Messages

46

Corridor Plan Updates & Routing Within Corridors / Re: Route San Diego to Tucson

« on: April 20, 2011, 05:07:32 pm »

San Diego has so-so public transportation.  There is a semi decent bus system and all buses have bike racks on the front.  The web site for the bus and the trolley system is http://www.511sd.com/

San Diego is both bike-friendly and bike-hostile depending on where you ride.  Here is a link to bike maps of the city http://www.icommutesd.com/Bike/BikeMap.aspx

If you have some idea of what area of the city you plan to visit, I can give you some ideas.  I have lived in San Diego my entire 53 years and have been biking it since I was 15.

47

General Discussion / Re: Possible cause of crashes?

« on: April 16, 2011, 08:57:20 pm »

It would be interesting to find out what tire pressure your friend runs on his bike.  My experience is that way too many people run the highest pressure the tires will hold on their road bikes.  It can cause poor handling and at high speed going downhill, one could lose contact with the pavement due to a very small bump and crash.  I'm not discounting the possibility of fainting, but it could also be something very simple.

48

General Discussion / Re: Possible cause of crashes?

« on: April 13, 2011, 04:26:52 pm »

As a 200+ pound rider, I have turned myself inside out on long hard climbs.  I have never felt anything but wonderful on the way down the other side!  I have low blood pressure and sometimes black out just from standing up quickly; never experienced any thing like than in many miles of suffering on the bike.  Just my experience...

49

General Discussion / Re: Touring

« on: April 10, 2011, 10:40:22 am »

Maybe you leave a little earlier and let him break camp and clean up!  Just make sure you are both completely clear about the route.

50

General Discussion / Re: First long distance ride...need advice....FAST

« on: April 10, 2011, 10:36:56 am »

I don't think your bike has eyelets for racks in the back.  You could use a seat post mounted pack, but they don't recommend using that with a carbon seat post.  Another choice is the Jandd Mountain Wedge III which is a very large seat bag with bungees that can mount to seat stays with an adapter.  I read in Road Bike Action Mag about two guys who did a credit card tour from Victoria BC to Tijuana using that setup.   Good luck with your trip!

51

General Discussion / Re: southern tier route

« on: April 09, 2011, 07:41:19 pm »

We just got some snow the past few days in the San Diego back country.  Not too much, but enough to require chains on some roads.

52

General Discussion / Re: First long distance ride...need advice....FAST

« on: April 09, 2011, 07:38:37 pm »

You may want to take a look at your tires.  23 or 25mm tires are normal on most road bikes.  You could probably switch to 28mm tires such as Conti Gatorskins which are very durable and should fit your frame.  Bigger tires are more comfortable for long hours in the saddle as you can run lower pressure without getting pinch flats.  A good pump such as the Topeak road Morph G will make it easier to top up your tires in the morning, the gauge is great and it works more like a floor pump than a typical hand pump.

You may be able to make your bike less aggressive by flipping the stem over and putting in a spacer. I did this to my Bianchi 928 which is race-oriented, and it keeps my back and neck much happier on long rides.

53

Bicycle Route 66 / Re: Welcome to Bicycle Route 66!

« on: April 05, 2011, 07:46:35 pm »

On a visit to Flagstaff AZ I needed some quick help with a bike problem.  Absolute Bikes on Rt 66 near the heart of town gave good service quickly and at a reasonable price. 

Is this the kind of information that is helpful for this effort?

54

General Discussion / Re: Mistakes and Attitude while on the road.

« on: April 05, 2011, 07:33:10 pm »

Some good thought-provoking comments.  I like the best of both worlds: to use forums, books, and other resources to learn from others and find out what you don't know; but then don't obsess if you don't have the best of everything and have not considered every possible twist and turn.  These days it's very easy to be paralyzed by having too much information.

55

General Discussion / Re: Complete Newbie Considering Touring

« on: March 24, 2011, 11:32:17 am »

Since you are new not just to touring but to cycling in general, I would suggest hooking up with a bike club or shop in your area.  Many shops offer beginners classes along with weekly rides. Bike clubs come in all sizes and varieties, and most welcome beginners. Climbing hills even without a load can be difficult for some newbies, so be sure to get a lot of miles in your legs before you head out for a tour.  I have learned a lot about the bikes to consider for touring just by searching within this forum.

56

General Discussion / Re: Hypothetical question...

« on: March 23, 2011, 08:19:48 am »

Great job on the weight loss and for commuting to work!  I would put racks and panniers on your bike and add weight every week.  Sounds like you are making great progress in preparing for your tour next year.   

57

General Discussion / Re: Cross Country Trip: Money, What To Do?

« on: March 21, 2011, 07:59:22 pm »

Most Credit Union are members of the Co-op ATM network which has about 25,000 no-fee machines in the U.S. and Canada.  A lot of 7-11 stores also have a machine with that logo.  My credit union also has a lower "foreign ATM" fee than my big bank charges.  Another way to get cash with no fee is to use your debit card at a grocery store that lets you get cash back with the purchase.

58

General Discussion / Re: Cadence Question

« on: March 20, 2011, 07:50:39 pm »

I for one don't obsess about cadence, I also mix it up on some rides.  I found that once I had a computer with that function and paid attention to it, I have become a more efficient rider.  It's a good a tool but I don't look at it continuously, as I now normally pedal at a faster rate than I did when I was a lot younger. Riding with a higher cadence has helped me with my usual club ride, but I was not sure if it was normal for touring.

59

General Discussion / Re: Cadence Question

« on: March 19, 2011, 07:37:44 pm »

Thanks all; that confirms what I had assumed.  It took me a while to get comfortable with higher-cadence pedaling, but it certainly is easier an my aging body than hammering away in a big gear.  On long climbs my cadence slips to about 70, but currently my lowest gear combo is 34 x 27.  I will go to lower gearing before I do any touring.

60

General Discussion / Cadence Question

« on: March 19, 2011, 04:01:12 pm »

I am a recreational Roadie who hopes to begin some light (credit card) touring reasonably soon.  I was wondering about cadence.  On the road bike I try to pedal 85 to 95 rpm which is comfortable for me.  I understand that it is different with a loaded bike and that touring bikes have wider and lower gears. Do cycle tourists typically pedal in this range?