10 Great Bicycle Touring Gifts For The Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and if you’re looking for a great gift for the bicycle tourist in your life (or maybe even for yourself), you gotta check out the following list of 10 great gift ideas for bicycle travelers.

Panniers & Handlebar Bag

  

One of the first things any bicycle traveler needs is a good set of panniers. You’ll need one set of rear panniers and one set of front panniers. I recommend either Lone Peak or Ortlieb panniers. If you want a quality pannier at an excellent price, go with the Lone Peaks. They’re extremely water resistant, but not 100% waterproof. If you are concerned about keeping your belongings dry, choose a set of Ortlieb panniers. They’re a bit more expensive, but they’ll keep out the water and you’ll look good too! And don’t forget to purchase the matching handlebar bag for the panniers you end up selecting. The handlebar bag is the pride and glory for many bicycle tourists. Read more

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Bicycle Lifestyle Web Event Recap - Day 2

Well, the Bicycle Lifestyle Web Event has come to an end. Thank you for being a part of the event and I hope you learned something… or at least has a little fun!  

In case you missed any of the information that was released today, here’s a quick recap:

• Ted Schredd started the day off with an excerpt from his book, Gramma Knows The F Word, all about how adults can discover more fun in their lives.

• Neil Gunton from CrazyGuyOnABike.com gave you an introduction to long distance bicycle travel.

• And the guys from WarmShowers.org discussed some of the free lodging options that traveling cyclists have available to them.

• Then I conducted an interview with Amy Walker from Momentum Magazine about bicycle fashion.

• And talked to Lee Gilbert from CycleAware about the shared responsibility that drivers and cyclists have in regards to keeping our streets safe.

• Continuing the theme of bicycle safety, Road ID submitted an article about the importance of identification for bicyclists.

• Yaro Stak talked about blogging and how this technique of making money off the Internet can give you the freedom to travel the world and pursue the things you really want in life… and not have to sacrafice your income in order to do those things.

• And finally, I finished the night with a streaming video broadcast where I talked about bicycle touring and answered questions live over the Internet. 222 people tuned in for the show. It was a lot of fun and I hope those who joined the conversation learned something.

In between all of this, we also gave away a number of great cycling products. CycleAware gave away three mirros and their Wand-A safety wand. I gave away a copy of “The Ultimate Guide To Free Lodging” - a workbook that walks you step-by-step through the process of obtaining free hotels and campgrounds for your travels. Road ID donated 3 gift certificates for any of their ID products. And Lone Peak donated a rack pack to one lucky individual. Read more

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Bicycle Lifestyle Web Event Recap - Day 1

It’s been an exciting day, with emails pouring in and new readers flocking to the site it droves.

In case you missed any of the articles today, here’s a quick recap:

• Jack Sweeny from BikeCommuters.com started the day off some tips for commuting to work on your bicycle.

• The Metal Cowboy (Joe Kurmaskie) followed that up with a story about how cycling with his family eventually led him to start an organization aimed at getting 1 million new cyclists on our streets.

• Then Gene Bisbee from BikingBis.com shared some ideas on how you can save money by traveling by bike this year. For more great cycling information and news, head over to BikingBis.com.

• Then the Metal Cowboy jumped in again with a hilarious piece that will help you determine whether or not you are a cycling addict. You gotta check out this article! I was laughing the whole way through.

• Bike Friday contributor, Lynette Chiang, shared how the low stepover feature on most folding bikes enable riders of all shapes and sizes to experience the joys of cycling.

• World traveler, Chris Guillebeau, encouraged you to get more freedom in your life

• And finally, Ginny Sullivan from the Adventure Cycling Association talked to me about the organization of a new U.S. Bicycle Route System that could one day connect every major city in the country. If you missed this interview, I encourage you to check it out now!

In between all of this, we also gave away a number of great cycling products. Lone Peak Packs gave away seat packs to four lucky winners. Yakkay gave away a stylish helmet. CycleAware donated a Stow-Away backpack and a Reflex bicycle mirror. And the Adventure Cycling Association gave away a one-year membership and a $25 gift certificate to be used in their touring store. Read more

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The Bicycle Touring Pro - Live On Your Computer Screen

This event has already ended. If you would like to participate in the next live video broadcast, make sure you sign up for the BicycleTouringPro.com newsletter so you are notified as to the exact the and date of the event.

