Messages

1

Gear Talk / Just Tents

« on: February 14, 2005, 05:28:15 pm »

I am a Sierra Design person all the way-------just a few words to the
wise----make sure you know some one that has used it and that the
tent doesn't leak---what  a pain.

All so make sure you have a door and a screen door separte----

But I would recommend Sierra Design over anything out there.

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

2

Gear Talk / mountain bike frames for touring

« on: February 13, 2005, 03:47:55 pm »

I have lived in Peru and Bolivia for 7 years.  I have travelin
Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina.........

I would first go with a mountian bike as I think you will be
happier with that choice.  Why?

Yes the roads are rough---but more importantly you will be
able to get to more interesting places and not be worried
about your wheels being beaten up so badly.

You will have a wonderful trip and I am sure you will have lots of ups
and downs as well.

I would make sure you have your bike fit nicely----you may want
everything a bit more upright on the mountain bike.  You may want bar
ends if you are going with straight bars as your hands will get worn
out.

Have a wonderful trip---go to Huarez in Peru and say hi to Edward at
Edwards Inn for me!

Text

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

3

Gear Talk / Stoves

« on: February 13, 2005, 03:50:56 pm »

If you are going over seas at all look at a stove that can burn any type
of fuel.  As some countries only allow certain types of fuels for sale.  
We have an older Coleman that burns anything, always works and we
always have fuel for it!

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

4

Routes / Where would you send me?

« on: February 15, 2005, 03:50:48 pm »

This is easy-first you fly to Glacier International Airport---ride up
through Glacier Park and then head up to Canada---you could go up
the Icefields or just explore southern BC--lots of hotsprings to soak in,
nice roads, not to many cars.

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

5

Routes / Patagonia in April

« on: February 14, 2005, 05:25:15 pm »

I have not toured there but have traveled in both areas.  When they say
wind we are talking about wind that you can not stand up in or move
in.  So when they say it is not as windy this could mean you can now
walk with out being blown over.  

However after saying that I would certainly go.........that part of the
world has the most extreme weather I have been in---especially
further south.  Think of all the worse weather you have ever been in
and mutliply it by a huge factor----it can be wonderful sunny, and
perfect in every way and then you will be surviving or just barely.

It is one of my favorite parts of the world.  The northern trip in Chile
and Bariloche would be great and much mellower.  Be prepared that
one has to pay a huge tax to just enter Chile.  So if cash is limited think
about this.

I did see bike tourers last year---the women was hystrical and trying
to get a bus ticket for her and her bike to get out of El Chalten----She
could hardly walk and most likely had knee damage-----Just don't kid
yourself when they say the weather is harsh.........

BUT GO AS IT IS A GREAT PLACE A MUST TO SEE!!!

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

6

General Discussion / Touring with a Suspension MTB

« on: February 14, 2005, 05:17:07 pm »

I did a trip with a front suspension.  No problems at all.  I used a
Mountain Man front rack made for this and it worked great.  I was out
for over 2 mos. on the trip.  I can not see any real serious problems.

good luck!

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

7

General Discussion / Scotland

« on: February 13, 2005, 03:36:15 pm »

Hi,

We will be touring in Scotland this summer.  Does anyone have any
experience with camping there???

Can one just pull off the road and camp?

Is it best to ask for permission first if possible?

For example Sweden has no man's land meaning one can camp any
place as long as you are not in sight of a home-----anything similar in
Scotland??

8

General Discussion / Europe with Bike Boxes

« on: February 13, 2005, 03:33:26 pm »

A few suggestions here---

If you fly into one place and plan on flying out of the same place you
be ok.  Once in Europe airlines only take on 20 Kilos!  This is a huge
hassle and it is expensive.  What we always do is to fly in stay at a nice
some what spendy hotel.  Then ask to leave our boxes/bags and make
a reservation for when you think you will be back.  This seems to keep
everyone happy and your stuff will be there in the end.

9

General Discussion / Panniers VS. trailers, what do you prefer?

« on: February 14, 2005, 05:36:03 pm »

I am a pannier person have been since 1976-----I also do most of my
touring outside the US----so dragging along a trailer on airlines is a
hassle---especially since European flights one can only carry 20 Kilos.  

I also like having everything on my bike with me.  I have never had
problems with my bike handling poorly.  I would go with some of the
nice German panniers that look like dry bags.

Happy pedaling!

Nancy

10

General Discussion / Why are you here?

« on: February 13, 2005, 03:42:52 pm »

I am here looking for info on biking in Scotland!???

Happy pedaling!

Nancy