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Messages - SKYMAX

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1
Gear Talk / Good Rainjacket?
« on: March 12, 2005, 04:40:17 am »
Sunfisher. Is that the Recumbent Burley jacket you are talking about?
Thanx, Max.


Clear skies, Max.

2
Gear Talk / Good Rainjacket?
« on: February 28, 2005, 08:10:22 pm »
Thanx Guys, very interesting points of view, I can see the method.
Also notable is no-one has used the word "Goretex" or similar. Rainproof/windproof coverings made from simple polymers (single layer) are much lighter than fleeced Goretex or similar.(As far as I know).
I only got caught in mountain rain once here in Australia during an organised ride. It was the windswept, small freezing droplet kind. The only jacket I had was thinly insulated and not waterproof at all, it got soaked but it still stopped me from freezing.
Incidentally, on that same day I was wearing an Australian designed helmet that had a removable thin Polycarbonate clear face-shield. I always thought it was a gimmick until that day when everyone else was squinting as the cold horizontal rain hit them in the face and eyes, but didnt bother me at all. I have since lost that helmet and the manufacturer went out of business. But I sure would like to get another helmet with a face-shield.


Clear skies, Max.

3
Gear Talk / Good Rainjacket?
« on: February 28, 2005, 09:04:59 am »
I need to buy a jacket and  pants, I guess, for bad weather.
Any advice/experience on what is a good jacket/clothing  for getting caught in the rain while Touring? (recumbent)
Sure, Gore-Tex or similar sounds good but what style/design?
Some have something called "no Shell" backs?
Some have fleece lining? good/bad?


Clear skies, Max.

4
Gear Talk / Just Tents
« on: February 14, 2005, 08:42:29 pm »
Thanks so far.
I should have mentioned the Apex series had all good reviews from users that's why its on my shortlist.


Clear skies, Max.

5
Gear Talk / Just Tents
« on: February 14, 2005, 08:45:57 am »
OK guys good info on the "ZOID 2" it's on my shortlist.
Anymore suggestions out there?
At 6'2' I am not gonna squeeze into a tiny solo tent so reccomendations for 3-season 2-person compacts pls. I do'nt wanna hear bout drippy, moist single skinners.
Also let's not get fussed about a coupla Lbs extra weight diff, the experienced riders say it doesnt matter overall and a good nights sleep is %30 of your touring time.
So far i like the Apex2 (4lbs10oz) or Apex2 XT (6lbs4oz) for fully covered vestibules (cooking in the rain)or the Apex Alpenlight XT (6lbs) for a snow job.
 http://www.eurekacamping.com/apexa_03.asp
Anymore suggestions out there please?




Clear skies, Max.

This message was edited by SKYMAX on 2-14-05 @ 4:39 PM

6
Gear Talk / Wind Drag of panniers vs trailer
« on: February 13, 2005, 09:14:24 pm »
Here's a site that I found helpful:-
http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gearguy/200310/20031029.html
Also:-
http://www.quik-pak.com/Panniers%20or%20trailers,%20Quik-Pak%20Testimonials.htm
Frieghting trailers and access to motels is more difficult for sure, but, packing is easier/quicker with trailers without having to balance the load. Strong crosswinds will be easier to handle without panniers. Your suspension will work better and you will have less flats. Think about getting a 2-wheel trailer that does not put half the weight on your rear wheel. The single wheel trailers are primarily designed for narrow trails, so 2 wheels may work better for you. I think drag is a neglible factor at touring speeds but once again I believe the trailer comes out ahead. Your bike will be easier to control without the extra weight in my personal opinion.
Take a look at this trailer which is my choice for many reasons, it is also the only folding, easy to ship trailer I have found:-
http://www.quik-pak.com/Quik-Pak%20bicycle%20trailer.html
 


7
Gear Talk / Stoves
« on: February 14, 2005, 01:39:04 am »
An experienced tourer thought this one was good.
The SVEA 123
http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/svea-climber-123r.html


Clear skies, Max.

8
Gear Talk / Stoves
« on: February 13, 2005, 09:33:06 pm »
Ummmmm, what exactly is "White gas"?
We may have another name for it Down Under.


Clear skies, Max.

This message was edited by SKYMAX on 2-14-05 @ 4:44 PM

9
GPS & Digital Data Discussion / What can GPS do for you?
« on: February 13, 2005, 08:50:13 pm »
BATTERIES? My Garmin Pilot III with basic map data (main highways roads etc) will only run for about 6 hours on the 4 x AA's which is not enough for sailplane flying, for which I bought it.
Just take it to the electrical component store and ask for a small sealed battery and recharger unit to suit which are quite cheap and about the size 4"x2"x2" and not very heavy.
This runs my GPS unit now for about 18 hours even with the light switched on to full bright and because the battery is a sealed lead/acid type it has no "memory" and can be topped up anytime any amount.
I do,nt really need a GPS for Touring, but I might take it along to give me something extra to amuse myself with on the long days ahead.


10
Routes / credit card the TransAmerica trail?
« on: September 18, 2005, 09:29:56 am »
Is it possible to stay at motels/hotels and hostels on the AC Transam so I dont have to carry all the camping stuff?
The reason I ask is the transam map route guide on this site keeps mentioning long stretches with no services and carry lots of water, etc.
Thanks, Max.
 

Clear skies, Max.

11
Routes / AC maps doubts
« on: February 17, 2005, 05:22:24 am »
Thanx Anna, there is much in what you say. I do'nt want to denigrate AC maps they provide an excellent service if thats what you want. And i'm sure I will use at least a few.
But i did wonder about following exactly in the tyre-tracks of so many others and not stopping and meeting a lot of ppl because i do'nt need to.
Sure it can backfire and leave you on a dark road with no idea where the next food or rest is.
I guess I should find out how much AAA maps cost non-members.
Of course I am also aware that being steered into biker campgrounds may mean meeting more fellow bikers.
Endless decisions seem to be a part of it even before you start :)
 

Clear skies, Max.

12
Routes / AC maps doubts
« on: February 13, 2005, 08:23:04 pm »
Good to have the benefit of experience.
Thanx for the advice.



13
Routes / AC maps doubts
« on: February 12, 2005, 08:48:29 pm »
Thanks for your time Fred.



14
Routes / AC maps doubts
« on: February 12, 2005, 09:16:51 am »
I'm an Australian planning my first long tour in the States. At first it seemed a good idea to buy the AC maps but now I'm not so sure. For the distance I plan to go (East/West/East various combinations of routes) it is a fair bit of money to buy all the maps and I notice that the amendments to the maps are numerous. This would mean printing and carrying around multiple printed sheets of amendments as well as the maps. Also some tour journals I have read indicate that not all the AC routes may be the best choice.
I am thinking maybe I should just buy ordinary road maps and make my own way.
Any advice on this decision please? Thanx, Mark.
 


15
Routes / Problems with Great Rivers maps
« on: February 17, 2005, 09:27:11 pm »
Man that whole thread sounds scarily confusing to someone who has never ridden in the States before.
Maybe I should get one of those GPS map things before I start as The Great Rivers is part of my upcoming ride.


Clear skies, Max.

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