Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | Green Escape: Bicycle Touring

Bicycle touring is a great, green way to explore the country. From cycling the West Coast, touring New England, or braving the trek across the U.S., there are destinations for the beginner or seasoned cyclist. Many companies specialize in guided tours that plan your routes, meals and accommodations - or go at it alone with a group of friends.

Wild Heart Cycling offers sustainable cycling tours in Oregon, California and Vermont with guides who plan your meals, accommodations (often camping) and make local purchases.

Adventure Cycling offers guided tours, both self contained (you carry all of your own gear) or supported (a van carries your belongings).

Should you prefer to plan your own trip, Adventure Cycling also offers detailed bike touring maps of some of the most popular routes in the U.S. I'd highly recommend their maps as they include the most bike friendly routes, campsites, bike shops, points of interest and topography.

To cover more distance, consider working in a ride on Amtrak to get home from your tour. It's a great way to see the countryside and relax in comfort after a few days in the saddle. And they're bike friendly!

There are also hundreds of regional bike tours, allowing you to explore your own backyard. The East Bay Bicycle Coalition (California) hosts a Build It Green Home Tour bike trip which tours some 17 homes in the area for green home ideas.

Have you ever toured by bike? If so, share your experience!

Other Resources:
Outside Magazine Gear Guide for Bike Touring

thanks for the info. on the bike tours. My husband is an avid biker...sounds like a perfect vacation!

posted by lovethatgreen on August 6th 2008 at 11:34am
view lovethatgreen's profile

Good friends of mine are currently on a bike tour. With their tandem bike, tent, and adventurous hearts, they are traveling to the geographic center of every. single. state. That's right all 50! They're spreading it out over a 2 year tour. Check out their site at: http://fiftybybike.com/

posted by Mikki on August 6th 2008 at 5:50pm
view Mikki's profile

Thank you, your account has been registered.

We have sent an email to the address you registered with for verification purposes. Please use the link in the verification email to activate your account.