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Hello! This is Darren Alff here… and I’ll be broadcasting live today (November 23rd) at 9 PM Eastern Time. I’ll be talking about the event this weekend, telling some stories from my own bicycle adventures, and then answering any questions you might have about bicycle touring, long distance travel, or or any of the subjects covered this weekend during the first ever Bicycle Touring Pro Lifestyle Web Event. Read more

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Win A Prize: The Lone Peak RP-350 Basic Rack Pack

Yesterday, Lone Peak Packs gave away four ST-85 Seat Packs, but today they’re giving away a single RP-350 Basic Rack Pack. This pack straps to your rear bicycle rack and can carry an assortment of items for your short or long distance bike ride. 

The RP-350 Basic Rack Pack Is:

• Fully padded with rigid foam for insulation and shape
• Has an easy access main compartment with mesh outer pockets
• 4-point attachment system
• And the label doubles as flasher light mount
• Volume: 500 cubic inches
• Colors: black, blue, red, steel

And The Winner Is…

• Beth Peterson

If you are the lucky winner listed above, please contact me now with your shipping address and I’ll be sure to get your pack to you ASAP! Read more

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Blogging With Yaro Starak: A Strategy For Profits And World Travel

Stuck in the 9 to 5 and hate your job? Wish you could do something you were passionate about AND get paid to do it? Want to travel the world and not be forced to sacrifice your income while you’re away?

Today, Yaro Starak is going to show you a way you just might be able to escape your desk job and go after the things you really want in life!

Yaro Starak is a young Australian Internet Entrepreneur and world-famous blogger who’s online successes have not only provided him with an impressive 6-figure income, but the ability to take his business on the road as he travels around the world.

Yaro has become so successful with his own online businesses that he now teaches others how to create profitable blogs of their own. Read more

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Did You Win A Free Road ID?

Road ID has been kind enough to donate 3 gift certificates worth $26.50 each. This amount will allow you to purchase any of the different Road ID styles. Whether you want to wear your ID around your neck or on your wrist, ankle or shoe… you’ll be able to get whichever style you like! My favorite is the Wrist ID, but that’s just me!

Are You A Winner?

• Carlos Mejia
• Roland Landsness
• Graeme Adams

If you are one of the lucky people listed above, your Road ID gift certificate will be sent to you via email. There is no need to contact me. Read more

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Safe And Stylish Cycling Tips For Bikers And Drivers

Safety is a hot topic amongst cyclists. But with a trend toward muted clothing colors and an explosion of new cyclists on our roadways, how can cyclists stay safe while out on the streets? And what role do drivers play in regards to the safety of bikers?

To find out the answers to these questions I talked to Lee Gilbert, the CEO of CycleAware Inc.

Just click the play button below to hear my interview with Lee.

Interview Length: 23 minutes

Click here to download the interview

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Don’t Ride Another Mile Without ID

When it comes to cycling, wearing identification could be more important than the expensive bike you straddle. Most cyclists understand the dangers of riding, but very few take all the necessary safety measures when they head out for a ride. Perhaps the most important part of safety gear that cyclists overlook is a good form of identification. This is alarming, when in fact; over 450,000 individuals are taken to hospitals each year unconscious and without any form of identification. In 2006, cars hit more than 122,000 cyclists, runners and walkers. Thousands more had other cycling accidents that landed them in hospitals.

In the event of an unexpected accident, ID is crucial. Identification is your lifeline when you can’t speak for yourself. It gives first responders the ability to reference your vital medical history, and to immediately contact family members – something that may take hours or days without ID. Having proper ID with you assures that you won’t be listed as another “John Doe.” Unfortunately, accidents do happen – even to the best athletes. When they do, quick and easy access to identification can prevent a serious delay in proper treatment or even save a life. Read more

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Momentum Propels Bicycle Fashions Forward

The bicycle industry is changing and new riders are being introduced every day. But how do the clothes you wear affect your ride, your safety, and the way others view you? To find out what kind of trends are emerging in regards to bicycle fashion, I talked with Amy Walker from Momentum Magazine and asked her about the future of bicycle clothing.

To hear my interview with Amy, just click the play button below.

Interview Length: 14 minutes

Click here to download this interview

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