Empowering The Bicycle Traveler

Bike Hermit®

Respect(s)

Anybody with a computer and an internet connection can have a blog. A cynic might assume that since the entry barriers are so low  bloggers might be shallow and narcissistic and their blogs trivial and insignificant.  And since traditional journalism has  fact checkers and editors it is, in theory at least, reliable. What's to certify Read More

Bike Touring and Riding Defensively

  There are two occupants in the grey Honda Element and as they drive past me the passenger shrieks some sort of primal scream. I don't think it is meant as encouragement to me. I don't think I did anything to irritate these people, but maybe I did. Maybe I forced them to slow down Read More

Ostrich Handlebar Bag

Not precisely "handlebar" bags these Ostrich bags are supported on the platform of a front rack and secured at the top either to the handlebars or by a bracket known as a decaleur. In my opinion the advantages of this style of bag are several: -The center of gravity is lower than a bag attached Read More

Antarctica and the Garden of Eden

It's eerie to listen to the voice. The transmission starts out chirpy, almost a forced chirpyness. As the voice goes on, loneliness and a sort of uncertainty come through. The voice is not real time but it's still chilling to realize it's coming from the middle of the Antarctic, the middle of that frozen desert Read More

Tactical Flashlights and Survival Kits

Ever since I read "How To Use A Flashlight Tactically" on the Art of Manliness (yes, that's for real) blog I have wanted a tactical flashlight. A tactical flashlight is not much bigger than the palm of the hand, has a bright LED beam, is made of impact resistant material, is waterproof and has a Read More