Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25256
I 50 miles per day usa-LEWIS + CLARK TRAIL, -MONTANA 0000 00, ••• C9C9C9 0000 A lot has changed since Lewis and Clark trailblazed the West 200 years ago, but the route they trav- eled can still make for a great adventure. The Adventure Cycling Association has created and mapped the Lewis and Clark Bicycle Trail, which follows paved roadways from Hartford, Illinois, to Astoria, Oregon. Don't feel like riding that far? They also lead two-week trips that start and end in Missoula, Montana, and follow the most scenic Montana portion of the trail. Expect to pedal an average of 50 miles per day along the Blackfoot and Missouri rivers and through wide, mountain-lined valleys with more cows than people. Both of Adventure Cycling's trips-the entire trail and the shorter Montana loop-are self-supported but with a guide. Riders camp at night in backwoods sites and at private campgrounds and share in cooking. These trips are for strong, experienced riders who can carry all their own camping gear and ride long distances without the safety net of a support vehicle. Plan two-and-a-half months to ride the whole shebang, a couple of weeks for the Montana loop. Ridable from May through September. -Aaron Teasdale I OUTFITTERS ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION, MISSOULA, MONTANA Formed in 1976, Adventure Cycling is the national authority on cycle touring. They're also the only company leading trips on this route. Cost includes food, guide, maps and camping fees. They also offer maps of and trips on the 3,250- mile trail in its entirety. 15 days; $850; max. group size 14; 800-755-2453, www.adventurecycling.org, tours@adventurecycling.org 25 miles per day 000 GG 0000 C9C9 france: AUBRAC + LOT VALLEY 00 Hidden deep in the the southwest of bike friendly France, the Aubrac and the Lot valley are the most amazing undiscovered gems for cyclists. As well traveled as France is, this region remains relatively unexplored by cyclists other than locals and par- ticipants in the Peloton every year. Steeped in history and culture dating back to neolithic man with dolmens hidden on the landscape, the beauty of these areas is the dramatic variety of landscape within such a short distance. Averaging roughly 25 miles a day, one begins in the mountain town of Laguiole (La- yoll) known for its cattle, cheese and horn handled knives. At an altitude ranging from 2,600 ft to 4,000 ft above sea level, the landscape quickly changes to oak forests with ascents and descents as far as the eye can see. Following a hairraising descent to the confluence of the rivers Truyere and Lot, the route weaves through river gorges filled with medieval vil- lages and affords an opportunity to view cave drawings that date back 20,000 years and finally ends back in the foothills. Even though the region is best enjoyed by those well condi- tioned for long uphill climbs, there are still numerous choices for the less seasoned but avid cyclist.-Siobhan Donoghue OUTFITTERS BUTTERFIELD + ROBINSON, CANADA One of the world's top quality biking and hiking companies, B + R has been guiding trips in the region since 1997. Cost includes lUXUry lodging, most meals, guides, transfers, van support and bikes. 8 days; $4,595; spring and fall: September and October 2003; 800-678-1147 www.butterfieldandrobinson.com '" ~ o :I: 000 000 C9C9 00 •• :I: "- C!j w Z Don't let the name scare you, cycling around Hawaii's Big Island takes only about a weekend that includes plenty of time to explore the beaches, small towns, active vol- canoes, and national parks on one of the most "Hawaiian" (i.e. least tourist-infested) islands in this L-________________________________________________________________________________________________ ~"- ~ .... _____ ...... Edenic archipelago. With lots of inexpensive lodging and little way to get lost-the paved Belt Highway is the only road that loops the island-riding self-supported is a snap. This is an ideal trip for intermediate rid- ers looking to try a week of touring. The climbs are moderate and rolling with only one real lung-buster-the nearly 4,ooo-foot grind up to Volcanoes National Park. A guided tour can help portage less experienced riders up the climb and across the intermittent stretches of shoulder-less road. Besides a day hiking the dynamic terrain of Volcanoes Park, other worthy side-trips are the desolate-yet- beautiful sea cliffs of South Point-the southernmost point in the United States- and the dramatically scenic Waipio Valley. While the highway occasionally skirts shore, more often it stays high offering vast views of cliffs, coffee plantations, Maui and endless blue of the Pacific. Temperatures rarely breach the lOW-80S or 36 BICYCLE ADVENTURES, OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON Bicycle Adventures has been leading bike trips for 19 years and offer the Big Isle's best tours-45 miles a day average, vehicle·supported. All meals and lodg- ing included, with the focus on lUXUry. Bike rental extra. 8 days; $2,470; 2003: September through December, 2004: January through June; max. group size 18; 800-443-6060, www.bicycleadventures.com. office@bicycleadventures.com dip below 60, except in the higher mountains where nights in the 30S aren't uncommon. Winter is the rainy season, but quality rain-gear is essen- tial year-round.-AT OUTFITTERS c: "- g :I: (!) ~ C!j o z ~ c: :E :I: (!) g Vi Ii: ":l "- ~ '" :I: + ~ e:- e:-