Messages

46

General Discussion / Re: Long distance trip alone?

« on: January 29, 2012, 07:39:08 am »

Hi Dave - go it alone, only way as far as I'm concerned.  You will meet plenty of people along the way. 
Bit hot in Orlando in the summer!!!! Are you living in this area as although I live in UK I also hav a house here so I can ride in the winter.  If you are around now send me an IM and happy to talk about touring 

47

General Discussion / Re: Newbie to touring and trying to figure out my fitness level

« on: January 16, 2012, 07:03:43 am »

Wish I was as fit as you and I have just finished crossing Australia after doing LEJOG to try out the bike.  Although there are no mountains on LEJOG the hills are some of the steepest I have ever encountered - not graded like the Rockies or Alps.
Go for it and you'll soon gain confidence on mountains stretches.  For me they are the best after all you don't have to pedal 50% of the time   
One thing or sure you'll have a great time.

Just heading your way to escape the cold here in UK and ride some of the trails.

48

General Discussion / Couple of Questions re dates of change

« on: January 10, 2012, 12:28:30 pm »

Just curious but does anyone know
1. when 700c wheel size was first introduced
2. when did manufacturers stop putting the gear changers on the tube from the head tube to the bottom bracket

Just wondered as these things seem to happen without me noticing 

49

General Discussion / Re: Never want a flat again?

« on: January 09, 2012, 02:56:15 am »

Looks like the seat should be a little higher
Ed

Hi Ed are in Florida later this month?

50

General Discussion / Never want a flat again?

« on: January 07, 2012, 02:52:12 am »

Fed up with punctures then these are the tyres for you
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGGlODF7_RY&feature=player_embedded

Bet there will still be someone complaining about rolling resistance 

51

General Discussion / Re: Organising cross country cycle whilst travelling Round the World

« on: January 06, 2012, 01:52:09 am »

Hi for years I toured just using regular lightweight summer clothes.  I now use more specialised cycling gear, but to be honest at the distances you plan and what you have been doing I think you probably have sufficient and the right kind of clothing.  I would invest in a good pair of trainers and use toe clips. Also after a while you might feel you need better shorts etc well there are plenty of bike shops around on your route.
I'll probably get slaughtered for saying this 

As for your route study ACA's map list - get a decent road map and check it out on Google Earth, plus post again in Routes as there are so many experienced and well travelled people in here will be able to advise.
Good luck

52

Gear Talk / Re: Ortlieb trunk bag question

« on: January 06, 2012, 01:40:21 am »

The trunk bag is where the 6 pack of beer goes at the end of the day.

Of course of course, I knew I had been going wrong all these years.  Who needs a tent when you have a six pack. 

53

General Discussion / Re: Woman riding by herself

« on: January 05, 2012, 01:08:54 am »

I've toured all my life alone, and still people are saying "what! On your own?  Isn't it dangerous?  "don't do it" etc  you must be mad"  Don't listen to them.

 Take the same precautions you would in your daily schedule to stay safe.  If a situation doesn't seem right move on.  Listen to your gut reaction.

Have great time and you will meet plenty of great people.

54

Gear Talk / Re: Ortlieb trunk bag question

« on: January 01, 2012, 12:20:53 pm »

I also agree you can't go wrong with Ortlieb - however, looking at the bag I'm not sure what I would use it for when fully laden touring as it seems to be designed for the top of the rear rack.  That's where my tent etc etc go. 

Is it much bigger than the handle bar bag?

But I guess that if it meets your purpose then as said it will be good quality.  Maybe if you buy it you can put a review here.

55

General Discussion / Re: Creating a group bike tour

« on: January 01, 2012, 12:11:52 pm »

I need help with destination.  It's over there --->

 I need help with logistics.  That's for sure

I need help? Yep

Andrew, Fred's right give us a clue and IMO you might want to search the forum first on specifics because there isn't too much on here that isn't covered already.

56

General Discussion / Re: Organising cross country cycle whilst travelling Round the World

« on: January 01, 2012, 12:08:07 pm »

Hi Alex - my advice would be to take the train up to San Francisco and start your search for bike shops etc there. You'll find hostels and bike shops around the Embarcadero area. 10 mins on Google and you'll be set. SF is simply easier to get round on public transport and not quite so spread out.
 However, I'm sure some LA local might just be able to put a better case for LA than it being too big.

Advise re touring, take it easy and don't be too ambitious  in distances covered at the start. 

If you are not planning to spend too much and leaving the bike in NY then put decent tyres on almost any touring bike and a few spares will get you where you want to go.

Good luck

57

Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Shorts vs. Padded Liners?

« on: December 28, 2011, 03:06:36 am »

Hi and welcome, I guess we all have to try and see what suits us best, but in my case the worst time I ever had was using shorts with a thick padding in a hot climate.  It was continually damp with sweat and despite washing them nightly (when possible) I still developed what was in effect "diaper rash" very painful needing medical treatment.  Now I prefer min padding in shorts.  Leather saddle (brings it's own brand of discomfort) with sometimes using a sheep skin cover.

But everyone on here will have a different view  and you'll still end up finding your own way.
Try the search option as plenty of views already on this subject.

ps after all these years I'm still searching for the ultimate in comfort.  Anyone want job lot of saddles?

58

Gear Talk / Re: Which Schwalbe

« on: December 20, 2011, 01:55:50 am »

Just crossed Australia on Marathon Plus 700x32 no punctures no prblems and still plenty of life in them.

I was unsupported so carrying all camping gear and up to 10 L water, so it was a good load.

59

Routes / Re: Touring Israel

« on: December 16, 2011, 11:32:42 am »

Hi it was some time ago that I toured Israel but I don't think it has changed that much.  Really need to plan carefully where you are going to stop over night as wild camping was not appreciated and I had to break camp in the middle of the night when he police caught me.  Also as many of the occupant live in kibbutz's there are few small towns to buy provisions from.  It can be done and I loved it even cycling through Gaza strip twice in and out of Egypt.

Good luck

60

General Discussion / Re: For those who like odd scenes from Google Earth

« on: December 16, 2011, 11:27:47 am »

ppt yes thanks (one day I'll master this technology but not just yet  )