates Drafts Hood Draw Cord Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two-Way Zipper Sliders For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Certified 600+ Fill Goose Down EN Tested Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Heater Pocket in Foot Box For Heat Packets Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.   Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Features How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21194486 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21194486 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/21194486-1.jpg At sub-two pounds, the Never Winter is an ideal summer bag for camping and river trips, but it also has enough down insulation to keep you warm when frost is in the air. Specifications Weight: 2 lb 3 ozs / 992 g Fill Weight: 12 ozs / 340.2 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Size on shoulder: 62 in (158 cm) Size on hip: 58 in. (147 cm) Size on foot: 40 in. (102 cm) Max. User Height:  6 ft. (182 cm)   EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams Eliminates Drafts Hood Draw Cord Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two-Way Zipper Sliders For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Certified 600+ Fill Goose Down EN Tested Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Heater Pocket in Foot Box For Heat Packets Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.   Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Features How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=50200001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=50200001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/50200001-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=54917503 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=54917503 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/54917503-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=54917505 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=54917505 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/54917505-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=502004510 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=502004510 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/502004510-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=277409260 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=277409260 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/277409260-1.jpg Description When ounces matter and there's no one else to share the load, pack in the minimalist set-up of the Pulsar 1P. The free-standing tent has a reverse foot design for extra leg room without sacrificing precious weight. Part of Marmot's ultralight series, the Pulsar is a cinch to set up with color-coded poles. Features DAC NSL Dual Diameter Green Poles with Eco Friendly Green Anodizing Free-Standing Design - Increase Habitability Allowing a Person to Sit-Up Reverse Foot Design for Additional Leg Room Color Coded "Easy Pitch" Clips and Poles - Confusion-free set up Fully Taped Floor and Fly Seams Catenary Cut Floor - Fully Waterproof Floor with Taped Seams Lifted Off the Ground Bare Bones Setup - Allows the Fly to be Used by Itself with Footprint to Make a Lightweight, Sturdy Shelter Optional Footprint - Extra Protection Under Your Tent or for Bare Bones Setup Reflective Guy Out Points Technology  DAC Featherlite tent poles are up to 15% lighter than aluminum, yet comparable in strength. Through innovative design, DAC created a light weight and compact folding tent pole. Specifications Capacity Weight Interior Vestibule Floor Fly Features 1 pers. 3.4 lb (1.5kg) 22 sq ft (2m2) 8sq.ft (0.72m2) 3000mm 1800mm Free Standing Colors: Vintage Orange (9260) Maximum Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz / 1.5 kg Minimum Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz / 1.3 kg Dimensions: 36x42x87in / 91x107x220cm Packed Size: 6 x 21.5 in / 16 x 55 cm Vestibule Area: 7.76 sq ft / 0.7 sq m Tent Poles: 2 / DAC Featherlite NSL 8.05mm Floor Area: 22 sq ft / 2 sq m Tent floor Material: 40d 100% Nylon 3000mm W/R, F/R Tent canopy Material: 20d No-See-Um-Net F/R Tent fly Material: 40d 100% Nylon Ripstop, Silicon/PU 1800mm W/R, F/R Sidewall Material: 40d 100% Nylon Ripstop, SiliconPU 1800mm W/R, F/R Related Articles How to choose the right bicycle touring tent Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=277009260 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=277009260 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/277009260-1.jpg Description An ultra-light, hassle-free shelter for excursions into the wild; the Haven 2P features a large D type door for easy ins and outs, while perimeter vents allow fresh air to circulate freely so you’ll never experience that “sauna” effect. The floor is conveniently removable, and nylon zipper pulls are quiet and smooth. Features DAC NSL Dual Diameter Green Poles with Eco Friendly Green Anodizing Free-Standing Design - Increase Habitability Allowing a Person to Sit-Up Reverse Foot Design for Additional Leg Room Color Coded "Easy Pitch" Clips and Poles - Confusion-free set up Fully Taped Floor and Fly Seams Catenary Cut Floor - Fully Waterproof Floor with Taped Seams Lifted Off the Ground Bare Bones Setup - Allows the Fly to be Used by Itself with Footprint to Make a Lightweight, Sturdy Shelter Optional Footprint - Extra Protection Under Your Tent or for Bare Bones Setup Reflective Guy Out Points Technology  DAC Featherlite tent poles are up to 15% lighter than aluminum, yet comparable in strength. Through innovative design, DAC created a light weight and compact folding tent pole. Specifications Capacity Weight Interior Vestibule Floor Fly Features 2 pers. 3.9 lb (1.8kg) 28 sq ft (5.22m2) 8sq.ft (0.74m2) 3000mm 1800mm Free Standing Colors: Vintage Orange (9260) Maximum Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz / 1.8 kg Minimum Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz / 1.5 kg Dimensions: 37x53x87in / 94x135x220cm Packed Size: 8 x 23.5 in / 20 x 60 cm Vestibule Area: 7.97 sq ft / 0.7 sq m Tent