Messages

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General Discussion / Re: Bike shops still overwhelmed

« on: March 18, 2021, 09:52:41 am »

This whole COVID apocalypse situation prompted me to build my own bike this year from frame and components, and do my own maintenance.

A learning curve for sure, but it's been rewarding and educational.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Ah, I wish I had your perseverance and discipline. That is the best way to do this I think. Good idea!

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General Discussion / Bike shops still overwhelmed

« on: March 17, 2021, 09:05:28 am »

On a whim I called a bike shop in MSP for some info as I was planning to come through in early June. He mentioned if I want any service (new cassette, chain, tune-up) best to book it now. They are booking service appointments into late May, have a back order of over 1,500 bikes to build for customers and would not be able to help me on short notice.

So, I did book a check-up / tune-up, but would not normally have done that until a week or so before arriving. Just FYI so ya’ll don’t get caught.

SY

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General Discussion / Re: St. Augustine to the Keys

« on: March 17, 2021, 08:57:04 am »

Just completed Pompano beach to Key West in mid-February. It was a great ride, you’ll enjoy it. As for spring break not sure if late April is still break time for college crowd, that would mostly be high schoolers (families??). I agree early May would avoid them, but also will be hot... give us a report when you get back, safe travels.

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General Discussion / Re: Lots of touring 2021 or not? Whadda ya think?

« on: March 09, 2021, 10:46:36 pm »

We found it very much the same. Also, we live less than 1 mile off of the Atlantic coast route in Connecticut. DM me if you would like a place to park the camper when you’re coming through. We would love to meet you and swap stories. If we are not home we have other bicyclists in the area that would welcome you.

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General Discussion / Re: Lots of touring 2021 or not? Whadda ya think?

« on: March 08, 2021, 12:57:58 pm »

That’s a good point. I’m assuming that’s coming from RV sales/campers but it does give me hope that will see lots of people on bicycles as well. Thanks, SY

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General Discussion / Re: Lots of touring 2021 or not? Whadda ya think?

« on: March 07, 2021, 05:26:42 pm »

All really good comments. I’ve been touring through the pandemic - Erie Canal last August and Boston to Albany (to complete the line from Boston to Buffalo) in September. Toured Pompano Beach to Key West in FL 3 weeks ago as well.

We take precautions:masks, social distancing, only eat outside, hotels that we know to have good procedures (Marroitts especially). We’ve been comfortable and safe and have seen businesses being reasonable. I’m hoping this continues.

As you said get out there and be safe!

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General Discussion / Lots of touring 2021 or not? Whadda ya think?

« on: March 07, 2021, 10:20:44 am »

My wife and I are planning a Buffalo NY to Astoria OR tour starting in Mid-May. Will use ACA Erie Connector, Rails-to-trails across Michigan and Wisconsin, pick up the Parks, Peaks, & Prairies to West Yellowstone and then the Transom to Astoria... I've been wondering what you all are hearing, will we meet others, or will we be two of a few. I am hoping with vaccine numbers growing, states easing travel etc, we will meet others.

Whadda ya all hearing? What'd you think?

thanks, SY

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General Discussion / Re: Erie Canal Trail

« on: March 07, 2021, 10:09:35 am »

We completed the EC last August and I think you'll find lock keepers very welcoming and helpful from start to finish. Including allowing you to camp on premise. You'll love the EC. I've not ridden the C&O or Allegheny YET, but looking forward to it sometime in 2021 or 22. Enjoy, SY

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General Discussion / Re: TOURING AFTER COVID

« on: February 21, 2021, 10:34:06 pm »

First, best wishes on your continued recovery. Getting back in the saddle will be a great way to strengthen yourself. My wife and I have toured over 1,000 miles since August last year (2020) from Boston to Buffalo and over 200 miles in Florida. She had her Rivendell Betty Foy converted to an e-assist motor on the front crankset (1 ring only) and no changes to the back cassette. The battery is 36v/21ah Bafang HL down tube type battery. She has ridden 60 miles and still had 10+% left in the battery (this was a flat ride, hills will drain it more but still gave her 50 -60 miles even through the New England hills). We plan to complete a cross country ride this summer from Buffalo NY to Astoria. Charging at a lunch stop even for 30-60 mins adds capacity and overnight has not been a problem either. We are in our 60s, so we'll focus on campgrounds with electricity or hotels/B&Bs or warm showers.

We looked at buying her a new e-bike, but our local shop recommended this conversion of her Rivendell since she loves this bike and did not want to leave it. We realize it may be heresy to convert a lugged steele frame of this quality to an e-assist - but hey, it's her ride.

This has worked better than we could have hoped. DM me if you'd like more information. I would at least recommend researching conversion of your existing bicycle to an e-assist.

Best, SY

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Routes / Re: West from Minneapolis - Northern Tier or Parks, Peaks and Prairie?

« on: December 08, 2020, 12:44:14 pm »

jamawani, there are lots of choices. The sandhills are beautiful we took a trip (VW camper) through there in the summer of 2019. Plans are to leave Buffalo NY in Mid-May (we cycled Boston to Buffalo this August and September) and then pick up the PPP from MSP. My wife doesn't relish the idea of the TA as we've been through lower WY and the Great Divide Basin numerous times. So going through, Badlands, black hills, Devils Tower, Ten sleep, Gillette and the East Entrance to YNP is all new for us from MSP west so it's the front runner for now. Covid is the wild card - I see we are the same age, so hoping I get the vaccine before leaving, or have even considered flying home from MSP if available to get the shots.

Thanks again and keep the info coming, I truly appreciate it, SY

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Routes / Re: West from Minneapolis - Northern Tier or Parks, Peaks and Prairie?

« on: December 07, 2020, 05:26:44 pm »

jamawani, thanks for that. I am very open going West from Missoula and leaning towards the TA but have been exploring various options. I was looking at taking the  Coeur d'Alene and dropping down to the L&C and out to the coast. But, headwinds in granny gear wouldn't do it for me, so, this was really helpful.

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Routes / Re: West from Minneapolis - Northern Tier or Parks, Peaks and Prairie?

« on: December 07, 2020, 10:24:38 am »

Thanks, actually, going to stay in that area 3-5 days. Have not been to YNP much at all and want to do some exploring and fly fishing. Also, going East To West, if I jump to the Lewis & Clark route from Missoula, how big an issue should I expect winds to be in the Columbia River Gorge? A lot I suspect?

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Routes / Re: West from Minneapolis - Northern Tier or Parks, Peaks and Prairie?

« on: December 05, 2020, 12:56:42 pm »

John, I was hoping to hear from you. Very helpful and my first choice but was looking for someone with experience. I've been to Jackson many times over the years climbing and fishing, was more thinking of cutting through Yellowstone since I've spent very little time there. Thanks again, SY

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Routes / West from Minneapolis - Northern Tier or Parks, Peaks and Prairie?

« on: December 05, 2020, 12:23:28 pm »

Hi all,
in planning a cross country ride East to West for 2021 (let's hope) I am wondering if anyone has perspective on the Northern Tier versus the P,P,&P? I do want to end up in Missoula - so might pick up the Lewis and Clark at some point. I think I may be asking which do you think is the more interesting trail and which is apt to have more cyclists next year?

Thanks, SY

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General Discussion / Re: What are the top 3 things we like about touring?

« on: November 19, 2020, 12:11:29 pm »

Simplicity
Rhythm to my days
People I meet