Messages

1

General Discussion / Boxed Bike on Delta Airlines

« on: July 11, 2023, 02:20:53 am »

Has anyone flown a boxed bicycle on Delta lately?

Last year I flew Air Canada from Vancouver, BC. The bike shop gave me a generously sized box for my small Co-Motion Ochoco with 650B wheels (I’m 5’2”). The box contained my bike, 2 extra tires, 6 extra tubes, assorted tools, an ancient Trek cargo bag, a small box containing disk brake rotors wrapped in bubble wrap, wrapped pedals and quick releases, etc. It all weighed less than 50 pounds. I had to open the box for inspection at the airport. After determining that I wasn’t taking any contraband, the inspector sealed the box with an incredible amount of tape. I paid $50 + $2.50 tax (Canadian).

This year I’m flying Delta from Vancouver. Has anyone had any hassles from Delta about what is in the box? Originally, I heard Delta was picky about what was in the box, as tourists tended to load panniers, clothing, etc. in the bike box. Delta and some other airlines made them take the extra stuff out of the bike box and pay for an extra box.

Here are Delta’s policies about sporting equipment/bicycles:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/special-items/sporting-equipment 
I don’t see anything about what exactly can be in the box as long as it weighs less than 50 pounds and is less than 115 linear inches (292cm length + width+ height). If it weighs 50-100 pounds, you’ll pay overweight fees.

Has anyone had any recent experience with Delta and were there any problems?

2

General Discussion / Air Tags

« on: July 11, 2023, 02:14:48 am »

A search for “Air Tags” didn’t turn up anything in the forum so I thought I would add this information. I bought a set of four Air Tags. I bought one of these,  . Elevation Lab TagVault Bike V2 - The Waterproof AirTag Bike Mount | Titanium Security Screws | Hidden Under Bottle Cage, Anti-Theft, Amazon.com: Elevation Lab TagVault Bike V2 - The Waterproof AirTag Bike Mount | Titanium Security Screws | Hidden Under Bottle Cage, Anti-Theft : Electronics

I put an Air Tag in the “vault,” and attached it with the titanium water bottle screws. This way I would know where my bike was if the airline “lost” it. I also placed Air Tags in my suitcase, carry-on (which ended up being taken away at the gate), and my personal item. As it turned out the Air Tag on the bike was most useful for the return trip.

The original plan was for my fellow rider to put our bikes in his van, the sag wagon, and haul them back to Salt Lake City. His next-door neighbor died and he had to speak at his funeral. So, he parked his van in secure storage in New Orleans, flew to SLC, spoke at the funeral, flew back to N.O., and drove back to SLC. Thanks to the Air Tag, I knew exactly where my bike was.

I was a bit puzzled when it seemed stuck at the bike shop in SLC. Since I knew where it was, I called the shop and asked why it was taking so long. The bike shop employee said both of their mechanics had been sick in the hospital. But the bike was now all packed up and she was about to take it to FedEx. She sent it on second-day air, so it cost $200. Ouch!

I left the Air Tag Vault on my bike in case of theft. I’ll replace the battery before this trip.

3

South / Re: Natchez Trace Northern Terminus Connection to Nashville

« on: September 29, 2012, 05:24:28 pm »

If you were planning to ride from the Nashville Airport to the start of the Natchez Trace, how would you go? We are confident road riders, but scenic routes and shortcuts are nice, although we're not excited about climbing long, steep hills. We get into Nashville on 10/7, the tour company picks up our gear on the morning of the 8th, and we'd rather ride to  the Comfort Inn in Franklin.

4

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Atlantic Coast #2, maps 21 & 22 - 2011

« on: April 27, 2012, 03:47:49 am »

Is this still an issue in 2012?

5

General Discussion / Re: bike travel in cuba

« on: November 07, 2011, 03:39:04 am »

This may or may not be useful...

