Messages

241

General Discussion / Dalton Boys

« on: September 22, 2006, 12:06:22 pm »

Sorry to post to everyone but I am trying to get in touch with Mark but his email is private.

Therefore Mark, I have some questions I would like to email/phone you about riding in Texas.  Can you email me at nettles@cox.net at your leisure?

Again, sorry to everyone else.  Thanks!

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

242

General Discussion / cycling on the interstates

« on: September 12, 2006, 12:06:36 pm »

While I agree some situations are unavoidable and should be explored for allowing cyclists, I still say a cyclist should generally not be on an interstate.  I would rather put my legal efforts toward places that apply to all cyclists not just a few.

Additionally, there is no way it can be a 56 ADDITIONAL mile detour to go from Hannibal, MO to Pittsfield, IL (assuming you were traveling thru, not just crossing the river).  Sometimes, your mode of travel dictates certain limitations. How come boats never have hills .

I personally would not have traveled on US36 when there are better cyclists friendly roads that basically go the same direction, albiet with some extra mileage.  I'm not putting you down, but I prefer to look at the landscape not at the traffic.  

Finally, while you are an experienced cyclist, I would be worried about a novice who rides on it just because we have the right.  Right or wrong doesn't matter if your are dead.

Again, just my two cents worth.

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

243

General Discussion / cycling on the interstates

« on: September 11, 2006, 05:00:55 pm »

While I can certainly understand the problem with old roads becoming interstates (the old Route 66 has been converted to interstates in most areas, I personally believe cyclists should not be on interstates unless there is no reasonable (detour of 30+ miles) alternative, i.e. in Wyoming on the TransAm route.  Besides, interestates are SO boring.

I certainly agree with you about the right to use most roads but a blanket "we get access to everything" is not a wise decision IMHO.


Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

244

General Discussion / Camping on private land

« on: September 01, 2006, 12:57:23 pm »

I have always thought it would be great if AC could do a campground development program with communities and locals on the route.

For instance, people could offer to allow cyclists to pitch a tent in their backyard.  Churches, city parks, police/fire stations, etc. could have an actual camp pad on their property.

I would be happy to pay a reasonable amount for this per night plus it helps the local communities that may not have a local campground.  Ideally, these would be spread out every 15-20 miles so almost anyone could find a camp.  It would cost $200 max for a picnic table, some railroad ties and dirt (to create a raised pad), and a tree or two.

I know it is a dream but I can always dream .

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

245

General Discussion / suggestions for mapping needed for fundraiser

« on: August 24, 2006, 09:05:31 pm »

Hi Tina,

You never indicated how much experience with riding and/or touring you have.  Also, you indicated you have "support" but that could be financial, vehicle, press/PR, etc.

With MANY years of experience, you could probably use a regular AAA road map and have a good idea of a route but it would not be the shortest as-the-crow-flies but shortest as a bike rides.

You could perhaps look at the archives of cross state bike routes.  For instance, Oklahoma, KS, GA, etc. have annual rides across the state. However, most bypass the large cities on purpose.

Additionally, 650 a week while touring for 10 straight weeks would be very tiring.  And that is assuming the 6500 miles was a realistic distance, not a Mapquest distance.  650 miles a week is almost a century a day plus I assume you have "downtime" for the fundraising, rest day (yes your body will require rest days), etc.

This would NOT be a fun trip at all even if you had total support, i.e. someone doing all work and you just ride and smile for cameras.  Are you hoteling it at least??

I would strongly recommend either lengthening your time, or cutting some states.

I don't want to dissuade you from your goal but a goal needs to be obtainable .


Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

246

General Discussion / Safety/money/ATMs/Cash/Traveler's Checks/etc.

« on: November 04, 2005, 08:38:25 am »

I tend to do a combo of the three.  I keep a small amount of cash (around $100) stuffed somewhere in my panniers, start the trip with about 25% of the estimated trip's total expenses in travelers checks i.e. if the trip is estimated to cost $1000, I get about $250 in travelers cheques (get them free as a AAA member), and use the ATM/debit card for the rest.

This gives me flexibility.  If I hit the boonies for a few days and don't have access to an ATM, I have cash.  While not everyplace accepts Travelers Cheques, most do (especially tourist related businesses like campgrounds).  If they get lost/stolen, they are replaced.  If I lose my ATM/debit card (done that unfortunately), I still have access to some cash and travelers checks until the card is replaced.

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!  John

247

General Discussion / Southern Tier

« on: November 14, 2005, 06:47:37 pm »

Another option is to UPS it where you are staying the first night when you arrive, assuming you are not going to ride out as soon as you arrive.

If you are getting a hotel the first night, it gives you a quiet & private place to reassemble.  If possible, pick a hotel/motel close to a bike shop in case the "loving care" the airlines give you is not so loving.

TulsaJohn

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn