Messages

16

Gear Talk / BioLite Stove

« on: September 06, 2012, 05:38:40 pm »

I am thinking of replacing my MSR with a BioLite stove.  I have seen many opinions and a few factual reviews, but not from the bicycle touring community (usually back packers).  So, has anyone used it biolitestove.com, and what do you think?

My initial thoughts...
1. kinda big/heavy
2. Smaller/lighter than MSR with fuel
3. Safer than liquid fuel
4. Can recharge bicycle light batteries (gooooood)
5. what if it breaks?
6. Same cost as new MSR.

17

Gear Talk / Re: Tubus Rack Mount - Advice Please

« on: August 24, 2012, 03:41:23 pm »

the tubus Longo EX racks fit perfectly on a Cannondale SL2.  with the ortlieb bikepacker bags i cant imagine needing much more than a water bag.

18

General Discussion / Re: Mexico / Latin America / South America touring

« on: August 12, 2012, 06:36:53 am »

I have seen the eastern info too... that was why I was curious abot a western answer!

19

General Discussion / Re: Mexico / Latin America / South America touring

« on: August 11, 2012, 01:37:23 pm »

I am totally going to lurk this post... I would like to know too!

20

Gear Talk / Re: Tubus Rack Mount - Advice Please

« on: August 10, 2012, 08:26:00 pm »

I just ordered the Tubus rack for my bike.  Wayne was on vacation so I talked to Cormac.  After talking on the phone twice and 10 emails with pictures I was a believer! Thse guys know their stuff.

21

Gear Talk / Re: handlebar bags

« on: August 10, 2012, 08:22:11 pm »

I don't want to do a rack because I have just one road bike which I currently use for day riding - typically 20 miles in the evening on a set of rollers, between 40-60 miles on Saturday and Sunday, and the occasional century. I did not know about the larger saddlebags, I will look into those as well.

Go with a beam rack and convertable tail bag from Topeak.
http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks

22

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 10, 2012, 04:53:10 pm »

thanks steve!

I was reading about gear and was impressed by the Tubus frame with ortleib panniers.  ordered a set even!  I know for starters rear panniers and bar bag is enough (4000 cuin I think), down the road, what kind of volume is usually used?  my motorcycle was 3500 cuin and that was enough for month long trips... I didnt carry much food.

23

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 09, 2012, 09:17:44 am »

Awesome advise guys!!

We are planning a 25 mile trip down the outer banks of NC (Ranger station by Rt 64 and 12 - the KOA).
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=25099+NC+Hwy+12+Rodanthe+NC+27968&hl=en&ll=35.903721,-75.594563&spn=0.008621,0.016201&sll=35.90459,-75.594563&sspn=0.008621,0.016201&geocode=FbXbIwIdG3d--w%3BFZ_QHgId2XWA-ymL66mwF1ukiTH7a9Z5IAqJzw&t=m&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=16&z=16
It is mostly flat except for the bridges.  Going to try for some time in early October since we do not have any pack-out gear.

Any thoughts?

Oh! I was looking at clothing... what does one wear on ones legs when it is raining?

24

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 07, 2012, 05:43:39 pm »

Awesome DaveB!  Thank you much.  I guess I will be planning many more break in runs than originally planned... oh well.

I deffinatly think the rear only paniers will be good for that.

25

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 07, 2012, 04:54:59 am »

Thanks Easy... what did you do foor cooking without the whisperlite?

I agree about that first cup of coffee, I have a Jetboil french press for just that and a whisperlite for cooking when we cannot have an open fire.  I am deffinatly going to need to reduce my gear a bit.

What does everyone think about the front wheel panniers?  I am buying rear ones soon but am concerned about the front changing handeling characteristics.

26

General Discussion / Re: Greetings!

« on: August 06, 2012, 05:37:16 pm »

gotcha!
What would you suggest as far as daily distance and total distance for first long ride?

27

General Discussion / Greetings!

« on: August 06, 2012, 04:41:49 pm »

Hello all!
This is my very first post and would like to do an intro and ask for advice.

I am new to the idea of bicycle adventure, but not two wheel adventure.  My girlfriend and I are attempting to make the transition from motorcycle to bicycle.  Currently we clock 15-20k miles a year (one year did 28k) and feel like the scenery and people go by too fast.  We purchased 2 Cannondale SL2 Trail bikes last winter and have been working on our saddle time, nothing overnight.  There are no major travel accessories, we have water bottles, patch kits, basic repair stuff.  Our current plan is to do the blue ridge parkway next spring.

With that said...
Could somebody tell me what common follies that new adventurers commonly make, or any advice in general?

THANKS!