Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Winter Cycling

« on: June 28, 2015, 09:37:30 pm »

For tires you want carbide studded tires with as many carbide studs as possible.  And you want the tire as wide as possible too.  Wide allows you to put very low pressure in the tire.  You can then get more tread and studs on the snow, float on top of the snow.  Instead of a narrow tire that cuts through the snow and does not put much tread on the ground.  I have ordered stuff from Starbike in Germany.  Including Schwalbe studded tires.  With the Euro to Dollar rate at about $1.12/1 and not paying the VAT Value Added Tax if in the USA.  Your price is about the same as converting the Euros directly to Dollars.  Cheap compared to US bike shops.

http://www.starbike.com/en/wheels/tires/spike-tires/

As for clothes to stay warm, as many as you can put on.  Those chemical warmer things for toes and fingers are also good.  But the best advice is to keep your rides short, short, short.  1 hour maximum or less.  Ride hard for 30 minutes then get inside and get warm.  Then a few hours later go for another short ride.  Short, quick rides in the cold.

Thank you!

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2

General Discussion / Winter Cycling

« on: June 27, 2015, 11:24:25 pm »

I am a true newbie when it comes to cycling and camping in the snow.  Would appreciate any and all suggestions in regards to gear and any other useful tips for riding and living in snowy weather. Thank you!

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3

Routes / Re: Ideas for a Musical Route

« on: June 25, 2015, 06:15:26 pm »

Yeah, me too. The road taught me so much, and I can't wait to see what it teaches me about music and the people behind it.

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4

Routes / Re: Ideas for a Musical Route

« on: June 25, 2015, 05:56:49 pm »

I am doing world travel this time around,  so just trying to figure out the U.S portion.

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5

Routes / Re: Ideas for a Musical Route

« on: June 25, 2015, 05:53:36 pm »

What is route that does not get too secluded?

How long of a route are you looking for?

All the typical coast to coast routes have a lot of fairly remote country.  Still even on those you meet some really nice folks in the tiny towns they pass through and you could choose to go into bigger towns and cities more often if you want.  Both the Atlantic and Pacific coast routes will be more populated, but will still have more remote feeling sections than you might think.

The Crooked Road in rural Virginia has a music theme.  It would involve some difficult climbing though.  It is 333 miles long.  The Blues Highway runs from Chicago to New Orleans.  I have heard varying opinions on how suitable either might be for a bike tour, but at a glance both looked interesting to me.  You would need to do some research to see that they were suitable routes.

Either of those have a music theme that would likely make it easier to meet other musicians, neither is established as a bike touring route as far as I know.

That is all great! I will do my research. We are going for 4 or 5 years,  so time is not an issue.

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6

Routes / Ideas for a Musical Route

« on: June 25, 2015, 03:02:55 pm »

Hey everyone!

Some of you may remember. I was the crazy girl with no touring experiencing who wanted to bicycle across the U.S. with my doggy back in 2013.

Well, I did it, and I loved it so much.  So, I am planning on departing again. This time, however,  I am hoping to take a route that, while beautiful, does not take me away from people. I am taking my violin this time around in hopes to collaborate with musicians from all backgrounds,  cultures and so on.

What is route that does not get too secluded?

Thanks!

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7

General Discussion / Re: The Great Divide in The Family Way

« on: May 28, 2015, 11:26:08 am »

Wow, wishing your family all the fun and memories a tour can provide!

8

General Discussion / Re: Lengthy bike tour next year with dog

« on: May 28, 2015, 09:29:29 am »

Kudos on taking your doggy.

9

Classifieds / Re: Shoe Rain Covers (Gaiters)

« on: May 26, 2015, 12:12:38 am »

Pictures?

10

General Discussion / Re: My dog and I. A two-year bicycle expedition starting tomorrow.

« on: May 17, 2015, 05:57:54 pm »

I am doing the same thing. Fiji had cycled with me across America. We are going around the world in 2016. Have a safe and fun journey!

11

General Discussion / Re: Opinions wanted: Traveling the Southern Tier alone as a young woman

« on: April 25, 2015, 11:41:45 am »

Women travel just fine alone all the time.  They have what is called common sense.  Make smart decisions and you will have little to no problems.

12

General Discussion / Re: My dog wants to go with me

« on: April 25, 2015, 08:33:47 am »

I cycled across the US with my 45 pound girl, Fiji. At first, she could only run about 1 or less miles per day. After a few weeks, she was running about 20 miles per day, with breaks in between, of course. I used a Doggy Ride trailer and Springer America attachment. I loved both, and had little to no problems crossing the country with both products. On a few occasions, other dogs gave chase and Fiji broke the plastic attachment on the springer trying to get to them. Otherwise,  it was very hard to break.  As far as dogs go, if you have no fear, do not panic and show a bit of backbone, most dogs respond well to using the bicycle as a barrier and a loud, assertive tone of voice. I never had a dog still keep coming at me after I declared "No" for both them and my dog to hear. Usually Fiji was instigating the chasers, barking, growling and whining at them. But they still listened to my stern warning. Now, I am not quite sure what I would do with a bear. Lol

Another thing to think about is your dog's personal stamina, joints and pads. I used mushers wax on Fiji ' s paws to protect her pads from great harm. Running on concrete can devastate a dogs paws and joints. So, I would suggest doggy shoes or wax. Also, some breeds can run for lengthy amounts of time.  It helped that Fiji is part Whippet. My rottweiler on the other hand died from over exhaustion on a short walk several years ago. Just like you would for a human,  you need to get clearance from your vet that your pup is healthy enough to partake in bicycle running. I have heard of many owners exercising their dogs to death,  with good intention.

I hope this helps.

13

General Discussion / To Go Home or Not...That is the Question?

« on: June 18, 2013, 09:31:44 pm »

I am cycling across America. I estimate I'll be in my hometown just around Independence Day. Should I visit my family? I feel like it'll be really hard to leave home if I stop in. My family lives in Missouri. My end destination is San Diego, CA.

14

Routes / Pittsburgh to Columbus, OH

« on: June 18, 2013, 09:24:42 pm »

Hi Everyone!

I just finished The Great Alleghany Passage, and I need to get to Columbus from here. Are there any good routes?

Thank you,
Jasmine

15

General Discussion / Re: Guide to Poor Woman's Cycling

« on: June 18, 2013, 09:20:16 pm »

Hi Guys! I'm doing it! Carrying 105 pounds including my doggy. Lol My website is http://fijabam.com/

I am in Pittsburgh right now. Is there a good route to Columbus, OH?