Messages

1

Connecting ACA Routes / Duluth, Minnestota

« on: January 25, 2008, 11:40:09 pm »

The Richard Bong Bridge is actually the only way to get from Superior to Duluth.  There are a couple of good resources, one is a Duluth-Superior cycling map which you can find online (http://www.ardc.org/mic/bikemap/opening.asp)

Second, the Wisconsin DOT has an excellent set of maps by county specifically for cycling.

I used both of these resources extensively last year when I soloed from Pittsburgh to Ely, MN.

BTW, the steepest hill I faced on that trip was climbing out of Duluth.  It's a bear.

2

Routes / Pittsburgh-Akron-Sandusky

« on: January 16, 2007, 06:59:36 pm »

I'm looking for a good route from Pittsburgh to Sandusky whicn can be done in 2 days.  I saw that the ACA store has a Cleveland/Pittsburgh Connector map which will probably get me to Akron.  My questions are:

1) Anyone know where I can find (or have good suggestions) a good route from Pittsburgh to Sandusky or at least Akron to Sandusky?

2) If I decide to purchase the Cleveland/Pittsburgh Connector, anyone know how up-ro-date it is?

Thanks,
MTK

3

General Discussion / dangerous winds

« on: June 07, 2007, 10:00:23 pm »

Paul,

This is the first time I have ever not ridden due only to wind.  I'm not regretting it though, since I talked to someone this afternoon at the Hotel Doherty bar who said that it was tough to stay on the road.  In a car.  When I mentioned I was riding a bike, he said that there was no way it was safe, due to the number of cars and trucks that were being blown onto the shoulder. I still don't know what is an unsafe wind to ride in, but why take chances?  I have to admit, I'm a very cautious rider.

The library was also my first thought.  Unfortunately, the library is in the process of moving into a new building with the grand opening tomorrow.  Since tomorrow I'll being sticking around again, I'll be there at the ribbon cutting tomorrow at 10.

Clare actually has some neat things about it, as most towns.  And yes, the Pere Marquette rail trail is excellent.  You can read about it on my blog, myridetoely.blogspot.com.

MTK

4

General Discussion / dangerous winds

« on: June 06, 2007, 11:21:22 pm »

I'm currently on a tour from Pittsburgh to Ely, MN.  the weather report for tomorrow (June 7th) is 25 to 40 mph winds with gusts up to 50!  I've decided it's time to take a break.  That wind is strong enough to knowck me off m bike or move the back end of a tractor trailer right into me.  My question is when is it safe to get back on the road.  Even the day after tomorrow is calling for 25 mph.  Oh yeah, one other thing.  I'm here in Clare, MI.  anyone know what someone stuck in town could do?

5

General Discussion / Spare Tire recommendations

« on: May 15, 2007, 09:13:19 am »

I'll be going on my first extended tour starting in two weeks.  I went to my LBS looking for a spare tire.  I'm currently riding on the stock Bontrager Hardcase 32's that came with the Trek 520.  The LBS, however, said that that tire doesn't come in a folding version, which I wanted.  Any advice on a good spare tire?  Oh yeah, one or two?

Thanks.

6

General Discussion / Solo touring

« on: May 09, 2007, 08:55:35 pm »

Warning:  Shameless plug.

thanks again, folks, for the words of support.

Just to let you know, I am raising money for charity on my ride and I have started a blog describing certain aspects of the ride, the training, and the route.  Note:  100% if proceeds go to the charities.  I just entered a post describing Thomas Stevens, which I was unaware of beforehand.  the blog is really aimed at people who have no idea about cycling, but if you're interested it can be found at myridetoely.blogspot.com

7

General Discussion / Solo touring

« on: May 09, 2007, 10:50:17 am »

Thanks all.  I'll relay your replies to my friends so they can relax.

Two years around the world in the 1880's is amazing.  I'm going to have to read up on that.

8

General Discussion / Solo touring

« on: May 08, 2007, 05:06:07 pm »

I'm planning on doing a solo tour from Pittsburgh to Ely, Mn starting on June 2nd.  Recently, I've had a few friends express concerns for my safety during this endeavor.  Who has done solo touring and are there fears justified?  Any advice?  BTW, I've never done anything remotely like this.

Thanks.

9

General Discussion / Ok advice and insights.

« on: May 10, 2007, 09:16:39 am »

I'm starting my trip in three weeks and getting together a checklist also.

Besides things like spare parts (spokes, tubes, tire, etc) that are somewhat obvious, the other things you're going to want to take are lotions, meaning sunblock, insect repellent, and some sort of moisturizer or balm.

10

General Discussion / I'm new here...

« on: January 13, 2007, 11:57:46 am »

Thanks to both of you.  I'll definately check out the Surly.  

Dave B.  I live in the South Side, but work in Harmarville, so any shop recommendations you could give me would be appreciated.

11

General Discussion / I'm new here...

« on: January 12, 2007, 10:46:58 pm »

so forgive me, because I'm sure that it's been asked a thousand times, but...

I'm in the market for my first touring bike and would like to get some recommendations.

A little about myself and bikes:

I consider myself quite experienced as I've been riding recreationally on the road for over 15 years.  I've done more than my share of centuries.  I might typically ride about 3000 miles in a year. Last year I hardly rode at all, however, since I decided to run a marathon instead and that training took all my time.  Anyway, I've decided to rededicate myself to riding this year.  I go on a fishing trip with some friends of mine every year in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and this year I've decided I want to ride a bike from Pittsburgh to Ely, MN instead of flying up there.  It's about 1100 miles, so obviously I'll need a serious touring bike.  In my mind I'm thinking about $1000-1500, but when it comes to bikes I'm a pushover, so I could be talked into more.  Any suggestions?