Messages

1

Routes / Re: Riding west to east along the northern tier

« on: June 12, 2013, 10:13:31 am »

That is so individual.  In my younger days (I'm 64 now) I did about 60-100 miles a day in this same area, carrying full loads and riding old 10 speed bikes.  If I were to do it now, I'd shoot for 40-50 mpd.  Get in shape first and ride lots of hills and practice some with a load.  You'll be fine if you prepare adequately.

2

Routes / Re: Riding west to east along the northern tier

« on: June 12, 2013, 08:55:52 am »

And then there are 2 more difficult but very scenic climbs just east of Tonasket--Waconda summit and Sherman Pass, the latter of which is 5587 feet. There is an easier climb just east of Colville to get over to
Tiger.  Don't be discouraged, though.  The Washington section of the NT is some of the most spectacular riding of the US.  Just take it a pass at a time and don't figure on getting huge daily mileage averages through here. 

3

General Discussion / Re: Need Help With Shifting on Climbs

« on: June 09, 2013, 07:38:39 am »

When shifting on climbs, be sure to ease up on the pressure on the pedals momentarily.  You don't want to shift when exerting full pressure.  That's bad on the gear teeth and results in clunky shifting.

4

General Discussion / Re: Moving back to Santa Barbara, CA. ugh

« on: June 05, 2013, 09:38:41 pm »

I don't know what the "ugh" is all about.  I'd love to move to SB.  Prob about the best climate in the world for outdoor activities!

5

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast in the Summer?

« on: May 28, 2013, 07:39:38 pm »

I would worry too if she is not an experienced road rider.  I have ridden the route in mid-summer and had no problems at all.  But I have been touring 30 years and have a mirror and know how to use it. Make sure she does the same and wears very bright clothing. 

6

Gear Talk / Re: Underwear

« on: May 09, 2013, 10:52:27 pm »

Huh? Guess I missed the point in that last one.

7

Routes / Re: Looking For Route Recommendations

« on: May 05, 2013, 04:09:42 pm »

All over the rural west, just look for areas with secondary (or smaller) roads and small towns.  That's the way I've been finding them in
Washington and eastern Oregon for over 30 years now. You don't heed anything more specific than that.

8

General Discussion / Re: The importance of always wearing a helmet

« on: April 22, 2013, 04:13:45 pm »

And make sure it fits snugly.  I got a bad concussion when wearing a helmet that was loose and slipped back as I fell so I landed hard on the pavement right ablve the right eye.

9

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: April 18, 2013, 09:37:43 pm »

Be prepared for cold weather and possibly some snow traveling over the cascades in Mid-september.

Cold at night possibly.  Snow at mid-September unlikely, and if you do get any it would be extremely unlikely to stick around.  It could also be hot that time of year.

10

General Discussion / Re: Inspire or Scare the Begeebees?

« on: April 18, 2013, 09:04:52 am »

  The fact is there are good people and bad people everywhere.  In my experience, the good people greatly outnumber the bad, wherever you're at, although on any long trip you will probably be exposed to some of each.   I just think you have to take   

The fact is you are whole alot more likely to be hit by car or struck by lighting than mauled by a bear.

Well said. 

11

General Discussion / Re: Inspire or Scare the Begeebees?

« on: April 17, 2013, 10:51:12 am »

I agree with the others. I did have the scary people once on tour in 1982 in SW Washington.  It all turned out ok, but therre were some tense moments.  It could have been avoided.  We were commando camping and failed to get far enough off the road and the tops of our tents were visible.  We had some middle of the night visitors that had driven by repeatedly earlier when it was light (you could tell by the sound of the car). They came by again yelling and threatening, etc.  We had to scramble out of the tents and hide in the woods for awhile, but they never really came in. I never let that incident stop me from camping and touring and, like the others, have had thousands of positive encounters.   

12

General Discussion / Re: Getting hungry too fast while riding

« on: April 09, 2013, 08:35:53 am »

I don't get all that technical about it.  It takes about 5-7 days and I notice that I'm getting hungry all the time.  I then need to eat way more or I hit the wall a couple of days later and I mean hit the wall all day long.  So I load up the jersey pockets with whatever sounds good and snach constantly while riding.  I use bread, peanut butter, cheese, energy bars, etc. I never worry about ratios and never get cramps.  For dinner I make a good batch of spaghetti with ground beef (if available near the campsite). 

13

Gear Talk / Re: Shaving Creme

« on: April 04, 2013, 09:35:12 pm »

Any soap and water for me. And a super lightweight desposable razor lasts a week or more. What's YMMV?

14

Gear Talk / Re: Tail Bone Pain

« on: March 25, 2013, 10:22:00 am »

Has she had a fit using a qualified bike-fit professional?  Most of these types of problems can me alleviated with a good bike fit.

15

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Rain Pants

« on: March 25, 2013, 10:17:48 am »

Gore-tex has always worked very well for me.  Event fabrics have always worked well.  Patagonia's new line of waterproof-breatheable works too.  I have used all of these hiking, climbing, and biking on hard, sweaty outings in very wet conditions and they worked.  I also sweat profusely, FWIW.