Messages

1

General Discussion / Touring in winter

« on: February 21, 2013, 02:07:39 pm »

Ok so it wasn't as cold as Northern Canada thanks to the gulf stream, but Helen and I just got back from 3 weeks cycle touring in Northern Scandinavia.

Temperatures while cycling and camping between - 5 and -30 degrees C.

In short, everything to -15 is fine once you get used to it, below that things start getting complicated, uncomfortable and hard work.

parts 1 and 2 of the blog are done, more coming soon,

Enjoy 

http://wintercycletouring.com/2013/02/winter-cycling-in-lapland-pt-i/

http://wintercycletouring.com/2013/02/winter-cycling-in-lapland-pt-ii/


P1010380 by shanecycles.com, on Flickr

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General Discussion / Re: Winter touring in Canada

« on: October 01, 2012, 01:10:14 am »

Thanks Geegee,

That could be a problem, I need to get a hold of some maps and google maps time when I have real internet again. I doubt the main roads would have the shoulders cleared in winter which could be a problem...

Winter camping is my new project, we'll see how Sweden/Finland goes in Feb before I make any big plans.

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General Discussion / Re: Winter touring in Canada

« on: September 30, 2012, 10:35:43 pm »

A change is as good as a rest right? 

This is for next winter, I'm going to do some short trip in Europe soon after getting back to reccharge my batteries.

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General Discussion / Winter touring in Canada

« on: September 29, 2012, 08:35:58 am »

My trip in Africa is coming to its end and for my next trip I'd like to explore the other end of the thermometer.

Anyone got any thoughts on routes that are possible with a fully loaded bike, 2.1" studded tires and a wimpy Brit?

My idea would be something like Toronto to Calgary in 2-3 months then pick up part of the Great Divide in spring for a month, by which time the freedom credits will be gone and therefore time to work again 

Naturally I don't do major highways such as the Trans Canadian Highway, though will need compressed snow secondary roads/trails.

Thanks

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General Discussion / Re: Health/Medical Insurance while cycling abroad

« on: September 29, 2012, 08:25:33 am »

During my brainstorming process for my current trip I kept track of what i was looking at. I'm not sure how relevant it is for you but take a look anyway, you might find something worthwhile...

http://shanecycles.com/cycling-info/info/bicycle-travel-insurance

Shane

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General Discussion / Re: Share how you got $ & time off to tour

« on: June 04, 2012, 09:31:15 am »

I worked hard for 18 months, saving as much as possible. Cut down on luxuries like eating out, going to the pub and malt whiskey. Sold pretty much everything I own......

Now 6 months into the tour of a lifetime and hope to carry on for another 2 years........

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General Discussion / 6 montha into Shane Cycles Africa

« on: June 04, 2012, 09:22:08 am »

Hi Folks,

Only 6 months into my trip and I've already seen so much it feels like a life time on the road. I love this nomad life and hope it continues for years.

Here's a little video I put together to sum up the first 6 months and about 5000 miles.

http://www.shanecycles.com/africa/2012/05/28/the-first-6-months/

Tails winds and blue skies..
Shane

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General Discussion / Re: Long distance trip alone?

« on: March 10, 2012, 07:15:43 am »

Dont travel alone for too long, strange things happen 

http://vimeo.com/34943524

Wonderful. Know where your coming from, I have the most out of tune singing voice ever, so I can do my X factor bit as loud as I like o those wonderful empty stretches. 

Something like this? 

http://vimeo.com/38267462a

 

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General Discussion / Re: Pacing on a long distance ride

« on: March 09, 2012, 01:27:57 pm »

If I'm hungry, thirsty, tired, have a sore arse or want to take a photo I stop. If not then I dont 

I doubt this is something that can be compared. During cycle touring I've cycled between 3 and 125 miles in one day and anything up to 14 hours to do it And sometimes i just stop after an hour and go back to bed if it isn't my day

10

General Discussion / Re: getting insurance for UK rider in N America

« on: March 09, 2012, 01:23:28 pm »

I did some serious brain storming on the subject of the insurance minefield last summer, here's the result

http://shanecycles.com/cycling-info/info/bicycle-travel-insurance

11

General Discussion / Re: Long distance trip alone?

« on: March 09, 2012, 01:20:52 pm »

Dont travel alone for too long, strange things happen 

http://vimeo.com/34943524

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General Discussion / Re: Stupid Hotel Question

« on: October 27, 2011, 11:28:35 am »

If you dont have AAA or any other discount card, smile and ask for the "poor cyclist travelling cross country discount", 50% of the time this got me the AAA or 10% off 

Have fun.

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General Discussion / The final countdown

« on: October 24, 2011, 11:54:07 am »

Stress, stress and more stress,

Only a week to go, but almost organised......

http://www.shanecycles.com/africa/

Goodbye and hello,

Shane

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General Discussion / Re: A few questions from a 1st timer

« on: September 05, 2011, 11:35:10 am »

1. Do 50-60 miles a day instead and enjoy your trip, take time for a long lunch, hangover lie in or siesta. Its not the end of the world if you do the last 500 miles in a bus to save time if it means the difference between the trip of a life time or an injury that lasts a life time.

2. Helmet, something bright on your bike and a mirror.

3. Smelly socks. charm, charisma and a sense of humour have done me well so far.

4. I found this a little dodgy in the US because there's so many fences along the road with "private property"signs and the last thing i wanted was to piss off a redneck or cowboy:), but there's always room for a creative solution.

5. ....More rumble strips than bike lanes....

6. Any bike works, especially if its a bike your used too, dont be miss led into buying a new bike if yours works....

7. Just do it!!!!!

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General Discussion / Re: Getting lost

« on: August 31, 2011, 08:06:10 am »

We've all done it, what goes through your mind?

Where the heck am I? :-)

Jay

Can't beat a little denial to get you out of a mess