Messages

1

Gear Talk / Sleeping bags

« on: September 19, 2004, 06:03:51 am »

I have a Coleman canvas bag that will keep you warm in almost anything. It's pretty much a Walls/Carhart jacket shaped like a sleeping bag. Plaid flannel liner etc..   Only problem is that its a little bulky. Absolutely no attempt at a mummy shape though.

2

Gear Talk / Waterproof Cover (Bob Trailer)

« on: August 23, 2004, 03:53:14 am »

   I ran into this problem of keeping things dry with an older model of Bob, sans drysak.  To fully waterproof the large duffel that came with it: Get one of those cheap (usually blue) plastic tarps from Wal-Mart/Kmart wherever. Then cut it small enough to wrap around the bag. Use some of the leftover and make a fender by cutting about a 6" wide strip and put it in the rear part of the Bob's front triangle, run it almost all the way to the ground and it will keep road spray from he rear wheel away.   As for the bag, there are side opening duffel bags available at almost all department/discount stores, and sporting goods stores.  To organise it I put two backpacks in it on top of my tent and sleeping mat/bedroll. One pack for clothes , one for gear. You could put as many smaller bags in there as you can cram if you want better organization.  

3

General Discussion / Mid Life & Over weight Crossing USA HELP

« on: September 19, 2004, 06:18:01 am »

 30 pounds overwieght on whose scale ? You might find you're in better shape than ya' thought.

   You can tour on anything as long as it fits you properly. Make sure you ride whatever you get at least 1000 miles before your long trip, this should not be a problem in the 4 months you have between March - June etc....

  If you go recumbent, I'll reccomend Terracycles' Easy reacher underseat rack for panniers, allows you to carry 2 sets of panniers on a 'bent. They work fabulously. (www.terracycle.com).

  The BOB yak is a great trailer for touring, with one you can use just about any bike you like. just don't get silly and load the thing over 50 pounds.

 Me, I prefer something with wide tires and disc brakes (no knobbies) so the bike can deal with anything that happens along the way.
   

   Where on earth is Truckee , CA  ?

4

General Discussion / touring with a family

« on: August 23, 2004, 04:10:32 am »

  I've toured some with my three year old. It's not as hard as some would have you believe.  The best piece of advice I can render is to put in some miles with the kids before the big trip. Make sure you do a couple of day rides with the same daily mileage that you plan to do on tour, to get the little ones used to it.  Also, don't even think of using child seats mounted on the back of a bike.There's no airflow and kids can't handle the weather like we can (sunburn , exposure etc...) put them in a good quality trailer. make sure your little trailer jockey has some toys (lots) and water/ food. Be ready to hose out that trailer !

5

General Discussion / Mission and shelter list as a alternitive to hoste

« on: August 23, 2004, 04:17:43 am »

 I don't think this is such a horrible idea. Many of the so called homeless are no more deserving than a touring cyclist trying to save a few dollars. Sleeping there wouldn't neccesarily deprive anyone of anything although being in close proximity to the regulars at the mission may not be on some people's priority list.

6

General Discussion / Cell Phones

« on: September 19, 2004, 05:45:36 am »

Verizon has been the best for reception that I've seen.
Many a time in a group out in the woods I've been the only one (using Verizon) who could phone anywhere.