Messages

1

Urban Cycling / Re: top bicycle-friendly cities and towns

« on: February 27, 2013, 06:58:24 pm »

I think it's hard to beat cities in the Pacific Northwest like Portland, Eugene, or Corvallis, Or.  But I'll throw in a vote for Long Beach, Ca.  Downtown there are several new separately curbed Bike Lanes, along with wide Green Lanes, that encourage drivers to share space with cyclists.  The City is also framed on the East and West by the L.A and San Gabriel River Bikeways.  There are mapped scenic bikeways throughout with good signage.  There's even a street co-named Bike Blvd, with no stop signs, through the affluent Belmont Heights area.  There's also the Bike Path along the beach.  Throw in some of the best weather in the US, and you've got something in Long Beach.

2

General Discussion / Re: Re-entry rider

« on: February 27, 2013, 06:19:26 pm »

Thanks Dave.  I saw a really nice Surly Crosscheck in a Lt Blue on PCH once.  It had a double crankset (48/36). Loved it.  Couldn't find one anywhere. I ended up with the Triple on the Jamis.  It's a 50/39/30.  That seems to be fine right now.  But I'll either go to a 46/34/26, or I'll just get stronger .  I won't be doing any self-supported, fully loaded touring for a while (maybe ever).  But I looked at ton of bikes, from the Specialized Tricross Steel, Novara Randonee, to the Kona Sutra.  I liked the Raleigh Sojourn too.  But I got a great deal on this 2011 as leftover stock from King's Bicycles in Seal Beach, Ca. 

Hey jrs, as a former cyclist, I had all these French bags tucked away in my garage, along with the old Zefal pump.  Guess my hoarding habit paid off this time.  

3

General Discussion / Re: Re-entry rider

« on: February 27, 2013, 02:02:06 pm »

Thank you very much.  Already acquiring some great info.  Looking forward to participating on the site.  Curious if anyone else is doing any touring on "cyclocross" bikes.  Canvassing opinions.

4

General Discussion / Re: Beginner out and back camping in NW?

« on: February 25, 2013, 01:38:52 pm »

Thanks mucknort!  And yes, that's exactly what I meant.  Son's in College now.  Looking for more things to do with the wife.    Having never been to Montana, I don't know if there's anything like the Maps you mentioned for that area as well.  Thanks again, mucknort.  And good luck, John.

5

General Discussion / Re: Beginner out and back camping in NW?

« on: February 25, 2013, 10:24:13 am »

I'm in the same predicament, except for the early retirement thing.  I wish I knew that area.  I'm in SoCal, so we have lots of options, but lots of traffic too.  Good luck with your search.  I'll be watching this thread with great interest.

6

General Discussion / Re-entry rider

« on: February 25, 2013, 01:09:30 am »

Hello All.  Re-entering the sport of cycling at the age of 50 (almost).  Used to be a competitive cyclist about 20 years and 70 lbs ago.  Just bought a Jamis Bosanova pseudo-cyclocross bike, and equipped it to do some errand running, commuting, and light touring (eventually).  Looking forward to reading your posts and learning all about this end of the sport.  Surprised more LBS's don't stock Touring bikes or gear.  Thank goodness for specialty shops and the internet.