Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: How much water to carry?

« on: July 08, 2012, 02:59:58 pm »

Hard question to answer as dependant on the heat of the day, are you wild camping and need to cook.  I find everyday is often different and you need to do your homework.  For the long distances between towns check out Google Earth which will give you a guide to where you will find water, mark it on your map.  I always try to have a spare litre with me regardless.

Good luck

32

Gear Talk / Re: This is novel use of bike & tent for lightweight tourers

« on: July 08, 2012, 02:48:24 pm »

I guess no one here will be investing in this project   I wonder if the designer has ever been cyclo touring or did they just think it up without consulting anyone likely to use a bike and a tent.

33

Gear Talk / This is novel use of bike & tent for lightweight tourers

« on: July 07, 2012, 08:22:42 am »

Not too sure how much weight using the bike like this would save.  I could not be bothered with anything like this because after a days riding I want my tent up in no time - especially if raining,  Just wonder what state the tent would be when wet and muddy.

Anyone used one and can put me right about how good they are?

pedaldamnit.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/topeak-bikamper.html 

34

Routes / Re: seeking bike touring route advice in ireland - which region?

« on: July 05, 2012, 08:59:07 am »

I really enjoyed the Ring of Kerry but where ever you go in Ireland you'll have a great time.  Take water proofs and something for a head ache if you go to a locals bar!  Plenty of B&B's and Hostels if you don't want to camp.  Be prepared to wave a lot.
Have a great time

35

General Discussion / Re: How many cloths for a tour?

« on: May 07, 2012, 01:02:11 am »

Go with the minimum and don't forget you can always buy cheap jumpers etc if things turn too nasty. Drop them in a thrift shop when it improves.  My "wardrobe" regularly changes on tour except for the very basics.

36

General Discussion / Re: What is the largest cycling association of the world?

« on: April 15, 2012, 11:37:42 am »

CTC UK no idea if this is the biggest but certainly is in Britain.

SOBOB probably the smallest with one member - me. But it gets me discounts in motels 

37

Routes / Re: First Time Riding Florida Roads

« on: April 09, 2012, 01:27:51 am »

Florida gets a lot of bad press, I do a lot of cycling there and love it.  Only problem I have ever had was when two big dogs started to chase me and all of a sudden the Deputy arrived driving on the grass verge chasing the dogs off. Eternally grateful.

38

Gear Talk / Re: thunder jug

« on: April 02, 2012, 01:09:37 am »

"As the years go by I'm getting to thinking I will have one of these on my next tour."

Yep know the feeling well. 

39

Gear Talk / Re: Buying a Bicycle from Europe

« on: April 02, 2012, 01:07:46 am »

If you are planning on buying British do your research as which model and I'll try and sus them out over here for you.

Don't suppose you want a Tifosi, I recently did the Southern T and Atlantic Coast on.  All set up for touring and presently in Florida.  Don't plan to bring it home.  But you would need to be over 6'0" pics on my web site www.tonystravels.com
Good luck

40

General Discussion / Re: overseas travel

« on: March 27, 2012, 01:28:19 am »

Hi good advice all round above.  My routine is to find a bike shop in the city I am leaving from - either drag it through the streets walking or fold it up and ride. Not always that easy in a busy town.  Pack the bike in the hotel/hostel I'm staying in and find a taxi/man & van to take me to the airport the day of the flight.  If flying into Australia this means that you can get your bike really clean in case they want to inspect it for bugs etc.

I once cycled from Tel-Aviv to Ben Gurion airport carry a bike box, don't recommend that for sure.

Bring back the good old days when you just turned up at the airport, took the pedals off, let the air out of your tyres and carried all your heavy gear like tools into the cabin as hand luggage. 

Have a great time

41

General Discussion / Re: Long distance trip alone?

« on: March 10, 2012, 02:56:29 am »

Dont travel alone for too long, strange things happen 

http://vimeo.com/34943524

Wonderful. Know where your coming from, I have the most out of tune singing voice ever, so I can do my X factor bit as loud as I like o those wonderful empty stretches. 

42

General Discussion / Re: getting insurance for UK rider in N America

« on: March 06, 2012, 11:07:21 am »

I had the same query on CTC with some good advice        http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52093&hilit=+touring+insurance

I eventually used Snowcard and fortunately didn't need to make a claim.

43

Gear Talk / Re: How to avoid saddles sores and rash (hand sanitizer)

« on: March 04, 2012, 11:32:45 am »

What's interesting for me is that years ago before I could afford or were readily available I used to tour (talking min 3 month to 12 month tours) just using regular cheap cotton shorts, with regular under pants, often wihout the u pants, NEVER had a problem.
Since upgrading to real cycling/touring shorts etc , always seem to get some sort of problem.  Maybe I'll switch back or is it age related?

44

Gear Talk / Re: How to avoid saddles sores and rash (hand sanitizer)

« on: February 27, 2012, 05:26:07 am »

This is an ongoing problem for me, despite  changing shorts daily - being as scrupulous clean as possible - always use wet wipes, i try to get the bio-degradable ones. Never thought of using hand sanitiser before (I always carry a small bottle for when eating) maybe I'll give it a go in the other areas as it seems to me the problems start when you get hot and sweaty.  And I have tried everything, believe me.

Having recently cycled across Australia I managed to end up with a boil on the butt and rode like that for several days  before I could find a first aid post.  Not a lot of anything out there.  So willing to try anything to avoid that again.

45

Gear Talk / Re: thunder jug

« on: February 24, 2012, 05:08:53 am »

Is this going to be cyclist version of a "truckers bomb" bet you can't use it on the go like them there truckers.  Actually always amazed me how they can use coke bottle! No I don't really want to know thank you. 
I use an old water bottle making sure it's not kept at night with the others, 'cos I agree at my age getting up and out of the tent 2/3 times a night is a pain.