Messages

1

Routes / Re: Sierra Cascades-Oregon section: Windigo Pass question

« on: September 16, 2013, 12:27:52 pm »

Yes, we did circumnavigate the lake.  It was, as I said, a stunning ride.  I'm sure we were slower with loaded bikes than we would have been otherwise, but we were on tour!  Neither of us had been there and we wanted to take it in as fully as possible.  I wouldn't describe the Rim Road as an easy ride but it was quite doable (I should also note that we both have good touring gearing on our Bike Fridays).

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Routes / Re: Sierra Cascades-Oregon section: Windigo Pass question

« on: September 11, 2013, 03:12:50 pm »

I'm the original poster of the question.  Here's my report:  we didn't even try Windigo Pass, based on the comments, especially from adventurepdx, and a post I found online - plus the day we would have used it, it poured! For a few hours.  No discussion needed as to whether to try it on the spot.  We rode Hwy 58 east to Hwy 97 south to Hwy 138 west to the Crater Lake North Entrance road.  Yes, 97 is busy, but shoulders were mostly wide and it wasn't at all unpleasant.  Hwy 138 is a little boring, open forest and a few mountain views.  But it was very very worth it for these 2 East Coasters to get to Crater Lake.  That was stunning.  We stopped at every overlook and took it all in.  We were really glad we made the effort to get there.

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Routes / Re: Sierra Cascades-Oregon section: Windigo Pass question

« on: August 19, 2013, 03:36:27 pm »

Thanks to all of you for your comments.  I'll do some research and see if I can find out who does maintenance for the Pass.  It's also helpful to know both the positive and negative aspects of the 97/138 roads.
Joan

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Routes / Sierra Cascades-Oregon section: Windigo Pass question

« on: August 18, 2013, 05:45:13 pm »

I'll be doing part of the Oregon section of the Sierra Cascades route next week.  The Adventure Cycling map shows Windigo Pass Alternate from Crescent Lake to Diamond Lake (instead of Hwy 97).  Can anyone comment on the condition of the forest roads on the Windigo Pass Alternate?  As I interpret the Windigo map section, 23 miles of the alternate are "gravel".  But is it hard pack? Loose? Sandy?  Mountain bike only?
Thanks for any help.
Joan

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Routes / Re: Maine Campgrounds

« on: December 16, 2009, 11:47:05 am »

I've stayed twice at Mt Desert Campground (on Mt Desert Island, location of Acadia Nat'l Park).  Nice wooded sites, quiet, very clean bathrooms.

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Routes / Re: Planning bike tour in Montana - route questions

« on: December 14, 2009, 10:12:04 pm »

That's fantastic information, just what I was looking for.  And thanks for the link to your photos.  I knew I wanted to do this trip but now it's an imperative after seeing those.  I'll go over your information carefully and get back to you if I have more questions. 
Thanks!!
Joan

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Routes / Planning bike tour in Montana - route questions

« on: December 14, 2009, 03:34:50 pm »

Friends and I are planning a bike trip (self-supported, motel/inn) starting and ending in Whitefish - preliminary plan:
Whitefish to Eureka - 63 miles
Eureka to Fernie, BC - 55 or so
Fernie to Blairmore, Alberta - 45
Blairmore to Pincher Creek - 30
Pincher Creek to Waterton Village - 34
Layover day in Waterton - hiking, kayaking
Waterton to St Mary - 74 (with side trip on Many Glacier Rd)
St Mary to Apgar - Going to the Sun Rd - 50
Apgar to Whitefish - 30
We're all very experienced bike tourists, and like early starts and can comfortably bike 50 -70 miles a day.  The preliminary itinerary was set up to have enough time to do sightseeing/take pictures - maybe an hour or so per day added to actual biking time.  The objective is to see beautiful scenery, and to include the Going to the Sun Road as a must do.  Questions: could we combine Blairmore to Waterton Village and thus shorten the trip by a day without compromising too much time for looking at stuff along the way (a day less would make it easier for a couple of people to get time off for the trip)?  For those who know the area, is there anything about the route as laid out that looks questionable?  Are there alternative routes that would be better?
Thanks for any help, Joan

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Gear Talk / Touring shoe recommendations

« on: March 09, 2005, 06:48:27 pm »

Sidi Dominators.  Worth the money.

9

General Discussion / Motel bike touring

« on: June 23, 2006, 04:47:19 pm »

Thank you both for the helpful information and the link.  

Joan

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General Discussion / Motel bike touring

« on: June 21, 2006, 10:21:59 am »

I'm planning a bike tour on a road bike (not touring bike) and staying only at motels.  I'm an experienced biker and backpacker so know how to pack light.  I'm looking for advice on how to pack the panniers (carry weight high, low, evenly distributed?).  I've got small panniers - about 1700 cu in for both and a rear trunk bag.  (I've just put a rear rack on the bike.)

Any advice would be appreciated - about packing, how a road bike handles with a light load (15 lbs? or so), etc.  

Thanks,
Joan