On a recent long layover in Paris, I was able to enjoy a self-guided Paris bike tour quite easily. As you head towards the train station at Charles De Gaulle Airport there is a private company that offers luggage storage. Once I dropped my bags off and I was luggage free,  I was only minutes from a train to Paris.

The Paris Velibe bike share program offers 18,000 bicycles and 1200 stations throughout Paris. Using the bikes requires a membership which is easily obtained at any Velibe station for as little as a day.  Once you have a day pass you are then billed based upon how long you use the bike. I was able to bike between many of the main attractions using mostly dedicated bike lanes. If you find yourself in Paris using the Velibe bike share program is a great way to see the city or just get around

My Bike in paris

Eiffel Tour Bike Tour

If you are time constrained like I was it is best to come up with a plan for dropping you bike at a station so you are not scrambling to find one. My Verizon Iphone is an older version so i could get data in paris without finding WiFi

Once I had my bike, I just started following a bike path along the Seine River and found it quite easy to navigate between the major Paris landmarks.

My Bike in paris

Cycling Maine – Mt Desert Island Four summits in one day on one island

On the of the great aspects about working for Summer Feet Cycling as a leader is that the company gives its leaders great flexibility when it comes to plan B. Plan B is most frequently invoked due to weather.  Last fall I devised a plan B due to rain, fog and a thunderstorm on Mount Desert Island.

I was leading 4 souls around Mount Desert Island on the Park Loop Road during peak foliage and the day’s trip included a summit ride to the top of Cadillac Mountain as part of the Summer Feet Cycling Gold Coast tour (http://www.summerfeet.net/trips/maines-gold-coast/ ).  The first day’s ride along the Park Loop road was abbreviated due to the above adverse weather conditions.  Instead the group went back early to enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including the heated pool and hot tub.

The next day called for a ride on the carriage roads while enjoying fall foliage.  This leisurely trip includes a stop at Jordon Pond House to enjoy their world famous popovers. Deviation from the day’s plan was due to the enthusiasm of the guests as they wanted to “do Cadillac” or ride to the top and relish in their accomplishment and inhale the views of the island from the top.

At the morning route review session I asked the guests how they felt about doing the carriage roads plus Cadillac and the response was pretty positive!  The route is 38 plus miles with an elevation change of 5800 feet (http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=81170l ) and took us up Paradise Hill plus Sargent, Day and Cadillac Mountains in one day!  It was spontaneous and great fun for all!

We started out in Bar Harbor and entered got the carriage roads at the Duck Brook Bridge entrance and proceeded to summit Paradise Hill with views of Hulls Cove, Whale Back and Schoodic Mountain the bald mountain looking to the northeast.

Next we went around Sargent Mountain on the Around the Mountain trail.  You don’t actually reach the top but you have wonderful views of Somesville, Somes Sound and Blue Hill in the distance to the west.

After a hearty lunch of Lobster stew and popovers at Jordan Pond house and with on full bellies we rode up Day Mountain. Wow what a great ride and the views of Northeast and Southwest harbors plus Swan’s Island are breath taking.  Few folks take the time to summit Day Mountain but those who do enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the view.

Next on the agenda was Cadillac.  I caution guests that if you have problems climbing the Loop Road from Bubble Pond to the entrance to Cadillac then the climb to Cadillac is probably not for you.  However, the four intrepid guests were willing and able to “do Cadillac”!  The ride up is full of great teasers of the views from the top.  While you climb the road to the summit your views around the several switchbacks are bordering on euphoric.  At the top of Cadillac your climb is rewarded with views not found anywhere else along the eastern seaboard.  On a clear day you can see Mount Washington, some 150 miles to the west Grand Manan Island some 70 miles to the east and some guests have actually reported seeing Spain but I think their exercise-induced release of brain altering chemicals may have influenced their thoughts!

All in all some weather induced plan Bs are worth the wait.  I hope to see you on one of the four summits in the future!

“No man is an iland” but is the Isle of Man an island?

With apologies to John Donne, what constitutes an iland or an island as spelled after the 15^th century? I pondered this question when I was asked to add some of my impressions of the coastal islands of Maine for this blog. My first thought was of this meditation by John Donne….

