Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: The current landscape of purchasing a touring bike . . .

« on: February 11, 2021, 10:12:19 pm »

I, too, am planning for the ST on or about March 1, 2022, going east to west. Will start from my house north of Orlando. See you on the trail maybe, though I will deviate from the ACA route quite a bit. Am re-routing around the hills of AZ, NM, and TX. Keeping it relatively flat. Wife will drive a SAG wagon.

2

General Discussion / Re: The current landscape of purchasing a touring bike . . .

« on: February 11, 2021, 08:17:00 pm »

Rixtoy, I found the same shortage. My bike of choice for the Southern Tier is a Trek Checkpoint ALR in size 56. The closest to be found is a six hour drive each way. This I did last weekend to get that bike. It is what it is.

3

General Discussion / Re: Communication

« on: February 11, 2021, 02:20:25 pm »

I hear you, Hobbes! We, as a society, did not know that we couldn't live without cellphones until they were invented. I will ride my bike with or without constant communication. But given the option, I choose to stay in contact. If that can be achieved simply and cheaply, then I will do it. If not, then I will do without. Just like to know my options and make my decisions.

4

General Discussion / Re: Communication

« on: February 10, 2021, 11:26:23 am »

BikePacker: Thank you for the detailed information. Exactly what I was hoping to see. I am aware of GMRS being only good for about 1 mile, even though the ad may claim 30 miles. I will look into the other options. CB is still around, huh? Keep rhe shiny side up, and catch ya on the flip-flop!

5

General Discussion / Communication

« on: February 09, 2021, 02:14:08 pm »

I am planning a coast to coast ride. I will be by myself, with my wife driving a SAG wagon nearby. Being as cell service is not available for the entire route, are there recommendations for keeping in touch? I would expect to stay within 5 miles of each other, and want to be able to stay in communication. GMSR radio does not reach that far. The InReach service is a possibility, but comes with a monthly fee. Are there any suitable options?

6

General Discussion / Re: San Antonio

« on: December 28, 2020, 07:53:58 pm »

Thank you for all the responses. All good information that I will be following up on.

7

General Discussion / San Antonio

« on: December 27, 2020, 06:03:30 am »

Does anyone have a route they like through San Antonio, going east-west, through or just north of downtown?

8

Southwest / El Paso Alternative

« on: December 09, 2020, 02:53:33 pm »

I am in the process of planning my route for the Southern Tier. I have downloaded the ACA gpx files. The one area that has me nervous is going through El Paso and also riding on the highway south of EP. Has anyone taken a route that avoids this area? Or does any other route include a much greater elevation change? I will be going east to west, if that matters.