Bike Bits Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2, 2008

CAREFREE IN CUBA…ALMOST
"About as gutsy a bargain traveler as they come." That's what NEW
YORK TIMES book reviewer Pamela Paul had to say about "The Handsomest
Man in Cuba," a travel memoir by Lynette Chiang, a self-described
"author, handlebar videographer, Customer Evangelist, failed hippie,
and Bike Friday adventurette from Down Under." Re-issued in 2007 by
the Globe Pequot Press, the book is Chiang's personal account of what
it's like to "eat, drink, and be cautiously merry among ordinary
Cubans." Find out more by visiting this site:
http://galfromdownunder.com/cuba

6

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Northern Tier Section 1, 2011

« on: July 14, 2011, 09:06:33 pm »

Forwarded Message:



You are subscribed to North Cascades Highway Newsletter for WSDOT. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Hi all,

In order to get the chip sealing done before winter weather hits the high elevations again, paving is going to start on Monday:

SR 20 (MP148-178) North Cascades Highway Chip Seal
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., expect up to 20 minute delays with flagger controlled traffic through work zones where crews are installing rumble strips on the centerline and fog sealing the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavement repair patches and beginning the chip seal resurfacing.  Paving is starting west of Rainy Pass, working east.  There is transportation through the work zone provided for bicylists.
In this $2.7 million project, Central Washington Asphalt Co. crews are resurfacing 30 miles of highway over Washington and Rainy Passes.  The construction began with several weeks of work bringing guardrail up to current standards. That was followed with pre-level (Hot-Mix-Asphalt) patching of damaged pavement sections.  Chip sealing begins 7/18. Work began June 8 and is scheduled to be complete by October.
Project Engineer: Eric Pierson (509) 667-2870

For you on two wheels - the transportation is a bus pulling an open trailer - the bus for you, the trailer for your bike. (You won't even get tar on your cleats!)

Jeff

adamsoj@wsdot.wa.gov

(509) 667-2815

7

Routes / Re: Selkirk Loop

« on: June 25, 2011, 03:22:21 am »

Quote from: Greg Bounds on May 28, 2009, 08:42:54 pm
Thanks for the advice

We will be travelling June 13 - June 22 - self supported and camping most nights.
I have the itinerary  /plan completed.  We will start at Crawford Bay and travel counter clockwise.

Will be pleased to share our comments or answer questions post trip.

On June 14, 2011, 04:26:22 pm BoomZoom wrote:

I'm planning on doing the Selkirk this September and I'd be very interested in getting an update about your ride, especially regarding campgrounds along the route.

The 16” X 18” map (see reply #1) shows campgrounds, lots of them. See http://www.selkirkloop.org/index.php/travel/lodging/rv-parks-%10-campgrounds.html for a list of RV parks and campgrounds. The list appears to be commercial facilities. Remember that many RV parks do not have provisions for camping.

See http://www.selkirkloop.org/files/ISL_Camping.pdf for camping on public lands. Budget cuts may affect these facilities. We didn't camp, so I really don't know anything about them.

Have a good trip!

8

Routes / Re: portland to SF realistic time frame and advice needed

« on: April 18, 2010, 01:37:05 am »

While bicycling the Lewis & Clark Trail we rode from near Portland International Airport to Seaside in two days. We were in a group, so the camping arangements we used may not be available to everyone. We camped at Portland International Raceways and watched the Bicycle Races, in the Clatskanie City Park, and ended our trip in Seaside. There are motels in Portland, Clatskanie and Seaside, too. You could use the last Adventure Cycling Lewis & Clark Trail map, and/or Michael McCoy's Bicycling the Lewis & Clark Trail, or Tod Rogers' Bicycle Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail http://www.deerfootpublications.com/index.html . Hint: Be sure to look at http://www.deerfootpublications.com/chapters/04k.pdf, and http://www.deerfootpublications.com/chapters/05wb.pdf.

Astoria has a really interesting Maritime Museum. If you are really hard core, ride up the hill to the Astoria Tower! Fort Clatsop, between Astoria and Seaside is really interesting. It's a rebuilt version of where L&C wintered on the west coast.

A friend and I (women, one over 50, one 64) rode from Astoria to Crescent City, CA in 6 days. We had a sag driver for 4 of the 6 days and stayed in motels. As we slowly worked our way up one steep road, two young fellows pulling trailers passed us. One had his gear plus two surfboards. So, you know we weren’t very fast.

Then three friends joined us (oldest 74 male). We took 6 days to ride to San Francisco.
So, figure 14 riding days to get some senior citizens from Portland to San Francisco, mostly sagged. Adjust accordingly for your age, fitness, and gear you are packing.

9

Routes / Re: Selkirk Loop

« on: May 10, 2009, 03:27:20 am »

Scott wrote:
< You mention shoulders here and there, but what is your overall impression of traffic, temperament of the drivers, etc.? 

Generally low traffic even in high tourist season. If there were any obnoxious drivers, I don't remember them.

> In short: Was this a great cycling route with light traffic, and would you do it again?   
YES!

