As you read this blog post, I’m on my way to (another) new life.  This time it’s the Caribbean island of Grenada.  We’re sort of a Gypsy Family and have moved around countless times over the past 8 years….but this time I’m really planning on planting my feet in the sand and staying there for a long, long time.

This Loving the Bike website is not even three years old, but Grenada will be the third place I’ve called home since we got things started in February 2010.  Even back then, I was on the lookout for a tropical location where my Family and I could make a home and life for ourself.  We’ve had a category on this website called “My Quest for the Sun” since the beginning so feel free to go back and check out some of the posts about how this search has gone.

So here we are….a Family of 5, plus two dogs and a whole bunch of luggage.  Oh, and of course I’ve got my road bike on the plane with me as well.  There are still a few unknowns, but it’s all part of the adventure right?

I’ve been asked many times about how we’re able to do something like this.  How can we do it with kids? What are you going to do for work?  Countless questions from people who are intrigued and/or confused about making such a huge change.

I don’t really have all the answers even though we have done this sort of thing a few times in the past. You’d think I’d be an expert at moving, changing everything possible in your life, and adjusting….but I’m not.  Each time we’ve made such a big move like this I feel scared, confused, and a little unsure.

So how does someone make a massive decision, and follow it through until it’s happened?  Well, I’m probably one of the worse decision makers in the world.  I have a hard time even deciding what to order from the menu when we go out to eat, so what do I know about giving advice on making a big decision?

Big Decisions Made Easy

Like I said, I’m not an expert at this…but I do feel I have a few words of wisdom to share with any of you who feel the desire to make a big change in your life as well.  Here it goes:

What would Helen Keller Do?  One of the best quotes ever has got to be this one from this great American icon:

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.”

At moments when I get scared or start doubting that we should do something so epic, I roll these words from Helen Keller through my head to help ward off these thoughts.

Rocking Chair  When I’m 80 years old, sitting in my rocking chair on the front porch of my house I know I’m going to reflect back on the life I have lived.  I want that old man to sit there proud of all the adventurous things he has done and how he created his own lifestyle.  Yep, that is the man I want to be sitting on that rocking chair.

Do it Now  It’s so easy to have big ideas and let them simmer on the back burner of life…saying that you’ll get to them one day.  I’m not that kind of guy.  I believe in Doing it Now and not waiting for “someday” to arrive.  It’s the way I pretty much do all things in life, including putting miles on my bike.  I’d rather get to it sooner than later.  It’s this attitude that has helped build many great adventures in my life.

 So as of tomorrow, Loving the Bike will officially be coming at you from the beautiful island of Grenada.  I’ll also soon be running the most amazing bicycle cafe this part of the world has ever seen.  It’s called Mocha Spoke, and if you’re not yet following us on Twitter and Facebook….please jump on that right now.

We’re going to remain a cycling lifestyle website just has we’ve been up to now….but I’ll update you on island life as often as possible.  I hope you’ll continue being a loyal reader and follower so that I can share all the magic and adventure with you all.  Even better, I want you to share your “daring adventures” with me.  If there’s any way I can help get you there, or support you in any way….I’ll do it.

Oh, and you’re all welcome to come ride bikes and drink coffee with me in Grenada any time.

What if you were heading off to ride in a location that does not have the convenience and availability found in a local bike shop?  What would you do to ensure you aren’t left sitting out due to a minor repair that you can’t fix immediately?

I’ve been slowly dropping more and more details about our move to Grenada, and one of the preparations for our move is getting my bike ready for isolated conditions.  The Caribbean island of Grenada does not have the availability of bikes shops and bicycle accessories like we do in most parts of North America…in fact there is only one little under-stocked bike shop on the whole island.  With that said, the simple fix of a snapped cable or punctured tire is all of a sudden not so simple.  So I’m getting ready.

Not only did I get the answers I needed to prepare my bike for our move from Peter (over at Southwest Cycle Sport here in Austin), but he also helped me out with a major tune up and overhaul on my road bike.  I know there are a lot of great bike shops out there, but the knowledge and service provided by the crew at Southwest Cycle Sport is absolutely fantastic.  I love dealing with a Family run bike shop where you get to deal directly with the owner, and are treated like more than just a customer.  That is what I’ve found at Southwest.

