Messages

1

Bicycle Route 66 / Re: Skeptical about Bike Route 66

« on: August 06, 2012, 06:59:10 pm »

In Illinois, Route 66 follows Illinois 53, no shoulders on that road, at least in my area. Pick up trucks don't like to have slow bicycles on their roads. If they would add a shoulder, it would be a good road but Illinois is broke.
We had a bicycle touring group come through last week, they had a police escort, traffic was backed up about 2 or 3 miles cause people were afraid to pass the police cars.

2

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 06, 2012, 06:32:06 pm »

I also ride a motorcycle and pull a Leesure lite trailer. Since I've been riding the bicycle the GW stays in the garage most of the time.
If you are going to camp make sure your girl friend is comfortable on your sleeping pad. Our first trip, I sent back my self inflating sleeping pads and got a full size air mattress which just fit into our 3 man tent. It really improved our sleep. Since we were both carring equipment, it did not seem to add much weight.
We were used to having a propane camp stove on the motorcycle when camping for coffee etc. We ditched our whisperlite, and either bought coffee at the campsite or packed up really quick and peddled till we found some. We would eat a big breakfast and lunch. Usually have something left over to take to the campsite for that night.
We did the Blue Ridge on a motorcycle many years ago. I do recall if you get off, fast going down but slow coming up. There is a 2 wheel only campground called Willville near Mabry Mill which is very nice,quiet and clean. Motorcycle usually but I think he would let you in. Very friendly host.

3

Routes / Re: Combining Routes & Rails to Trails

« on: April 16, 2012, 04:42:39 pm »

Thanks, I had read that several weeks back, they said that they would reroute down the I-94 corridor. Large shoulders not withstanding, I would rather be riding on a trail, just more peaceful and relaxing. Once into Montana I will hook back up with the Northern Tier. I will be camping most nights.
 

4

Routes / Combining Routes & Rails to Trails

« on: April 16, 2012, 01:55:40 pm »

My wife & I are planning on starting a trip on the L&C and finishing on the Northern Tier. I would like to totally bypass North Dakota, I've seen enough trucks trying to see how close to me they can get. I have no desire to ride on interstates unless I'm in a hurry.
 Option 1 is to ride as far as Lawson,Mo and head north using google maps to Blanchard,Iowa and riding the Wabash Nature trail to Omaha. Back on the L&C and on to Onawa, Iowa. West to Norfolk and the Cowboy trail.
Has anyone been on the Wabash Trail? Has anyone ridden from Lawson to Blanchard? Any thoughts?
 

5

Routes / Re: Lewis & Clark

« on: December 20, 2011, 05:03:51 pm »

Thanks for the reply's. Got to do some research, don't mind hardpacked dirt or gravel, don't like sand. Still in early planning stages. Wife and I will be going East to west on Lewis and Clark. Hope they hurry up on those new maps, want to leave mid June.

6

Routes / Lewis & Clark

« on: December 16, 2011, 12:48:57 pm »

Just trying to decide on Northern tier or L&C this summer, both ways take me into Williston,ND. On the L&C, is there a bypass route, looks like I could veer west and cut cross and pick up the trail in Montana, has anyone done this? I will send for a state bicycle map, just curious if anyone knows a way around. Have heard bad things about the traffic in the Williston area. Thanks

7

Routes / Re: Newbie Route question

« on: January 18, 2011, 07:08:29 pm »

Thanks for the reply's, I have ordered the NT route maps. Now to start gearing up for the trip. Most of my camping stuff fits on my motorcycle so I'll need to gear down somewhat. I'll buy what I think I'll need and then decide if I need a Trailer. My wife and I have Easy Racer's recumbents. I'm thinking about a fairing, any pros and cons on that?

8

Routes / Newbie Route question

« on: January 15, 2011, 07:42:38 am »

Have been riding to work, when weather permitted, for years. Retirement this summer hopefully. Want to ride Northern Tier west from Illinois. Before I buy the maps, Does this route consist of mostly state highways, county roads, hopefully not 4 lanes? I justwant to stay out of traffic as much as possible, I know that it can't be avoided entirely but I like secondary roads and cruising farm country. Will be camping and self contained as much as possible. Lewis Clark Trail also a possibility. I'm new to Touring and would welcome advice.