Messages

61

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Mirror

« on: December 15, 2011, 11:22:59 am »

Hi there are several makes including Blackburn.  My preference is a straight mirror ie not curved as I found the perspective on these hard to gauge how close a vehicle was behind me.
For me the ones that work are held on the handle bars by velcro - very secure and don't seem to shake as much.  Also useful to detach and use for shaving etc. Plus if packing easy again to remove.

Having said all that I use drop bars and fasten it on the lower part so have no idea if they work on straight handle bars.

I would always recommend a mirror as IMHO they are the most important thing for keeping me safe.  Having just crossed Oz and ST I had to constantly gauge if two vehicles (especially the road trains)were to pass each other near me and enable me to get off the road.
Tony

62

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

« on: December 15, 2011, 11:14:23 am »

I couldn't get the link to work so just type in Russell Square London in Google Earth and it will take you there.
T

63

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

« on: December 15, 2011, 01:16:37 am »

Check this out  - found while researching route put in  Russell Square London UK and if riding round there keep your head down 

What's the oddest thing you've come across?

64

General Discussion / Message for Simon Kirk re Tamiami Trail

« on: December 14, 2011, 03:27:17 am »

Hi Simon you left me a message but as you are not a member I am unable to reply directly.  Rec you join and you will get all the info you need. To try and answer your question -
http://www.southfloridaonline.com/article_tamiami_trail.htm
might be a start in your research.  It is a busy tourist route but does have a shoulder and is long and straight much of the way.  However, accommodation might be your problem as not allowed to wild camp along the way, the place is a swamp and full of alligators.  It depends on what distance you are able to do each day. Most people seem to by-pass this bit using a ferry.  My advise would be to ask the question on the forum and you will get more local knowledge.  I know more about central Florida. I may well be in Florida - just south of Orlanda when you arrive - let me know your dates and route The ACA connector route passes very close to my house in Celebration. and there are several trails I would recommend. Good luck and have a great trip
Tony

65

Gear Talk / Re: B17 issue. Am I the only one?

« on: December 12, 2011, 01:22:30 am »

They often come up on ebay - might be worth a punt.

66

General Discussion / Re: Stupid Hotel Question

« on: December 01, 2011, 01:16:59 am »

Hi Ed.
Do you really?
So if you come to stay I don't need to make the bed up?   

67

General Discussion / Re: Cross Country with a 13 year old boy

« on: December 01, 2011, 01:15:55 am »

Just back from crossing Oz and out there I met a Mum and her 12 yo daughter on a tandem, doing the crossing unsupported and camping every night. In 2008 they did the ST - unsupported.

Ann (the daughter) is a great kid and really cool but I think Mum was doing most of the engine work.  They were averaging about 8 mph without any plan where to get to that day so no pressure on either to "do the miles" and if they didn't achieve the ultimate goal of getting all the way across in the time they would take a bus (they did make it) but the point being that they wanted to enjoy and savour the journey rather than wreck themselves trying to get the tee shirt.
I learnt a lot from their attitude.

68

Routes / Re: Florida Connector and afew questions

« on: December 01, 2011, 01:05:56 am »

Hi welcome.  When deciding on your route I would recommend that you take a look at Trails to Rails as Florida has some brilliant long distant trails that I always try to incorporate in any travels in Florida.
Eg
Van Fleet to Withlacoochee and West Orange
There are other long distant trails that maybe others can Highlight such as the Sun Trail or is it the Sunshine Trail.

Post a rough idea of what you want to do.
Good luck

69

General Discussion / Best cycling town/area on Atlantic coast?

« on: November 27, 2011, 09:49:49 am »

Hi Guys I presently have a house in Central Florida but want to move further north so that I can cycle more comfortably in the summer. 
Looking for:-
1, No too far from International Airport (I live in UK)
2, Preferably some longish off road trails suitable for easy riding (my wife won't do rough off road)
3, Equatable climate
4, Cycle friendly area
5, No too isolated so that shopping isn't a day long trek
6, Good restaurants

Basically the need to ride & walk will determine where we relocate to.
Thanks for your help

70

Routes / Re: Southern tier

« on: November 26, 2011, 06:11:21 am »

Hi I would give more consideration to wind direction than worrying about hills.  There is no shame in walking if they get too hard.  Just plan and research where they are and allow extra time - get off and look around, generally the views are spectacular in mountainous regions.  Then what an achievement when you've done them plus a nice ride down.

I don't remember any on ST in the Rockies/Sierra Nevada that where all that hard.

If you want tough hills try Devon & Cornwall in UK short but steep with no time to recover before the next one.

But in the end I still,for me, think head winds are the hardest part about touring.  On hard days I remember Lance who said something like "pain is temporary giving up is forever" always inspires me when I start whinging to myself 

71

General Discussion / Re: Insurance for U.S. trip

« on: November 22, 2011, 08:01:56 am »

Hiya
I use http://www.snowcard.co.uk/ very good and they specialise in these sort of trips.

Good luck

72

General Discussion / A question for the more mature on which bike to tour >>>>

« on: November 20, 2011, 09:44:09 am »

Check out my web site http://www.tonystravels.com/ and you'll see I've done several long distant rides using up to date technology.  As a collector of vintage bikes I have an idea to combine touring using an oldie.  What vintage bike would you recommend? (mine in USA are mainly the fat tyre with fake tanks on - not really suitable for long distance)

Looking for something a bit different but would do the job. 

One idea I have is to use a WW2 paratroopers folding bike, which if they would let me at my local parachute club in Florida, and start the ride by jumping with it and then heading off.  (It's the one featured in a Discovery Channel recent film and I have here in UK now) There are no gears on it so Florida touring would suit or up the Atlantic Coast and onto C&O Canal.  All pretty flat I think.

Look forward to your views even if it's a tour of fancy or in the case of the para bike maybe a flight of fancy 

73

Gear Talk / Re: Type of bike for touring Brazil

« on: November 18, 2011, 11:03:39 am »

+1 for the best locking system available.  Having said that Brazil is one of my favourite countries.  You'll have fun and the people are great.  Just avoid - like anywhere - the poorer areas of cities.

74

Routes / Re: Number of Cycle Tourists on the Southern Tier?

« on: November 15, 2011, 02:05:55 am »

Hi I only met around 4 starting in March.  But then I did wander off the ACA routes a bit.

75

Routes / Re: Traveling the Southern Tier in December West-East without tent.

« on: November 15, 2011, 02:03:00 am »

ps I wouldn't dream of touring without a tent or something, but then I'm knocking on a slow.

Maybe, but I always figured that the only reason I might plan a credit card tour would be to be able to ride an unladen and sportier bike.  Taking camping gear in that case kind of defeats the purpose to my way of thinking.  On this trip I am trying to accomplish that by going ultralight instead of doing a credit card tour.  I hope to manage to have my cake and eat it to, so to speak.
[/quote]

I appreciate that and only added a ps because I know I can't do the distances. And yes some days I would love to dump the tent and all that goes with it for camping.  Another ps I stop in motels given every opportunity