Poles: 2 / DAC Featherlite NSL 8.5mm/8.05mm Floor Area: 28 sq ft / 2.6 sq m Tent floor Material: 40d 100% Nylon 3000mm W/R, F/R Tent canopy Material: 20d No-See-Um-Net F/R Tent fly Material: 40d 100% Nylon Ripstop, Silicon/PU 1800mm W/R, F/R Sidewall Material: 40d 100% Nylon Ripstop, SiliconPU 1800mm W/R, F/R Related Articles How to choose the right bicycle touring tent Tips & tricks when using your tent How to make your tent last many years longer? Free standing tent (geodesic) VS. Non-free standing tent (tunnel) Why do I need a good tent? Which are the best brands on the market? Understanding waterproof coatings/ratings (in mm) on tents fabrics Bivys/Hammock/Tarp: A lighter alternative to tents http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=217902759 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=217902759 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/217902759-1.jpg Description The Marmot Sawtooth 15 Degree Down Sleeping Bag is a great sleeping bag to fit your all-around needs. Rated for cooler nights, the Sawtooth has a stuff sack for packing use and a storage sack for when you're not on the trail. The 600+ goose-down insulation is warm and poofy for a comfortable night's rest, while the stash pocket keeps some personal items close by, just in case.   Features   Certified 650 Fill Power Down EN Tested Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Nautilus 5-Baffle Hood Stretch Tricot Baffles - Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included - Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Ground-Level Side Seams - Eliminates Drafts Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Heater Pocket in Foot Box - For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers - Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar   Specifications US rating Fill Weight Zip Features 15°F (-9°C)  650+ down  3.1lb (1.4kg)  L or R EN tested  Colors: Cobalt Blue/Deep Blue (2759) Overall Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz / 1389 g Fill Weight: 22 oz / 624 g Size on Hip: 57in/145cm Size on Foot: 41in/104cm Main Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material: 100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Nylon Plain Weave WR 1.3 oz/yd Insulation Material: 650 Fill Power Down EN Tested   What is EN testing? (with video) Red = Comfort: Based on a standard woman having a comfortable night sleep Yellow-Green = Lower Limit: Based on a standard man as the lowest temperature to have a comfortable night sleep Blue = Extreme: A survival rating for a standard woman   Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market. Additional Info 600 Fill Down Specific Features   How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213009512 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=213009512 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/213009512-1.jpg The full-featured Trestles 0 is a reliable, all-purpose synthetic bag that insulates even in sustained cold and damp conditions. Updated style lines and fabric liner keep you comfortable on backpacking, trekking and mountaineering trips. Specifications   Colors: Malaia Gold/Flint (9512) Overall Weight: 5 lbs 4.7 oz / 2401 g Fill Weight: 63 oz / 1786 g Size on Hip: 58in/147.3cm Size on Foot: 40in/101.6cm Main Material: 100% Polyester DWR 2.2 oz/yd Main Material: 100% Polyester Embossed DWR 2.2 oz/yd Lining Material: 100% Polyester Tafffeta DWR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material: Spirafil 120 EN Test What is EN testing? (with video)      Red: Comfort -   Yellow: Lower limit -   Blue: Survival Features   EN Tested SpiraFil High Loft Insulation Dual Zippers Insulated Collar with Easy Access Cord - Engineered to Close Without Velcro, Keeps Warm Air Trapped in Your Bag Wave Construction - The Warmest Shingle Construction Available, Fitting Extra Insulation into These Bags by Creating an Overlapping Wave of Shingles Throughout the Bag. These Bags Will Keep You Warm and Dry in the Wettest of Environments Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box - For More Foot Room Compression Stuff Sack "Feely" Draw Cords - Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Hood Draw Cord - Positioned for Easy Access Second Side Zip Snagless Draft Tube - Has Heavy Oxford Cloth to Repel Biting Zipper Coils Stash Pocket - For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Two Hang Loops - On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two Way Zipper Sliders - For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff - Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards - Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Videos Marmot's own Curly Cervone takes you into the Down Room at Marmot Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, where our 850+ fill sleeping bags are filled, sewn, and hand crafted right in our offices.      Additional Information   What makes Marmot Down so Special? (with video) 850+ Fill Down Specific Featrures How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video)   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1154001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1154001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/1154001-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness PitZips™ Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Attached Adjustable Hood Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Zippered Hand Pockets For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Sized Specifically for Women To Fit Your Body, Not a Smaller Men's Version Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart How to care for your Gore-Tex Jacket (video)     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11544090 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11544090 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/11544090-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness PitZips™ Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Attached Adjustable Hood Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Zippered Hand