Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: less usual but very helpful road bike components, tools, and accessories

« on: November 24, 2012, 05:56:06 am »

Hi Dan, very interesting list and a mixture of high & low tech.  Def add zip ties one of the most useful items when out on a bike,doing workshop repairs etc.
   What was also interesting for me is that as I never read cycling mags so as far as new innovations I'm a cyclelasaur - even some of my bikes go back to 1800's.  So you have probably saved me months of having to buy these mags and  I particularly liked the spoke repair kit and will add that to my touring list.   
As John pointed out - mirrors are personal choice mine is a flat mirror that Velcro's to the handle bars, easy to remove for shaving, getting grit out of your eye etc.
I would be interested which of your list you would never leave home without on an extended metalled road tour.
From your list the items I would probably never make use of would be the various small bags dotted around he frame, simply because any small items kept in them could easily be accommodated in a handle bar bag and taken with you when you have to leave the bike unattended.  I prefer a few small colour coded nylon bags inside the bar bag so my valuables etc are easily identified.
Tony

17

Routes / Re: Southern Tier in March of 2013

« on: November 22, 2012, 09:48:01 am »

Oh I love a discussion about fenders or better still mud guards and it's the Brits name "mud guards" give you a clue as to why I will always use them.  Like us all we expect and don't worry too much about getting wet.  What I want to avoid is the mud and grot that gets thrown up by my tires or tyres off the road and makes you just so dirty.  Now I know we all get hot and dirty but I personally try to avoid being covered in muck especially if you are wanting a stranger to offer you a bed as with "Warm Showers" etc - but in the end it's what you as an individual are comfortable with.
That's what makes cycling so interesting it meets everyone's needs.

Have fun whether you are muddy and wet or just wet 

18

Routes / Re: Swede going solo from Miami to New Orleans, route suggestion?

« on: November 22, 2012, 09:35:10 am »

My own suggestion would be to go New Orleans to Miami as when I did the Southern T East to West at the same time of year, I met guys flying along while I had to constantly fight the wind.

Secondly to help get off the roads check out "Rails to Trails" as I managed to incorporate several good trails into my route and they were a high light for me. 

And send me an IM as I have a house right on the Florida connector route and if I can help in anyway you would be welcome.  However, it is only a holiday home and not always there.  The offer is also open to any other long distant cyclists also.

Have fun it's a great adventure.

19

Routes / Re: Calgary to Banff

« on: November 18, 2012, 07:50:27 pm »

I rode Calgary to Banff and it's not all that interesting except to see the mountains getting closer.  if you have the choice of not riding there and spending longer in the Rockies take that because it is wonderful place to cycle.

20

Routes / Re: Cycling in the U.K.

« on: November 18, 2012, 07:40:01 pm »

Hi very popular ride LEJOG or JOGLE and several routes you can take.  Join the CTC forum and you will find everything you want to know about this ride. http://forum.ctc.org.uk/

Also they cover all aspects of cycle touring.  Check out SUSTRANS who have marked rcycle route all over the UK http://www.sustrans.org.uk/

And finally take good wet weather gear   

21

General Discussion / Re: Libraries and Touring

« on: October 15, 2012, 10:32:57 am »

Hi, having done several tours in USA and coming from England, I find your public libraries just great for keeping in touch with family & friends. Checking my business emails, so can continue to tour and run my business is great.  I can update my web site. one of the bonuses is getting to talk to some o the local people including the librarians - lots of good info about the area.

Plus always nice and cool with a cold water tower.

So do I feel bad about using your facilities for free, not really because while touring I actually spend quite a lot of money in restaurants, hotels and local bike shops.

They are a great asset, thanks.

22

Routes / GAP/CO Canal on a folder ????

« on: October 10, 2012, 01:52:12 pm »

Hi planning to bring my small wheel folder over to ride the GAP and CO Canal.  Any thoughts on possible problems with the surfaces for a small wheeler?

23

Routes / Ronald Reagan Airport to C&O Canal route

« on: October 03, 2012, 09:39:30 am »

Hi can anyone give me a good route to get me from RR International Airport to the C&O Canal.  I would prefer not to got through central Washington.  And if there is a hotel along the way even better as not planning to go far after the flight from UK.
Thanks

24

Gear Talk / Ori folding bike - anyone have any knowledge/experience

« on: August 28, 2012, 11:43:59 am »

Hi thinking of buying an Ori bike Mi8 model.
Does anyone have first hand knowledge of these machines and how good are they for touring.

I initially want it to put on the boat but also to use it to fly out and tour.

Thanks

25

Gear Talk / Re: Help me accesorize my Surly LHT

« on: August 18, 2012, 12:16:17 am »

Mirrors - you need to see which one suits you, I've always had ones that fix to the bars with Velcro and work well - also can be used for shaving, checking out sore bits that even your best friend wont look at, etc

26

Gear Talk / Re: Help me accesorize my Surly LHT

« on: August 17, 2012, 11:43:12 am »

Mirror - it'll save your life.
Very low gearing ratios
Good luck I love my Surly LHT - just about to take into the hills of Wales 

27

Gear Talk / Interesting sleeping pad, new design

« on: July 18, 2012, 06:33:07 am »

Has anyone used something like this.  I had a regular light weight inflatable which was so narrow I was unable to stay on it at night.  However, this one fits inside you sleeping bag - looks interesting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFkM2mpvH0I&feature=related

28

General Discussion / Re: HELP! Are me and my girlfriend ready for this tour?

« on: July 17, 2012, 10:25:08 am »

BE WARNED once you have done it there is no way you will want to go back travelling any other way and before you know it you'll be a vet on here giving out good advice and encouraging others.

You mean we're supposed to be giving out GOOD advice??

 

Not really - just trying to be encouraging :oP

29

General Discussion / Re: HELP! Are me and my girlfriend ready for this tour?

« on: July 12, 2012, 05:01:11 am »

Go for it and good luck, we tend to make cycle touring too technical when really as said a bit of mechanical know how, common sense with regard to the heat and de-hydration is all you need.
Go easy and take each day as it comes, you'll have a great time.  My first trips were on a regular bike, soccer shorts and tee shirts.

The worst is you dump the bikes and hitch it.

BE WARNED once you have done it there is no way you will want to go back travelling any other way and before you know it you'll be a vet on here giving out good advice and encouraging others.

30

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Failure - Not Sure How It Happened

« on: July 08, 2012, 03:08:14 pm »

Maybe nothing more than a fault with the tyre?  And it was nothing that you did or didn't do.  Personally I would never tour without a spare and some of those patches that will get you by if the tyre splits.