Olde English Version

No man is an Iland, intire of itselfe; every man

is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine;

if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe

is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as

well as if a Manor of thy friends or of thine

owne were; any mans death diminishes me,

because I am involved in Mankinde;

And therefore never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

MEDITATION XVII

Devotions upon Emergent Occasions

John Donne

According to the Free Dictionary Online an island is “A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.” Wikipedia adds that “An island may still be described as such despite the presence of an artificial land bridge.”

So an island is land mass smaller than a continent that is surrounded by water and may have a bridge connecting it to the continent.  This is great but my idea of a Maine Island is an island that is accessible ONLY by watercraft NOT by a bridge.  This includes islands off the coast of Maine which are accessible by bicycles and are part of the Maine Highway system which have ferry access like Islesboro, Swan’s Island, North Haven, Frenchboro and Vinalhaven (http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/ ) and Swan Island (http://www.maine.gov/ifw/education/swanisland/index.htm ) and the Cranberry Islands (http://www.cranberryisles.com/ferries.html ).  Additionally the islands of the Maine Island Trail Association (http://www.mita.org/ ) qualify! Those with artificial land bridges including Verona and Mount Desert Islands and Deer Isle are not true islands in my mind.  True these are islands but there is nothing as exhilarating as taking a ferry or a personal watercraft and landing on an island. The landing on an island feeling is one of discovery and taking the “road” less travelled. SummerFeet Cycling (http://www.summerfeet.net/ ) includes guided bicycle tours visits to many islands including Islesboro, Portland Harbor Islands, Verona, Mount Desert Island and Deer Isle.

To answer the title question, yes, the Isle of Man is an island as is Greenland and Iceland but not Australia.  Iceland is a wonderful island to visit and bicycle. The Icelandic spelling is of Iceland is“Island” or land of ice not to be confused with Greenland, which up to last year was covered by ice and is greening up as the carbon dioxide builds up in the earth’s atmosphere.

The islands of the Maine Coast are much more than geographic features, they are living, breathing communities defined as much by their people as their natural features.   Each island has its own character  and personality.  There is something magical traveling across water to a new place. On an number of our tours we get to explore island communities and enjoy the unique sense of place that is an island.

I hope you enjoy your travels to the islands along the coast of Maine and look forward to seeing you on one of the ferries or on a SummerFeet Cycling adventure.

A nice article about family friendly bike trails from the folks at National Geographic

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/family-trips/family-bike-routes/

More great information about Maine bicycling a great informative piece about cycling Maine’s Islands.

A bicycle trip to Swan’s island is like no other.  The island is accessible from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island by ferry.  This island is infrequently confused with Swan Island in the Kennebec as few ever visit the Swan island without the ‘s.  Many folks know of the Swan’s island blankets which were originally woven on Swan’s Island and have since moved their operations to Northport along route 1 between Belfast and Camden

On Swan’s Island there are paved roads, a library, a lighthouse, a museum and a modest vibrant year-round community! A bicycle ride on Swan’s island begins with loading your bicycle onto the ferry at Bass Harbor.  Bass Harbor is 17 miles from Bar Harbor, 51 miles from Bangor or 179 miles from Portland. Pack a picnic lunch so you can enjoy the harbor view from the island’s lighthouse. The ferry ride lasts about 40 minutes with the schedule accessible at the Maine State Ferry website (http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/swansisland.htm).

Once off the ferry life changes to “island life” being laid back and mostly car- and care-free. The island has a wonderful website (http://www.swansisland.org/ ) with a warning that the island is not for everyone! You may also take a virtual photo journey around the island at (http://samples.mapsalive.com/877/page1.htm ). A bit of history is also included on the island’s lodgings web-sites at the Harbor Watch’Inn (http://www.swansisland.com/history.html ) at the Wiseman House (http://www.swansislandrentals.com/activities.htm

An enjoyable loop tour of the island is shown below (please go to  http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=77155 for more detail).  The route is 20 miles with hills of 150 feet with a total elevation change of plus or minus 1960 feet, yes, the ride it is a bit hilly, but who cares you’re on a island?!

