Issue 151: Late Summer 2018

As the season offers endless sunshine for long days in the saddle, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are limitless. A tour by bicycle provides an experience that engages all of the senses at a speed that allows observation of wildlife and the surroundings in a way not available by car.

To help guide those adventures, and inspire a future challenge in your cycling progression, we bring you our 151th issue, ‘The Challenge Issue’. Look no further than page 8 for the BICYCLIST Challenge 151, the most difficult we’ve profiled, yet. The 63 miles through Yosemite National Park lead to the most idyllic of vistasand includes a momentous journey that most people experience air-conditioned and numb to the world around them.

If the 7300′ of climbing scares you off for the full route, the 10-mile loop through the Valley by bicycle is a wonderful way to experience and travel while in the park. As this issue goes to print, the park is under threat of wildfire, a regular occurrence during the dry California summers, so be sure to check conditions before you head out. The most ideal time being late fall when the temperatures have dropped but before winter moisture has made an appearance, or late winter, once the roads have been opened to traffic. Either time of year requires planning to make the most of your time in the park, no better time than the present to put together your itinerary.

If your cycling requires more competition than human vs. mountain, the Beginner Racing Program through USA Cycling provides a stepping stone to criterium road racing. Rick Schultz provides the details in this issues’ Ask the Coach.

Of interest to the training road rider, John Woodson brings a profile of the Swami’s Wednesday Morning Ride, a fast-paced road ride up the coast from Carlsbad that brings together 20-40 of SoCal’s best (who are also available on a Wednesday at 8:30 AM) to fight for glory along the coastal roads. Be sure to review the article for information on restrictions that will be instituted on October 31, 2018, by the Camp Pendleton Marine Base for bicyclists wishing to pass through the base, a requirement for Swami’s ride.

Our Legal Cycling column features Richard Duquette, who discusses the considerations to be made when organizing a group ride. Even if you have no plans on doing the organizing yourself, participants will be better for knowing the information contained. 

Rob Templin has taken some time away but is back with a hands-on review of the Catrike Pocket. This three-wheeled wonder features an accoutrement of features welcomed by the discerning buyer and Catrike has been a leader in pushing forward the designs and innovations in recumbent space.

Some fresh designs for this issue are the efforts of Christopher Massad, who worked to create the BICYCLIST Unified Design, a collecting of designs and illustrations that tie together our existing typesets and styles, but also provide a refinement and cohesiveness that our previous logo work lacked. We’ll have the entire BUD available on the website, visit bicyclist.xyz/bud for more information and to view the full branding guide. We are excited to have Christopher apply his talents to future issues of the magazine, as well as a soon-to-be released line of apparel shirts. Join the email newsletter for early notice when they’re available.

This issues’ cover brings the design talents of Eric Scott, who put a unique and inspired vision to the collection of photos and maps presented to him. My thanks to all that helped put together this seminal issue in the BICYCLIST experience.