Messages

61

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Rack Advice

« on: November 21, 2012, 09:34:31 pm »

[/quote]
 If you drive under a low overhang or into your garage with bikes still on the roof rack the damage is strictly your responsibility and this type of forgetful accident is probably as common as rear end collision damage.
[/quote]

Probably way more common!  I have two friends with roof racks and both have done the garage thing in the past 6 months.  In both cases they were riding shotgun in the car and the wives were driving and neither thought about it as they drove into the garage.  One destroyed a $4000 bike and the other was cheaper.  I know the one with the $4k bike did get something from the insurance.

62

Urban Cycling / Re: Expanding cycle touring in agricultural areas

« on: November 11, 2012, 10:57:03 pm »

My buddies have spent over 30 years riding and touring all over central and eastern Washington state.  It has been great--lots of farming towns and even desert areas.  We too have found roads with virtually no traffic just by looking at maps and asking locals.  I have enjoyed learning the personalities of these little towns.  We have also done some of the same in parts of Oregon, Idaho and Montana.  It didn't take any traditional "attractions" to get us going, just a map and a spirit of adventure.  The attraction is, as most on this forum know, the exploration itself. 

63

General Discussion / Re: First tour for Brits in US

« on: October 25, 2012, 10:12:09 am »

If you choose to do the Pacific Coast route, you will have no trouble finding campgrounds.  Also, they will be very cheap in Oregon and California in the biker sites, and always have showers for a low fee.  I know that in the past few years, some of them have been closed due to financial problems, but there are so many it should not be a major problem. Ore and Calif are best; Washington is not set up so well.

64

General Discussion / Re: Overcoming butt pain

« on: October 07, 2012, 09:29:38 pm »

Everyone's discussing the saddle, but just as important is getting a professional bike fit from someone who really knows what they are doing.  With the right fit, you also solve the myriad of other physicla problems--wrists, back, knees, achiles, etc.  I rode for too long before I got fit right and the difference was noticeable on the next ride.

65

General Discussion / Re: Gross maximum trailer weight

« on: August 14, 2012, 06:53:22 pm »

That, Valygrl, was a great response and covered many of my thoughts as well.  I don't see the upside either.

66

Rocky Mountain / Re: Ride Idaho 2012 review

« on: August 14, 2012, 06:50:09 pm »

Good recap, Bogesian.  I rode Ride Idaho in 2010 and found it to be a mixed bag, too.  It was a great route and generally, the food was ample and of adequate quality although meal lines were at times way too long.  One night, in Troy, we were told in the line that we could only have one small serving, due to short supply.  That should never happen.  The only other negative was crazy long lines at the porta potties and disgusting conditions therein.  I thought it would have been a much better ride with about half to 3/4 the number of riders.  Mechanical support was superb and friendly.  Camping spots were always good.  Most other riders were friendly, although there were a few total jerks who thought they were special and very negative to others .  Of course, Ride Idaho can't control that.

Just thought you'd want to know.....

67

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 07, 2012, 09:02:59 pm »

Start with a one night loaded tour with moderate mileage and easy terrain.  You'll learn fast what to take, how to pack, and how to get along!

68

California / Re: San Fran to Santa Barbara

« on: August 07, 2012, 08:59:07 pm »

I would rent a one-way rental car from SF to Monterrey, it's a couple-hour drive.  That gives you a whole day back that you would otherwise spend being tortured by public transportation.

And carry two bikes and all your gear in/on a rental car?  Sound like a good idea, but how would that work, unless you rented a very large car (and be sure not to get any grease or scratches anywhere).

69

General Discussion / Re: Near miss with truck on Trans-Am

« on: July 05, 2012, 05:20:02 pm »

These situations happen a lot on the highway. You've got to give yourself every advantage and be thinking about what to do as vehicles approach from the rear. You can't do that without a mirror.  I would have been off the road before that truck even got to me.  I've had to do it before and I'll likely do it again.  Also, I wear the shock yellow/green color at all times and when rigs are passing I'm farther over to the white line.  As cyclists, we are reallyresponsible for our own safety, even if an incident may not be technically our fault.  There are going to be terrible drivers distracted by phones, eating, grooming, etc.  Also drunk ones and drugged ones. 

70

General Discussion / Re: What do you use for sunscreen?

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:08:50 am »

I use any brand that seems like a good deal.  Admittedly, some of them feel greasy when applying, but once its on I don't notice it again.

71

Routes / Re: Washington State Route 9 from Canada to Seattle area

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:04:33 am »

Mjuch of it is adequate, if not generous (if memory serves me right).  I remember a few places where it was marginal.  A mirror is a must there, IMO.

72

Routes / Re: Washington State Route 9 from Canada to Seattle area

« on: June 27, 2012, 07:45:11 pm »

Does anyone have any experience riding Washington State Route 9, and can provide any pros/cons to this route vs the ACA route in this area?

Also, it looks like I may be able to use the Centenniel Trail in the Snohomish area (which seems to parallel WA Rt. 9).  Any comments about that?



Thanks,
Gary.

Centennial trail is great.  I've ridden it several times and enjoyed it thoroughly.  HWY 9 itself is fine, and I've biked most of it, some parts several times.  The problem I've run into there is very fast, rude drivers  who clearly don't think bikes should be on the road.  I've been honked at and flipped off there.  I've ridden many highways throughout the west and this one has been consistently the worst for driver behavior.  Maybe I just had bad luck there.  I'd love to hear what other's experiences have been there.

73

General Discussion / Re: Pacific Coast September 2012

« on: June 26, 2012, 11:52:52 am »

Given your time frame you should have plenty of time to see various locales and spend extra time in places you want to.  It is a beautiful coast with other beautiful places inland a bit.

I have not ridden the Washington coast, but I did not find the inland route in Washington to be my favorite place to tour. 

I decided after that trip that if I did it again I'd either take a coastal route or start in Astoria.

The loop around the Olympic Peninsula is great and far superior to the inland route.  Of course, you'd want good weather for it, and there should be windows of good weather early in September. I'd opt for that. 

74

Gear Talk / Re: Cars and bike racks

« on: June 15, 2012, 09:55:08 pm »

I am not sure if putting the bike inside the car is an option for a Corolla.

You can get a bike inside any car if you don't have to worry about carrying other pesky people.  Inside is always my preference.

True, I even fit my 60 cm large bike inside the back seat of a 2 door Tercel.  I had to take off both wheels.  I now use a Corolla and put the back seats down and take off only the front wheel and the bike goes in easily.  I carry it, and climbing packs and gear, all over the place.   

75

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle shop Seattle

« on: June 11, 2012, 10:53:00 pm »

Gregg's Greenlake Cycles.  Google it.