Pockets For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Sized Specifically for Women To Fit Your Body, Not a Smaller Men's Version Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart How to care for your Gore-Tex Jacket (video)     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11542581 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11542581 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/11542581-1.jpg Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors person, the cleanly designed Minimalist is lightweight and reliable thanks to Gore’s inimitable PACLITE® laminate fabric. Specifications Weight: 14.4 ozs / 408 g Main Material: GORE-TEX®Paclite®100% Polyester 3.6 oz/yd    Features GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry 100% Seam Taped For Full Waterproofness PitZips™ Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Attached Adjustable Hood Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab Zippered Hand Pockets For Convenience Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Sized Specifically for Women To Fit Your Body, Not a Smaller Men's Version Additional Information What is Gore-Tex Paclite? Marmot Clothing Size Chart How to care for your Gore-Tex Jacket (video)     Reviews Men's Minimalist Jacket Review by Marmot Sponsored Athlete Kevin Jorgeson More Reviews (videos) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=55200001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=55200001 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/55200001-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10276130 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10276130 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/10276130-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552001132 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552001132 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/552001132-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552004340 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552004340 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/552004340-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10272822 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10272822 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/10272822-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552002439 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552002439 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/552002439-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552003070 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=552003070 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/552003070-1.jpg Features   PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof / Breathable 100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting Pack Pockets™ - Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure - Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather DriClime® Lined Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up Designed to Fit Over Fleece or Softshells New Black is a Solid Black Jacket Tall Size XXX-Large Size   Technology PreCip™ is our “next step” technology that enables us to construct the lightest, most compressible, technical, waterproof and breathable rainwear in the world. Ventilated and breathable to keep you dry from the inside, PreCip rainwear has plenty of pockets and custom fit features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The key to PreCip™ is its barrier technology: a microporous polyurethane that is impregnated with silicon dioxide particles. These particles create small, numerous, very consistent holes that allow the barrier to pass small water vapor molecules but not the bigger liquid ones. This keeps the rain out while letting your sweat vapor work its way outside, away from your body, to keep you dry from the inside as well as from the outside. PreCip™ rainwear is compressible enough to stuff into a water bottle and comes in enough colors and styles to travel with you anywhere– to the mountains, the city or overseas. Video     Press "A Necessity A waterproof shell to keep the wet out, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it." "Multi-Activity Use This has been a frequent favourite with Trail, thanks to its low weight of just 358g and its low price of just £70. But the Precip also boasts a superb set of credentials, being made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pitzips improve condensation control. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance. Put the jacket on and it offers an average length for his type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail. Movement in the sleeves is very good, and two cavernous chest pockets allow easy access to stored maps or guidebooks while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, so it is ideal for cycling, running or climbing, and its movement on the hood is okay. So, good in many ways for multi-activity use. Verdict: The Precip is definitely one of the best lightweight jackets around at its price, and it’s ideal for traveling fast and light in the outdoors." "Multi-Activity Jacket The Precip is a modern classic, thanks to its great price and features that make it ideal for those traveling light and fast in almost any activity. The Precip is made from an extremely waterproof fabric, while mesh pockets and pit zips improve condensation control, which is worth having when biking or running. The front zip also gets a double stormflap to improve water resistance in the worst weather. The Precip is an average length for this type of jacket with a slightly scooped tail to protect the back when biking. Movement in the sleeves is very good and it’s easy to access to the two cavernous chest pockets while wearing a rucksack. The hood can be rolled into the collar, which is ideal for bikers, runners, and climbers, and on the head movement of the hood is good too. Verdict: If you’ve got just £70 to spend and want a lightweight jacket for running, biking, climbing and hiking this is great." "Lightweight, Waterproof, and