Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Dogs n' bears

« on: January 12, 2016, 09:22:16 pm »

I've been a letter carrier for 30 years and have had dog problems now and then.  I have never been bitten and only used my Halt once.  I found yelling at them and for sure never turning or running from them works best.  When delivering, they are protecting their property.  When riding, it seems they are in it for the chase.
My wife and I have only began touring two years ago and those would be week long CC tours Inn to Inn.  When we have a dog come out at us, the first thing that I have found works is to put the bike between us and the dog,  have  the spray at ready, and we offen yell to the dog "go get your ball". Funny how offen that has worked.  Seams that once "the chase" is gone, they tend to back off and when we've yelled a common comand such as "get your ball", some confusion sets in.  We've even had a lab go back and run around his yard looking for the ball. 
A pack of dogs would be a totally different story and not too sure how we'd handle that.  We are looking into getting a horn and carry that along with our spray.
Have no experience with bears but pretty sure they wouldn't run around looking for their ball.
Hope this helps.

2

General Discussion / Re: dogs and security

« on: August 08, 2014, 03:51:46 pm »

I am a letter carrier for the USPS and we are told to carry two canisters of spray...have not had to use it in 28yrs.  Yelling and backing away without turning were my way of getting out of the situation.  I also carry a spray on my bike.  Being on a route and being on a bike are totally different ~ on a route the dog is protecting, on a bike I believe they are in it for the chase.
This past week we were on a 3 night Inn to Inn tour.  Twice we had dogs come at us and both times I stopped with the bike between me and the dog and yelled "go get your ball".  I've done this before and it took the dogs by surprise, they stopped and looked around...not sure what to do.  I suppose it depends on the dog.  The last time a boxer and golden retriever ran out to the road and i yelled to get your ball, the golden stopped and looked confused as it is a retriever while the boxer stopped at the road as I kept saying no.  One constant in it all is that I always had the spray ready. 
I once read on another forum "maybe we should carry treats".  Please do not start this practice.  It only teaches the dog to come out to the road/biker for treats. 

3

Routes / Re: Fargo, ND to Manitowoc, WI

« on: May 04, 2014, 11:32:10 am »

Jim,
Off the Mountain Bay Trail, you could work your way and link up with the Fox River Trail which takes you south and pick up Hwy 10 west of Brillion and head east to Manitowoc.  10 has a nice bike lane and is rolling hills...nothing too major.  Also has stops in Brillion and Reedsville for a bite to eat.
Good Luck,
Joe

4

General Discussion / Re: Pleae help me watch the Tour

« on: April 21, 2014, 09:08:43 pm »

I also got rid of cable and for the last two years have downloaded the Tour de France app on my ipad for $14.99 (I think it was that or near that price).  I really enjoyed the app and connected to my TV with an HDMI cable and watched it that way...worked out great and will do it again this year.  It won't be available for awhile yet but watch for it if you have an iPad.  I tried to find a link for you but couldn't find one yet.

5

Routes / SS Badger Schedule, North Lakes Route 2

« on: April 09, 2014, 09:37:56 pm »

SS Badger ferry schedule for the North Lakes Route Section 2(Manitowoc, WI alternative)....

http://www.ssbadger.com/schedule-fares/

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Gear Talk / Re: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

« on: December 14, 2013, 09:52:50 pm »

Anyone considering one, now is the time~ $99 for any saddle....
http://selleanatomica.com/

7

General Discussion / Re: Day Jobs?

« on: October 09, 2013, 07:32:14 am »

I know I can't take months to ride, but retirements 4 years away....for now it's nice short weekend/weeklong Inn to Inn rides.   5yrs from now perhaps longer.

8

General Discussion / Re: Brooks Sadles

« on: August 01, 2013, 05:56:19 pm »

Jane, I am one (male) who was unable to ride my Brooks B17 Special.  After much advise from fellow forum members on adjustments etc I ran into medical issues that I just had to pass it on to a friend.  Beautiful saddle.
However, my wife now has a Brooks B17S (woman's version) and she loves it.  It is the only saddle she has been comfortable riding.  She is still in a break in period but has told me she loves it.
Just thought I'd throw this in.

