Messages

1

Gear Talk / Anyone name their bike?

« on: May 21, 2004, 10:43:32 pm »

As two of us were sitting on a curb in somewhere South
Dakota mid-way through a cross country trip a few years ago,
watching the flags on the poles in front of a convenience
store indicate the headwind was continuing, and sipping a
cold coke in the 100 degree heat, an elderly gent
approached, did a sidelong look at the two touring rigs
leaning up against the building in the shade, voiced the
usual "boy what a load comments" and annoited the two
beasts the "Wire Donkeys".

2

Gear Talk / Touring Bikes ($1000 Range)

« on: March 04, 2004, 03:24:40 pm »

Go for the Trek 520.  It'll get you there.

3

Gear Talk / panniers vs. BOB-like trailers??

« on: January 21, 2004, 06:31:35 pm »

I too have used both panniers and a BOB. Both on 1,000 mi
plus trips. I like both. But, finally, after a lot of indecision, I
decided to go back to and stick with panniers. No real logic is
involved. It just feels better riding with panniers.

4

Routes / Route 97 CA-OR-WA-BC

« on: April 10, 2004, 02:12:39 pm »

Oop! I gave you the wrong Hiway number when I said to take
Hiway 62 near Chemult. It is Hiway 58 you want which heads
west a few miles north of Chemult. Then you'd take Century
Drive aka Cascade Lakes Hiway which heads north just
before Crescent Lake. It is a great ride into Bend from there
but you'd be wise to carry a one day food supply in case you
decide to stop short of a resupply spot. There's a small store/
lodge at Lava Lake and a restaurant at Elk Lake, both
several hours ride from the turnoff from Hiway 58. Last
comment: Check ODOT or other road reports to confirm the
road is open if you are riding in the spring or late fall since
snow shuts it down for the winter months.

5

Routes / Route 97 CA-OR-WA-BC

« on: April 10, 2004, 12:34:09 am »

The Oregon stretch of Hw 97 generally has wide shoulders
but lots of truck traffic. If you can handle the noise, etc from
the trucks the shoulders help make the ride tolerable. There
are a couple of alternatives which involve more mileage but
less traffic. For instance, from Klamath Falls you could divert
to Lakeview then head north towards Bend vaguely parallel
to 97. Or you could go north out of Klamath Falls to slant over
to Hwy 62 near Chemult then take Century Drive back into
Bend. From Bend you can follow several routes, one of which
could be 97. There are adequate campgrounds/sites/RV
parks and motels along the route. The whole thing is kind of
boring compared to the coast route or a ride through the
Willamette Valley.

6

Routes / Best Route from Missoula to Great Falls

« on: March 17, 2004, 09:00:48 pm »

Three of us are riding east via Missoula and Great Falls. Due
in the area late June. While we are going to generally follow
the L&C route we plan to do a shorter route between
Missoula and G.F. The question: which is best considering
terrain and weather/heat: the longer route via Helena or the
shorter ca 175 miler which goes more directly to Great Falls
along route 200? Or is there another better way to go?
Thanks.

7

Routes / WDC to the Eastern Shore

« on: January 27, 2004, 10:17:26 pm »

We're considering transitting Washington DC en route to the
Eastern Shore at the end of a cross country trip next summer.
Would appreciate any info on how best to deal with the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge problem.

8

Routes / Researching Australia touring March of 2004

« on: January 27, 2004, 10:14:38 pm »

And you might want to read "Cold Beer and Crocodilles" by
Roff Smith published by Adventure Press (National
Geographic).

9

General Discussion / Summer Plans

« on: May 20, 2004, 12:29:28 am »

June 19 Begin Astoria to Bar Harbor. Two old guys (60+)  
and a youngster (she's only 58). Lewis and Clark Route to
Williston then Eastward Ho!

10

General Discussion / Touring food query: Wine w/o the bottle

« on: April 29, 2004, 06:35:09 pm »

So maybe I've had too much time in the saddle. But here's
the nagging question anyway - the sort of query that
develops greater importance the longer one rides and one's
mind reaches to reflect on those weighty worldly topics.
Why can't the experts at food dehydration produce a
dehydrated (freeze dried?) wine product, one that would only
require the addition of water to a powder to bring forth a
worthwhile post ride beverage. This would eliminate the bulk
of toting a wine bottle all the way into camp from where ever.
Maybe a powder accompanied by some concentrated
alcohol? And just in case they care, I'm sure the beer
drinkers of ACA would appreciate a malted counterpart. Any
ideas out there?

11

General Discussion / Biking Shorts

« on: March 25, 2004, 01:06:39 pm »

I've found that being extra clean helps a lot. On a longer trip I
most always clean the rash prone area (how's that for a good
euphemism?) in the evening as part my routine. Handiwipes,
diaper wipes, etc. Try to stay away from alcohol based
products - it stings if you have any open spots. The shorts
don't seem to matter for me: I wear heavier padded mountain
biking shorts now, but wore the lighter Jackson/Gibbons for a
couple of years with no apparent problem. Good luck.