Okay, so here’s what Peter suggested and what he did to get me ready to ride in the bike shop isolation of Grenada.

Cables – the brake and shifter cables were all taken off and replaced with stainless steel cables.  Peter says the addition cost of going to stainless steel is only $1, but will last longer in the salt air of Grenada.

He also suggested I take along at least one full set of replacement cables and showed me exactly how to change them out when it comes time to replace them.

Chain – a new chain wasn’t vital right now, but it was a good idea to get a one on there.  The chain is going to last a lot longer than the cables so I didn’t pick up a replacement for it just yet.

Brake Pads – Peter said my brake pads still have at least another 1,500 miles on them but it would be a good idea to bring along replacement pads for when the time comes to change them out.

Cleaning - as we took the cables and housing off my bike, it was easy to see all the gunk that can build up in there.  Sweat and grime has it’s way to creeping into all the cracks and housing making the rusting out process much quicker.  Seeing as my bike is soon going to be exposed to much more salt in the air, keeping it clean is going to be much more important.  We went over the best method of cleaning it and what to watch out for.

Inspection – Peter had a look over the rest of the bike to make sure there wasn’t anything else that looked like it needed attention.  Everything looked good to him, but it was nice to have a professional opinion and inspection before taking off.

I’d like to publicly send out a great big thank you to Peter and Southwest Cycle Sport for all the great service, advice, and support.  Man, I’m definitely going to miss having such a fantastic bike shop so close to home.

So now that I have “Bob Marley” (yeah, that’s the name of my Madone) ready to roll on the roads of Grenada, I can start thinking about the riding I’m going to be doing over there.

Podcast on Cycling in Isolation

For more information on riding in remote or isolated areas (whether it’s the Caribbean or a rural town) click the play button below and have a listen to our Cycling 360 podcast on Living and Cycling in Remote Areas:

Would you like to cycle across the island of Jamaica this November?  I came across the Jamaica Reggae Ride and the idea of riding across this beautiful Caribbean island totally caught my attention, so I wanted to share it with our Loving the Bike readers as well.

Who wouldn’t want to go on an escorted ride across Jamaica passing through incredible landscapes, coconut and banana plantations, and all the beauty that this island has to offer?

There is a 3 and 6 day option spanning approximately 175 or 350 miles.  The terrain includes flats and climbing sections, but the organizers of this ride cater to all pace levels and rider experience.  Elite riders can challenge themselves by taking on some of the islands top cyclists along the journey.  Novice and Intermediate riders can ride at the pace they feel most comfortable with….and a full service support vehicle is there at all times.

Along the Way 

“Our stops are well planned so as to ensure everyone experiences the real Jamaica: we will have a rest stop at a farmer’s market, have a visit with local school children and climb a cascading 600 foot waterfall! The Jamaican people are warm and genuinely friendly. You’ll get to meet them up close and in their real world!    There is time in the afternoons to meet up with fellow cyclists, spouses and friends to explore the island’s beaches, restaurants and attractions or to take in a massage or visit a spa.”

Event Dates:

3 day rides: November 11,12,13 OR November 14,15,16
6 day ride: November 11,12,13, 14,15,16

Packages:

There are several options for travel and accommodations, but the 3 day tour starts at $699 and the 6 day at $1,199.  All options can be found on the Jamaica Reggae Ride website.  Organizers offer a full service travel plan and can take care of as many details for your trip as you like.

Get a group together and save – Contact jennifer@holiday-services.com directly if you have a group of people you’d like to join in Jamaica.  They also have payment plans available so check with Jennifer on that as well.

Cycling in Jamaica

I’m hoping to work this ride into my schedule, so if you sign up let me know and that will motivate me even more to be a part of all the fun.  I wouldn’t be promoting this if I didn’t think it was a very cool opportunity, so I hope you’re as interested as I am in it and will take part in the Jamaican Reggae Ride.

Register by September 30th and receive a free Reggae Ride Jersey….just tell them that Loving the Bike sent you.

For more information go to www.jamaicaraggaeride.com or check out their Facebook page.

• I know that today’s blog will be filled with things I know for sure as well as some strange things I know for sure.  Just like me…..partly normal, partly strange.

• I know that when you are exercising in the heat, there is no better taste than that of cold water.  At that moment, it is the most satisfying drink on Earth.