Beginning at the island ferry terminal travel along the roads past Harbor Road on your left to the Carrying Place and for a swim at Sand Beach. Return to Harbor Road, take a right, to the Hockamock Head Liththouse overlooking Burnt Coat Harbor.

If you get the 9 AM ferry from Bass Harbor you will have plenty of time to bicycle to the lighthouse in time for a picnic.

After lunch trace your tires back to the turn off to Minturn to view Burnt Coat Harbor from the west side.  After bicycling around Minturn and viewing Burnt Coat Harbor continue past Quarry Pond take a swim if you wish (http://www.swansisland.com/activities.html ) and turn on to Goose Pond Road.  Bicycle past the pond and back to the ferry terminal in time for the 4:30 ferry back to Bass Harbor.

The combination of the ferry ride and bicycle ride makes for an enjoyable respite from Mount Desert Island.

Our newest Portland Bike Tour is Sea, Cycle, and Savor a self guided Portland bike tour.

Looking for a fun way to spend a day exploring Portland and Casco Bay? Our Sea-Cycle-Savor tour is right for you. This self-guided version of our popular Exploring Casco Bay Tour is sure to delight.

Celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of “Silent Spring” along the Maine Coast

The publication of “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2012. “Silent Spring” is most renowned for bringing to the attention of the public of the mis-use of man-made –cides, be it herb or insect.  Most notably the use of DDT and its derivatives was dramatically reduced as a result of Rachael Carson’s book.  The first chapter of the book entitled “A Fable for Tomorrow” set the stage for a tranquil town which is ravaged by the toxic chemicals.

Rachel Carson lived near New Harbor in Maine and often visited a small beach near New Harbor.  Her visits lead to the publication of a book entitled “The Edge of the Sea” some 7 years before the publication of “Silent Spring.”  As a marine biologist Ms. Carson was intrigued by the sea and the “Edge of the Sea” brings us to her sea to observe its ecological diversity and its endless changing life driven by the tides and the seasons.  We can visit her cove near New Harbor, Maine on day two of the “Pedal the Coast” bicycle tour through Summer Feet Cycling.  On the way from Pemaquid Point to Clark Island bicyclists may stop by the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve (http://nature.berkeley.edu/departments/espm/env-hist/espm160/assignments/carson/carson.htm) to see the cove that inspired Ms. Carson and to hike around the preserve.

Another opportunity to reflect on Rachel Carson’s contributions to preserving our habitat is to ride through the Rachael Carson National Wildlife  http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/ of which a part of the refuge is located near Cape Elizabeth on the Five Lighthouse Portland Bike Tour by Summer Feet Cycling. After seeing the five lighthouses you will bicycle south of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and travel through the refuge.  If you are fortunate enough, you may see a bald eagle or a blue heron or other waterfowl which are there today as a result of Rachel Carson’s thesis presented in ‘Silent Spring” that –cides are not the answer but understanding the ecology of the world is important in controlling our environment.

Once again enjoy the bicycle rides along the coast and reflect upon nature as we know it today as a result of eco-scientists like Rachel Carson.  Happy Anniversary “Silent Spring.”

I read an an interesting article in the Atlantic today about the rise of drug based tourism in Southeast Asia http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/03/the-high-lands-exploring-drug-tourism-across-southeast-asia/253705/.  It is disturbing to read about the rampant drug use by young westerners in Southeast Asia. I cannot say that if I were 20 something today that I would not get caught up in it.  I certainly spent plenty of time on my youthful travels nursing hangovers. But it does worry me that we are loosing our connection to travel and the concept of personal risk. When you sit in the shadows of Mt. Fitzroy and everybody there is using their i pads it feels less like nature and more like Starbucks.

