Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: New touring bike recommendations

« on: March 17, 2023, 12:48:58 pm »

The bike I'm talking about is a SW Diverge Specialized.  I never ride on gravel and I don't like the feel of a dirt bike.  I'd like a light bike for touring and riding the roads. 

This bike is on sale and it seems to be my size.  Do you think I could take it on long tours (long for me)?  I mean, multiple three week/four week tours.  Thank you. 

2

Gear Talk / Re: New touring bike recommendations

« on: March 17, 2023, 12:13:15 pm »

Ok, I'm not sure if I should start a new thread, but I've been riding a Surly Disc Trucker for training and on 200-400 mi. bike tours.  I'm old and the weight of it and in particular the gear shifters are hard on me.

I just noticed a Specialized in my local shop which has wireless shifters and also a place for rear racks. I have a 1000 miler out in the Rockies on my mind-- on the Trans Am, and I'm wondering if a Specialized would hold up with carrying a rear rack of gear, water  and a handlebar bag, maybe about 50 pounds.

3

Gear Talk / map case

« on: February 12, 2022, 10:13:29 pm »

Has anyone had any luck making a DIY map case for the handlebar bag?  I have an Ortleib, but it has no map case.  Thank you

4

Pacific Northwest / Re: Lewis and Clarke vs Transam: oregon to Missoula

« on: February 02, 2022, 08:34:30 pm »

Thank you to all responders.  Thank you for mapping  and explaining alternative routes and for the great camping and hot springs recommendations.  It really makes me want to get on the trail!

I did purchase the Lewis and Clarke maps, so that, for now, is the path I'll follow.

5

Pacific Northwest / Re: Lewis and Clarke vs Transam: oregon to Missoula

« on: February 01, 2022, 05:53:41 am »

Thank you very much for considerate answer.  Yes, west to east, joining the TransAm in Missoula. 

So I also need to consider the Clarkston to Missoula section of the Lewis and Clarke versus the TransAm. It looks like there is the 145 mile gravel/dirt section heading toward Lolo Pass.  Or, route 12 with its cement barriers. 

I'm not sure if the Blackfoot Option replaces both of the above intimidating sections, which would be great! 

I did the TransAm Colorado to Maryiand in 1978 and lots of bike touring in the 70s and 80s--east coast, Africa, Florida. It is the 1977 trip across the country that I want to complete:  from the west coast to Silverthorn, CO. 

I just got back into cycling during the shutdown, so I have two years of low level training under my belt, only about 40 miles per week with very few 50 mile days.  Last March I did the Natchez Trace, solo.  That was, not exactly easy, but short.  There, I saw Merriweather Lewis' burial site.
Thank you

6

Pacific Northwest / Lewis and Clarke vs Transam: oregon to Missoula

« on: January 31, 2022, 08:41:42 pm »

I'm deciding between the Lewis and Clarke Trail and the TransAM from Oregon for a ride from ORegon to Silverthorn, CO.

I'm 65, prob riding solo, camping, motels, cooking and eating out, about 50 miles per day.  I don't want to purchase all the maps in order to make this decision.  I have never been to Oregon before.

 I want to consider/compare the the rigor and traffic and interest of each trail. 

Lewis and Clarke:  I like the idea of the Columbia River Gorge for the beauty.  This Trail is shorter by about 180 miles.  But some of it is unpaved and includes gravel.  Do the alternative routes give a paved option?

TransAm is certainly beautiful.  Not sure if it is less challenging than the Lewis and Clarke Trail apart from the mileage. 

Thank you.

7

General Discussion / Re: Portland to Clarkston to Missoula

« on: January 31, 2022, 07:06:03 pm »

Thank you very much

8

General Discussion / Portland to Clarkston to Missoula

« on: January 31, 2022, 01:15:02 pm »

What is the name of the ACA trail that goes from Portland, OR to Clarkeston?  Thank you

9

Routes / Re: Outer banks Alternative (Atlantic Coast Route) Map Question

« on: August 19, 2021, 07:45:02 pm »

Thank you, bike friends.  This is so very helpful and, for my first Outer Banks tour, I'll try the S to N route and then let you know about my experience with the winds.  I'm planning to start in early October.   Since I'm driving to my point of origin, Swan Quarter, I'll have more flexibility in tracking the weather and avoiding the hurricanes.

10

Routes / Re: Beginning TransAmerica cycling trip in September

« on: August 17, 2021, 01:56:02 pm »

You may be able to do half the trip if you leave in Sept.  My brother and I left Silverthorne, CO on Sept. 30, 1978 and we got to DC a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving.  We had snow a couple of times.  It was a great time to travel!

Now I'm looking for a partner who could slowly do the western half with me.

11

Routes / Re: Atlantic Coast

« on: August 17, 2021, 01:52:36 pm »

Sounds like a great trip.

Please advise if you know the best direction to ride the Outer Banks, NC.  I know they are windy and I'm willing to do my loop in either direction.

Thank you

12

Routes / Re: Outer banks Alternative (Atlantic Coast Route) Map Question

« on: August 17, 2021, 01:39:18 pm »

Hi LarryL,
Did you do this tour?  I'm planning something similar in Oct., 2021, but I'm planning to take the  Outer Banks south to form a loop that includes Cedar Island and circling up through the wildlife refuges to Manteo and Roanoake Island. 

My question is mainly about the winds:  Would it be better to travel south to north in the autumn?

Also, any other insights you may have would be appreciated.  Thank you

13

General Discussion / Re: Free Ranging Dogs and the Cyclist

« on: May 24, 2021, 09:50:43 am »

Pat Lamb:  How do you mount the Halt to the handlebar?

14

Routes / Re: Tetons route

« on: May 20, 2021, 08:19:28 am »

Thank you so very much.  Thank you for the breakdown into segments with recommended departure timing.  Feeling more confident about riding the park!

15

Routes / Tetons route

« on: May 18, 2021, 06:17:04 pm »

I saw in an ACA email a recommendation to try the Teton trail instead of the high-traffic Yellowstone Park route.  Does that mean the dirt/gravel route?  I don't see a Tetons map in the ACA offerings.  Is there another recommendation?  I don't want to ride on gravel.