• I know that jumping in the ocean right after riding my bike in the heat, is the best possible way to refresh myself.

• I know that I have the best Wife and the three best kids that any guy could ever ask for.

• I know that there was a time when I didn’t think I could ever live without a dishwasher, but now I know I can live with much less than that and still be extremely happy.

• I know that simplicity is one of the secrets to happiness.  I know it might be hard to convince you of that, especially if you are living in one of today’s fast paced cities……but I do know this is true.  “The Less You Own, The Less That Owns You”

•  I know that I dearly need to set things up so that I can rely on a bike for transportation much more than a vehicle.

• I know that Schwalbe tires are the best I’ve ever used on any bike….ever.  Good stuff.

• I know that I love my Family and Bikes more than anything else in the World….and to me, the rest is just stuff.

• I know that I must try to remember to see things as a child more often.  That way I can better understand what’s going on in my children’s lives.

• I know that if you’re biking and you come across some goats, they will dart off to the side of road…….most of the time.

• I know that this only applies “most of the time” as I’ve had two friends collide with goats while biking.

• I know that cows are a little trickier as it’s hard to know which direction they are going to turn.  Luckily I’ve come across far more goats than cows while I’m biking.

• I know that living on an island where goats, sheep, pigs and cows roam freely is pretty cool.  But I also know that if I were living on a farm in Saskatchewan with these same animal circumstances, I wouldn’t think of it as being very cool.

• I know that I love waking up and putting on shorts and a t-shirt without even having to think about how the weather is going to be that day.

• I know that I was meant to live in a place where I can cycle all year round….I’m a wimp so that means it has to remain over 70 Fahrenheit.

• I know that some of my best thoughts come while I’m biking.  I know that I often wish I had a way to record my thoughts while I’m on the bike because if I try to write down later what I was thinking, it never comes out the same way.

• I know that I am well on my way to securing my place in the sun.

• I know that when I asked my Wife what she knows for sure, she answered with “I know that I Love You”.  I know I am a very lucky guy and feel the same way about her.

• I know that the Caribbean will always be in my soul.  I know that I love Canada as well, but it is a different kind of connection.

• It’s Friday, and I know that this has always been a favorite day of the week for me.  I also know that there is no better day than this one to go out there and do what you love best.

This is pretty much the first time I’ve mentioned our Hawaiian Christmas Holiday Getaway.  I didn’t blog, tweet, facebook, or G+ about it….and did my best to stay offline as much as possible.  For the past two weeks in Kauai I enjoyed some incredible Family moments, and had more than a few life lessons.

Here is what our time in Hawaii has taught and reminded me:

Ocean: The word Kai is Hawaiian for ocean, and I have been reminded that it is as sweet and wonderful as the name they have given it.  Even though I was raised in a provence land locked and without ocean water, I have grown to absolutely love it and I swear I have salt water running through my veins.  I love the healing power that the ocean provides and how it can easily remind me just how magical and infinitely glorious our world really is.

Heat: I’ve been to Hawaii twice before this trip, but it’s been 24 years since my last visit.  In my mind I had always remembered it to be incredibly lush and hot.  Since my last visit here, I’ve spent over 4 years living an traveling the Caribbean and had always considered Hawaii to be like it is there….only more humid and tropical.  I see now that it’s not quite what I remember it to be.  It is warm…but not hot.  Tropical….but not lush and humid.  I love the heat, and just didn’t quite find that on this trip.

Cycling: Being there for two weeks did not justify the cost and hassle of brining along my road bike, and the local rate of over $50/day to rent one was totally insane.  So for the first time that I can remember, I was surrounded by beautiful cycling roads and warm temperatures….and not able to be out there riding.  I did frequent the resort gym and rode the bike in there, and what that did was fuel my cycling passion even more and made me so excited to get back to Austin so I could jump back on my bike.  Yes, I am totally Loving the Bike.

Computer Time: As I already mentioned, there was barely any mention of being away on this blog or social media and although I did check in every day…my computer time was drastically limited.  What I learned is that life goes on quiet well without all that time on the internet, and that a few more hours with my Family each day is by far more valuable than what can be done on a computer.

Pacific vs Atlantic:  Being here in the middle of the Pacific ocean has made me realize that I prefer the waters of the Atlantic to those that surround Hawaii.  Don’t ask me why, it’s just something I guess I feel in my soul.  When I’m in the Atlantic, I feel some sort of connection that I never quite understood until spending time in the Pacific.