> For a point of reference, although many people rave about the Oregon coast, we found the traffic in summer to be unacceptable--even with a shoulder most of the time.   

A friend and I left Astoria on Labor Day, and arrived in Crescent City the following Saturday. I was also unfavorably impressed by Oregon Coast motorists There were several acts of motorist idocy, but the scenery is fantastic!

Charleston, OR won our award for least bicycle friendly town: National bicycle route, narrow lane, dinky shoulder, if any; shoulder full of broken glass. There was so much glass, it had to be deliberate.


Judy

10

Routes / Re: Selkirk Loop

« on: May 07, 2009, 07:17:49 pm »

Our route:
The first day, Monday, instead of following Hwys 20 (which has a shoulder) and 31 to Ione, we followed the Adventure Cycling Northern Tier Route. We briefly headed east on 20, crossed the Pend Oreille (Pawn der ay) River, then immediately turned left on LeClerc Road. This route took us on a quiet country road along the river, which is harder to see from Hwy 20. We briefly crossed the River at Usk for snacks, then crossed back and through the Kalispel Indian Reservation. While passing through the reservation you may see the tribe’s bison herd. About 25 miles out you can walk up a short hill to the Manressa Grotto, an above-ground cave system used for religious ceremonies by early American Indians and missionaries. Cross the river again to get to Ione.

If you’re not cooking, consider going 9-10 miles further on the first day as the food choices are better at Metaline/Metaline Falls.

(Tuesday) After Metaline Falls you’ll climb a huge hill. Be sure you have the identification necessary to cross into Canada at Nelway (and to cross back at Rykerts/Porthill). There’s information and links on the Loop website. Then it’s downhill to Salmo, which has some interesting stone murals depicting the area’s history. After Ymir there’s another climb. You’ll reach the top just past the Whitehill Ski Area turnoff. Then it’s downhill into Nelson.

The Dancing Bear Youth Hostel won’t let you check-in and shower until after 4 pm. So, we spent some time exploring the bike shops, and sitting on Baker St. watching what my friend Dick described as “the uniquely dressed youth” pass by.

On Wednesday we had a late breakfast, then headed to Balfour (snacks) and up the hill to the Ainsworth Hot Springs. The water in the cave is HOT. The water in the main pool is lovely, but in summer the pool can be crowded. It’s more of a place to sit and relax rather than a place to swim. If you are camping and cooking, you’ll have to carry your supplies up the hill. Dining choices are limited if you can’t, or don’t want to, drive to Nelson.

On Thursday we caught the free ferry across Kootenay Lake. After waiting for the motor homes, trucks, and cars to leave, we climbed the steep hill up from the river. We spent the rest of the day going up and down, granny gear, big ring, granny gear, big ring and so on. Motorcyclists love the 270 curves. Don’t miss the glass house at Boswell. It’s made of over 500,000 embalming fluid bottles. (I’ll bet you haven’t seen one of those before.)

At Wynndel, to avoid traffic, we turned right on Lower Wynndel Road, crossed Hwy 3, turned left on Hwy 21, left onto Valleyview Drive, then straight onto Hwy 3/Northwest Blvd to Canyon St. where the motels and restaurants are located. (Find a free copy of the Visitor’s Choice: Creston guide which has maps.) Leave town via 16th Ave S and Erickson St.

After leaving Creston on Friday we crossed the border at Rykerts/Porthill. Soon you’ll be on US 95, which has more traffic and a shoulder. US 2 joins ID 1/US 95 just north of Bonners Ferry, where we had lunch. Although there’s more traffic and a shoulder we still found it comfortable.

If you don’t have a Northern Tier map, find a copy of the free Discovery Map Sandpoint.” Approaching Sandpoint, at the HWY 200 intersection, we turned right onto the Schweitzer Cutoff Road, then, before the airport, left onto N Boyer Rd. When N Boyer Rd. becomes N Boyer St, you’re about two blocks west of HWY 2/95/200/5th Ave. Be aware of the one-way streets.

On Saturday we left Sandpoint via the Northern Tier route. Head south on any street except 1st Ave, which is one-way north. Turn left on Pine, then right on N 1st (now two-way) then turn left on Lake. After stumbling around the parking lot you’ll find a bike path which takes the old (separate) bridge over Pend Oreille Lake into Slagle. Watch for potholes and turning traffic while riding on the sidepath.

About 2.5 miles south of Algoma, turn right onto Dufort Rd. You can cross the bridge to Priest River for food, then continue on Dufort Rd, until it meets HWY 41 which brings you back into Newport.