Breathable Jacket type: Waterproof Wear it when: You need something to keep the rain out. The PreCip jacket by Marmot is stylish, full-function rainwear for backcountry and urban travelers alike, with a comfortable fit for easy layering when you need it. The fabric’s Dry Touch TM finish reduces condensation eliminating that cold, clammy feeling inside. Every good shell needs a solid hood and the PreCip’s is just that, allowing full peripheral vision when up and rolling neatly away into the collar when the rain finally stops." Additional Information Marmot Clothing Size Chart   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21112110L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21112110L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/21112110L-R-1.jpg The women's Angel Fire places insulation in areas of increased heat-loss, while its durable construction and high-quality down make it a reliable, all-purpose, three-season bag. Specifications Weight: 2 lb 15.63 ozs / 1.350 kgs Fill Weight: 22 ozs / 623.7 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Size on shoulder: 147 cm Size on hip: 147 cm Size on foot: 97 cm Colors: 2110 - Summer Blue/Sierra    EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box For Heat Packets Hood Draw Cord Positioned for Easy Access Locking Zippers Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Stash Pocket For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two-Way Zipper Sliders For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Certified 600+ Fill Goose Down EN Tested Women's Specific Fit - More Insulation in Key Areas. Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.     Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Features How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) Press Trail Magazine: This bag is no slouch in the specification department, with an excellent temperature rating that Trail’s lab test at Leeds University confirmed. The bag feels well-made with plenty of insulation and no cold spots. It gets a full-length sidezip with an excellent baffle and an anti-snag design that works perfectly. A neat touch is that the zip pull glows in the dark. The shoulder baffle is wide and well-filled to lock warm air inside the bag. The hood really sets the Marmot bag apart as it is a six-baffle design that has an exceptional fit plus well-designed and ideally situated drawcords. The shell repels water well, which is important for a down-insulated bag. All that for £170 and 1509g makes this a perfect bag for most situations and this was a clear favourite for me from the moment I tried it. Verdict: A superb bag with an outstanding hood and good features throughout at a sensible price and a good weight, making it ideal for most camping situations. - by Graham Thompson   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21020269L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21020269L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/21020269L R-1.jpg The Women's Helium adds insulation where women need it most for warmth down to 15°. At less than two pounds, it's ideal for lightweight mountaineering and backpacking. Specifications Weight: 1 lb 14.1 ozs / 853 g Fill Weight: 19 ozs / 538.6 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop DWR 1.2 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Taffeta DWR 1.0 oz/yd Insulation Material:  850+ Goose Down Size for stature: 168 cm Size on shoulder: 147 cm Size on hip: 147 cm Size on foot: 97 cm Colors: 269 - Oceana EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room Full-length Zipper Hood Draw Cord Positioned for Easy Access Insulated Draft Tube Eliminates Cold Leaks Through the Zipper Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Filled and Finished in Santa Rosa, California Certified 850+ Fill Goose Down The Best Weight to Warmth Down in the Market; Independently Tested and Certified by International Down and Feather Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retested at Fill Time in Santa Rosa to Ensure 850+ Fill Power Every Time. If the Down Does Not Meet Our In-House Test, We Send It Back EN Tested Women's Specific Fit - More Insulation in Key Areas. Passive Collar Videos Marmot's own Curly Cervone takes you into the Down Room at Marmot Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, where our 850+ fill sleeping bags are filled, sewn, and hand crafted right in our offices.       Additional Information   What makes Marmot Down so Special? (with video) 850+ Fill Dow Specific Features How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) Awards Marmot’s Ultralight Series Sleeping Bags Named Backpacker 2008 Editor’s Choice Gold Award Winner.   The Backpacker Editors’ Choice Awards, given annually since 1993, honor the products that Backpacker editors have chosen as the best of the year based on months of trail testing by teams of highly experienced hikers and climbers. With no set categories for the awards and no set number of recipients, the products and the testing process drive the award categories. Marmot was two of only 17 innovative products that have been honored with a 2008 Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award.   