Family: I’ve always known that my Family is the most valuable and important thing in my life, but this trip reassured this a million times over.  One of the best quotes that came out of this trip, was from my 6 year old Son who said: “We’re the Kotyk’s, and we can do anything”.  I love the beliefs and values that our kids hold, and I can never get tired of people saying that we have a very nice Family.  I must have heard that at least a dozen times on this trip.

Realistically, this trip was more about Family than it was about Hawaii.  We were there to celebrate my Parents 50 years of marriage, so for me that was the focus of the trip.  Being together with them and my Sister’s Family for the first time in a very long while was paradise in it’s own….Kauai just happened to serve as a pretty nice backdrop.

Frangipani: There were Frangipani trees all over the grounds of where we were staying.  This flower just happens to be the “wedding flower” for my Wife and I as we were married in the Caribbean, and Amanda carried a bouquet of Frangipani during our ceremony.  We’ve always loved the look and smell of this flower, and it holds a special place in our hearts….so I was reminded of how much I love the Frangipani, and on this trip I learned that it is associated with love in feng shui.

Would you like to go cycling on and off road in Bonaire this winter?  Your Caribbean Cycling escape has arrived.  The price is incredible, the location is about as bikey exotic as you can get, and where else would you rather be this February than Bonaire?

Bonaire is basically one incredible tropical oasis found in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela.  It may be known as one of the best diving locations in the world, but seeing as this island is owned by the Netherlands….you just have to know that it’s got some incredible bicycle culture as well.  For more information on Bonaire, including climate, currency (just happens to be US Dollar), and everything else you’d like to know…please visit: www.bonaire.org.

Airfare Not Included: The airfare to Bonaire might be a little higher than other tropical locations, but oh so worthwhile.  But you won’t find a bicycle holiday like this one at a better price than what we have to offer.  For flight details from North America, contact Delta, Continental, and Insel Air.  For flight details from Europe contact KLM, Delta, and Continental.

Amazing Caribbean location, all the cycling goodness you can handle, and a week of non-stop fun times.

Bonaire “Loving the Bike” Holiday

Date: February 11 to 18, 2012 (other tour dates may be available, please contact darryl@lovingthebike.com for alternate dates).

Package includes:

• 7 Nights Accommodations at Caribbean Club Bonaire – Located right on the Beach.  This friendly and beautiful resort is ideally situated and full of great services and amenities including restaurant, bar, two swimming pools, an on-site dive shop/activity center, front office and security services.  Rooms also include a small kitchen so preparing your own meals is an option for you.
• Free Daily Breakfast
• 4 Days Guided Cycling Tours – Tours provided by Bonaire Bike Tours with local Bonaire guides.  Mountain Bikes and all equipment are included.
• Road Cycling – Bring your own road bike and  take part in two guided tours (road bikes may also be available upon request).
• Celebration Barbeque Party – Our last night in Bonaire will be spent celebrating like the locals with an island barbeque buffet and party….Beer and Wine included.

· Airport Transfers

· Bicycle + equipment for the entire holiday

· Guide + 6 mountain bike excursions

· Part-time Guides for specific activities

· Accommodations

· Daily fresh breakfast

· Room taxes

Not included:

· International airfare

· Meals not outlined in itinerary

· Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, flight cancellations or any other circumstances beyond our control

Total Cost:

• $849.00US (based on double occupancy)
• $ 1,449.00US (based on single occupancy)
• $139.00US  for Cycling Seminar Series Add-on - As an incredible addition to your cycling holiday, take advantage of two amazing cycling seminars hosted by Victor Jimenez from Bicycle Lab.  One seminar will include topics such as “How Mountain Biking Can Improve Your Road Cycling” and the second seminar is on “How to Become a More Efficient Rider”.  These seminars by Victor regularly are sold at over $100 per session and he’s offering both for $139….it must be the thoughts of Bonaire that softened up my friend Victor.
• Other Add-ons are available as well including Tour Excursions (Snorkelling, Scuba, Cave Tours, Islands Tours, Mangrove Kayak, Sunset Cruise), Car Rental, Upgraded Accommodations, Extended length of Accommodations and Bike Tours, Meal Plans, and more.  Contact darryl@lovingthebike.com for details and prices.

