It seems like the weather in the Mid Atlantic region went from cool and rainy to extremely hot and humid overnight! As the temperature climbs into triple digits it is vital to remember how to keep cooler while riding. Stay hydrated with water. Yes, I know the marketers of “sports drinks” are good at promoting the necessity of their products, but have you looked at their labels lately? Mostly sugar! Sports drinks should be used sparingly with an emphasis on electrolyte

While bike touring (often referred to as "bikepacking"), I have stayed in relaxing B&B’s, hotels, and vacation homes. Bike touring while camping however, requires a different set of skills, but can be just as relaxing and rewarding. I recall years ago when riding day trips on the C&O Canal or overnighting it at a hotel and seeing folks camping at the primitive hiker-bikers. My thoughts ran to how could anyone stand the heat/bugs/snakes/skunks/rain with no hot showers/running

Given all the rain we have had recently here in the Mid-Atlantic, the choice either is to ride in the rain or stay home. And those of us who do extended day bike-packing trips understand that not every day is going to be 65 degrees and partly cloudy. So either by choice or circumstance, riding in the rain is not the end of the world….if you are prepared. Regardless of the time of the year, bike fenders will always help. All my hybrid bikes have them and I have found in add

I gave a presentation recently on biking and bike trails at the Rotary Club of Cumberland’s weekly meeting. Following the meeting I received a very nice email from one of the members saying that my talk inspired her and inquiring as to what she should consider when purchasing her new bike? I am flattered to be anyone’s inspiration (thank you for the kind words Sally) but do not consider myself an expert. I do however have some opinions on what to consider when buying a bike

Fort Frederick to Little Orleans via WMD Rail/ C&O Canal. 54 miles Trail Loop A wonderful loop ride can be found in Washington County, Maryland on the mixed-use Western Maryland Rail Trail and the C&O Canal National Historic Park. The Rail trail section of the ride has several road crossings while the C&O Canal towpath section has two. While there are several starting spots, critical ride planning components for me are good lunch options, scenic beauty, and little crowds.