Be aware of small town festivals which can bring traffic, and fill motels and campgrounds.

11

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: L&C Shortcut from Missoula to Great Falls on Hwy 200? Comments?

« on: March 02, 2009, 02:19:25 am »

I'd like to hear any observations about Hwy 200 from Missoula to Great Falls to shorten the L&C Route a bit.  Services and campgrounds appear sparse? Anyone with direct experience on that route? We're considering traversing the continental divide that way the last week of May or first week of June.

In addition to the Adventure Cycling maps, you might also consider buying Tod Rodger’s Bicycle Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail, http://www.deerfootpublications.com/index.html .

If you want to be cheap, you can print it from the internet by going to http://www.deerfootpublications.com/book.html. However, if you are going to use the material, then you should buy the book, because it’s the ethical thing to do. Otherwise, why should anyone bother to write a book for you to use?

According to Rodgers:

“Summary Data for Three Routes:
[Route]   Distance   Climbing
Lemhi Pass 460 mi. 15,000 ft.
Big Hole 420 mi. 13,000 ft.
Route 200 Shortcut 170 mi. 7,000 ft.”

Read more about them here: http://www.deerfootpublications.com/chapters/04h_1.pdf and
http://www.deerfootpublications.com/chapters/04h_2.pdf .

Note that he lists lodging, campgrounds, and bicycle shops for the routes.

I’ve travelled both westbound (2002) and eastbound (2006) on the Lewis & Clark Trail with Historical Trails Cycling, http://www.historicaltrailscycling.com/ . Both times we took Hwy 200, with stops at Great Falls (dormitory), Lincoln (campground), and Missoula (dormitory). A self-contained cyclist might need an extra day or two.

I do NOT remember any problems with traffic or big trucks. From Simms to Rodgers Pass I remember a lot of ups and downs. My method was to get to the top of the hill, and instead of coasting, peddle downhill getting as much momentum as possible to make it easier to get up the other side. A 19” granny gear really helps on the uphills. Westbound there was a bar open partway between Simms and the pass. We stopped to use the bathroom and bought some pop to compensate the owner. Eastbound it was closed. It can be tough finding bathrooms in Big Sky Country, and often there aren’t any trees or big bushes.

The Montana Bicycle Map, http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/docs/bike_map.pdf ,  gives the Average July Daily Truck Traffic and the Average July Daily Total Traffic for the various sections of HWY 200 and other roads. It also shows shoulder width, grade percentage, and if there are rumble strips.

I consider a wide rumble strip on the shoulder as proof the governmental body wants cyclists to be riding in the lane. If the lane is less than 14 feet wide you should not share it. Ride toward the middle of the lane to make it clear that the overtaking motorist must change lanes to pass. Yes, you can!

Keep in mind the current economic situation might result in closed businesses including campgrounds (private and government), small motels, and restaurants.

In summary, Hwy 200 is a good shortcut between Great Falls and Missoula, MT.

Judy

12

Routes / Re: Selkirk Loop

« on: March 01, 2009, 01:03:21 am »

> Looking for advice from anyone who has done the Selkirk loop.
> We are planning a self supported tour for this summer- looking for good campgrounds, restaurants and points of interest.

Last summer my husband and I and six friends rode the Selkirk Loop. An additional three people stuck to the support van. We started and ended at the Newport City Inn at Newport, WA.

Our itinerary:
Newport, WA to Ione, WA (Riverview Inn), 53 miles
Ione, WA to Nelson, BC (Dancing Bear Inn), 64 miles
Nelson, BC to Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC (Ainsworth Motel), 26 miles
Ainsworth to Creston, BC (City Centre Motel), 59 miles
Creston, BC to Sandpoint, ID (K2 Inn), 69 miles
Sandpoint, ID to Newport, WA, 35 miles
Total 306 miles. Actual was 323 miles due to wandering off route, seeing the towns, etc.

Now, have you discovered the International Selkirk Loop website, http://www.selkirkloop.org? It has all kinds of information and maps. You can order a free copy of the 64 page Travel Guide which has a map in the middle. The 2008 version measured 5.25” X 8.25”, so you could stow it in your handlebar bag. There is also a bigger map that measures 16” X 18” and folds to 4” X 9”. It’s thin, so if you treat it with Map Seal (Google it) or a similar product you can fold it any way you want. The information in the Guide is much the same as the information on the website. It lists restaurants, groceries, motels, campgrounds, and things to do.