About Bonaire Bike Tours:

We’ll take you through our beautiful island to really experience the outdoors, meet locals, eat our famous Bonaire’s unique goat cheese and enjoy an adventure tour like no other. You’ll experience Bonaire cycling at its best, traveling with our adventure guides and a few like-minded travelers. You will leisurely follow our professional guides and there will be intermittent stops along the way to learn about Bonaire’s flora, fauna and natural history.

Our Bonaire cycling tours give you the chance to experience Bonaire biking like a local would. We’ve been cycling the roads, trails and routes of Bonaire for many, many years, so running cycling tours is something we take very seriously. On an ACTIVE BONAIRE bicycle tour you’ll see the island, enjoy great exercise in crisp, clean air and enjoy the best cycling in Bonaire!

We’ve taken down the Paypal link for payment because space and accommodations for this trip may now be limited.  If you are interested in taking part in our Bonaire Cycling Holiday, contact darryl@lovingthebike.com for more details.  We’d still love to have you.

Accommodations Photos:

More Bonaire Photos:

Today’s guest post comes from Deb Keiser.  She is a New York-based journalist who wrote this article about one of my favorite places on Earth, so I just had to post it. Formerly a staff travel writer for the New York Daily News, Deb contributes regularly to newspapers and magazines of the Hearst Conn. Media Group.

Nevis, A Mountain Biker’s Honeymoon

- by Deb Keiser

For years I had dreamed that if ever again I should tie the knot, it would be on the tiny and exclusive island of Nevis, wedding capital of the Caribbean in the West Indies. Nestled close to her sister island, St. Kitts, Nevis has long been a wedding-honeymoon destination – a private tropical paradise where couples stroll hand in hand on quiet beaches and stay at high-end resorts that make honeymoons very sweet.

But dreams change, and so has Nevis. Now, although she is still full of romance, she’s getting active and welcoming a whole new set of suitors.

In November, I made the trip with my boyfriend, David Wilson, but instead of a wedding dress, I packed my cycling gear – bike helmet, shoes and pedals, as well as some new bike jerseys. With Nevis Peak, a volcanic crater, looming high in the center of the island, Nevis is a perfect spot for cycling enthusiasts who want to explore lush mountain trails that once connected sugar cane plantations in the 1700s.

Yes, David and I were in Nevis for a week of mountain biking, not a wedding, and we arrive with a flourish that sets us apart from other visitors.

We fly from New York to St. Kitts, and then, under an open blue sky and a huge horizon, take a water taxi across the narrow channel that separates the two islands of this Federation. We get a good Nevis welcome: choice of Ting (local soda pop) or beer. This boat is moving fast, and it was a long trip. I go for the beer.

Our destination is Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, a historic resort that combines new guest cottages with restored colonial buildings. This was once the property of Lord Horatio Nelson who was in power in the late 18th century, when the British ruled.

But first, we make our way to Oualie Beach right off the dock to find Wheel World, the island’s rental shop, and its owner, Winston Crooke, a tall, sophisticated man with a British accent and legs of steel, who has been expecting us. His shop has a good selection of Trek bikes, and with international triathlete Reggie Douglas who will be on hand as our guide, there can be no better combination.

Although Nisbet Plantation has sent a driver and a van to collect us and our luggage, David and I determine that it would be much more fun to start riding straight away and make the two-mile ride to Nisbet on bike. Crooke cocks his head, and shoots us a broad smile when we announce our plan, and then gives us the thumbs up. “Of course, sure, why not!” he says. “I am not sure it’s been done before, but let’s do it.”

Reggie Douglas, James Weeks, and Winston Crooke

We change into our cycling shorts and shoes, and are quickly outfitted for our bikes. The driver grabs our bags, and we take off on a well-paved winding road, being careful to remember that here, since this was once a British colony, you ride with the motorists on the left side of the road.

We are the first ever – so we are told later -  to arrive by bike at the sixth best hotel in the world for 2010, and the Caribbean’s top hotel according to Travel + Leisure’s 2011 rankings of The World’s Top 25 Hotels.

The beautifully restored Great House, which dates back to 1778, is our first impression of Nisbet Plantation as we arrive, an awesome colonial mansion where Lord Nelson entertained, and where guests also feel like royalty as they savor the fine cuisine and enjoy outstanding service during dinner and as they enjoy tea in the afternoon.

