Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: self-contained/credit card

« on: March 05, 2012, 03:43:52 pm »

I've done a three week solo credit card tour for the last 7 years and I haven't had any problems with finding a place to stay. I have had to stay at a b&b ( I really dont like to stay in them) twice and once had to ride an additional 7 miles off rout. I've also staayed at some awful places but that is part of the fun. I make reservations in advance if there are fewer than 3 hotels in any town. I did make long range reservations in Yellowstone but built in a rest day at the park entrance so I could be a day late if I had to. I also have in the back of my mind a plan to buy a cheap tent and sleeping bag if all else fails. I love to solo credit card tour. It is really an adventure.

2

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast Route

« on: December 18, 2011, 10:24:39 pm »

I did the ACA coast route from Bellingham Wa. to Santa Rosa Ca.  in 3 weeks starting in late September and hit a lot more rain than is usual but I still loved it. And because you're from England you won't even notice it. Like the riders above I would also recomend the ACA Washington Parks route through Forks. The forests and wildlife are really something.

3

General Discussion / Re: Choice of bike

« on: December 04, 2011, 09:52:21 pm »

I'm looking at the Rainier made by Rodriguez Cycles in Seattle (under $1500) . They have several touring models check them out at rodcycle.com. I broke the frame on my aluminum bike in september on the first day of of a 3 week tour and like the idea of lightweight steel.

4

General Discussion / Re: air travel and bike touring

« on: April 09, 2011, 09:54:40 pm »

I just logged in to say the same thing. I've never had a problem finding a box at the end of my tours.

5

General Discussion / Re: Bike Path Guide Books for Canada?

« on: June 27, 2010, 09:22:20 pm »

I would add "waterfronttrail.org" for the Ontario portion. I did Toronto to Nova Scotia last year and it was the best tour I've done yet.

6

General Discussion / Re: Newbie with a really dumb question

« on: October 12, 2009, 03:58:19 pm »

I've been credit card touring on my Pilot for 3 weeks (about 1500 miles) every year for the last 5 years. On my third tour I pulled a spoke through the rear rim.
It really is a very comfortable bike to be on all day.
I've had great luck with 700c x 28 ultragatorskins.

7

Connecting ACA Routes / Twin Cities to Ithaca, NY

« on: February 12, 2007, 08:09:02 pm »

I did the North Lakes route with the Erie connector in 05. I loved all of it. There are so many rides to do but I am seriously thinking of riding this again.

8

Gear Talk / bags for light touring

« on: November 02, 2007, 04:49:34 pm »

I've done several 3 week tours with a delta poste haste rack and bag. I carry two pairs of bike shorts, one pair of off bike shorts, one pair of off bike long pants, two tee shirts, rain jacket and pants,  toilet kit and maps. For me this is enough.

Sorry I forgot to add the size. 588 cu in.

This message was edited by randyberlin on 11-2-07 @ 12:52 PM

9

Gear Talk / Touring Bag or Panniers

« on: October 10, 2007, 01:47:26 pm »

I see by your other posts that you also have a pilot. I have done 3 different three week solo credit card tours using my pilot and a seatpost clamp on rack and bag. It seems like it would be too small, but the lighter the better.
Also in the middle of my first tour (at about 800 miles) I ended replacing my tires stock with 25mm Gator skins. They are great on both rough roads and have very few flats.

10

Routes / weather on southern tier route

« on: October 07, 2008, 07:31:38 pm »

I'm also from Alaska and plan on starting in Austin on Oct 31st. Has anyone heard anything about any problems left over from Ike?

11

General Discussion / Hotel/motel vs camping

« on: March 17, 2007, 11:43:17 pm »

It looks like I'm the odd man out; But I love credit card touring. I like eating out and sleeping in clean sheets after a hot shower. Also I like to ride with very little weight. I can cover about 80 to 100 miles and the difference in the cost of ($100/day) can be made up with longer rides in fewer days. I don't feel like I'm going too fast with my head down but I also don't feel like I'm plodding along. For me it's the only way to go.