Messages

1

Great Lakes / Marine City to Muskegon

« on: April 22, 2014, 05:42:39 pm »

I'm looking for a pleasant route across southern MI. I have been told NOT to take Rt 57 even though it looks to have ok shoulders. If possible, I would like to use the trails which run from Grand Rapids to Muskegon (Musketawa Trail) so if I can find a nice route to GR from Marine City, that would be great. Thanks for any advice.
Bryan

2

Routes / Re: East To West Montana

« on: December 05, 2013, 12:32:23 pm »

Very helpful. I thank you!
Bryan

3

Routes / Re: East To West Montana

« on: December 04, 2013, 09:22:47 pm »

Beautiful photo, J!

I have decided to visit Missoula (ACA promised me free ice cream!) instead of heading north to Glacier. It sounds like I should avoid Great Falls but can't see a way around it while staying on 200 to Missoula. After Missoula I had planned on continuing on 200 through ID and then pick up 2 at Sandpoint then 20 through WA all the way to Anacortes.

Bryan

4

Routes / East To West Montana

« on: December 04, 2013, 12:26:37 pm »

From Glendive, MT, my N.T. map takes me up 200S to 13 to  Rt 2 toward Cut Back and Browning. Not sure why they don't route me on 200/ 87/ 89 up to Browning which i  have read is a very nice route. It seems that 2 would have more traffic heading west from Williston, ND. Any thoughts?
Bryan
Barrington, RI

5

Routes / Re: St Paul to Fargo via Bemidji

« on: November 22, 2013, 07:52:28 pm »

Not sure of time. Depends on so much but that sounds about right. I will be crossing MI and lake vis ferry and coming through WI to St  Paul likely crossing at Red Wing.

Bryan

6

Routes / Re: St Paul to Fargo via Bemidji

« on: November 22, 2013, 05:57:53 pm »

Sounds like you would recommend that area. Thanks for correction. I was thought Bemidji was the source since the river appears on the map to flow from there south to Itasca.

7

Routes / St Paul to Fargo via Bemidji

« on: November 22, 2013, 11:38:11 am »

During my upcoming (May 2014) northern tier tour, I will be visiting friends in St. Paul.
From St Paul to Fargo, the ACA maps have me following the 94 corridor on nice sounding bike paths. They also have a loop east of Fargo that takes you to Bemidji (source of the Mississippi) via Two Inlets. There is overlap between Fargo and Two Inlets.
Question: Is that loop worth the extra milage and if so, how about taking 29 north from Alexandria to Wadena then 71 to Two Inlets. Looks direct but not sure of "touring value".

Thanks,

Bryan
Barrington, RI

8

Routes / Re: New York Bike Route 5

« on: November 14, 2013, 04:43:03 am »

Cool! Thanks.
Bryan

9

Routes / Re: New York Bike Route 5

« on: November 13, 2013, 09:03:15 pm »

Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that.
Bryan

10

Routes / New York Bike Route 5

« on: November 13, 2013, 05:23:35 pm »

NY Bike route 5 goes 365 miles from the Mass line (Lebanon) to Niagara Falls.
Has any one used this route? I was thinking it would be a good way for me to connect with the Northern Tier as I cycle north west from RI via CT and MA. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

Bryan
Barrington, RI

11

Routes / Re: Northern Tier for the Non-Camper

« on: November 13, 2013, 03:40:24 pm »

Love history and shipping on inland waterways. Did not know that about the Badger! I'm sold. Thanks!

12

General Discussion / Re: Northern Tier For Non Campers

« on: November 13, 2013, 03:36:05 pm »

I like that quote! It's pretty much right on. I think I'll use it in my Crazyguy journal. Thanks!

Time: Told my wife 90 days but that could be more or less with out issue (says me, not she ;-)
Money: No need to nickel and dime
Goal: To cycle from RI to OR/WA enjoyably and safely

In truth, I would love to have 4 of us but putting a group together is hard work and full of potential pitfalls. Compatibility (physically and intellectually) is one issue but finding folks who can comfortably take the time off, have the financial resources, and the same goals is pretty tough. I do "alone" pretty well so it looks like a solo trip. Still, I wonder if I should post for companions and see where that goes. I know it would make friends and family happier. They all have vivid imaginations, not to mention being clueless as to bicycle culture. But that's another issue entirely.
 

13

General Discussion / Re: Northern Tier For Non Campers

« on: November 13, 2013, 11:38:58 am »

"ease up on planning"
Good advice. Thanks
Bryan

14

Routes / Re: Northern Tier for the Non-Camper

« on: November 12, 2013, 04:26:49 pm »

After a ton of constructive feed back on the Bicycle touring forum i have decided to "tough it out " ;-)


Ok, it's been decided. I will carry my tent, bag, and Thermarest. It's true, having them may add a bit of weight but will make for less stress if needed. Indeed, as some have pointed out, it may result in a memorable event if it means a beautiful site or the opportunity to spend time with new friends who just happen to be camping not to mention an emergency shelter!

I'm not a complete weight weenie, you know! ;-) I carried all this and much more fully loaded on the Great Divide Canada with ACA. It's just that I REALLY like carrying "nothing" and staying in hippy deluxe  B&Bs where they server home made granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, Celestial Seasons tea,....etc.. ;-))

Now that has been settled, on to bigger issues like whether to skip Niagara Falls (been there-crowds and expensive) or to take the ferry (Badger) across Lake Michigan (save milage) or go north to Mackinaw, UP, etc.(beautiful)?

Bryan
Barrington, RI

15

Routes / Re: Northern Tier for the Non-Camper

« on: November 11, 2013, 05:05:19 pm »

Thanks, Carla!
The maps arrived the other day and I've been reviewing them (slowly!). It's all a bit overwhelming. Lots of details. I appreciate your advice. I think I need to chill a bit and look at each day rather than the whole which is kind of freaking me out. I have no doubt of my skills and ability but this is one LONG haul though unfamiliar land.
Thanks again!
Bryan
Barrington, RI