Recent Posts

11

Routes / Murphysboro, IL to St. Louis, MO

« Last post by Eappleton on Today at 06:01:35 am »

Hi,

My wife and I are cycling across the country and are coming through Carbondale in a week or so. We're in Owensboro, KY now. We are riding the Adventure Cycling Transam to Murphysboro and then our own route to St. Louis.  I'm wondering if someone has advice about a route on the Illinois or Missouri side.

I have been told that if we can get to Collinsville, the Chain of Rocks bridge is a good way in, but I'm not sure of a good route to Collinsville. I'm also wondering if crossing the Mississippi near Murphysboro and then coming up is a better idea.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Eric

12

Pacific Northwest / Re: Astoria to Boise

« Last post by Elbrento on June 16, 2013, 09:29:03 pm »

I just completed my trip a week ago from Astoria to Boise and it was a blast.  I stayed on U.S. 30 to Portland and pretty much followed the Adventure Cycling map until Umitilla.  Climbing the grade out of Pendleton was tough, but once again followed the old highway and very little traffic.  Stayed on old U.S. 30 (which runs along side of Interstate 84) for most of the way back into Idaho.  All in all a very good trip and get this, not one flat tire.  I could not believe it.

13

Routes / Re: Eastbound from Washington/Oregon

« Last post by ewoodwarde on June 16, 2013, 08:12:34 pm »

Just an update, we did choose the northern tier and left and Anacortes  June 6th. Today, June 16 we are at the top of the last of the five passes, Beaver Lodge.  We are taking a slightly slower pace and look forward to meeting anyone else who is on the route this year. Note, we were very tired of up hills so took a successful detour from just beforeWocanda pass North follow the Kettle River into Canada and back down to Kettle Falls. Downhill 35 miles, missed Sherman Pass.

14

New England / Re: Border Crossings - Ontario/NY

« Last post by John Nelson on June 16, 2013, 03:57:34 pm »

From time to time, we encounter all sorts of road conditions not ideally suitable to bikes. Border crossings are no different. In each situation, we adapt as necessary. Ride more slowly or even walk if warranted. It's a short-term inconvenience.

15

Gear Talk / Re: stability

« Last post by John Nelson on June 16, 2013, 03:53:37 pm »

Post back if you still have stability problems on a calm wind day. If so, then something else is going on and we should discuss further.

16

General Discussion / Re: riding and camping in thunderstorms

« Last post by John Nelson on June 16, 2013, 03:31:05 pm »

Lots of good advice and I agree with it all.

Rain doesn't worry me. Lightning, hail and tornadoes worry me, but not too much. During the day, I just ride through most rain. If it gets violent, I look for a house, building or bridge that I can take shelter from on a porch or under an overhang. Sometimes, however, they're aren't any around. I actually like sleeping in the rain, but I don't much like it if it's raining while I am setting up or breaking down camp. If tornadoes or high winds are forecast overnight, I look for someplace inside to sleep. Ask at churches and fire stations or look for a Warm Showers host.

17

General Discussion / Touring sideways in time.

« Last post by zerodish on June 16, 2013, 02:27:34 pm »

After touring 90000 miles all over the United States I wanted to do something different. So I added a flux inductor to the bicycle. This allows me to travel sideways in time. In other words parallel universes. http://www.flickr.com/photos/63373992@N07/9059953105/

18

Routes / Re: Riding west to east along the northern tier

« Last post by John Nelson on June 16, 2013, 12:48:36 pm »

My suggestions:

• Consider flying into Bellingham WA to start your trip. It is served by one of the most bike-friendly airline around (Frontier) and it is an easy ride from there to the start of the NT.
• If even remotely possible, schedule your trip so that Going To The Sun Road will be open when you get there. Going To The Sun Road is the absolute jewel of the Northern Tier. It would be criminal to have to go around it. Starting in mid-May will give you very little chance, but starting in mid-June will give you a very good chance of this road being open.
• Starting in May will almost certainly you subject you to wet weather through Washington. Starting later would avoid at least some of this.
• I second the praise for South Skagit Road between Sedro-Woolley and Concrete--absolutely lovely.
• You don't have too many options for distance in Washington until you get over Sherman Pass. You're pretty much committed to one pass a day over Rainy/Washington, Loup Loup, Wauconda and Sherman.
• Take a tour of Libby Dam just past Libby MT if you can. The visitor center is on the west side.
• Campgrounds along the Northern Tier tend to be a bit more expensive than camping on the TransAm, especially as you get farther east. Not that big of an issue if you are sharing costs, but can be significant if you travel solo.
• Spend a night at Cottonwood Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park if you can. It's cool.
• Don't miss the stop at the Adventure Cyclists Bunkhouse in Dalbo, MN.
• If you take the North Lakes route, plan at least several hours to explore Mackinac Island.
• Stysh's Brown Barn Campground in Boonville NY is a real bargain camping for only $6.
• Spend an hour and $20 to take the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls. Lock your bike up within sight of the ticket booths.
• It can be a challenge to arrange transportation home from Bar Harbor. I had the Bar Harbor Bike Shop ship my bike home and took the shuttle to the Bangor airport.

19

Classifieds / Nitto Mt Campee rear rack for 26er 29er or 700C! Very lightly used. $100

« Last post by diesel9er on June 16, 2013, 10:55:04 am »

Here's my lightly used Mt. Campee rack. Very stout and excellent Japanese craftsmanship! I'm getting a more stealthy version! Less than 100 miles on this beauty. $100 plus shipping.

20

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: Adirondack and Green Mountains

« Last post by Znook on June 16, 2013, 05:26:19 am »

Ian, did you ever get to go on this trip? If you did I'd be interested in knowing your findings - thanks.

Robbie