Cycling guides galore!
The Internet is chock full of biking websites. You can buy gear, learn routes, follow other cyclists, join trips - you name it, man. But if you’re new to the world of biking, this glut of information can be…overwhelming.
Fear not, intrepid one! We did some research and pulled out the “tip of the iceberg” sites to get you started. Here’s your quick start guide for cycling safety, Boston trails, bike humor, and gear.
1. BostonBikes.com’s Urban Cycling Guide
BostonBike’s is in our backyard here at Fortified, but their Urban Cycling Guide is a helpful overview of bike safety, complete with visual aids and videos, including this comedic safety gem of a video made by Boston University called “Put Your Helmet On”. Speaking of helmets, if you need one and happen to live in the Boston area, check out the map of where you can find one on the cheap (for $10 or less).
2. League of American Bicyclists
With a name that sounds like you’re joining an elite paramilitary group, The League of American Bicyclists is off to a good start. The main highlight: an interactive map review of bike friendly communities in the U.S. Drill down into this map and it provides information for local bike shops, cycling clubs and bike-supportive businesses. The League also has a Ride Smart program where you can find classes in your area, watch videos or pick up newbie-friendly resources. Even if the LXG movie wasn’t your jam, Bike League has an extraordinary trove of information for new cyclists and old-timers alike
3. Pedaling.com
Looking to hop on your bike while traveling abroad? Pedaling’s utility is super straight forward: the site features an international list of tours, trails and cycling events appropriate for different age groups and types of riders (mountain bike, street, etc.). The events and tours search page allows the user to find pretty much any kind of cycling event, be it a guided destination tour in Italy, a multi-day charity ride or a self-guided trail in your hometown.
4. Gear Junkie on Bikes
If you’re someone who wants to have all the coolest tools and toys, Gear Junkie can bring you up to speed on the latest and greatest bike stuff quick. GJ reviews products for every kind of biking, whether you’re gearing up for an evening ride, going for a bike-friendly camping trip or in need of a simple helmet. Beware, the site doesn’t limit itself to biking stuff or even biking at all; there are stunt videos if you’re in need of inspiration and separate tabs for clothes, shoes and tech for all your pre-shopping research.
5. Bike Hacks
As lovers of hacking and DIY-ing your way through life, this one holds a special place in our hearts. BikeHacks is home for the person who looks at his bike and says “I wish my bike could…”. Here you’ll find ideas for making your own mud flap, reusing buckets for on-bike storage, and even schematics to make your own light-up turn signals. Bike Hacks is also home to the ever-useful Dictionary of Bike Commuter Slang. Makers of the world, unite!
6. Commute by Bike
Written to provide tips, news, and product reviews to commuters, we love Commute by Bike’s perspective and flare for snark. One piece manages to link together reflective paint by Volvo with the NRA and make compelling points about safety and how we talk about cycling. If you’re more interested in getting a quick bike education, click over to Commute By Bike’s 101 section, where they take you to school with everything from a Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting to a how-to guide on using Google Maps to route plan.
7. Bikey Face
Another feature from Boston, Bikey Face is home to comics on your new cycling hobby (or obsession). The writer / illustrator of Bikey Face, Bekka Wright, considers herself a common commuter and makes light of her biking experiences with the wit of the Sunday funnies. Favorite drawings include “No Butts,” which advocates for a hipster muffler; “Shop Blocked,” highlighting the perils of biking to the mall (shop local instead!); and “Two Mile Touring,” which provides answers for any biking naysayer you may encounter – all illustrated for your amusement.
Now that you’ve made it through our digital starter guide to cycling, get outside and start practicing what you’ve learned. Though we won’t fault you for posting your favorite Bike Hacks to Pinterest or sharing a Bikey Face comic with your Facebook homies first. Happy riding!
June 17, 2015 at 12:03 am
“flare for snark” should be “flair for snark”.