Survive the Apocalypse with U.S. Bicycle Routes

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is such a huge project that sometimes it's hard to describe. Our team has spent hours going back and forth about the benefits and why it's important for the U.S. to have a national network. And since it is a national network, we often get questions of how it will affect and benefit the everyday cyclist, not just cross-country bicycle tourists. On a meeting by bicycle yesterday, Alison, Alex, and I pondered the potential benefits of the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

We dreamed up things like: 

1. When there is a U.S. Bicycle Route System, you will never get a flat tire again. Well, we can't promise that, but we can tell you that these routes are researched and selected with specific criteria for bicycle use in mind.

2. When you are on a U.S. Bicycle Route, you will always have a tailwind. I know we do a lot of good work at Adventure Cycling and so does AASHTO, but neither organization controls mother nature, I'm afraid. The good news is that with this national network filling the gaps between state and municipal bicycle infrastructure and facilities, more people will be encouraged to ride for transportation, recreation, and for travel. This means there will be more people out there on the road with you, and certainly there is safety in numbers.

3. When using a U.S. Bicycle Route, you will never be chased and eaten by zombies. We truly wish we could promise this, because those darn zombies are a menace. We will have to settle for a route network that encompasses our whole country, connects cities and historic landmarks, and provides access to national parks and forests, and allowing people -- tourists and residents alike -- to explore by bicycle. 

As we close the second week of the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign to raise awareness and money for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, we would like you to consider being a part of this movement and help build it so all Americans have the option to bike it.

Donate today and help us meet a $2,500 challenge from TeamEstrogen.com. 

And here's another incentive: donate $25 or more by 11:59 EST on Saturday evening (05/12/12) -- if the world doesn't end as the Mayans predicted -- and you could win a Brooks saddle to ride out the zombie apocalypse. 

Brooks England is steeped in history, a brand that boasts almost 150 years of tradition and expertise. But quality and style never age. Inspired by the timeless products designed by their predecessors, they have revived the original slogan ?Saddles, Bags, Etc? and introduced a range of cycle bags and other cycling accessories.

As Suzette Ayotte, Brooks USA PR/Marketing Manager, puts it, "Brooks supports the creation of a U.S. Bicycle Route System as we take our inspiration from these heroes and travelers who circumnavigate the Earth by bicycle, the cyclists who travel hundreds of miles on Britain?s own cycle routes, and the cyclists who face daily the challenges of inclement weather, spurred on, at times, only by the cycle paths that guide them. As Adventure Cycling works to create a nation-wide cycle route to meet the needs of Americans, we strive to create light and durable panniers and saddles to meet the demands of those long distance cyclists and commuters alike, without sacrificing style."

Donate $25 or more today to have a chance to win one of Brooks' stylish, quality saddles for yourself (or maybe for mom?). And remember, all donations through Sunday evening are matched by TeamEstrogen.com. 

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The 2012 BUILD IT. BIKE IT. BE A PART OF IT. campaign runs through May 31, 2012. Please donate $10 today! All donations are tax deductible and will support Adventure Cycling Association's organizing efforts and technical assistance for the U.S. Bicycle Route System. The campaign is supported by Adventure Cycling members, a dedicated group of Core Supporters, bicycle-industry partners, state and local bicycle organizations, and cyclists across North America.

Campaign business sponsors include Walz Caps, Razoo, Giant Bicycles, Adventure Center, TeamEstrogen.com, Stan?s NoTubes, Sun Bicycles & Origin-8, WomanTours, Ortlieb and Primal Wear.

In-kind product support to the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign has been donated by Osprey Packs, Moots, BOB Trailer, Brooks, Planet Bike, BikeFlights.com, and Hans Bagworks.

State partner organizations include Bike-Walk Alliance of NH, Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, and Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

Web partners for the campaign are PathLessPedaled, BikingBis, Bike Style Spokane, Chicks on Bikes Radio, Change your life ride a bike, and Bicycle Radio.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is supported in part by grants from the SRAM Cycling Fund, the Surdna Foundation, the Lazar Foundation, New Belgium Brewing, and the Michigan United Tandem Society.

Thank you all for your support and participation!

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/05/survive-apocalypse-with-us-bicycle.html

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