Many people have contacted me for information I have learned from my rides and I would like to share some of that info with everyone.  I will be posting these tips as I think of them or as I get email questions.  If you have any questions about your trips please email them to me.

Have any tips to contribute?  Everyone who submits a tip we publish here will receive a FREE sticker set.  Please email your tips to: bill@ridingforadventure.com

Tip #1

Have business cards printed with your contact information, web site or blog, and ride information.  It adds a good sense of legitimacy to your ride and is much easier to use when meeting people on the road than trying to find a pen and paper.  I still receive calls and emails from friends I have met because I was able to give them a quick easy way to get in touch with me.  The printers listed below give great prices and fast service.

Tip #2

Choosing the air pump to carry with you can be confusing.  I always have carried a small frame pump but on my Southern Tier ride I learned something, smaller is not always better.  Luckily for us Simon carried a Mountain Morph pump and it made things a lot easier when flats happened.  I was so impressed by it that I now carry a Road Morph pump myself.  One Difference between the two is that the Road Morph has a pressure gauge on it, something I liked.  Topeak Morph pumps can be viewed and ordered from this SITE.

Tip #3

For a cheap and current state map just plan on stopping by the Welcome Center when you enter a different state.  I have had very good experiences with the helpfulness of the staff and they can provide useful information and a hot cup of coffee in addition to a usually free state map.

Tip #4

When considering a route change check with a local bike shop if possible.  Most shops and phone numbers are listed on the Adventure Cycling section maps.  While most drivers can offer advice they seldom understand the particular challenges the route may present to bicyclists.  A bike shop will have a better understanding of the requirements of a bicycling route.  Once a driver told me about a restaurant "just up the road".  It took over an hour to get there on bicycle.

Tip #5

Be sure to carry a writing pad to get the names, emails, and addresses of anyone who goes out of their way to help you.  When you get back you will have a way to send them an email or card thanking them for their help.  I sent a card and photo of the finish of the race to everyone I could remember. 

One of the best pens for all adventures is the Trekker Pen.  This pen will even write upside down and underwater.  The technology was developed for the space program.  I carry mine on my key chain where it has traveled by bicycle across the country and been on hundreds of miles of trails.  It is also available HERE.

For a journal the  Adventure Travel Journal is hard to beat.  It is made by Rite In The Rain and uses waterproof paper.  With it you can be sure your writings will be safe no matter what the weather.