Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Maximum Tire With on Amtrak

« on: July 11, 2024, 01:49:06 pm »

I was hoping ACA communications with Amtrak would produce some positive results/experiences with bikes on Amtrak travel.  I have been required to box my SWB recumbent in the past because it's not compatible with Amtrak requirements.  Even though it will fit in the bike rack hanging by the rear wheel.  With the seat removed it takes up even less space than a conventional bike.  I'm planning to make my return trip home after my Pacific Coast ride via Amtrak and it would be great if I don't have to box it.  I'll be taking the Amtrak California Zepher, Cardinal and Crescent  from Emeryville, CA to Spartanburg, NC.  Anyone have any experience with these Amtrak routes and bikes on the train?

2

General Discussion / Re: Fit for Touring?

« on: July 05, 2024, 10:16:41 am »

If you are sliding forward on your seat you may have it positioned too far back.  Shorten the distance between your seat and the handlebars.  Also there should be a slight tilt of your seat upwards from back to front.  Definitely you don't want the seat tilting down in the front.  You might want to see you doctor about the lactic problem.  I also find that limiting dairy products and wearing compression shorts helps.  Try setting a reasonable goal about distance.  When I was in my 30s I could do 100 mile days.  I'm now 72 and try to deep keep my mileage under 50 miles in a day.  If you set a reasonable goal for yourself, you can always adjust you mileage upwards if you meet that goal.  Most importantly....Have Fun.

3

Pacific Northwest / Olympic Discovery Trail from Joyce to Lake Crescent

« on: June 29, 2024, 10:47:02 am »

Has anyone cycled the Olympic Discovery Trail south of Joyce to Lake Crescent on the unpaved section?  I will be riding a fully loaded recumbent with 1.25 street tires. 

4

General Discussion / Re: Bike Box for travel

« on: June 01, 2024, 09:18:10 am »

I don't' have the box yet so don't know the weight.  I should be OK.  The bike weight is 30 pounds.  I can't imagine that the cardboard box would weigh more than 20 pounds.

5

General Discussion / Re: Bike Box for travel

« on: May 28, 2024, 12:28:26 pm »

I'm sure you can still get bike boxes for free from your local bike shop and even used ones at REI.  However, recumbents don't fit in the standard size boxes.  I know mine fits in an Amtrak box.  I've done that before but those boxes are big (70" x 41" x 8") and I would have to travel 300 miles round trip to get one (only sold at staffed locations).  YUK!  AND they exceed the airline limits. 

6

General Discussion / Bike Box for travel

« on: May 28, 2024, 11:26:16 am »

My local REI sells cardboard bike boxes for $25.  I hope other REIs do the same.  Dimensions are : 62" x 34" x 11".  After some disassembly (pedals, seat, rear rack, rear derailleur) my Bacchetta Giro 20 ATT recumbent fits.  Finally a bike box that fits my SWB recumbent.   At 107" combined it is within the American Airline limit of 115".  Yahooooo!  Pacific Coast Route here I come!