Messages

16

General Discussion / Re: "inexpensive" supported tour

« on: March 30, 2012, 01:12:00 pm »

RAGBRAI is truly one of a kind.  One of those rides that I think everybody should do at least once for the experience if at all possible.  Pretty cheap in the big scheme of things.  Lots of food, lots of fun.  Registration bands are always for sale on the Ragbrai forum in the weeks leading up to the ride.  Thousands ride bandit, but I personally think that is a bit unethical.  Got to be ok with riding shoulder to shoulder for a few sections though, sometimes with folks who really aren't paying attention.   It is a completely different kind of experience from other tours.

17

Gear Talk / Re: Cars and bike racks

« on: March 28, 2012, 09:57:21 am »

+ one for the saris bones 3.  I've had one for at least 10 years.  Works great.

18

South / Re: Cycling The Natchez Trace

« on: March 20, 2012, 10:13:52 am »

A couple of years ago a group of friends rode the Trace from Nashville to Natchez with support.  I also live in Ridgeland, MS and ride sections of the Trace on a regular basis.  I think the best months for a Trace trip are April into May and October.  You are likely to catch some rain in April and May, but things are blooming along the whole Trace.  October is much drier (unless a hurricane come through) and heat of the summer is off.  I would avoid a trip in July, August and September unless you really like the heat and humidity.  Riding in the middle of day in those months can be difficult.

While the TN section has few hills, there are no mountains or really big hills anywhere on Trace and large sections of it are really pretty flat.  There are several bike specific campgrounds on the Trace.  There are also B&Bs and easy access to motels in Tupelo, Jackson area, Florence and some other locations.  You do have to watch out for commuter traffic around Tupelo and Jackson, which can be very heavy between 7 and 9 and 4 and 6.  But the vast majority of the Trace gets very little automobile traffic.   In the Jackson area between I-55 and I-20 generally gets alot of traffic, but from I-55 south for about 8 miles is closed until at least the fall of 2012 to repair a section of roadbed.  That has really cut down the local commuter traffic.  While that section is closed to vehicles, it is still open for bikes, which is really great for the local biking community. 

To catch a plane from Natchez, you would need to get to either Jackson or Baton Rouge.  You could probably catch a bus to either location. 

Hope you have a blast.  Its a fun and peaceful ride.

19

Gear Talk / Re: Wheel Skewer verses Bolt

« on: March 19, 2012, 06:40:25 am »

BOBGesr sells replacement nuts for threaded axles to accommodate the Yak and Ibex trailers.  Look for Bob Nutz
[/quote]

That would be nice if it was the case.  My mtn bike, and apparently an increasing number of other mtn bikes, use a 12mm thru axle, which is not compatible with Bob Nutz.  I spent a fair amount of time talking with the Bob folks to confirm that.  However, I recently purchased a farfarer seatpost mounted trailer that works around that issue. 

20

Gear Talk / Re: Wheel Skewer verses Bolt

« on: March 09, 2012, 01:29:18 pm »

I have a mountain bike with QR rather than bolt-on axles, instead of skewers.  From a touring point of view, you won't be able to use a trailers like a BOB, which uses a replacement skewer to attach the trailer to the bike if you go with the axles.  But that may not be an issue from you if you use panniers.  There are a couple of seatpost mounted trailers which avoid that issue, but they are not nearly as common.  I think using a QR skewer would also be alot easier if you get a flat.     

21

General Discussion / Re: Woman Cycling Alone

« on: March 02, 2012, 01:09:04 pm »

I live in Mississippi and have spent alot of time in Alabama and Louisiana.  There are certainly some relatively small areas in large metro areas like Jackson, New Orleans, the Miss/Ala Gulf Coast Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Tupelo,  Memphis and others with high crime rates.  However,  have always felt comfortable in those cities as a whole and they all have alot to offer.  The same situation exists as in any part other of this country or anyplace else with large urban areas.  Don't let the fact that crime exists everywhere discourage you from visiting the Sunny South.  People throughout the South tend to be very friendly, the food is great, if a bit unhealthy at times, the backroads are scenic, the hills are generally not too bad and the weather in May is generally great. 

Just like you would be doing anywhere else, be aware of your surroundings and keep you eyes open when you're i.  You will have fun.

22

General Discussion / Re: how safe is it to ride in the US?

« on: February 22, 2012, 08:11:17 am »

I agree with most of the replies.  In my years of riding, mostly in the deep south where rednecks abound, 99%+ of drivers, including the rednecks, simply want to pass you and will do so when it is safe for you and them.  The problems I've seen often involve groups of riders that are difficult to pass safely.  That tends to really p.o. drivers, with some reason.  Sometimes cyclists are their own worst enemy.  Frankly, my main concern is less with the guy who is out to harass cyclists and more with the inattentive driver talking on a cellphone or, god forbid, trying to text, while approaching me. 

Unfortunately, it only takes one idiot to cause you serious injury or harm.  That can occur anywhere and anytime, here or abroad.  Don't worry about riding in the US.  But when you come over use a mirror, pay attention, avoid riding at night when possible and high traffic court roads and wave to the motorists who are looking out for you most of the time.  You will have a great time and meet great people.

23

Gear Talk / Re: Camp chair

« on: February 15, 2012, 10:03:21 am »

Thanks for the replies. 

Since I'm now old and slow, sitting on the ground or a log or in crazycreek chair doesn't have the same appeal it did years ago.  I'm not interested in a stool since there is no backrest.  A hammock doesn't fit the bill since I'm looking for a chair I can easily set up and move around, use by the tent, cooking, etc.  My concern about the Alite butterfly chair is the same one raised by bogiesan, even though the internet reviews have generally been pretty good.   I don't have a local REI store so I can't test one out which makes me a bit leary.  The Slinglight  doesn't fold down as small as I would like, but I might be able to strap it to a trailer.  On the plus side, both the Alite and the Slinglight are light enough to justify carrying, but pricey.    Hard to find something that really fits the bill.

If I get one I'll give y'all a report. 

24

Gear Talk / Camp chair

« on: February 14, 2012, 12:17:42 pm »

I'm considering a toting a lightweight chair that has some back support and gets me off the ground on a tour next summer.  The two that seem to be the most promising are the Alite monarch  and the slinglight. Both are very light, but a bit pricey.  The monarch folds down pretty small, but the 2 leg design seems a bit unusual.  Anybody ever use either one of these or something comparable?  If you have used either one, how is the durability?   

http://www.rei.com/product/792007/alite-monarch-butterfly-chair

http://www.slinglight.com/

25

General Discussion / Farfarer trailer

« on: January 31, 2012, 02:08:31 pm »

I signed up with ACA for the Great Divide trip in July.  I have a 12 mm thru axle, which rules out a bob and similar axle mounted trailers, so I'm looking for a seatpost mounted trailer.  Anybody use/have any experience with a farfarer trailer?   

http://www.fftouring.com/