Bike Italy!

Is anyone else following the husband and wife team over at Path Less Pedaled? I found them about a month ago and have been living vicariously through them ever since. They are touring around the country on their bicycles, meeting interesting people and having adventures.

And it appears that cycle touring is becoming more mainstream. Lonely Planet is getting in on the action (again) with new guides for Britain, France and Italy. I can't wait to get my hands on one (or three).

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Bicycle photo courtesy of killermonkey

Anatomy of a CB: Pannier Rack

Today's essential city bike feature is the pannier rack (PR). PR's are essential for carrying lots of stuff which you will eventually start doing if you have one. Using one is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4:

Step 1: Approach your PR.

Photo courtesy of mindfrieze

Step 2: Attach a "pannier" to your PR - this can be a bag made specifically for this purpose or other items adjusted for use.

Photo courtesy of pjmorse	Photo courtesy of Steven Vance	Photo courtesy of owenstache

Step 3: Put stuff in your panniers and on your PR.

Photo courtesy of Thirteen of Clubs	Photo courtesy of skvidal	Photo courtesy of owenstache

Step 4: Get you and your stuff to where you're going!