         I read another story about how the number of back country rescues with serious injuries has increased dramatically in past few years.  Many of the injuries occur because of people taking exceedingly large risks in the the quest for youtube fame. What ties drug use and backcountry injuries together is the lack of understanding of or belief in risk. In his book Against the Gods Peter Bernstein talks about how risk is a modern concept and that our ancestors with their absolute faith in god could not conceive risk because everything was god's will. Are we devolving beyond the belief in risk? When the best path to riches in this country involves a Wall Street model that rewards big risks with no personal downside liability the narrative of the American Dream becomes a gambler's chance not personal quest. One of the best parts of adventure travel is facing that "moment of doubt" conquering it and emerging elated and more self-confident. if we lose the concept of risk we loose the possibility of growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Program now includes eight trails, nearly 600 miles of designated bikeways

Salem, OR.- The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announce two new state-designated scenic bikeways, bringing the total number of trails to eight, furthering Oregon’s position as a premier cycling destination. The move comes after the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission formally approved the routes in a meeting yesterday.

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove features an all-ages, all-abilities cycling experience.  Perfect for families, this 36-mile route boasts six covered bridges, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A mix of paved off-street, lakeside paths and low-speed Main Street riding provide diverse scenery and dining opportunities. The route passes Chambers Bridge, the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.

Beginning and ending in Bend’s historic Drake Park, the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway is rated “moderate,” with varying levels of traffic and hills. Featuring 36 miles of intermediate terrain, the route promises breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, rolling forests and high desert scenery. The Twin Bridges Loop gets its name from the two bridges that cross the Deschutes River along the route. Riders will pedal through the quaint town of Tumalo, a perfect rest stop to grab a bite to eat.

“Cycling and scenic beauty are both important components of Oregon’s $8.7 billion travel and tourism industry,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.  “Being the first and only state in the nation to have developed a scenic bikeways program provides a strategic way for us to highlight the state’s natural assets and cyclist-friendly communities, boosting local economies and creating jobs.”

The bikeway program was launched in 2010 with the 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Five more were added in September 2011. The program is a partnership between Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.   Scenic bikeway designations are a community effort—led by local supporters—that showcase the “best of the best” road bicycle riding on existing roads and paved paths in Oregon.

“The Scenic Bikeways Program is an outstanding example of pioneering Oregonians working together to merge recreation, transportation and tourism to benefit the economy,” said OPRD Bicycle Recreation Coordinator Alexandra Phillips.

For information on Oregon’s scenic bikeways, itinerary ideas and ride inspiration, visitrideoregonride.com or go to oregonscenicbikeways.org for detailed maps and route descriptions.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state’s $8.7 billion tourism industry. www.TravelOregon.com

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to “Provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.”It operates a system of State Parks , Historic and Natural Areas and manages a number of  special programs including the Oregon Exposition Center , Scenic Rivers, Recreation Trails,

One of the great things about travel is how new destinations keeping popping up. I have had my eye on Nicaragua for a few years.  Here are five questions about Nicaragua adventures.  Thanks to Trish Sare of BikeHike Adventures the most knowledgeable person I know about travel in South America for sharing her insights into Nicaragua. Check out their Navigating Nicaragua Mountain Bike and Multi-Sport Tour.

What do people find most surprising about Nicaragua?

That there are very few tourists, and even travelers there. It is also the second safest country in Central America. It is also a really quick flight from North America.

How does Nicaragua compare to other South American destinations like everyone’s current favorite Peru?

Nicaragua is the land of active volcanoes, bubbling mud geysers, rain forests, colonial towns, massive lakes, amazing adventure opportunities and very friendly people. It is still very much off the beaten track, so for those looking for a real adventure experience, they won’t be inundated with bus loads of tourists.

This trip is best for people who?

Are adventurous, active, and wanting authentic cultural experiences. As Nicaragua is just starting to get discovered, some of the services like hotels are not as polished as those in other Central American countries, eg Costa Rica. Travelers need to have a laid back mentality and be accepting that Nicaragua is on Caribbean time, not North American time.

What is sandboarding?

You wear a protective lime green suit and goggles, hike up to the top of an active volcano and blast down on scree. It is 100% pure adrenaline.

What do you consider the highlight of the tour?

I love the sandboarding, as it is something very different, however the last three days on Omatepe Island are also some of my favorite days. We bike around Isla Omatepe on those days. The biking is rugged and fun.  There are also a lot of very authentic cultural encounters throughout the trip, really giving travelers a chance to meet the local people.