Messages

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General Discussion / Re: Pronounciation...

« on: June 14, 2013, 04:59:31 pm »

Oh then... I guess I'll just call them "those-bags-that-go-on-the-racks-that-are-mounted-on-both-sides-of-the-front-and-rear-wheels-that-carry-all-your-stuff-when-you're-a-long-way-from-home".

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General Discussion / Pronounciation...

« on: June 14, 2013, 09:34:12 am »

I apologize if this is not where it is supposed to be, but im wondering... I have heard the word "panniers" pronounced several different ways. eg... pan-NIERS, PAN-iers, pani-AYES. Is there more than one way to pronounce this word and still be correct? I can go to one bike shop here in my city and have the attendant call it one thing, then go to another store 3 blocks down and have that attendant call it something else, then go to REI 2 hrs from my home and that attendant will call it something different than the other two. Any input?

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General Discussion / Re: Anyone know about Steven P.?

« on: May 26, 2013, 07:13:46 pm »

Thanks John... Will do. Yes thats the last time I ever heard from him.  Havent heard from him since. But I'll try to reach him there. Thanks!

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General Discussion / Anyone know about Steven P.?

« on: May 25, 2013, 09:00:01 am »

Does anyone here know the whereabouts of Steven P? He is the cyclist that did a cross country tour in 2011.  He was very heavy into drugs and turned his life around and was starting a book.  Does anyone here actually know him? I tried to reach him sometime back after he sent me an email to check up on my weight loss but I never got a reply.  Just hoping he did not fall off the wagon again.  His last activity here was in late 2011. 

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General Discussion / Re: Doin' it well

« on: May 25, 2013, 05:00:02 am »

Dear Whit... I am a "born-again" cyclist. I had not done any real cycling since my younger years. Now, at 46, I am starting all over and planning a cross country ride for 2014. But even in my day, I always belived in "stopping before you hate it". There is a difference between a challenge and being miserable. Its no fun if its no fun. If you really are miserable, then stop. That doesnt mean QUIT. That just means do some re-planning, figure out what went wrong and give it another shot. You did good by stopping before it got to the point where you start thinking "Ahhh, to HELL with this!" The weather can be a brutal thing and can make you sick. Its better you got a cold and ended the trip rather than pressed on and got neumonia. 250 miles is alot of miles and the fact that you started the trip alone is impressive.  You have not quit until you quit. I think however, you will be returning to the road before too long and more determined than ever!

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Gear Talk / Re: Bio Lite Stove...

« on: May 22, 2013, 12:49:28 am »

I took a drive to San Antonio today. About a two hr drive from my hometown. I went especially to visit the REI store there. I found the Bio Lite. They had a couple in stock. I was so tempted to take it.  Oops... let me re-phrase that...  I was so tempted to BUY it, LOL. But I just cound not justify spending 130 bucks on this stove. It has a little weight to it but its not really more than a Jet Boil system. However, I think now that Im home, I am regreting NOT buying it. I did a little research into it and found that most small gadgets can be charged in a normal time but larger items take a LONG time. But one thing I really DO like about it is the optional grill, which does not weigh much either. And since I am not traveling alone next summer, I can carry the stove and my female friend can carry the grill. Or actually both combined are not exceedingly heavy when packed away in a pannier. I might change my mind about this and purchase next week. Ill give you guys a report if I do. And thanks for the tip on the other stove... Im going over there right now to take a look at it.

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Gear Talk / Bio Lite Stove...

« on: May 19, 2013, 09:57:57 pm »

I just recently discovered, even though it may be a year or two old, a "new" stove called the Bio lite stove. Its "hook" is that it can charge an item via usb port while cooking. The heat inside the cannister converts into energy and allows you to charge a cell phone or similiar item. Anyone have any experience using one? Is it worth the 120 dollars?

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Routes / Re: Toll roads in Florida...

« on: December 31, 2012, 05:46:43 pm »

Thank you very much, Jennifer. I will do just that!

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Routes / Re: Toll roads in Florida...

« on: December 25, 2012, 10:43:57 am »

Thanks so much for your help! I didnt know bout the cycling club there. Im sure, if I ask nicely, (LOL) Someone can help me with a way out of the Florida area without too much trouble from the law. I will also be loking up the site you gave. Thanks!

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Routes / Toll roads in Florida...

« on: December 23, 2012, 09:52:49 am »

We are planning our x-country tour. We plan to dip our wheels in Melbourne, Florida and cut across to Disney World where we will stay a few days before continuing on to SF, Ca. But there are two (that I know of) toll roads that it looks like we will need to take. One coming into DW and another going out of DW. Does anyone know if bikes are allowed on toll roads in Florida?

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General Discussion / Re: "Ranch Roads" in North Texas

« on: April 26, 2012, 07:01:44 pm »

I live in S Tx.  but have traveled the N Tx area pleanty of times and basically, they are all the same... dirty, unpaved, full of rocks (not pebbles... ROCKS) and not a comfortable ride.  I would not punnish my bike on those roads.  Every now and then, you'll find a road that goes off the paved road that seems almost ok, only to find out after 4 or 5 miles that it turned into a nasty, harsh, unpaved road like the one I described.  I  would stay away from them. Good luck.

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Routes / Re: When would YOU do this?

« on: January 07, 2012, 07:31:35 pm »

I've lived in South Texas all my life. I am used to running around in 100+ weather. Its the cold that I am trying to avoid. "Cool"...OK. COLD.... Nay Nay.  The western express does sound good. I didnt even know there was such a route. I looked up the distance between Colorado springs and Pueblo. Its about 50 miles or so, about a days ride. I have to go to Colorado Springs to take care of some business, but I was thinking I can ride back down to Pueblo after i finish my business and catch the western express from there. Its only a days ride. I can live with that.

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Routes / When would YOU do this?

« on: January 06, 2012, 04:46:27 pm »

I live in South Texas. Corpus Christi, to be exact. WAY down in south Tx. I need to take a trip but my trip will take me north, all the way thru Texas, all the way thru the Texas Pan Handle, straight up to Colorado Springs, Co., then take a sharp turn west, cut thru Utah, Nevada and finaly into California, ending in San Francisco.  What is the best time to avoid extreme heat/cold? A little added info... I prefer to ride in extreme heat than extreme cold. When is the best time for this route? Anyone help? Thanks! Ron

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General Discussion / Re: About Colorado....

« on: October 21, 2011, 06:07:07 am »

Thanks for the info.  I am planning my departure from the Disney World resort in Orlando (after a full week visiting Mickey) and heading west towards Colorado then back a little south and finishing in SF, California.

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General Discussion / About Colorado....

« on: October 20, 2011, 10:26:30 am »

Im not sure if this is in the right area or not. I tried looking for my answer in other areas of the forum but no luck.  I am traveiling east to west next  summer, leaving 1st week of June.  I plan to go thru Colorado.  By when should I be out of there? Or what is the latest part of the summer that I can comfortably enter Colorado without hitting cold weather?