We park our bikes on some waiting bike racks, and make our way to our cottage, one of 36 units on the plantation. It borders the Avenue of the Palms, a breezy expanse of manicured lawn that runs right down to the ocean, which our patio faces. Behind us, Nevis Peak and its clouds provide an unparalleled vista. This may not be our honeymoon, but it sure is beginning to feel like paradise.

Dinner is outstanding, and the cocktails couldn’t be better. I feel as though I could live forever, but knowing we ride tomorrow, we turn in early, and sleep like babes.

After breakfast the next morning at Coconuts, an open-air pavilion overlooking the pool and beach, we get started. Reggie with his dreadlocks and easy manners meets us, puts us at ease, and shows us the Nevis that we came to see. He is an island hero, and cheers of “Reggie, Reggie” follow us everywhere as we ride with him.

We begin on the road that runs around the island, but he soon veers off and we find ourselves on grassy trails that take us to the hills of the interior. I am not an advanced rider, so I am careful and hesitant. Reggie has been talking and laughing with us, but watching us, too, estimating our ability on the trails. The terrain, after all, for me is challenging. But soon I realize that he knows better than I do exactly what I can handle.

We go off road, I navigate well enough to feel comfortable, and we head to Cottle Church, built in 1824 by an Anglican priest to allow slaves and their owners to worship together. Now in ruins, the church beckons, and we put our bikes down. I look skyward where once a roof stood, and feel the sacredness of this place. We get very quiet as a breeze blows through the air, and I say a prayer of thanks for being here.

Another highlight of the trip puts us on bike trails that take us through pastoral fields of high grass, and Winston Crooke is with us for this ride. Soon, a decision must be made. Do I take the easy route, or challenge myself? Why make the trip if not for a challenge, right? So we head uphill. The ruts are deep, the road rocky. I am working as hard as I can to keep the bike upright and moving, and we ultimately get to a quarry called Maddens Estate. With the guidance of world-class riders Winston and Reggie, I get the advice I need to ride through the sand without incident. It is the best lesson I ever had.

Soon we are back on the road. I’ve done it. The rest is cake. Eventually I ask at what level I am riding, and the answer makes me smile: intermediate, and here, in Nevis, that’s worth something.

Reggie gives us a history of the island as we pass old sugar mills, and we learn why Nevis was called Queen of the Caribbean: in the 16th to 18th centuries, she once was one of the area’s biggest sugar producers. This ride is worth every bead of sweat – and there are more than a few – as we are rewarded with a view of the Atlantic from an area called the Potworks, once an estate. The island’s medical school is nearby.

On another day, we visit old plantations, now boutique hotels. The killer bee, as Reggie calls it, is Zion Hill, a road that takes us to Golden Rock plantation, which has a honeymoon suite in a sugar mill. A stop at Montpelier Hotel is next, and then with a sense of accomplishment, we head back to Nisbet, where we have booked a massage for two in the Palms Spa. David and I may not be on our honeymoon, but here in Nevis, we are in paradise.

For more information on cycling in St. Kitts and Nevis, feel free to contact me or check out the following websites:

www.neviscycleclub.com

kathrynbertine.com/cyclist/st-kitts-and-nevis-cycling-federation

www.nevisisland.com

I have spent most of June chilling (and cycling) around the country of Belize.  A lot of people have never heard of this place or know where it is, and those that have probably don’t think of cycling when they refer to the country.  Little does the world know that cycling is huge over here….like a staple in the countries’ diet.  Very cool.

That’s right, in Belize it’s definitely about more than just the bike.  Over here, a bike is so much more than just two wheels on a frame…..and such an important ingredient to the daily lives of the people.  The bike also means something different to everyone who lives here, and they each have their own reason for Loving the Bike.  The bike serves many purposes, with the following being the most popular.

1.  Transportation of People

The obvious purpose is transportation, but it becomes so much more than that.  Of course there are countless people who have a bike as their only vehicle and rely on it to take them everywhere.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a child, adult, policeman, or librarian….to many, the bike is all they’ve got.

