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Routes / Re: riding east/south/west/north routes
« on: March 21, 2009, 01:45:20 am »
Thanks for all the insights. Not sure if I'll do Florida anyway, due to time constraints. I've had to make compromises the whole way on this trip.
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Routes / Re: riding east/south/west/north routes
« on: March 20, 2009, 09:59:58 am »
I'm glad to hear I have some easy riding coming up. I feel like I have been battling wind and mountains forever. I normally do try to stealth camp. It's hard to do in the desert...nothing to hide behind, but I've managed to do it.
The motivation that is getting me around the country is my 50th birthday. This ride is my birthday celebration. If you want to read more about it: www.squidoo.com/bike50
Nancy
The motivation that is getting me around the country is my 50th birthday. This ride is my birthday celebration. If you want to read more about it: www.squidoo.com/bike50
Nancy
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General Discussion / Re: Carrying Pepper Spray
« on: March 20, 2009, 09:53:57 am »
Hi Westinghouse, Thanks for your great comments. I've not had trouble with dogs so far in my trip, but I have while riding at home. I don't care if a dog wants to bark and defend its territory. But I'm not in its territory. It has no business chasing me down the road, whether it's gonna bite me or not. It's dangerous for everyone. I figure spraying a dog is doing it a favor if it learns to stay off the road. If an owner won't train the dog, I will.
And it's not just dogs I'm concerned about.
And it's not just dogs I'm concerned about.
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General Discussion / Re: Going My Way?
« on: March 20, 2009, 09:39:49 am »
I plan to be back in Ohio by late July...via the east coast. I've changed my route in the south to avoid the border. Not a good place for a woman alone on a bicycle.
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General Discussion / Re: Carrying Pepper Spray
« on: March 19, 2009, 03:04:24 pm »
The Nashbar Halt holder looks like it would do the trick...if there was any room on my handlebars. I had an idea to make something similar out of PVC to clip on the top tube, but I don't have any tools here.
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General Discussion / Re: Carrying Pepper Spray
« on: March 19, 2009, 01:26:24 pm »
Hmm. My handlebar bag is adapted from a different type of sports bag. The mesh pocket is too deep. I wonder if I could stitch across the bottom of it so the spray wouldn't drop down in so far. Could it really have been that simple all along?
Nancy
Nancy
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General Discussion / Going My Way?
« on: March 19, 2009, 01:10:13 pm »
Just checking...I'm leaving the El Paso area March 28 headed east on the ACA southern tier. Anyone going to be going my way? Anyone going west that I might meet?
Nancy
Nancy
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Routes / Re: riding east/south/west/north routes
« on: March 19, 2009, 01:04:35 pm »
I never toured before. My longest ride of any type was about 65 miles. I am now on my first ever loaded bicycle tour, and I'm doing the perimeter. I'm 4,266 miles in and getting ready to set out on the second half next week. I'm solo and self-supported. It just depends on what you want to do and how much time you have.
The northern tier was good from Ohio until Montana. The wind was horrible (don't go westbound). The Pacific Coast was awesome, but lots of climbing. My mileage really dropped there. I skipped LA and San Diego and found my own route across the desert to Arizona. That was a challenge...long miles between towns. Can't comment on the rest of the southern tier or Atlantic Coast yet, as I haven't been there yet.
Nancy
The northern tier was good from Ohio until Montana. The wind was horrible (don't go westbound). The Pacific Coast was awesome, but lots of climbing. My mileage really dropped there. I skipped LA and San Diego and found my own route across the desert to Arizona. That was a challenge...long miles between towns. Can't comment on the rest of the southern tier or Atlantic Coast yet, as I haven't been there yet.
Nancy
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General Discussion / Carrying Pepper Spray
« on: March 19, 2009, 12:47:00 pm »
Sorry if this shows up twice. I tried before and it didn't seem to post.
I like to carry pepper spray when I ride, but there is no good way to keep it close at hand. I started my tour with the can velcroed to the top tube, but it wasn't secure enough and kept falling off. I never needed it, but now I'm entering a region where I'd like to keep it handy. Does anyone have an awesome way to carry pepper spray?
Nancy
I like to carry pepper spray when I ride, but there is no good way to keep it close at hand. I started my tour with the can velcroed to the top tube, but it wasn't secure enough and kept falling off. I never needed it, but now I'm entering a region where I'd like to keep it handy. Does anyone have an awesome way to carry pepper spray?
Nancy
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General Discussion / Re: Is it worth installing a kick stand?
« on: March 19, 2009, 12:36:22 pm »
I wouldn't be without my kickstand. I hate laying my bike and gear on the ground. I haven't had any problems with my single kickstand, but the double one would be awesome for working on the bike, as I'm touring alone and don't have an extra set of hands to help. Wish I'd thought of it before I started out.
Nancy
Nancy
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Gear Talk / Re: How many people tour with non-touring bikes?
« on: March 19, 2009, 12:22:58 pm »
I'm touring now with a Diamondback Transporter. I consider it a hybrid rather than a touring bike, even though it came equipped with fenders and attachment points for racks. Got it for $400. 26" x 1.5" tires with very little tread. I'm using panniers, and the load weight is 35-40 pounds. I'm 4,266 miles into my trip, and all I've done to the bike is one new spoke, new brake pads, new chains, and just put on a new cassette. It's worked well for me. Don't break the bank for a touring-specific bike unless you need it for a heavy load or to fit your physique.
Nancy
Nancy
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