Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: May 09, 2011, 03:58:20 pm »

So I've got a LOT more figured out.

-I bought a tent (the REI Passage 2). I wanted a small tent (this one's about 4.5 lbs) with the ability to store my gear on the inside of the fabric at night. I'm also a tall guy (clocking in at 6'3") and want some wriggle room.
-Stove: after MUCH consideration, I got the WhisperLite International. I just figured the ability to fill up anywhere would be a major improvement over the other options. I'm carrying a small pan/pot that I'll be cooking everything in.
-I've got two panniers (axiom lasalles) coming in the mail, which I'll be attaching to my rear rack, placing my current panniers on the front rack also coming in the mail (axiom journey suspension & disc lowrider--a major improvement over the former axiom journey!)
-I've decided that I won't be carrying a backpack, but instead bought a handlebar bag with a shoulder strap (Topeak). It's pretty badass, baby

Although my wallet is getting dangerously worn out, I'm getting ever more excited about the trip!
Check out the latest at http://www.interpopulus.com/biketrek !!

2

General Discussion / Re: Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: April 21, 2011, 12:40:24 pm »

I'm also looking for a small stove. I haven't had much luck finding the "right one" but know that it's out there somewhere. Any advice from someone more experienced?

3

General Discussion / Re: Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: April 17, 2011, 01:42:29 pm »

I'll take that to heart. The panniers I'll be using don't have a shoulder strap (unfortunately), but I'll see what I can do about possibly working around the supposed problem.

I'll probably be getting a handlebar bag with a shoulder strap. I think that was a great suggestion.

I know this isn't a website forum, but what did you (as a cyclist) think of it?

4

General Discussion / Re: Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: April 16, 2011, 10:19:35 pm »

Thanks, gang!

The backpack was simply in lieu of yet possessing the panniers for the trip. I'll be getting them soon, and I'll replace the backpack.

Though that brings up another question: Would it be a good idea to carry a lightly loaded backpack for necessities (for when I must leave the bike to enter a store)?

I'd rather stray away from fanny packs...

Also, what'd you think about the site? What would a cyclist like to have me focus on?

5

Routes / Re: Hmmmm... Route advice for a beginner

« on: April 16, 2011, 10:16:27 pm »

Fantastic!

I've been considering using a mirror for a while. Pros and cons are kinda weighted evenly right now, but riding on a road for months might sway the equilibrium...

I'll be "trudging" (riding average of 80 miles per day) one way (from west to east)

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General Discussion / Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: April 16, 2011, 12:05:01 pm »

I'll be biking across America solo this coming summer of '11, and I'm a bit worried (because I'm green as heck...).

I'm relatively new to touring, but have the proper mindset. I've been training for the trek, and have had some interesting experiences already.

Check me out at http://www.interpopulus.com/pages/missions/crosscountry.html,
and please let me know how I'm doing. Any advice or suggestions for what I could improve on/focus on would be great!

Regards,
A fellow enthusiast

7

Urban Cycling / Definitely NOT south side of chicago!!!

« on: April 16, 2011, 11:51:59 am »

Hahaha I had a bit of an interesting time riding through Chicago the other day. I wrote all about it at http://www.interpopulus.com/pages/missions/crosscountry.html.

Let me know what you think!

8

Routes / Hmmmm... Route advice for a beginner

« on: April 16, 2011, 11:49:32 am »

Hey fellow cycling enthusiasts,

I'm relatively new to "serious" riding, but I'm set out on cycling across America this summer. I've settled on the fact that I want to start in California (someplace) and end in Boston. (check out my site http://www.interpopulus.com!)

I've been checking out the Adventure Cycling routes, and think that cutting certain portions of the specified routes could be a good idea.
Would you guys recommend this, or form my own route? What are your experiences? I'd love to hear any suggestions,

Andrew G