But many of these people also have kids and they use that same bike to carry their children while they ride.  Oh, and the chariots and bike trailers many of us are used to?  That would be a total luxury ride over here.  The way the kids ride with their parents is almost like a special skill acquired by the locals.  As you can see in this photo, the kids straddle the cross tube as their Mom or Dad pedals the bike.  I’m telling you man, these road here in Belize are far from smooth and I can’t even imagine bouncing around as my butt sits on a skinny metal tube.  But they do it….and they do it for miles.

2.  Transportation of Goods

Now when you think about hauling stuff with your bike, you probably think of a bike like an Xtracycle or pulling a utility trailer behind as you ride.  Once again, those luxuries are not an option in Belize so the people have to get creative….and even downright crazy.

I’ve seen a few people cycling in Belize who have so many bags and things piled up on their bikes, that you can’t even see who’s riding.  Yeah, when there is no other option these people find all kinds of ways to just make it work.  Plants, garbage bags, racks, televisions…..yep, there’s nothing that a person won’t try to carry while riding their bikes in Belize.

3.  Business

I find it very cool that many people use a bike for the purpose of business.  They don’t have Petticabs like many of us have seen in North America, which is a very cool use of bikes to do business….but they do use them for a variety of money making opportunities.

One of the greatest uses I saw in Belize was the bicycle sno cone business.  I think they actually called it shaved ice, but there were a bunch of people with these custom made bikes used to sell a nice cool treat to everyone around.  You know I just had to get in there and give one of these bad boys a spin, right?

4.  Competition

Ahhhh, then there is the good old use of bikes for competition.  From what I’ve mentioned so far about how bikes are used in Belize, you’re probably thinking that they have some sort of funky way of racing over here as well.  No way.  Road cycling is huge in Belize, and the racing you’ll find is second to none.

Cycling is treated with respect in the country and the Belize Cycling Association does an incredible job of developing riders and putting on races.  Just last weekend was the National Championship race which is only open to citizens of Belize.  At other times of the year Belize holds races that are open to anyone who qualifies, with the annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic being the most popular.  This is a 140 mile road race that brings competitors from around the world….and pretty much shuts down the country while it’s being held.  They take their cycling seriously in Belize….and are cranking out some incredible riders.

Unfortunately the one thing I didn’t see a lot of in Belize is helmets.  I’m used to seeing locals ride around on their cruisers without helmets, but I have never seen so many road bikers with nothing on their heads.  During competition, they wear them but I saw countless cyclists out on training rides without helmets and it was such a strange site to see.

The roads of Belize (even the best ones) are nowhere near in the condition of those we’re used to in other parts of the world, but compared to other third world infrastructure I’ve ridden on, these are pretty darn good.  Scary, but good.

Are you interested in cycling in Belize?  Have you ridden there?  Let me know what questions or comments you have about Loving the Bike in Belize.

Sixteen miles of natural sandy beach, a virgin mangrove-fringed lagoon, a wonderland of coral-studded cayes, nearby jungle rivers and pristine rainforest Garifuna, Creole and Mayan cultures and ancient Mayan ruins make Placencia the ideal location for the adventure traveler!

Sounds pretty nice huh?  Well, they forgot to mention something that makes this place even sweeter.  Placencia just happens to be a cycling oasis.  Not only are the roads that lead out from the peninsula some of the best road cycling pathways in Belize, Placencia is set up in a way that makes traveling by bike the only way to go.

I haven’t been on too many peninsulas, but I’m telling you that this one has got to be one of the narrowest out there.  I swear that in certain sections of Placencia you can reach out and touch the ocean with one hand and the lagoon with the other.  The road that leads down the peninsula is in great condition, flat, smooth, and you’ll find a speed hump at around almost every mile (or less).  Add this together, and you’re looking at a place where getting around by bike is the only way…and that’s what they do.

Sure there are still vehicles around, but I would say that bikes outnumber them about 3 to 1.  Not urban or mountain bikes like you’d see people getting around on in North America….nice beach cruisers that give it just a little more flare.  There’s something so incredibly awesome about watching a grown man cycle by on a beach cruiser and a big old basket strapped to the handlebars.  So cool.

Placencia is a real melting pot of cultures and people.  There is a total mix of locals, ex-pats, and tourists….and they all blend together as they ride along on almost matching bikes.  What I loved most was seeing the tourists who have decided to join in the fun and have rented themselves a beach cruiser.  I saw countless people who had obviously not been on a bike for a very long time….smiling big and riding along with thoughts of their childhood streaming behind them.  It’s amazing what a bike can do to a person, huh?

