The Twilight Biking Guide to Forks and La Push

By Megan Maxwell 

Last year my mother and I went on a long-distance bike ride down the Pacific Coast. As cool as I like to pretend I am, there was one destination that I felt compelled to go to having never been to the Northwest before. That destination was Forks, Washington.

The Twilight books, set in Forks, gave this small town a national presence, and I must admit it is a beautiful place. The forests are lush and the fog is all-encompassing. I was disappointed not to run into any werewolves while I was there (team Jacob), but it was a memorable experience regardless.

Bikers' Guide to the Redwood National Forest | A Redwoods Bike Trip

By Megan Maxwell 

The Redwood trees are the world’s tallest, and they are located in Humbolt County in Northern California. With accessible campgrounds, plenty of amenities, and the ability to customize your trip, the Redwoods are a great destination for a bike tour. Being from the Midwest originally, these were definitely the biggest trees I had ever encountered.  

Bikers' Guide to the San Juan Islands, Washington | Lopez, Orca and San Juan Islands

By Megan Maxwell 

The San Juan Islands reside just off of the Northwest coast of Washington. With an accessible ferry system and plenty of campsites, they are a fantastic place to go on a bike tour. My mom and I spent five days biking the islands last June.

View from Mt. Constitution on Orca Island

Long Distance Bikers Guide to Big Sur

By Megan Maxwell 

Big Sur is a legendary stretch of ocean along the California coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The stunning views and beautiful weather make for a great journey on bike.

How to Pick a Tent for a Long Distance Bike Trip

By Megan Maxwell

While going on an overnight bike trip, finding somewhere to sleep is important. You can always do a “credit card tour,” where you only stay in motel rooms and usually eat at restaurants, thus eliminating the need for camping gear. However, most people don’t have unlimited money to spend on vacation. Spending most nights camping is the best way to save money so you can keep your trip going. There’s plenty of cheap, generic tent brands out there, but it is better to have one that will stay dry and upright. You never really know where you will be sleeping or what the weather will be, so it is best to be as prepared as possible.

Meal Ideas for Long Distance Bike Trips

By Megan Maxwell



When cycling long distances, food is your fuel. It is important to get enough to eat and try to have a healthy diet. It’s also a good idea to eat a variety of different foods. You don’t have to only eat power bars the whole time you are bike touring. First of all, find a decent camp stove for yourself. I have had a MSR Pocket Rocket for several years now and it still works great. Get a cooking pot too. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on one. Wal-Mart has “grease pots” for about $10. Most camp stoves run off of fuel canisters, which can be found in hardware stores or outfitters. Having breakfast is the best way to set yourself up for a good day of biking.

Bike Touring Gear List | Bike Trip Tips

By Megan Maxwell
In two weeks, I will be heading out to bike 1800 miles down the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to Tijuana.  I’m finally getting all of my gear together and taking my bike off its bike rack to do training rides. My plan is to pack as minimally as possible to keep the weight down. I have contained everything I need to fit into two panniers that are each 20 liters (40 liters total).

Final Preparations for My Pacific Coast Bike Journey | 1,700 Miles from Vancouver to Tijuana

By Megan Maxwell
In one short month I will be departing for a 1,700 mile (or 1,800, see, I’m not even sure) bike ride down the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to Tijuana. I’ve been budgeting accordingly and choosing the appropriate gear for a while now. I’m an experienced long-distance hiker, so I’m overly prepared for the camping aspect of the trip. And I’ve worked hard to minimize my gear to keep my bike load as light as possible. I even went to the local bike depot to learn how to fix minor issues with my bike.

Budgeting for a Bike Trip | Money Saving Tips for Your Next Adventure

By Megan Maxwell

This summer, I will be biking 1800 miles down the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to Tijuana. I currently work in the hotel industry, and summer is the busiest time of year. I’m not allowed to take six weeks off, so I will be quitting my job for this adventure. Since I still have a house and roommates, I’m going to have to pay bills while I’m gone. Therefore, I have spent the entire winter budgeting my money and spending frugally so I can afford this trip. 

Quitting Your Job for a Long Distance Bike Trip down the Pacific Coast!

By Megan Maxwell

This June I will be quitting my job to spend six weeks biking down the Pacific Coast with my mom. Our route will take us from Vancouver to Tijuana, and we will travel by the ocean for the majority of the trip.

you enjoy a lot more sunsets when you're not working inside!

It might seem risky, giving up a dependable paycheck to go on a summer vacation, but I’m going to stand by my decision - I can't wait!

What to Bring on a Long Distance Bike Trip | Bicycle Gear Essentials

By Megan Maxwell

        I’m planning an 1800 mile bike trip down the Pacific Coast for this summer, and I have absolutely no long distance biking experience. When I’m trying to do things I’ve never done before, I like to talk to as many people as possible who have knowledge on the subject and read blogs by people who have done similar trips. I’ve had a biker tell me that she used Tidy Cat buckets for her panniers to save money, while other bikers have told me that I need to get an expensive touring bike.

        What to bring on a long distance bike trip largely depends on your budget and your priorities. My budget is minimal and my priority is to bring the least amount of gear possible to save weight.