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Messages - CycleOne

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Hey Elliot,

Congrats on taking the bike touring plunge. I'll be ending my current tour here around August 30th in New York City and don't see myself continuing on afterwards so I will not be able to join you. I do hope you find someone to accompany you. If you don't I trust you'll enjoy it all the same. Maybe even more. This I say speaking from experience. I originally was set to do my current cross-country tour with two other people, but they had to cancel. I took the plunge and did it anyways solo. Being on my own has been a bit harder, but I've meet so many amazing people while traveling alone. Much more than I would have if I was touring with others. So I almost encourage you to do it by yourself.

Take care and safe travels!

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Corinne,

I've sent you an email with some details!

-Jacob

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General Discussion / Re: first big bike tour
« on: May 10, 2013, 04:00:33 am »
@bobbys beard  -  Yes, yes. My setup will make most minimalist squeal. I've never tried to let weight bother me and space for my camp gear isn't a big deal either since I pack it all into a compression sack that I strap to my back rack. With four panniers this leaves quite a bit of storage. I carry three water bottles so extra is usually not needed.

I would have never thought to use my ortlieb bag as a seat. I can see that working well with some setups. Just not mine. My bags are rarely empty. A tarp idea appeals to me because of the amount of space it can cover. Not only will I stay dry/clean, but so will all of my other gear I fancy to place on the ground. But as you've all mentioned, it's all preference. I imagine the minimalist approach is more rewarding at the end of the day, but my comfort needs require the Big Agnes and camping chair! The chair by the way doesn't weigh a terrible amount (23 ounces) and wraps nicely around my other gear in the compression sack. It is however an untested idea so we shall see how it works out.

@indyfabz  -  You said you weigh 200lbs? Just curious what bike you ride and with how much gear? I weigh around the same amount at 195lbs. My Novara Safari has a stated weight limit of 250lbs. A limit I usually exceed by 50 or so pounds. Sometimes I wonder if I'm pushing it a bit too much. Hasn't shown any signs of stress though after 4,200 miles.

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General Discussion / Re: first big bike tour
« on: May 07, 2013, 04:49:30 pm »
Darren,

I'm no expert, but have been preparing for a similar trip for the past year. Here's some stuff I've found.

Bikes: All moderately priced, but are still among the best touring bikes.
-Novara Safari - Bike I currently own. 'Mustache' handlebars are amazing. Handles weight great. Can get 42mm tires for good road/trail durability. Disc brake compatible. Comes ready to ride with a back rack and strap in peddles.
-Novara Radonee - Wins a bunch of awards each year I'm told.
-Surly Long Haul Trucker - Many have said this is the go-to touring bike. Shifting mechanism is a bit weird for me.

Bags:
-Ortlieb - Probably the go to for pannier bags. A bit pricey, but you need good bags. Water-proof. Can clean with just water. Simple, but often the fancy attachments other bags provide just get in the way or break. Note: Some people opt to pull a trailer versus the whole pannier bag setup. This will save some wear and tear on your bike tires, but only seems feasible for road riding. I don't have any experience with trailers though so maybe someone can chime in.

Camping Gear:
-Sleeping Bag: All preference I suppose. Down is lighter, but doesn't hold temperature if wet. Synthetic is heavier, but isn't effected as much when wet.
-Sleeping Pad: Q-core Big Agnes is a great pad. Good for side-sleepers. Pricey, but you'll want something good. You don't want to start your 100 mile day with a sore back.
-Tent: Something light. Make sure there is room for you and your gear inside. Also big rain flies are nice as it allows for a covered area outside your tent for shoes and cooking.
-Air Pillow: Something not only comfortable, but with a soft outer shell. This provides comfort and grip to prevent sliding around. Otherwise your forced to jam your pillow into the hood of your sleeping bag, which I've had mixed results with. I'd recommend the Cocoon brand of pillows. Note: Some people just stuff a sack full of cloths for a pillow. This will save you some weight, but I wouldn't risk it for a cramped neck.
-Camping Chair: Most would say this is a waste of space and weight, but again comfort is king! The more relaxed you are with your down time the better your recovery is for the next days ride. I can give you some recommendations if needed.
-Tarp: This is an idea I might try for my trip. Just a light-weight sheet of tent material that can be thrown on the ground if needed. Prevents dirt from getting on everything.
-Bear bag: Seems like a must for where you'll be traveling.
-Stove/Pots/Cookware: If you'll be cooking meals for yourself.

I'm sure I've left much unsaid, but this hopefully helps!

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Thanks 'indyfabz'. You're absolutely right and I'm going to take your advice.

I've been on a hand full of tours and mostly with good friends. Even then conflicts arise. One bad day with non-stop headwind is usually enough to frustrate the best of us. I'm just hoping I can find some people who can physically and mentally break these challenges without disrupting others.

Issues generally will arise though. It is a bike tour after all and a part of the fun is tackling things together. I'm glad you were able to stick out your tour. Hopefully your friendship with the people you enjoyed is better for it!

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My fellow Adventure Cyclist!

This June, near the end of the month, I leave for a Trans America bicycle trip starting in the Seattle, WA area and ending in an undetermined area on the East Coast. It will be the adventure of a lifetime and I look forward to it wholeheartedly. One issue though: I have no one to accompany me! This is a shot in the dark, but I figured I'd throw the idea out there and see if anyone is interested in joining me. For the entirety of the trip or for just segments of it.

The route is mostly open for adjustments. I won't go into great detail, but there are only two places I need to be on certain dates. They are the following:
July 4th: Colville, WA - Visiting friends for the holiday.
July 20th: Council Bluffs, IA - RAGBRAI (www.ragbrai.com) - Big biker ride in Iowa.
A bit of a hustle to get between these two locations, but the rest of the trip can be as care-free as needed.

A little about me.
I'm a male, 29 years old. I enjoy biking and camping immensely and relish the physical/mental challenges of both. With this said, I think you will find me good company on a journey that could provide some trying days.
I feel group dynamic is important for such a trip and with that said would prefer people in the area of my own age (21-35). However I'm willing to meet anyone interested in this trip. I guess you just never know who's going to 'click' and I'd be doing myself a disservice by screening people.

Things I can provide: A tent that sleeps 2/3 and cooking ware for the same amount. A stove and pots.

I've left out tons of details! This I know. This post is more to see if anyone would even be interested in such a trip. If so more details will be provided. If people are still interested, at that point arrangements to meet should be made (granted you are also in the Seattle are). This would be a serious commitment and meeting each other in person is a necessary step.

Hope to hear from you. Take care!
Jacob

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