Messages

1

Routes / Re: Great Divide-Canada and MT

« on: January 04, 2012, 09:01:34 am »

Thanks for the info, impressions and link. All very helpful.

I was hoping to do the epic, 2700+ miles all in one ride (60 days seemed reasonable for a pleasant tour)  but family and employer failed to share my dream . My wife, who is much smarter than me, suggested a group experience to try it out. The ACA trip sound just about right since it will be my first tour of this type.

Any thoughts on pedals / footware? I love my SPD Keen sandals (worn year round with varying layers of smart wool -neoprene covers for real winter <30F) but not sure they will work well on the GD. I have seen / read everything (clip, clipless,  platform, hybrids ) so i guess it's personal preference like having suspension, which I do not.

I know there are many travel options but my biggest concern is getting by beloved Tout Terrain Silkoad out there without damage. Will definitely ship but it all strikes me as complicated, having not done it before. Lots of "firsts" on this trip!

Bryan
Barrington, RI

2

General Discussion / Re: Woman riding by herself

« on: January 04, 2012, 07:05:34 am »

Trans Am. and Trans Can. are just two tours on my short list of epic adventures. In my cycle dreams I'm always solo, never with a group. My wife, co-workers and friends all think I'm nuts to even consider such a tour without "safety in numbers". Clearly, these non-cyclists think cycle touring is dangerous regardless of gender.

Prepare well, do your "homework", and have a great time. Florida to Calf. is not Cairo to Cape Town and I'm sure I read about a woman who did THAT tour solo.. oy vey!

Bryan
Barrington, RI

3

General Discussion / Re: Alert to reply

« on: January 02, 2012, 11:25:36 am »

Done. Thank you!
Bryan

4

General Discussion / Alert to reply

« on: January 02, 2012, 10:29:15 am »

Is there a setting to receive an email alert when someone has replied to my post or any posts I'm interested in tracking? If so, how?
 Thanks
Bryan
Barrington, RI

5

Routes / Great Divide-Canada and MT

« on: January 02, 2012, 09:31:25 am »

I'm new here and was wondering if there is a discussion group for those interested in the GDMBR.
I'm signed-up for July's trip from Banff to Whitefish with ACA and have read a lot. I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what to expect and how to prepare but would love to talk with others who appreciate this kind of touring.

Thanks!

Bryan
Barrington, RI

6

Gear Talk / Re: Water Filter vs. Steripen

« on: January 01, 2012, 06:04:18 pm »

Thanks for the Kent Peterson (Mountain Turtle) link. He's a great resource and a nice guy too.

Bry
Barrington, RI

7

Gear Talk / Water Filter vs. Steripen

« on: December 31, 2011, 03:44:56 pm »

I will be joining ACA next July on the GDMBR in Canada / MT. They provide water filters for the group but just in case I'm alone and need to refill I want my own system for purifying water.

Most folks seem to use filters but the Steriped (uses UV light to mess up viral and bacterial DNA so they can't reproduce) seems to be a light weight and dependable device. From what I can tell, the only issue is cloudy water since UV light doesn't travel well through the haze. Otherwise, looks like a great alternative to the traditional filter.

Appreciate any thoughts or personal experiences

Thanks and Happy New Year!

8

Gear Talk / Re: Hub Generator Lights

« on: December 31, 2011, 03:32:05 pm »

I run a Schmidt SON with Busch & Muller Lumotec IQ cryo up front and  detoplight in back. The lumination is fabulous and I can't imagine ever using batteries again. Of course, this convenience comes at a price but it's well worth it in the long run. Also, the peace of mind knowing you always have light.