Last December, a rider from my local cycling club announced a trip to Italy scheduled for September 2026. He and his wife had visited the Hotel Dory in March and enjoyed it so much that they decided to return. I was initially unsure, but after hearing his presentation at the club’s holiday party and seeingContinue reading “From the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains: Cycling Riccione, Italy”
Category Archives: Blog
Across the Iron Range: Biking the Mesabi Trail
Last year, I planned a three-day bikepacking trip on the Mesabi Trail in Northeastern Minnesota. Torrential rains created major sinkholes along the trail, forcing us to cancel the trip. The trail remained on my radar, and planning began in early 2026—this time, the group wanted to make it a five-day trip, with out-and-back segments eachContinue reading “Across the Iron Range: Biking the Mesabi Trail”
From Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry: My GAP and C&O Trail Adventure
For three years, the famous Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath have been on my radar. From Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., hundreds of miles of car-free riding, I hemmed and hawed over planning my own bikepacking adventure. Go solo? Book a tour outfitter? Some hybrid? I spent an embarrassingContinue reading “From Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry: My GAP and C&O Trail Adventure”
Done and Dusted: My Return to The Cycling House
February couldn’t arrive fast enough. This year’s winter was the kind that makes you question every life choice that led to living somewhere with actual seasons—subzero temps, relentless snow, and skies so overcast even Punxsutawney Phil wanted to retreat back into his cozy den. But the light at the end of this frozen tunnel andContinue reading “Done and Dusted: My Return to The Cycling House”
Trail Tales: Bikepacking the Katy Trail
Writer’s Note: I’d like to dedicate this blog to my father who recently passed away. He taught me the love of travel, to be curious, and to seek adventure, all with a healthy dose of humor. Will forever miss him. Back in October 2016, I rode the Katy Trail in segments, either hiring a shuttleContinue reading “Trail Tales: Bikepacking the Katy Trail”
Gravel Racing at Uncle John’s: A Season Finisher to Remember
I had an itch to do one more gravel race this season. Then the Uncle John’s Gravel Race in St John’s, Michigan, kept coming up in my Facebook feed. It must have been the gravel god’s way of saying, “Sheri, this is the race you need to ride.” The date of the race coincided withContinue reading “Gravel Racing at Uncle John’s: A Season Finisher to Remember”
Pedals, Panniers, and Trails: My First Bikepacking Adventure
It’s a thrill to check bikepacking off my 2025 bucket list. The trip might have been my first, but it certainly won’t be my last! I kept an eye on the forecast for days before leaving. Wisconsin has been experiencing a lot of rain. At times, the forecast was pristine, but then it suddenly changedContinue reading “Pedals, Panniers, and Trails: My First Bikepacking Adventure”
2025 Unbound Gravel 100: The Final Chapter
Missed my articles leading up to Unbound? Read them here:Unbound Gravel – New Year New GoalsPreparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Two Weeks Out: The Countdown Begins As the two-week countdown to Unbound Gravel kicks into high gear, I find myself buried in a checklist that’s as long as the race itself.Continue reading “2025 Unbound Gravel 100: The Final Chapter”
Preparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Down
At the beginning of this year, I shared with the RBR readers my plans to “race” Unbound Gravel 100 on May 31st. I’m currently one month from making the nine-hour drive to Emporia, Kansas, and rolling up to the start line for my first 100-mile gravel race. Training is going well, and my conditioning isContinue reading “Preparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Down”
Randonneuring Rookie: Tales From the Long Road
With origins in late 19th century France, Randonneuring grew out of interest in touring the countryside by bicycle. It is a long-distance cycling sport where riders attempt courses of 100K with options of 200K+, passing through predetermined “controls” (checkpoints). Riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits and receive equal recognition regardless ofContinue reading “Randonneuring Rookie: Tales From the Long Road”