A perfect example of the parking lot at most places in Placencia

Anyway, as I sum up in the video below….Placencia is a pretty dang cool spot.  I love it’s beautiful sandy beaches, laid back vibe, and definitely all the cruising.  I sure would love to see a bunch more “Placencia’s” set up in the world.  In North America we seem to have built up cities trying hard to become more bike friendly.  What I’d like to know is why they weren’t set up that way in the first place.  It sure would be cool to see towns and cities being built around bikes….making them the ideal (and preferred) mode of transportation.

What do you think about setting up places like this around the world?

If I were to ask who your cycling heros were, how would you respond?  I’m sure some might bring up Lance Armstrong, or one of the other great cycling legends.  Others would likely mention their Dad or another family member.  No matter who your cycling heros are, what’s most important is that you look up to someone who has inspired you and helped you Enjoy Your Ride.

Today I wanted to talk about a family who I consider cycling heros for something more than what they’ve done on a bike.  Today’s post goes out to “Family on Bikes” and the other cycling families who have (or currently are) exploring the world by bike…..and doing things so unconventional, that it makes me smile.

As a guy who is definitely not living a “typical” life, I find myself second guessing myself at times and wondering if I’m doing the right thing for my family.  Most of the time I’m totally convinced that this path we are on is the right thing and is the best journey for us to be on.  But in those fleeting moments of darkness when I find myself unsure….it’s nice to look to people like Family on Bikes and know that everything is going to be alright.

My introduction to the world of family bike adventures first came when I found out about the Family on Bikes a couple years ago.  I was immediately impressed by what they were doing and over time got to know more and more about them and their amazing story.  Nancy, John, Daryl, and Davy spent almost 3 years cycling as a family from Alaska to Argentina….raising, teaching, and developing their two young boys as they pedalled along this epic journey.  A total unconventional method of raising pre-teen boys, and receiving a whole lot of backlash along the way.  They received a lot of comments telling them how crazy they were for what they were doing….no doubt because what they were doing was not considered “normal”.

But to those on a different path…those of us with a gypsy soul and sprit of adventure….they are heros.

I consider the members of Family on Bikes personal heros of mine because of their decision to break from the typical mould found here in North America, and to take part in a magnificent journey.  Now that they are back from their adventure, their direction and way of life continues to impress me.  My family and I have also chosen to live a non-traditional life.  We’ve heard the scepticism and “are you sure’s” coming from family and friends, and it sure is nice to find confirmation in people like Family on Bikes to know that we are doing the right thing.  Nancy already knows that I’m a huge fan…and I want the rest of her family to know that they’ve provided our family with inspiration and motivation. Thank You.

It’s not about the bike. It’s about getting out into the world, about meeting the people, seeing the cultures, tasting the food, being vulnerable, and feeling the wind on our cheeks. We travel on bikes not because of the bikes themselves, but because of the opportunities the bikes afford – the ability to get off the beaten path and see things you can’t see any other way.

On the bikes, we are one with Mother Nature – just another link in the food chain. Mother Nature has a way of humbling us and putting us in our place – which is a good thing.

- Nancy Sathre-Vogel (Family on Bikes)

Another cycling family has just set off on their journey.  The Pedal Powered Family took off from Hamilton, Ontario on Saturday and will be cycling with their two young kids on a year-long, 20,000km bicycle tour.  So what motivates a family to get out and do something that is so totally untraditional? Here is what Reuben from Pedal Powered Family has to say:

As most parents do, we want to spend time with our children. Days, months and even years can slip away without noticing it while living the so-called ‘normal’ life. Later you wonder where the time went and why you never took advantage of the moments you may have had.  We’re choosing to travel by bike because it is simple and affordable, it allows us to spend more time outdoors, to stay fit, and to move at a speed that allows us time to actually process where we are going and what we are experiencing. We also enjoy the challenge of bicycle travel and look forward to the learning opportunities that will present themselves while undertaking this adventure as a family. Our kids are young. The moment for us is now.

So what about you?  Who are your cycling heros? Why do you consider them a hero?  If you are a cycling family like Family on Bikes and Pedal Powered Family, let us know about it.  What you are doing is truly inspirational to me and has really helped get me through some dark thoughts.