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21656208L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21656208L/R http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/21656208L-R-1.jpg With careful placement of extra insulation where needed most and enough down to provide warmth down to zero degrees, the W’s Teton is an exceptional 3+ season bag for trekking and backpacking. Specifications Weight: 3 lb 8 ozs / 1.588 kgs Fill Weight: 30 ozs / 850.5 g Main Material:  100% Nylon Ripstop AC 1.3 oz/yd Main Material:  100% Nylon WR 1.4 oz/yd Lining Material:  100% Polyester Dobby WR 2.2 oz/yd Insulation Material:  600+ Fill Goose Down Size on shoulder: 147 cm Size on hip: 147 cm Size on foot: 97 cm Colors: 6208 - Matador/Fire      EN Test What is EN testing? (with video) Features   Classic Trapezoidal Foot Box For More Foot Room "Feely" Draw Cords Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling Ground-Level Side Seams Eliminates Drafts Heater Pocket in Foot Box For Heat Packets Locking Zippers Keep the Bag from Opening Up in the Middle of the Night Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access Stash Pocket For Nighttime Essentials Such as a Watch or Energy Bar Stretch Tricot Baffles Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life Stuff and Storage Sack Included Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag Two Hang Loops On the Outside of Foot Box for Airing Out Your Bag Two-Way Zipper Sliders For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag Velcro®-free Face Muff Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face Zipper Guards Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils Certified 600+ Fill Goose Down EN Tested Women's Specific Fit - More Insulation in Key Areas. Down-filled Collar with Easy Access Draw Cord Heat Bump Draft Tube Video Marmot's own Curly Cervone and Randy Verniers explain why Marmot Down is the best on the market.  Additional Information   600 Fill Down Specific Features  How to take care of your down sleeping bag? (with video) Sleeping bags: Down vs. Synthetic. (with video) What is EN testing? (with video) http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Ortlieb_Racks_Fit http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ARTI_Ortlieb_Racks_Fit http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/ARTI_Ortlieb_Racks_Fit-1.jpg Direct acces to the MATRIX Do you wonder which Ortlieb panniers you need to mount on your rack? Or you have some panniers and you wonder which bicycle rack you should choose? While on a bicycle tour, the rack and the panniers are some of the most exposed gear to the environment. It is important to choose the right one and to make sure that one can properly mount on another. First, thanks to the Ortlieb Quick-Lock systems, their panniers fit almost any racks available on the market. Also, Ortlieb, Racktime, and Tubus - which are the most popular bicycle touring brands worldwide - develop their products "together", to make sure that all their gear are compatible. In other words, Ortlieb panniers will fit any Tubus and Racktime racks. Ortlieb collected the most popular rack brands on today's market, and put together a matrix so you can check which Ortlieb panniers go on which rack: Will my Ortlieb panniers fit on my rack? http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10510 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=10510 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/10510-1.jpg Description   Help your tent keep the rain out. Seam Grip is amazing. It’s an award-winning repair adhesive that can keep you dry in any weather. It permanently seals the seams on your tent, pack and rainwear. It can repair rips, tears and holes in your gear, too. It’s your all-purpose liquid tool in a tube. Seam Grip is part of a comprehensive line of Care and Repair products from Gear Aid. With Gear Aid, anyone can be a master of gear repair. Ideal for on uncoated and polyurethane coated fabrics. Long considered the industry standard, Seam Grip was awarded the prestigious Editors’ Choice Gold Award from Backpacker Magazine in 2002.Use Seam Grip to repair surfaces or seal seams of natural and synthetic fabrics, waterproof laminates, leather and vinyl. Seam Grip may be used to repair all types of waders and footwear, neoprene, PVC, rubber, and more. Concentrated and waterproof, Seam Grip offers excellent adhesion, long lasting flexibility, superior traction and abrasion resistance, with minimal shrinkage. Mc Nett recommendation: For silicone-treated tent and tarp fabrics, use SilNet™ Silicone Seam Sealer and Sil Fix Adhesive. What use?   Seals the seams on tents, tarps, backpacks, rainwear Permanently patches holes and repairs tears Washable and unaffected by extreme cold or heat One tube seals seams on an average 2-person backpacking tent  Awards   BACKPACKER EDITORS' CHOICE GOLD AMERICAN ALPINE INSTITUTE  Additional Info Seam Grip Instructions of use Seam Grip Tips & Reviews http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EZYESPRIT http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EZYESPRIT http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EZYESPRIT-1.jpg New and superior twist locking/unlocking mechanism for extra safety and security. No tools needed to get the pedals off the bike. Perfect for easy check-in in airplanes, for commuters, to reduce theft, and for anyone who likes to swap around their pedals. Ideal for bicycle touring, MTB, and commuters. Made of one piece, top quality, durable aluminum. Spindle: Chromoly (9/16") Accepts toe straps. Only 355 gr! http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EZYEXIM http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=EZYEXIM http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/EZYEXIM-1.jpg New and superior twist locking/unlocking mechanism for extra safety and security. No tools needed to get the pedals off the bike. Perfect for easy check-in in airplanes, for commuters, to reduce theft, and for anyone who likes to swap around their pedals. Ideal for bicycle touring, MTB, and commuters. Made of one piece, top quality, durable aluminum. Spindle: Chromoly Accepts toe straps. Only 412 gr! http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DUMBO http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DUMBO http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/DUMBO-1.jpg Description   One item you might want to consider for your next bicycle tour is top-quality Italian- made the Modolo Dumbo Customizable Trekking Handlebar Black. These handlebars are designed to make it easy to customize your riding position and riding style by tweaking the geometry of the handlebar whenever you feel like it. Cyclicsts with back problem, rave about the Dumbo! The Modolo Dumbo Customizable Trekking Handlebar Black can serve as a dashboard where you can mount everything you need so you have all your toys and gadget handy and ready to be used (bags, odometer, GPS, front light, bells etc.) Furthermore, the product is easily adjustable and lightweight. This means that you can install it and ensure it caters to your specific form and cycling style for the utmost support. Modolo Dumbo Review One cyclist on BikeForums.net stated that he couldn't be happier with the Modolo Dumbo Customizable Trekking Handlebar, which allows him to ride comfortably in many positions. Specifications MATERIAL: ALU 5086 H34 E.W. SURFACE: Black anodized / Laser SIZE (center-center): 53 to 59 cm adjustable ROTATION ANGLE: free HEIGHT reg.: 30 mm and more WEIGHT: 629 gr. STEM CLAMP AREA LENGTH: 5.5" (140 mm) of straight bar   Diagram     A. Maximum width 55/61cm variable B. Maximum depth (or length) 17cm C. Length of the stem clamp area 60mm D. Diameter of the tube of the handlebar (other than the stem clamp area) 25,4mm E. Diameter of the stem clamp area 25,4mm G. Distance between the two bar ends 6/12cm variable F. Length of the two straight tubes before each ends 14cm     http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOHICAN/B http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOHICAN/B http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/MOHICAN B-1.jpg Description High-Quality Italian-made. The YUMA shape, born in 1992 at Modolo, has had a sensational success in the European market and is becoming very popualur in the US. Yuma offers a perfect protection for the hands, absorbs vibration from the road surface and with its 3 grip positions, it allows the rider to change their riding position - a great relief for trekking riders. The Modolo Yuma Mohican is available in SILVER Finish or BLACK Finish.  NOTE: Modolo Yuma Mohican Black and Silver models have the SAME dimensions (pictures may show differently due to the angle) Specifications NOTE: Modolo Yuma Mohican Black and Silver models have the SAME dimensions (pictures may show differently due to the angle) Made in Italy MATERIAL: ALU 5036 H32 FINISH: Silver or Black WEIGHT: 390 gr.  Diagram NOTE: Modolo Yuma Mohican Black and Silver models have the SAME dimensions (pictures may show differently due to the angle) MODEL: Mohican Silver or Black  A. Maximum width 58cm B. Maximum depth 18cm C. Length of the stem clamp area 45mm D. Diameter of the tube of the handlebar (other than the stem clamp area) 22,2mm E. Diameter of the stem clamp area  25,4mm F. Distance between the two bar ends 20cm http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TRAVELLER/B http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TRAVELLER/B http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/TRAVELLER B-1.jpg Description High-Quality Italian-made.  The YUMA shape, born in 1992 at Modolo, has had a sensational success in the European market. Yuma offers a perfect protection for the hands, absorbs vibration from the road surface and with its 3 grip positions, it allows the rider to change their riding position - a great relief for trekking riders. The Modolo Yuma Traveller is available in SILVER Finish or BLACK Finish.  Specifications   MODELS: Traveller MATERIAL: ALU 5036 H32 SIZE: 56 cm FINISH: Silver or Black WEIGHT: 390 gr. DIAMETER: 1 inch (25.4mm) Diagram Model: TRAVELLER Black or Silver A. Maximum width58cm B. Maximum depth 16cm C. Length of the stem clamp area 45mm D. Diameter of the rest of thehandlebar (other than the stem clamp area) 22,2mm E. Diameter of the stem clamp area 25,4mm G. Distance between the two bar ends 18cm F. Length of the two straight tubesbefore each ends14cm http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691759 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691759 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691759-1.jpg Made of durable, lightweight polyurethane, Mr Tuffy provides a protective layer between the outer tire and inner tube. Fits the following tire sizes: 700c x 28-32 27" x 1 1/8" 27" x 1 1/4" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691773 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691773 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691773-1.jpg  Made of durable, lightweight urethane, Mr Tuffy provides a protective layer between the outer tire and inner tube. Fits  26" x 1.5" - 1.95" tires. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691650 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691650 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691650-1.jpg Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite, premium tire liners weigh 50% less than standard tire liners. New ribbed & fit curve design helps keep the liner in place for easier installation and makes for smoother ride. Do not cause tube damage andAvailable in 6 sizes. Weight: 65gr. / 2.2oz. only!!! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite BROWN fits the following tires: 26" x 1.95"-2.35"-2.5" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691636 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691636 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691636-1.jpg Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite, premium tire liners weigh 50% less than standard tire liners. New ribbed & fit curve design helps keep the linerin place for easier installation and makes for smoother ride. Do not cause tube damage andAvailable in 6 sizes. Weight: 32gr. / 1.1oz. only!!! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite ORANGE fits the following tire size: 700c x 20-25 27" x 1" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691629 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691629 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691629-1.jpg Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite, premium tire liners weigh 50% less than standard tire liners. New ribbed & fit curve design helps keep the linerin place for easier installation and makes for smoother ride. Do not cause tube damage andAvailable in 6 sizes. Weight: 38gr. / 1.3oz. only!!! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite RED fits the following tires: 700c x 28-32 27" x 1 1/8" 27 x 1 1/4" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691643 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691643 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691643-1.jpg Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite, premium tire liners weigh 50% less than standard tire liners. New ribbed & fit curve design helps keep the linerin place for easier installation and makes for smoother ride. Do not cause tube damage andAvailable in 6 sizes. Weight: 51gr. / 1.7oz. only!!! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite SILVER fits the following tires: 26" x 1.5" - 1.9" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691698 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=27242691698 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/27242691698-1.jpg The new "Ribbed & Fit Curve Design" helps keep the liner in place for easier installation and makes for a smoother ride! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite, premium tire liners weigh 50% less than standard tire liners. New ribbed & fit curve design helps keep the linerin place for easier installation and makes for smoother ride. Do not cause tube damage andAvailable in 6 sizes. Weight: 51gr. / 1.7oz. only!!! Mr Tuffy Ultra Lite SILVER fits the following tires: 26" x 1.5" - 1.9" http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=321550 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=321550 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/MSR-321550-1.jpg MSR® lightweight spoon cleverly fold in half for compact storage. Use them for pots with a nonstick coating—no scratches, no dings. And the durable nylon construction is safe and non-leeching. Weight: 0.98 oz./28 g http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=321554 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=321554 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/MSR-321554-1.jpg MSR® lightweight strainer cleverly fold in half for compact storage. Use them for pots with a nonstick coating—no scratches, no dings. And the durable nylon construction is safe and non-leeching. Weight: 0.77 oz./22 g http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=12470 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=12470 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/12470-1.jpg  Custom-fit protection for your tent floor, providing increased protection from water and wear-and-tear. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=12471 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=12471 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/12471-1.jpg Custom-fit protection for your tent floor, providing increased protection from water and wear-and-tear. http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21603 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=21603 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/MSR-21603-1.jpg Description   The Quick 1™ System is our lightest, most compact cook system, featuring ultralight titanium. It’s the ultimate solution for the simple, one-pot meals favored by soloists moving fast. Includes: (1) 1.3L titanium pot, (1) Strainer lid, (1) Insulated stainless steel mug, (1) Talon™ pot handle. Ultralight: Durable titanium pot shaves ounces from pack weight. Compact: Efficient nesting design saves valuable pack room. Comprehensive: Includes insulated mug.   Specifications Model # Capacity (pot) Tot. Weight Dimensions 21603 1.37qt (1.3L) 10.7oz (304g) 6.75x3.75 in (9.5x17 cm)   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11780 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11780 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/11780-1.jpg Description Series 27 from Trangia offers gerat stoves for the lone hiker or the couple on a bike tour. A small, compact stove that you will barely notice in your backpack or panniers. This complete kit includes a stove burner, two 1-litre saucepans (1 graded, 1 ungraded), an 18 cm frying pan, windshields (upper and lower), a pan grip and a strap. Dimensions 18,5 x 10 cm. shield for only 26oz (740gr)!   Specifications Weight Fuel* Boil Time  26oz (740g) Alcohol  8 min Dimensions: 7" x 3.75" (18.5x10 cm) Weight: 1lb 10oz (740gr)   Related Articles How to choose the right stove for cycle touring, backpacking or hiking? International Fuel Names (all major fuels in 19 languages) Tips and Tricks for using your stove while traveling by bicycle Awards     Additional Inforamtion   Whisperlite International owner's Manual http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11822 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11822 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/MSR-11822-1.jpg An extended trip far away from home is no place to remember you forgot to replace that worn-out O-ring. But it happens. Be prepared for anything with our Expedition Service kits. They provide comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions for your liquid-fuel stove and pump in places where failure is not an option. Weight: 3.4 oz / 96 g WhisperLite Expedition Service Kit Instructions http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002159 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002159 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/892802002159-1.jpg Even with the best care, a tent floor is susceptible to damage after countless trips in the wilderness. The Losi™ Footprint, made of tough 70D PU coated Nylon, is a great way to extend the life of your tent. Weight: 8.7 ounces Packs small 0.8 ounce mesh bag   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002500 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002500 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/892802002500-1.jpg The Losi 2P™ Gear Caddy keeps your tent tidy and organized by providing a place to store all of your essential gear. With four mesh pockets and two LightPockets™, keep your late-night reading, glasses, and lighting close at hand. Place your headlamp in a LightPocket™, and the light-diffusing fabric will help cast and even glow throughout the tent interior. Weight: 1.7 oz 4 