We live in a world where big brother is out to get you. The government wants to strap a helmet on your head, make you register your bike and throw you in prison anytime you disobey. Right? Wrong… The world, as a cyclist, isn’t that bad. Sure, there are hiccups once and while and maybe yes, the average US driver doesn’t like you, the cyclist, taking up their road but come on, we really have it pretty good overall.

Everyone got so pissy when Strava began “selling” your data that no one stopped to think about how important that data can be to improving your city’s cycling infrastructure. Yes, just think, maybe there’s a way to further separate you from those fat, lazy, stinky, smelly motorists that want all the road for themselves…

There is! But cities need essential data. Data that would cost the local government thousands of research funds. Or, they could just buy it from Strava. Seriously, they can have all my PRs, KOMs (oh wait) and routes, just improve my city too!

Wired Magazine wrote an exceptional piece on this very subject. I suggest you head over and read it.

Rapha‘s Strava challenges are always a lot of fun. Ever look to see what the competitors are riding? Personally, I always enjoy clicking on the leader’s stats and seeing where they rode and what kind of elevation they can hit on their home turf. For the Rapha Rising 2013, people came out of the woodwork:

“30,841 riders worldwide took to the hills and mountain roads as part of the eight-day Rapha Rising Challenge. The challenge, in conjunction with Strava, was to climb the combined height of the Alpe d’Huez, Peyresourde, Ventoux and Col de Sarenne. A total of 7, 235m was the target but, of course, many went above and beyond that figure.”

As far as I’m concerned, two of the greatest social media apps coming together is a good thing. Instagram has become a part of my life and like many cyclists out there, I like to document rides, roads and new routes, especially since I travel and ride in so many cities. Strava announced yesterday that Instagram is now integrated. Simply go to your settings and click “Connect with Instagram”.

This route in particular had some good shots in it. But it’s even better for dirt and trails!

Now, one thing that I’d like to see is more accurate geotagging, or showing you where on the map the photo was taken, which doesn’t work well for #latergram.

Oh, follow me on Instagram, too.

California really does have some of the most beautiful riding in the US. Here’s Strava‘s new commercial, “Shower”, featuring Tim Johnson, tackling Coleman Valley Rd up from HWY 1. Damn, I miss the Cali coast.