Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Big Apples vs. Marathon Plus for Trike Tour

« on: September 20, 2009, 11:59:20 pm »

I ride a trike and use Marathon Plus 1.75 inch tires.  I do not understand the "ride like an anchor" statement,  there does not seem to be excessive rolling resistence to me.  I have been pleased with their performance, durability and flat resistance.  I have 5000 miles on my tires with no punctures, even though ridden along a section of path featuring thorns and ample roadside debris.  They are difficult to get on the rim, take your time and they go on just fine.  I used twine to hold them in place every few inches until the whole bead was seated on rim.  After I got technic down  the mounting went smoothly.  Well worth the effort to mount and I love the confidence re: flats.  To me they are a great choice for trike 20 inch wheels. 

2

Routes / Re: Southern Oregon Route

« on: May 14, 2009, 06:06:29 pm »

It's me again.

There's an old road going from Gold Beach, Oregon to Grants Pass.  It was originally built by Chinese gold miners in the late 1800s.  If you'll do some research you find that Zane Gray had a cabin on the Rogue River about halfway through.  I don't know that the road is still passible, but it would be fun if it is.

Send an email to the editor of Oregon Cycling Magazine if you're interested in following through with it.

Scott in Texas

You won't be near Gold Beach and the Rogue River trail past ZG's cabin is foot traffic only.  Once in Yreka go downstream on Klamath River Hwy to Seiad Valley and go over Cook and Green Pass to Applegate Lake and a great very scenic back road to Grants Pass through the Applegate Valley.  It will take you right into GP.  Sounds like a fun ride.  BJ in southern Oregon

3

Routes / Tour of the Hiawatha, northern Idaho

« on: April 14, 2009, 12:45:44 pm »

We are planning to ride Trail of the Hiawatha and other close trails in northern Idaho.  Will be leaving May 24 for 1 week.  Have any of you ridden there.  What about camping along way?  Sounds like a beautiful area.

4

Routes / Re: Best route from Bend OR to Medford?

« on: April 05, 2009, 08:49:30 pm »

I am going to ride Cycle Oregon this Sept. and thought it might be fun to take some additional time and ride to the start line instead of transporting my equipment by automobile.  I will start in Boise ID and would like to ride to Bend Oregon, then south to Medford.  The route to Bend is familiar to me, but I don't have a clue about roads south from there.  Does anyone have ideas for a good route from Bend to Medford?

I have never ridden from Bend, I live near Medford and I would definitely stay off Hwy 97.  I don't know if Cascade Lakes Hwy is hard surfaced, but that would sure be more scenic and safer than 97.

5

Gear Talk / Communications on tour

« on: June 24, 2008, 02:50:38 am »

I would appreciate any input regarding two way radios with helmet mounted mike and ear phones.  Range of couple of miles will be fine.  To stay in touch with riding partner easily.  Also any experience with solar battery chargers?  Thanks.  I love hills, hills make me strong.

6

Gear Talk / Sore butts

« on: June 16, 2008, 12:08:26 am »

Last winter I experienced the same thing as I started putting on miles for this summers touring season.  Tried new saddle, etc.  Was considering new bike when I had the thought I need a recumbent trike.  I had been watching them on web sites for a while.  I called Terra Trike and have been a happy rider since my Tour arrived in a huge box 8 weeks ago.  All I had to do was add air to tires.  I go 20-30 3 days a week and 50+ on Saturday.  No sore butt, neck or numb hands and fingers.  It climbs hills so steep that traction is the biggest problem I have to deal with.  I love being able to go slowly and not lose my balance on steep hills.  No worries about losing balance on graveled corners.  It has been the solution to all the things plaguing me except a pitifully underpowered engine.

7

General Discussion / My Apologies

« on: January 02, 2009, 04:59:52 pm »

I ride with similar issues as well as limited vision.  I found that a recumbent trike has made my riding much easier, especially while touring.  I have panniers for shorter rides and add a BOB for more capacity.  I love being able to do a long climb and not being forced to maintain 4 mph to keep my balance.  When I am tired I can slow down or pull into a shady spot and rest right on my trike.  No need to find a comfy place to sit, i am already in it.  Recumbents are a very comfortable alternative for touring and getting around.