Adventure Cycling has a 10-day self-supported tour: http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdetail.cfm?t=SC&id=152&p=1

Wright Wheels, http://www.biketoursbc.ca, also has tours. They’ll provide bike rentals, help choose restaurants and accommodations, provide guides, support vans, customized tours and self-guided tours. Costs vary with services desired.

The International Selkirk Loop is a great route. There are also several side loops.

For more details on our trip, write me at judybikes “at” yahoo.com (replace the spaces and “at” with “@”).

13

Youth Bicyle Travel / Boy Scouts on Katy Trail

« on: October 12, 2006, 04:21:39 am »

The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook,
All New, Updated & Revised 8th Edition
http://www.pebblepublishing.com/complete_katy_trail_guidebook.htm

This Guidebook may have useful information. I've never seen or used it.

14

Youth Bicyle Travel / Boy Scouts on Katy Trail

« on: October 12, 2006, 04:10:22 am »

My son is in Boy Scouts and his troop is considering a multi-day trip along the Katy Trail in Missouri next summer.  What do I need to consider (other than my sanity) if we do take 10-25 twelve to fifteen year old males on a trip like this.  Most are not that experienced so some of the obvious (lower miles, get bikes in shape, etc.) will be factored in.


For information about whats along the trail, see http://www.bikekatytrail.com/ . It has information about distances between towns, and services available.

Ive ridden parts of the trail 5 times, three times with the Santa Fe Trail Trip (sagged, East-bound)), and twice on Lewis & Clark Trail trips (sagged, westbound then east bound). The three SFT trips were short, from Booneville to New Franklin or Booneville to Rocheport. The L&C trips were from St. Charles to Booneville in 2002 and return in 2006.

The surface is generally chipped limestone. The bikes will get filthy!!! I would not recommend skinny-tired bikes. My 700X35 touring tires worked very well, although there were a few places where the surface was loose and the rocks more rounded. Riding on a paved road takes less energy than on the trail. However, the nearby roads are generally very hilly and do not always closely follow the trail.

The 2002 trip took place in mid-June, a VERY HOT mid-June. It featured kamikaze turtles that would meander across the trail then suddenly stop and pull in their heads and feet. There were a number of dead turtles, I dont know if it was a result of their kamikaze movements or people deliberately running over them. There was a fair amount of shade, but if you stopped to rest in the shade you were immediately attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.

The 2006 trip took place during a period of drought. As a result we saw few turtles (they preferred to hang out closer to the river, I guess), and the mosquitoes were fewer in number. However, only a few days before there had been a huge thunderstorm. The storm knocked out power to 500,000 homes in St. Louis, and knocked over a couple of tents belonging to people in our group even though we were 400 miles away. The storm knocked lots of small branches off trees, quite a few large branches, and even a couple of full trees onto the trail. There was also serious erosion in places. I also ran over a medium sized black snake (non-poisonous) thinking it was a branch. I avoided several other snakes stretched out across the trail. Hopefully, the mess has now been cleaned up.

We stayed in the Hartsburg, MO American Legion Park, where the flushables couldnt deal with paper. We went to a nearby church where 11 of us took turns using a single shower. (OK, it was an inexpensive tour.) The mayor joined us for dinner and pointed out where the water level had been in the park a few years before when the Missouri flooded. The top of the backboard was visible, but not the basketball hoop. She also told us about how they dealt with the flooding.

While we were in the park we watched a black snake climb easily up a tree. It made you wonder what was above you in the tree-covered sections of the trail!

We also stayed in the Hermann, MO city park, which had a nice picnic shelter. On the way out in 2002, we stayed at a city park in St. Charles by special arrangement. A police officer came by at 11 pm or so and locked the bathroom doors. We left the next morning before they were unlocked. At least they didnt turn on the sprinklers.

There's a tunnel at Rocheport. Take off your sunglasses. On one of the SFT trips someone became disoriented in the darkness and ran into a wall.

Personally, I wouldn't go out of my way to take a trail. It was a very tedious 2.5 days/150 miles. Flat gets to be very boring. With all the branches, snakes, loose limestone, and culverts you could never really relax, either. We were there on weekdays, generally early in the day, so we avoided the weekend crowds who often ride eradically.

15

Gear Talk / touring shoes

« on: November 30, 2005, 04:25:31 am »

I avoid shoes with laces. You don't want a shoe lace getting caught in your chain.

Judy