Gear pockets 2 Lightpockets™ Removable http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002401 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002401 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/892802002401-1.jpg The Losi 2P™ Gear Loft adds additional overhead storage without compromising on floor space or elbow room. The mesh Gear Loft is perfect for drying clothes or stashing gear for quick access. The Gear Loft also provides two additional side gear storage pockets and two LightPockets™. Weight: 2.4 oz (0.07) lbs 2 Gear Pockets 2 Light Pockets™ Removable   http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002999 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002999 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/892802002999-1.jpg Add a little luxury to your backpacking trip. When comfort is the primary concern, the Losi™ Pawprint™ interior liner is the way to go. Although the Pawprint™ works in any two person tent, it fits perfectly inside Losi and snaps securely into the corners. Built in sleeves and Velcro tabs lock sleeping pads in place to make a double bed, and the brushed nylon is soft enough to use as a bottom sheet in warm weather. Stuff your down jackets into the sewn-in pillow pockets when you head for bed. Don't worry about getting it dirty, the Pawprint™ is machine washable. Weight 1.8 lbs Soft brushed nylon Machine washable Fitted for Losi™ http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002760 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=892802002760 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/892802002760-1.jpg Your tent is your home in the wilderness, so don't sacrifice comfort and stability for a few ounces. Nemo used the lightest weight materials and a unique pole structure to build Losi 2P™ extra sturdy and extra spacious. Two doors and two vestibules eliminate jostling for position and gear storage, and an optional Pawprint™ liner joins sleeping pads to make a double bed. With a full mesh canopy for summer evenings and large side vents for continuous airflow on rainy nights, Losi 2P™ is essential for the avid backpacker. Specifications Capacity Weight Interior Vestibule Floor Fly Features   2 pers. 5.8 lb (2.63kg) 32 sq ft (2.97m2)  26 sq ft (2.42m2)  5000mm 5000mm  2 doors   Video   Testimonials   Outside Magazine Summer 2007 Buyer's Guide "When guyed out, the two-door Losi was as unflappable as Tiger Woods, thanks to two arching ridge poles that dramatically increase stability. The four-pole design also produces cathedral-like headroom and lots of space, both inside and out: Each vestibule is 13 square feet, while the interior is a roomy 32 square feet." Accessories  Gear Loft Footprint Pawprint Deluxe™ Gear Caddy http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=814041010122 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=814041010122 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/814041010122-1.jpg The Morpho AR™ Pawprint™ is a removable liner for the inside of your tent. It has the double function of protecting your tent floor from boots and paws and of adding serious comfort. Pawprint™ is made of a machine washable, brushed fabric that is very soft to the touch. Place your sleeping pads underneath to help them stay in place. With a clean, soft Pawprint™ under you, you might be able to save some weight and travel with a lighter sleeping bag or blanket. 15 oz Soft brushed nylon Machine washable Fitted for Morpho AR™ http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT241 http://www.cyclocamping.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GOT241 http://www.cyclocamping.com/prodimages/small/GOT241-1.jpg Down is one of nature’s wonder materials. It’s light, resilient, and an excellent insulator. Down Proof is formulated to add water-repellency to down and shell fabrics of down-filled sleeping bags and clothing. All feather-filled / down clothing and accessories Available volume: 10 fl.oz. (300 ml) Benefits   Adds / renews water repellency and revives breathability Maintains insulation, keeping you warm Minimises weight gain Prolongs the life of gear and optimises performance in wet weather Safe to use on all feather and down garments and equipment Easy to apply - can be used in a washing machine WaterBased - environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non flammable, non hazardous Does not contain fluorocarbons Ideal For   All feather-filled / down clothing and accessories Recommended for Puffa How to apply For best results remove all non-washable parts and clean item(s) with Nikwax® Down Wash. No need to dry item before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Machine Wash: Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser. Place clean item in washing machine (maximum 1 item). Use 3 full caps (150ml) for 1 item. Run 30o synthetic cycle and slow spin. Hand Wash (use gloves): Immerse clean item(s) in hand-hot water. For clothing: use 3 full caps (150ml) for 1 item in a bowl and 6 full caps (300ml) for 2 items in a bath tub. Fully submerge item(s) in water. For sleeping bags: use 6 full caps (300ml) in 4cm deep water in a bathtub.* Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly. Rinse clothing in cold water until water runs clear. For sleeping bags repeat process, drain and gently press bag to expel excess water. Drying: Spin dry 3 times (slow spin). If care label allows, tumble dry according to manufacturer’s instructions on a low setting until ‘clumps’ have disappeared. Shaking and patting the item regularly during drying process will help restore loft to the down. *3-4 season down sleeping bags should be professionally cleaned or waterproofed. To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax® Down Wash. Do not use detergents. When to use Always apply this product to used down / feather-filled clothing or accessories to keep items in perfect water-repellent condition. Remember to clean gear first with Nikwax Down Wash before applying Nikwax Down Proof (you don’t have to wait for items to dry between cleaning and proofing).