One of the most unsung benefits of cycling (whether it be for transportation, recreation, or general wellness) is the noticeable boost it provides to your mental well-being. This feeling is akin to a cleared-headed meditative state … the same state of mental flow that is often described as a pleasurable feeling of awareness.

Yoga and meditation are two of the more subtle and sublime forms of restructuring the mind for creativity and relaxation, but the low impact exertion of cycling (especially at an “aware” speed) can help break the ongoing internal commentary that often hinders mental processes.

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Since 1974, the Adventure Cycling Association has promoted the active pursuit of travel cycling we commonly refer to as bicycle touring.  Their mission includes three major tasks:

• Create bicycle routes for the Nation.
• Get more people traveling by bicycle.
• Support bicycling communities.

And for 2010, they are placing special emphasis on the first bullet point by embarking on a major fund-raising effort to benefit the United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS).    The USBRS is a proposed system of networked bicycle routes that will criss-cross the entire United States.  These routes will link urban, suburban, and rural areas using a variety of appropriate corridors and facilities.  Basically:
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