SEACOAST BY BIKE

When your mother warned you not to play in traffic, is this really what she had in mind? This week we go off-road to examine the mountain bike phenomenon. The Great Balkini takes to the trails. And that is where, he says, these costly, high-tech machines should stay.

SEACOAST BY BIKE

Step One --  All cyclists run this article by Dave Balkin onto your computer printer (see printer friendly button above and to the right). Step Two – Make sure you have the three items needed to fix your flat. Step Three – Fold the printed paper and always carry it with you while biking. Step Four – Practice taking those danged wheels off and on.

Gloucester, MA
Est. 1821; present light built 1881
Tower 30 feet, light 57 feet above water.

To help guide mariners into Gloucester's inner harbor, the first 20-foot stone lighthouse was built here in 1821. Amos Story of sea serpent fame became keeper in 1833 for $350 yearly.

Jeremy’s Lighthouse Guide #48

New Bedford, MA
Built in 1849
Tower is 24 feet, light is 34 feet above water

Palmer’s Island Lighthouse is on the city seal of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The city’s motto, "Lucem Diffundo," means, "I Spread the Light."

SEACOAST BY BIKE

Back in the good old days bikes had two different sized wheels. Then came the two wheeler connected by a chain. Shifting is like changing the size of the wheel to optimize effort and maximize speed. But when and how to shift? The more you know about the process, the Great Balkini says, the shiftier you get. On a bike, that's a good thing.

SEACOAST BY BIKE

A little maintenance goes a long way says our cycling guru Dave Balkin. Following is a simple approach to basic bicycle maintenance – and the zen that goes with it. Your bike, Dave says, is among the most perfect machines ever made. Only you and time can screw it up.

Owls Head, ME
Built 1825
30 feet tower, light is 100 feet above water.

SEACOAST BY BIKE

For anything more than a ride around the block – David Balkin says -- bicycle clothing is as important to overall performance as wet suits are to scuba divers. Full summer regalia include: shoes, socks, shorts, jersey, helmet, glasses and gloves. Read on.

SALMON FALLS VILLAGE WALK

Get off the beaten path. Leave the tourists behind. Slap on your Rockford shoes and explore one of New Hampshire’s old mill towns. Bring your kayak too and explore the neighborhood. Don't miss the miraculously restored 1701 historic house. See artist studios. Click for TWENTY pix with a bonus tour inside Salmon Falls artist studios.

Cuckold Ledges
Near Southport, Maine.

Est 1892 as a fog signal station
Lighthouse built in 1907.
48 feet with 59 foot focal plane