Messages

1

Gear Talk / in Canada: 27" tires | denatured alcohol for stove

« on: May 20, 2007, 08:41:23 pm »

You should also be able to find 27" tires at MEC, though I don't know about Canadian Tire.
MEC has locations in most major Canadian cities, (e.g. Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, etc.). www.mec.ca
Canadian Tire is pretty well everywhere.
Bon chance

2

Gear Talk / in Canada: 27" tires | denatured alcohol for stove

« on: May 20, 2007, 08:37:17 pm »

Check out MEC (Mountain Equpiment Co-op) or Canadian Tire for your denatured alcohol.

3

Routes / Getting Home from the big ride?

« on: July 24, 2007, 10:45:13 pm »

Sorry Powderbird, I have no idea what the best way to return from that ride is. I am not very knowledgable about American trains, planes, and automobiles.
However, I was hoping to ask a related question, and rather than creat a whole new thread, I'll just hop on this one: I have to Greyhound it home after my trip down the west coast. While I know I can handle the day and a half long bus ride, I'm concerned for my faithful steed. Does anyone have any tips for packing a bike for shipment? Ideally bike boxes are the way to go, but as you might have guessed I'm on a budget. Any clever, McGuiveresque, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

4

Routes / Trans-Canadian Route?

« on: July 08, 2007, 10:34:33 pm »

Having also driven the road from Thunder Bay to the Sault, I agree with Fred. It's not a nice road for cycling, at all.
There are few pit stops, supply stores, or habitation of any kind. If you like desolate places, this would be a good place, but unfortunately it's not desolate enough to be free from traffic.
I wouldn't recommend it.
Dani

5

Routes / Pacific Coast advice!!

« on: July 08, 2007, 10:39:38 pm »

Hey,
I am doing the pacific coast from Vancouver (Canuckistan) to San Fran in August. I would love to know what those map changes are, and any other info you care to share. More beta is better.
Thanks,
Dani

6

Routes / Vancouver, Canada to San Fran

« on: April 21, 2007, 02:19:22 am »

That guide is great! And can be found in PDF form online:http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/ORE_COAST_BICYCLE_MAP_WEB_FINAL.pdf.

Thanks a bunch!

7

Routes / Vancouver, Canada to San Fran

« on: April 15, 2007, 09:36:12 pm »

Hello.
I am just starting to plan a trip from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco. I have a helpful little book of routes and tips by Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall, which I was hoping to supplement with other people's experiences.
I am wondering, of those who have done this trip, or portions of it, how long they took to do it, what they found were the toughest regions, etc.
Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

8

General Discussion / Incects to Bears

« on: April 17, 2007, 01:31:31 am »

I would offer the following advice about stealth camping in the Tetons (or any bear inhabited region):
(Sorry if comes off as pedantic, but in my line of work I meet many people who are novices to bear safety, so I am a bit paranoid.)

Don't cook near your tent.

Keep food and scented toiletries out of your tent.

In addition to bear spray, I would carry bear bangers. They are very loud and can help prevent overly close encounters if you fire them in the bear's direction when they are (thankfully) not in range of pepper spray.

If you find yourself alone on some windy mountain road, sing to yourself. Bears are really only a problem if you accidentally sneak up on them. Plus singing while you cycle at 2000 ft elevation does great things for the lungs.

All that said, I wouldn't worry too much about bears. It's mountain lions that'll really do a number on you . . .  

9

General Discussion / Touring after knee replacement

« on: April 15, 2007, 09:26:26 pm »

Paul:
I was wondering if you had any more info about your friend who had hip surgery: like how long they waited after their surgery to do their tour, and how old they were.
I had hip surgery a couple months ago and I am itching to tour again. And I would like to supplement the info my doc is giving me with other people's experiences. Thanks.
Dani