Prologue
Leaves are turning and the bright, summer heat has been left behind, leaving in its wake a prime time for turning pedals. Soon, the winter, snow or rain will add challenge, and holiday plans will interfere with schedules. Now’s the time; without the summer crowds, it may be the opportunity to take a trip by bike, or with a bike in tow.
Starting at the end and working our way back, Kelley O’Toole offers ‘The Last Page’ with insight into options for people that would like to spend time outdoors, but aren’t enthused for traditional ‘camping’. Skip the leaky air mattress and cumbersome tent with one of the alternative lodging options detailed on page 22.
If you need more reason to take a weekend trip, the BICYCLIST Event Calendar includes the first quarter of 2020, with a range of events and races to challenge, entertain and reward, all throughout the Western United States. More information on upcoming events starting on page 16 for some of the best for celebrating and motivating the turning of pedals.
Bob Becker steps in with this issue’s ‘Electric Age’ detailing a DIY e-bike kit from an outfit in Oregon, Revel Propulsions. Rick Schulz breaks down single-side and double-sided power meters in this issues ‘Ask the Coach.’ It’s a quandary that has come up more often as technologies have improved how we measure our rides. In a similar vein of technology, Richard Duquette discusses technology and tools used by health-care practitioners for determining mild traumatic brain injuries.
James Murren provides a recitation of his single-speed explorations in San Diego County in the ‘In Search of Dirt’ column. The same old trail becomes something altogether new when riding without gearing. In ‘Asphalt, Please’, our international man of mystery himself, John Woodson, takes us to an original-type of gran fondo in Italy.
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