This is a page for some of the bicycle touring resources we’ve found helpful along the way. If you have any you’d like to share, I’d love to add them to the list so let me know! Also, if you’d like to have a link to your own blog on this page, send us a note on our CONTACT page! Without further adieu…

 
 

WARM SHOWERS

WarmShowers.org is a community of nearly 20,000 bicycle tourists and travel lovers who offer their spare bedrooms and bathrooms to those traveling via bicycle. The community works like a cooperative where hosts are not allowed to charge, and cyclists are encouraged to host when they’re not touring themselves. If you find yourself desperate for a dry room and warm shower, this is a fantastic resource. Take your shoes off, say please and thank you, and you’ll be surprised at the generosity of the new friends you’ll make!

Official Site:            http://www.warmshowers.org
Introduction:          http://www.warmshowers.org/content/video-introduction-warmshowers.org
How to Start:          http://www.warmshowers.org/content/video-how-create-account-warmshowers.org
FAQ:                         http://www.warmshowers.org/faq

 

 

ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION

AdventureCyclingAssociation.org is an organization for all things cycling in America. There are a number or resources on their site including routes and maps, guided tours, the Adventure Cyclist magazine, and more. While nearly nothing on the site is free, they do offer some great maps that will take you all over the country. Check the link below to see some of their cross country routes. While not everyone loves their routes, they are great seeds of inspiration to get your wheels turning.

Official Site:           http://www.adventurecycling.org/
Routes:                    http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/
Map of Routes:      http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/RouteNetwork.pdf

 

 

THE TOURING STORE

TheTouringStore.com is a small online shop with great prices on Ortlieb Panniers, Lone Peak Panniers, and Tubus Racks. While the site may look like it was coded in the nineties, be sure to give Wayne a call and tell him what you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to do with it. These guys seriously give the best customer service I’ve had anywhere. Depending where you live, your order may be tax free and shipping free.

Official Site:           http://www.thetouringstore.com/

 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES (USA)

Public libraries have bicycle touring books, maps, route guides, travelogues, and so much more. My local library had both books I took on my Pacific Coast tour which was great for comparisons, and route planning alternatives before I bought them. In addition to a wealth of books, most libraries offer internet and a dry, warm place to relax. Wonder where your tax dollars went? Go find out, request books, and make friends at one of my favorite resources!

Find Libraries:      http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/librarysearch/

 

 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (USA)

Planning a trip through the USA? Take a look at some of the places you’ll be passing along the way. Also, if you’re touring in an off season, be sure to check the status of the parks you’d like to visit as some are closed in the winter.

National Parks:     http://www.nps.gov/index.htm