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For a while, there was a message that appeared on the screen at the local Pickford Film Center. It read: “Make your community the one you want to live in.” I’ve taken that to heart.
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Six months ago, I started BIKE Bellingham, a program that helps people explore the city by bike. But I kept thinking: What about exploring beyond Bellingham? And so, just recently, I launched BIKE Beyond, a new community for people who love traveling by bicycle. For a little more backstory on both programs, look for an article in the upcoming issue of Adventures NW magazine.
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With no budget and no staff, these programs have been labors of love. Financial support is always appreciated, of course, but so is the feedback, encouragement, and enthusiasm that I've received along the way. They all help keep the wheels turning (sorry, I couldn't resist).
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If you know someone who loves exploring by bike, please share this newsletter and help spread the word about BIKE Bellingham and BIKE Beyond. The more, the merrier!
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In its first six months, the BIKE Bellingham website has welcomed more than 4,500 visitors – 25% Bellinghamsters and 75% from further afield. It's exciting to see so many people interested in connecting with Bellingham's culture, heritage, landscapes, and businesses!
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There are eight themed routes and counting! How many have you ridden?
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Haven't ridden them all? Sounds like you've got some exploring to do!
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A Few Fun Facts About the Rides
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- 147.5 miles of riding and 145 points of interest to explore.
- 44 businesses, 39 organizations, and 92 individuals featured along the way.
- Treemendous Trees takes the crown as the most popular route!
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Have you discovered Pedal Perks? Keep an eye out for the yellow Pedal Perks symbol to score discounts at featured businesses, including Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery, Colophon Cafe, Trevor's Magic Rocks, Otherlands Beer, and Raven Bakery.
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Featured Business — Trevor's Magic Rocks: There's a really cool new addition to town, and it's a stop on the Throwing Stones route! Stop by Trevor's Magic Rocks to see where the magic happens. In addition to cutting, polishing, drilling, and otherwise coaxing the magic from stones, Trevor teaches classes in everything from wire wrapping to rock tumbling. You can even sign up to be his “Apprentice for a Day” and join The Other Rock Club. Check it out!
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BIKE Beyond is a brand-spanking new community for those who want to venture farther on two wheels. Whether you’re into bikepacking overnighters, family bike-camping adventures, touring closer to home, or epic overseas journeys, BIKE Beyond is for everyone who loves traveling by bike — and those who are bike-travel-curious!
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Through shared stories, skills, travel, and experiences, BIKE Beyond connects cyclists with the people, places, ideas, and resources that make bicycles such a magical way to explore.
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And it all happens in a year-round cycle:
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- Winter: Inspire. Get fired up with stories and adventures that make you want to travel by bike.
- Spring: Empower. Turn inspiration into action with workshops and activities that help build skills and confidence.
- Summer: Travel. Get out and ride.
- Fall: Share. Bring your adventure stories home and inspire others.
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BIKE Beyond is teaming up with these partners to bring you year-round programming.
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Film Screening: We’re kicking things off with a screening of Reveal the Path on Thursday, January 7, 2027, followed by a live Q&A with the film’s director and bikepacker, Mike Dion. Filmed across four continents, Reveal the Path explores what it means to live an inspired life, with the bicycle as a vehicle for exploration, dreams, and discovery.
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Winter Inspiration Series: Then it's time for our Winter Inspiration Series! Join us for three evenings of local bike travelers sharing their adventures through slideshows and videos. All three events will be held at the Firehouse Arts & Events Center in Bellingham from 6:00-8:30pm.
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🚲 Have a Bicycle-Travel Story or Film to Share? 🚲 We'd love to hear about it!
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Submit your adventure to be considered as a storyteller for the Winter Inspiration Series. Submissions are open November 1–December 4. Click here to learn more.
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Cycling Crafting Circle: Can crafting and cycling make a good pair? We're about to find out! Join Northwest Yarns & Mercantile and BIKE Beyond for two trial gatherings on November 10th and December 8th. Bring your creative side, grab a drink, make a bike-related craft, and share the stoke with fellow bike enthusiasts. If we have a good turnout, we'll keep the circle rolling!
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Build Your Own Adventure Tote: LOAM is offering workshops on November 18th and December 12th. Come make a tote for your next adventure!
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There's lots more to come! Follow BIKE Beyond on social media and check out the webpage regularly. We've got plenty more adventures and events in the works!
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