Riding the Spine

by user ActiveSports

[1] There are a group of guys riding their bikes the length of the Earth by following the backbone of the globe -- the world's longest continuous mountain range. The route takes them along the backroads and trails that traverse the Continental Divide. The off-road nature of this trip sounds like it would be an awesome ride and a unique opportunity to see the world and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Great Divide runs along the crest of the Rockies, from British Columbia, through the United States, and continues southward into Mexico and Central America. It divides the continent's principal drainage into that flowing eastward (to the Hudson Bay in Canada or to the Mississippi River) and that flowing westward (to the Pacific Ocean).

Unfortunately, they were busted by federal agents for biking through the Grand Canyon. They’re staying in Flagstaff for awhile to work construction and raise some cash to pay down their legal fees before moving on. The worst part is that they probably would have gotten away with it if they hadn’t posted pictures and stories about their illegal ride on their blog. After paying a $500 fine and being  in jail for two days, they had to post something on their blog about why people shouldn’t bike through the Grand Canyon. Even worse, they are banned from National Parks for five years.

Another example of why one should be careful of what gets posted on the internet (and, of course, why to not ride your bike in the Grand Canyon). But these guys are on to something very cool in riding the longest off-pavement bike route in the world. They will be leaving Flagstaff and hitting the trail again in a couple weeks; if you want to keep an eye on them, their effort is called “ Riding the Spine.”

(Photo provided by Getty Images/taken by Kashi Leuchs)