Messages

1

General Discussion / New York State cycling Maps

« on: January 23, 2012, 11:48:25 pm »

Hey all!

I have travelled with ACA maps in the past  (pretty good). I will be touring through western NY this summer. There are no ACA maps where I want to go. New York State DOT puts out bicycle maps that help me. Has anyone used them? Are they accurate? Problems? Do tell.

Sprocketman

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General Discussion / Re: Crossing Canadian Border

« on: January 18, 2012, 01:32:30 am »

Thanks geegee and pinerider. Huge help. I will soon begin to plan my trip and route (this will be my first time without an ACA map). I will be in touch. Thanks.

sprocketman

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General Discussion / Re: Woman riding by herself

« on: January 17, 2012, 12:37:20 am »

Last year I toured from PA to Key West. I am 6'4" and 220 Lbs. Many times I stopped for directions or water and cannot tell you how many people invited me into their home. I could have easily been a threat to them! People in the south are just nice. Never had a problem. Too damn nice I say! Everytime I stop and talk to someone, it turns out to be a 15 - 20 minute conversation. DO NOT look for a reason not to go! Yours may be that your female. My reasons were mortgage, kids, work, wife, wife, home repairs, and so on. I cringe at the tought that I almost talked myself out of it several times because leaving my life for a month just seems reckless. Don't let your gender get in the way. Go for it!

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General Discussion / Re: Crossing Canadian Border

« on: January 17, 2012, 12:09:36 am »

Thanks everyone for the help. I've been to Canada a few times by car and all the responses sound similar to my experiences crossing the border. Can't wait for the trip to get started. Just thinking about it helps me keep my sanity from the daily grind.

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General Discussion / Crossing Canadian Border

« on: January 15, 2012, 10:58:29 pm »

Hi all,

I will be cycling from southern Pennsylvania to Ottawa this July through western New York State. Has anyone taken this route? Any special procedure for crossing the border by bicycle (I am a US resident)? I have already cycled from southern Penn. to Key West (loved it!) and am looking to complete my cross country. Any tips would be helpful.

Thanks,
Sprocketman

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General Discussion / Re: Cross Country Tour: Trouble with Lodging, what to do?

« on: June 11, 2011, 11:58:16 pm »

Hi Steve,
Congratulations on getting out on the road! Its un-nerving at first - not knowing where you are going to stay each night. But that is why we do this. Adventure would not be adventure without the unknown.

I camped on church propeties. I never asked (I usually ride until late at night and arrive when the church is empty), but people are usually happy to find me in the morning.

 Also, look for municipal buildings - fire houses, libraries, highway dept, Etc. More improtantly, most of them have a hose out back. Free shower! All of these options are good in small towns. Fire houses were my favorite. Beware of lawn sprinklers that turn on in the middle of the night though.

You will be suprised to find out what happens if you ask.

Good luck and keep us posted.



 

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General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT: Adjustments needed to fit me...

« on: May 15, 2011, 12:24:24 am »

I am 6' 4". I put a higher stem on the bike. This raised the handlebars and did wonders. My bike is extremely comfortable now. I have been on the bike for 11-12 hours a day with little neck, back, and arm troubles. Just remember, it will take some time to condition the arm and neck muscles needed for touring. Give it time. Your body is not used to being in that position.

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General Discussion / Re: Shakedown Trip, still concerned

« on: April 27, 2011, 11:30:01 pm »

Hey Jambi,

I did a 1500 mile trip last year in heat ranging from 95 to 103. Here are some tips:

Know your fluid absorption and sweat rate. If you sweat faster than your body can absorb fluids, you will be inclined to drink, but the fluids will sit in your stomach. You will begin to feel bloated and nauseated. The cure is to slow down and reduce your sweat rate and let your body absorb fluids. Keep drinking. When you are thirsty, it is too late.

Don't be afraid of salt.

Be in shape. If you lost alot of weight on your shakedown trip, you probably weren't in good shape.

