Messages

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Mid-Atlantic / Riding the Divide: Guest Speaker Event

« on: August 01, 2018, 11:49:04 am »

So, here we are. Another summer cycling season is slowly, but surely winding down. Most of the big events have long since already started, or, will do so momentarily. Congratulations are extended to all those riders, who have successfully succeeded in conquering whatever specific challenge that saw them take part in. Job well done on your most incredible accomplishment!

For those looking ahead to actual 2019 participation, or perhaps, teetering on the edge of future commitment, there is an awesome opportunity coming up if you find yourself living in the greater Philadelphia area, to learn firsthand specifically all about the Tour Divide race, bikepacking & touring in general.

On Sunday, August 26, 2018, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., I (Richard S. Costello) will be the guest speaker at a *FREE* event being held at the L.L.Bean Saucon Valley retail store in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The program titled: Riding the Divide – The Legendary Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race, will be the main topic of discussion.

If you are interested in attending what promises to be an informative & captivating talk, kindly visit L.L.Bean's event page at https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001713, where you will find all pertinent event information as well as how to R.S.V.P. your spot.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

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Mid-Atlantic / Re: C & O Canal-Great Allegheny Passage

« on: July 10, 2016, 09:28:54 am »

Ask any cyclist who has bicycled any portion of either of these two wonderful trails, or completed the entire distance, and they will tell you how amazing the experience was. Old historic canalways and multi-use trails offer wonderful opportunities to go out and explore not only the countryside, but the small charming communities of which they travel through.

I have taken my own experiences on trails such as the C & O Canal-Great Allegheny Passage and put my findings forth in a new publication which highlights many of the amazing things of which I have found throughout. To learn more, kindly click on the link provided in order to do so -

https://longtrailahead.blogspot.com/2016/06/bicycling-erie-canal.html

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New England / Bicycling the Erie Canal

« on: July 10, 2016, 09:18:47 am »

Old canalways are a great place for bicyclists hands down. Such trails offer riders a unique opportunity to go out and cycle in some incredible portions of the countryside in the states of which they are found in. I have found that these rides to be a pleasurable experience on many various fronts, as well as being extremely safe too. I have taken my own experiences on several different historic canals, and combined my experiences in a new publication which highlights all the wonders that I have found throughout.

To learn more about riding canals, kindly click on the link in order to find out more -

https://longtrailahead.blogspot.com/2016/06/bicycling-erie-canal.html

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General Discussion / Re: Traveling the Transam Supported by RV

« on: March 13, 2015, 01:11:33 pm »

Interesting & great topic to stumble upon.

Myself, my wife and family pet are getting ready to embark on such an adventure/undertaking ourselves. At the end of April, we are leaving Yorktown on the TA, and heading westward eventually hooking up with the "western express." I will be cycling and the wife and man's best friend, will drive along in a family vehicle. Obviously our plan is to camp out as much as we can along the way, with motel stays thrown in here & there.

As a successful finisher of the "Tour Divide," simply plopping down just about anywhere for the night leaves me thinking that doing the same on our upcoming travels, won't be any different.  I have seen my fair share of other long distance cyclists taking up a resting spots as well as many of you possibly have too in the past, in various locations all along cycling routes. There are lot's of places to hold up without drawing any sorts of interest all across this land of ours - using past experience and common sense no less.

The boredom issue for my wife, is a situation of which I don't see happening in our case. She is wide open to this endeavor and is looking forward to seeing and discovering many things along the way herself. Living in the constant grind of the moving world, it doesn't take long I have found to warm-up quite nicely to those sleepy little towns, or endlessly long roads complimented with picturesque views. This is the only way that she can get out and see/do such a thing, since cycling it is totally out of the question. All and all as I have said to her numerous times, when all is said and done, this experience/trip will end up being one of the greatest things we ever did together. The experience is what you make of it!

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General Discussion / Re: TransAm 2015- Looking for others

« on: January 05, 2015, 09:50:08 am »

chiptoothed, I have to totally agree with what PeteJack responded with. Going alone is a great way to travel for sure on such a personal adventure taken, and for the obvious reason he mentioned. My own travels alone have been chock full of many great memories and experiences had, as well as other similar travels having been made with fellow cyclists. Remember, the TransAm route is an established bicycle route, and odds are pretty good that you will easily see, and come across many other cyclists who are both coming & going while your out there on the entire distance.

I myself will be starting the same route as you at the end of April - east to west direction. I am cycling solo too, well kind of I guess I would say since my wife and family pet will be traveling along just shortly ahead of me daily in a family vehicle.

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Mid-Atlantic / Re: C & O Canal-Great Allegheny Passage

« on: October 21, 2013, 09:08:37 pm »

I am departing Washington D.C. Wednesday morning on a historical journey and important mission up to Pittsburgh. I encourage any and all cycling enthusiasts who live near this route to come on out and ride with me for a bit, or simply stop by and say hello.

 http://www.americanmustacheinstitute.org/blog/2013/10/costello-to-cycle-from-nations-capitol-to-pittsburgh-with-goulet-winners-name-in-hand/

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Cycling Events / Calling All East Coast Cyclists!

« on: October 21, 2013, 08:40:58 pm »

I encourage every, and any cyclist who lives near either the C & O Canal, or the Great Allegheny Passage routes, to come on out and ride along with me as I cycle on through from Washington DC, to Pittsburgh, starting this Wednesday morning(10/23). This is a historical effort taking place in that I will be carrying the official nomination ballot for the soon to be announced 2013 Mustached American of the Year Award winner, being crowned this coming Saturday up in the steel town. Whether you are a past/present/future TOUR DIVIDE rider, bikepacker, or just an all around cycling enthusiast, c'mon out and ride! I hope to see some of you out there.


http://www.americanmustacheinstitute.org/blog/2013/10/costello-to-cycle-from-nations-capitol-to-pittsburgh-with-goulet-winners-name-in-hand/

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Mid-Atlantic / Re: C & O Canal-Great Allegheny Passage

« on: September 09, 2013, 03:50:33 pm »

Hey ninaschwartzman,

I have not done the C & O - GAP route before. I did however, just finish the entire continental divide route in July, my ending total mileage being 2859.11 when all said and done. I am now having the itch to get out and do something shortly, and I feel this neat little ride will suffice. I haven't fully looked at all the logistics yet - trail/road surface conditions, but feel that it shouldn't be to hard in navigating. As for daily miles, what do you cycle now?

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Mid-Atlantic / C & O Canal-Great Allegheny Passage

« on: September 06, 2013, 01:10:39 pm »

Looking to do this route possibly in October, anybody interested in a small little fun adventure next month?