Here's a YouTube video that was just posted to the web by RidingTheSpine, a trio of 3 guys that are riding from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. Already, they have ridden over 5000 miles. In the process, they've been chased by wild animals, gotten frostbite and have even been jailed/fined by the feds (for biking down the Grand Canyon's North Kaibab Trail).

This video of the guys roaring down a box canyon and climbing the 4 Peaks above Phoenix is just as action packed as a previous video of them camping and bicycling inside the walls of the Grand Canyon. The difference is that the box canyon is on a cycling legal section of the 800 mile long Arizona Trail so the Park Service can't arrest them for posting it...



I hope they post a video of the crossing into Mexico; I'm sure it will be interesting.

Labels: Arizona Trail, bicycling, bike tour, bike trip, RidingTheSpine

Gene Bisbee, a fellow bicycling advocate that I correspond with periodically, reported today on RidingTheSpine's brouhaha with the National Park Service regarding the cyclists' traverse of the Grand Canyon. Gene described the tour and some of the trials they've endured as well as the outcome with the Park Service.

By presenting the Spine's missteps against the larger tapestry of cycling thousands of miles in the wilds of the West and on their own, bicycling down the North Kaibab Trail was obviously within the skills of these bicyclists. Unfortunately, it's also illegal.

After reading Gene's post, I felt inclined to comment; here's what I wrote:

"I learned about RidingTheSpine several months ago and have been following their tour closely, corresponding and speaking by phone with Jacob Thompson as regularly as possible.

Although I can appreciate the concerns of the National Park Service, I was really hoping that the feds would not come down so hard on the trio.

With a gritty resolve and youthful exuberance, these guys have pedaled further than most people will ever drive on a road trip. For months, they've gone head to head with nature and the elements, neither making a big deal of the challenges they've overcome nor causing any trouble. Their hearts are in the right place too.

Several weeks ago, Jacob, Sean & David dedicated their ride to promoting and assisting the Friends of the Lafitte Corridor, a non-profit group looking to create a bike trail through New Orleans neighborhoods ravaged by Katrina's floodwaters. Though short in length, getting this trail built post Katrina is no small feat. The city is trudging along from one emergency to the next; most homes along the trail route stand vacant awaiting rebuilding.

$500 may sound like a small amount for a fine; however, their tour has already consumed their savings. Hopefully, they'll be able to put this setback behind them and continue all the way to the southern tip of South America.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future."

Labels: bicycling, courtcase, Gene Bisbee, Grand Canyon, National Park Service, RidingTheSpine

Amsterdam is a haven for cyclists. How else could you explain a place that has a multi-story parking garage for bicycles or a national holiday honoring bicycles? Watch this video of bicycling in Amsterdam and see for yourself.

Labels: Amsterdam, bicycling, bike video, cycling

by Larry Lagarde

If you've ever wondered what it would be like spending 14 weeks crossing the high Bolivian Andes and northwestern Argentina by bicycle, take a look at this movie trailer for the 76 minute documentary "Andes Bicycle Expedition: A Crossing of the Bolivian Altiplano." Shot by the cyclists portrayed in the film (Kathleen Mullin and Yannick Daoudi), the trailer gives a glimpse of the stark terrain and challenges the riders encountered on their bike trip.



I learned of this bike trip documentary while reading about the films being shown at the 2007 Vancouver International Mountain Film Fest. Taking place now through February 24th, the festival features amateur and Canadian films relating to mountain climbing and other extreme sports.

After I viewed the trailer, I contacted the cyclists for a brief interview and Yannick Daoudi (the male cyclist featured in the movie) agreed. Once the interview is conducted, I'll be publishing it here at RideTHISbike.com.

Labels: Andes, Argentina, bicycling, bike tour, bike trip, Bolivia, documentary, movie, trailer