Messages

1

Pacific Northwest / Starting a tour in Portland, OR

« on: April 17, 2023, 09:59:09 pm »

Hi all. We’re planning a 7-10 day tour that will start in or near Portland, OR, heading toward the north coast area and back to Portland. We’ve never been to Portland. I know it’s famous for it’s bike infrastructure.

One big question I have is whether we should ride out of Portland to start? Or would it be better to plan either taking transit or getting a friend in the area to drive us out of the metro area to start?  I know the region has great bike paths and bike lanes but just wondering how easy it is to get out of the metro area  on a bike. Thanks.

2

General Discussion / Re: 2019 Tours - Where and when?

« on: June 08, 2019, 09:54:39 am »

We’re doing a “credit card tour” around and near the Elk Mountains in Colorado in July. 1 week, mostly paved, some gravel, pretty relaxed pace.

Then in October we’re doing a supported ride of the Kokopelli Trail from Fruita, CO to Moab, UT. Should be fun!

3

General Discussion / Re: gravel bike or traditional touring for coast to coast

« on: June 01, 2019, 11:15:46 pm »

Depends on the bike. I had a Gunnar Crosshairs (which was stolen, still breaks my heart) that was definitely not a long haul touring bike. I did some overnights, commuting and grocery shopping with that bike using only rear panniers and it handled just fine. But I would not want to do fully loaded, long distance touring on a bike like that.

Seems like you should pick the right tool for the job and get a traditional touring bike.  It’ll be more stable at a range of speeds when loaded. It won’t be as snappy and nimble as a gravel bike when you go off road, but that doesn’t seem to be your primary purpose.

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Routes / Re: Appalachian mountain bike tour? Great Divide prep.

« on: November 26, 2014, 06:53:38 am »

This has some ideas for you

http://www.virginiaenduranceseries.com/?m=1

5

Classifieds / SOLD: Used Scott AT-4 Handlebars

« on: July 27, 2014, 12:42:39 pm »

I don't think these are made anymore and I think many people still like them so I'd thought I'd see if anybody wants mine.  I bought these in 1998-ish, used them on a commuter bike for about 3 years, and they've been sitting on a shelf in my basement ever since.

They measure 22.5 inches from outside to outside at the widest point.

The paint is pretty well scuffed from installing and uninstalling shifters and brake levers.

$30 + shipping (OBO).

marklorie at gmail dot com

6

Gear Talk / Re: Magicshine headlights

« on: October 20, 2010, 04:28:19 pm »

I have two and have used them for mountain biking, including the 24 hours of Moab race, and general around town riding (running errands etc).  They're ok.  Plenty bright and the run time seems to be accurate.  You'll get more time on medium setting and that is probably bright enough is most cases.  The helmet mount works but is clumsy.  The handlebar mount can rattle a bit (no matter what size o-ring I use).  The batteries are a bit heavy.  But for $89, they're not bad.

If you want a light that runs on AA, you might consider dinotte http://www.dinottelighting.com/

I'm new to touring (planning a big one for next year) so I can't say I've used them for that.