Lesser-Traveled Roads

Besides plenty of surf and scrumpy, Cornwall happens to have an abundance of quiet, traffic-free cycle trails. Last fall I followed part of one called the First and Last from Penzance to Land's End and back. Along the way I snapped dozens of photos with my digital still camera; seven of them ended up in a slideshow for World Hum.

For those who haven't considered a visit to westernmost England, perhaps these images will persuade you to think again. If biking doesn't sound appealing though, take your pick of half a dozen Rail Ale Trails instead.

Mind Over Water

Growing up in the suburbs, I was an avid reader of Surfer magazine. You know, for the articles. Looking back now, I can honestly say that the images printed on its glossy pages actually kindled a different type of desire however. The saturated photos of glassy tubes and empty sets made me want to trade my basketball hoop for a six-foot length of fiberglass-encased foam. But among the many realities clouding my pre-teen fantasy was the fact that I'd need my mom to shuttle me to and from the beach—a two hour drive each way.

Twenty years later, still convinced that nothing could match the sheer exhilaration of a painful wipeout in icy surf, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Mom wouldn't even have to know. Naturally I spent some time carefully researching the best place to learn the Polynesian art of he'e nalu. Unable to afford an expensive journey to one of the legendary spots scattered around the globe, I settled on the next best thing: Penzance. Figuring the North Atlantic couldn't be that cold in mid-September, I then scheduled a lesson with Global Boarders in Cornwall.

Transitions Abroad recently published my account of the experience. Hopefully I succeeded in channeling a bit of the enthusiasm I used to have for the sport. For the record, I enjoyed every minute of it, even the water temperature.

All Geared Up

Well, the rain appears to have relented here in New York City—at least temporarily—the weekend forecast calls for more showers. But I'll take the reprieve, however brief. After four straight days of gray skies and wet streets, even a few hours of morning sun is enough lift your spirits and get you out of the house. Especially during National Bike Month.

I haven't taken my 12-speed out for a spin around the neighborhood yet this spring, but I'm a firm believer in a bicycle friendly America, and often pedal to points of interest in Europe. It's a fun, easy way to practice sustainable tourism, and one more thing you can do to make sure part of your travel budget is going back to the local community.

During a recent visit to Cornwall for instance, I rented a Trek for £10 at The Cycle Centre and took it from Penzance to Land's End and back. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride itself, and didn't feel the least bit guilty about ordering extra bacon with my English breakfast the next day.