Messages

31

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

« on: November 16, 2011, 10:35:02 am »

When you check out my journal,look at the 'by the numbers' page near the end.  I think I put something there about number of cyclists we met...

32

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

« on: November 14, 2011, 08:26:48 pm »

That's the exact time we left San Diego this year, and I haven't gone back to take an actual count, but I'd have to say it's not very often, especially if you mean people going in the same direction.  Then again we used warmshowers half the nights, so we might have missed cyclists already at a campground.  Feel free to check out our journal and you might get some feel for the number of cyclists we encountered.   http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/myfinecycle  And btw, I thought that timing was almost perfect, just a tad too early for Emory Pass.

33

Classifieds / Re: Southern Tier map set required in uk

« on: October 25, 2011, 01:17:15 pm »

Hi, I do have the ST map set, but not sure how much it would cost to ship to UK?  If you would pay shipping plus $5, that would be great.  Let me know. Marti

34

General Discussion / Re: Southern tier start time

« on: October 23, 2011, 05:54:13 pm »

We left San Diego Feb 13 this year and had great weather, but it was too snowy to follow the ST to Silver City and Emory Pass; we had to skip it.  So, if you want to do the Pass, I would suggest leaving a bit later than we did, maybe end of Feb/early March.
Good luck,
Marti

35

Routes / Re: Southern Tier favorite section? Advice needed!

« on: October 22, 2011, 04:25:31 pm »

I loved west TX!

36

Routes / Re: Southern Tier- Route Safety/Hazards

« on: October 22, 2011, 04:24:04 pm »

My husband was using the Bontragers that came on his new Trek 520.  Both front and back gave him lots of problems, if not complete flats, then slow leaks.  Changing a tire occasionally is ok, but we were stopping once or twice a day; that got old fast!
Marti

37

Routes / Re: Southern Tier- Route Safety/Hazards

« on: October 20, 2011, 02:21:36 pm »

I used Schwalbe Marathon Plus.  And yes, my husband had many tire problems until he switched to the same tires in TX.  Yes, putting a liner in your trailer tires sounds like a good idea.

I tried to put info in the journal that might be useful to future ST riders, so do hope it helps.

Good luck,
Marti

38

Routes / Re: Southern Tier- Route Safety/Hazards

« on: October 19, 2011, 02:59:36 pm »

My groom (though of many years) and I rode the Southern Tier at that exact same time this year, self supported with some camping.  Absolutely no safety issues.  Timing was perfect, though we left San Diego Feb 12 and did have to skip the part of the route through Emory Pass since there was snow.  Otherwise perfect weather.  I rode Schwalbe Marathons, no flats.  I would strongly advise getting them.  If interested, check out our journal at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/myfinecycle

Good luck and enjoy.

39

Routes / Re: Southern Tier - Oct 2012 Questions about maps and route

« on: October 19, 2011, 08:03:24 am »

Where it might get cold and snowy is Silver City and Emory Pass in New Mexico.  You can avoid that area by taking Interstate 10 from Las Cruces to Lordsburg, then heading over to Safford, Arizona.  There is another highway that you can take to avoid being on the interstate the entire way, but the highway isn't terrible.

40

Routes / Re: Natchez Trace Maps

« on: October 16, 2011, 06:38:21 pm »

If you are interested in buying any books, I have two that I would sell at a very reasonable price.
'Bicycling the Natchez Trace', by Glen Wanner (1997)
'Traveling the Trace: a complete tour guide to the historic Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez', by Cathy and Vernon Summerlin (1995)

Let me know if you have any interest.

Marti

41

Gear Talk / Re: Headlight Recommendations for use w/ handlebar bag

« on: October 13, 2011, 05:15:01 pm »

I use my cygolite milion on my helmet.  I actually like it there rather than on my bike; I can aim the light where I need it.  It comes with both handlebar and helmet mounting kits.

42

Routes / Re: How early to start Lewis & Clark?

« on: September 12, 2011, 04:32:31 pm »

Can't answer your question about timing, but I do have ACA maps section 1-5 that I can send; I only ask for shipping payment.  They are from 2002; we only used section 1 and part of 2.  They are old but addenda are available....

43

Routes / Re: Lake Michigan Circuit

« on: June 19, 2011, 07:30:41 pm »

I did this ride several years ago and used an old version of this book:
http://www.cyclotour.com/Lake%20Michigan.htm

Have fun; it's a great ride.  Make sure to stop and have fun at Sleeping Bear Dunes!

44

Classifieds / FS: ShowersPass hyrbrid zip-off pants, men's XL

« on: June 04, 2011, 02:19:44 pm »

Almost new, worn twice for less than 8 hours.
Selling because lost weight & they no longer fit. My fortunate weight loss could be your gain.
See pant description and sizing at http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/men/mens-pants/hybrid-zip-pant .
No returns, shipping to continental US included.  $60
Contact dave@finetastic.com for more info or to make an offer.

45

Routes / Re: Border Safety concerns on Southern Tier

« on: May 24, 2011, 08:32:30 am »

Yea, we had a few people question our sanity when we told them of our plans to cycle the ST. But they weren't cyclists...So anyway, we just did the ST, Feb to April, and had absolutely no trouble near the borders.  We were as careful there as we are in general, and I expect you will be fine too.  Be cautious, but not scared.