Wear light colored clothes. I found Under Armour to be the best. It doesn't stick to your body when you are sweaty. Cotton bad.

Have a base tan. Sunscreen wears off quickly. You need some natural protection. Keep piling on the sunscreen anyway.

If you are camping, use a tent with good ventilation. It will be hot in the tent at night. You don't want to wake up dehydrated.

I don't tolerate heat well. However, on my trip I was amazed how my body acclimated to the heat. The body is amazing when it wants to be. I was in shape and at the end of ten hour days in 100 heat, I never felt spent at the end of the day. Pace yourself accordingly. Take lots of breaks and enjoy the scenery.


Don't be concerned. Prepare yourself and you will do fine. Challenges are why we do stuff like this.  

  

9

General Discussion / Re: First long distance ride...need advice....FAST

« on: April 13, 2011, 12:13:28 am »

Kevin,

Do your test rides with your gear. I camped and my load was about 30 pounds. I averaged 73 miles a day for just over three weeks (with three rest days). Doing a century without gear is very different than with gear. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

10

General Discussion / Re: First long distance ride...need advice....FAST

« on: April 10, 2011, 11:17:16 pm »

Hey Kevin,

I did the Atlantic Coast (Pennsylvania to Florida) last year, 1473 miles. The ACA Atlantic Coast maps are pretty good. They will keep you on quiet roads most of the time. However, food is scarce in some places. Always keep a good amount of food in your panniers. 100 miles a day will be tough. Some places in Maryland are hilly. If you get a headwind, it will be a long slog. Make sure all your gear is in top notch shape. Bike shops are far between. Carry lots of tubes and at least one spare tire.

11

General Discussion / Re: Hypothetical question...

« on: March 16, 2011, 11:50:44 pm »

Ronnie,
You must train before a long ride. Lack of training will invite soreness and injury. You will want this to be the best trip of your life. It will be no fun if you lay down at the end of the day and are too tired to move around and enjoy yourself. I started training for my last 24 day tour at 260 pounds. After 6 months of training, I left for my trip at 221 pounds. At the end of my trip (1500 miles) I was at 214. That was 9 months ago and I am currently at 228 and steady. I am training for my next tour in July (14 days). Training is critical. You will know that you are in shape when you can ride all day, take a shower, have dinner, and don't feel like you rode all day.

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General Discussion / Re: Rack, Fenders, and front pannier

« on: March 14, 2011, 11:31:33 pm »

Steve,

I have the Ortlieb rear large panniers. They worked well on a 24 day tour. When it comes to front panniers, be careful. Extra volume begs you to bring things you don't need.

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General Discussion / Re: Atlantic Coast Route

« on: March 04, 2011, 11:09:04 pm »

Hey West,

I stayed in a hostel at the end of my trip (St Augustine). I stayed at the Pirate Hause. What a wonderful stay. It was the first time I stayed at a hostel and it was a great time. If I find any hostels in Miami of Key West, I will publish them for everyone.

Eric

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Gear Talk / Re: Long Two-Person Trip Tent

« on: February 09, 2011, 12:15:14 am »

Think color. If you will be in warm area, a light colored tent will be cooler. Good ventilation is a must. Whatever you choice, test it out in the yard. Pick the worst weather and sleep out in it. Also, loops and pockets inside help keep things organized. Searching for TP in the middle of the night is never fun. A loop at the high point of the dome is a good place to hang a light. Over time, if you tent looses its water repellencey, use a product called Nikwax. That stuff is great.   

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General Discussion / Atlantic Coast Route

« on: February 05, 2011, 11:31:00 pm »

Hi everyone,
Last summer I did the Atlantic Coast route from Norristown, PA to St Augustine, Fl. This summer I am taking the AC route from  Augustine to Key West. Other than the category 5 heat, can anyone tell me about the route, particularly from Miami to Key West. Do the bridges have bike lanes? How is the traffic on the route? Any help would be great.

Eric