If your medical issue was prostrate, Monarch Leather in Wisconsin will put a prostrate friendly cut out in.  Monarch Leather is the manufacturer for Selle AnAtomica saddles.  Contact Selle AnAtomica for details.

Medical issue was more complicated than that.  The hardness of the nose of the saddle caused "traumatic epeditamitis" which has sadly forced me to go to a noseless saddle (as recommended by my urologist).  Basically, I busted a you know what.  I am trying out a Nexride seat at this time but may be going to a recumbent in the future.  Funny, I had contacted Selle Anatomica and kept in touch with ideas but any type of nose on a saddle is out of the question.  As I said, my wife sure loves her brooks!

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General Discussion / Re: Need week long parking, Hudson WI

« on: July 26, 2013, 09:17:13 pm »

Have done a back lot of a church and offered a small $50 donation. 

10

General Discussion / Re: Brooks Sadles

« on: July 21, 2013, 08:09:31 pm »

Jane, I am one (male) who was unable to ride my Brooks B17 Special.  After much advise from fellow forum members on adjustments etc I ran into medical issues that I just had to pass it on to a friend.  Beautiful saddle.
However, my wife now has a Brooks B17S (woman's version) and she loves it.  It is the only saddle she has been comfortable riding.  She is still in a break in period but has told me she loves it.
Just thought I'd throw this in.

11

Gear Talk / Re: Tail Bone Pain

« on: March 25, 2013, 02:38:05 pm »

Has she had a fit using a qualified bike-fit professional?  Most of these types of problems can me alleviated with a good bike fit.

Just spoke with my LBS and will be taking her in for a fit next week.  Thanks for the advise

12

Gear Talk / Tail Bone Pain

« on: March 24, 2013, 04:15:08 pm »

My wife has been breaking in her new Brooks B17s on her trainer.  She likes it much better than her older gel saddle but has just started noticing a little soreness in her tailbone.  Anyone else have this concern and any suggestions?

13

Gear Talk / Re: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

« on: March 19, 2013, 07:04:38 pm »

Last time I checked, Monarch Leather, the leather vendor to SA was charging $100 to cut a Brooks, so buying a Brooks saddle and sending it to Monarch Leather is an expensive way to go.

I did see on the SA site it is around $100.  I hate to do that to this Brooks I have been trying.  The black B17 Special with the copper rivets really is a thing of beauty but not why I got it.  Brooks gets great reviews but I ran into some issues with my, well you know.  No matter what way I adjusted it I just can't get it to be comfortable on my soft areas.  I only have about 22 bike trainer miles on it but just feel its not for me.  Even my Doctor suggested a switch.
Anyway, thanks for the comments and will consider the SAT saddle.  I will be calling them with a few questions and I have heard they have great customer service and a 30 day guarantee.
Joe

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Gear Talk / Selle Anatomica Titanico X

« on: March 18, 2013, 06:18:05 pm »

Any fans out there of the Selle Anatomica Titanico X?  Looking at the cutout design.  Have tried a Brooks B17 Special and just can't get away from the pain after many adjustments.  I know they make the imperial but thought I'd look into the SA brand- made here in Wisconsin.

15

General Discussion / Re: Touring Question

« on: March 14, 2013, 08:19:44 pm »

My question is how do most of you find the time to ride across the U.S. with full time jobs and mortgages and the rest of the responsibilities of everyday life. I have a dream to cycle across the country but don't have 3 months to take off. Thanks Jim

I wonder the same.  My wife & I are new to all this and this year we will start on lite tours.  One week of vacation will be a 6 night and another week will be a 3 night "Inn to Inn" tour.  Simple.  But a good way to go if we can't travel far or long.
Just a thought....