Messages

1

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast - getting to the San Juans from Seattle

« on: May 26, 2010, 03:23:17 am »

If you can change your flight and fly into Vancouver it is much easier to get to San Juan. Take the BC Ferry from Tsawwassan to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. It is close to Vancouver airport and there are published cycles routes if you look online. Cycle the few miles to Sydney on the bike path and get the Washington State ferrry to Friday Harbour on San Juan Island. You have to clear US customs at the terminal which is a small cluster of huts and the ferry is in $US rather than Canadian. The main advantage is that it cuts out lots of busy roads around Seattle and you get to view the most beautiful inlets through the Islands.

I did the PCH last year but spent a week on Vancouver Island before heading south and spent two days on San Juan before heading to Anacortes from Friday Harbour. If you are staying at the county park there are no showers but there are some in Roche Harbour at the marina and watch out for the racoons, they are into everything.

Both ferry companies have websites with schedules and fares. It is simple to get the bike on and off and very cheap.

2

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast- 23 days to reach San Francisco.... Starting point?

« on: May 13, 2010, 04:01:04 pm »

I began in Vancouver CA last year and went North for about a week and then rode South to SFO and did it within all 28 days so you should have no problems doing it in 23 days. I averaged about 45 miles per day which was a really relaxed pace, enough time to stop and talk to people on the trail or look around the parks I stayed in.

If you are plannng on leaving from SFO airport it is really easy to get to from the Pacific Coast route but have no idea where the Greyhound or Amtrack are.

3

Routes / Re: Route Through Vancouver, BC

« on: May 08, 2010, 02:32:16 pm »

Hi Cathy

I rode from Vancouver to HS Bay last year so the opposite direction to you and I used the Bicycling the Pacific Coast by Spring & Kirkdendall. There is a Youth Hostel called the Jericho on the route they describe. I didn't stay there but it looked ok from the outside. If you can get the book it might help you. Alternatively I stayed at the Coast Hotel on SW Marine Drive which is also on the route and they are very bike friendly. I shall be staying there again this year to get over the jet lag from the UK.

I am riding the Washington Parks this year and have to get from Vancouver to WA where I will pick up the route at Sedro Woolley, I think it may intersect with the Cascades route. If it is any help there are two campsites on that route. Birch Bay SP about 40 miles from the Oak Bridge in Vancouver and Bay View SP another 49 miles on.

Lisa

4

General Discussion / Re: traveling with a bicycle

« on: May 08, 2010, 02:03:30 pm »

I live in the UK and travel with my bike to the US /Canada every year. I generally fly BA and have never ever been charged to put my bike and BOB trailer on the plane.

They have a sporting policy about bag dimensions and weight but as long as you abide by them they are fine. Print off the policy from their website, carry it with you and argue the point if need be. The bike goes as one piece of luggage and BOB the second.

5

General Discussion / Re: Bears in the Pacific North West

« on: April 27, 2010, 03:07:52 pm »

I have added your crazyguy site to my favourites so I can follow your progress. Have a good tour.

Indyfabz the hint about the Rockport Steelhead Park is useful as the SP that I planned on staying at appears to be closed at the moment.

Not long to go now and I will be on my way and looking forward to it very much.

6

General Discussion / Re: Bears in the Pacific North West

« on: April 27, 2010, 01:13:32 pm »

Thanks for the responses.

I should have added that I am in the UK and we don't get nasty critters in the wild so I like to be prepared. I will most certainly carry some rope so that if I have to hang a pannier I can do so but won't go to the expense of a barrel as it appears they are not absolutely necessary.

staehjp1 please could you let me know how the Cascades go as I would like to ride part of it next year.

Lisa

7

General Discussion / Bears in the Pacific North West

« on: April 26, 2010, 02:59:34 pm »

I am riding the ACA Washington Parks route this summer and wondered whether I need to get a bear barrel or bag before I set off.

Are they mandatory at the parks or are bear boxes provided within the campsites?

I have ridden in bear country before so am aware of the rules but amazingly enough in over 4000 miles have never seen one, unless you count the stuffed one at Elkhorn Hot Springs.

Thanks

Lisa

8

Routes / Re: BOB needed? Steamboat to Salida Great Divide

« on: March 10, 2010, 02:52:56 pm »

I have never seen anyone use a Burley on dirt roads before but I would consider the following points before you decide. (and apologies if you already know all this)

Width will be a factor on narrower trails, none are true single track in the area you are riding that I can remember but the route can be quite rocky in Colorado which may also impede your progress.

There are some very big hills and two more wheels will create a lot more drag.

Two more wheels also gives you the potential for lots more punctures. As you go further down towards New Mexico there are nasty little sharp leafed plants that grow on the trails. Roll over just one and unless you have slime tubes or liners inside your tyres you will get punctures. Again slime causes more drag so do you really want to have 4 tubes filled with the stuff.

If you do want to take a trailer I would advise a single wheel, if not a BOB try an Extra Wheel (I think it is called) or something similar. Whatever you chose make sure it is sturdy, we had 3 broken Bob's within a short space of time. If you decide to go the pannier route then make sure your wheel rims are strong enough to take the extra weight and abuse of the trail. The washboard really is as bone shaking as everyone says it is.

Hope this has helped a bit.

Lisa

9

Routes / Re: BOB needed? Steamboat to Salida Great Divide

« on: March 07, 2010, 12:18:45 pm »

No you can do it with panniers. The group I rode with had both as did lots of people we met on the way.
Less drag with panniers but make sure you load them evenly.
The section your doing is lovely, have a great trip.

10

Routes / Re: Washington Parks Route - a few questions

« on: March 07, 2010, 12:16:15 pm »

Thanks for the replies it has helped me decide on which way to go. I will also get a mirror. I tried a helmet mounted one last year but failed to get on with it so I will try a handlebar mounted one this year.

Hopefully it won't rain too much but I will be sure to pack waterproofs.

Thanks  Lisa

11

Routes / Washington Parks Route - a few questions

« on: March 06, 2010, 08:02:37 am »

Hi there

I am planning to ride the Washington Parks this June and wondered if anyone could suggest the best way to go, clockwise or counter clockwise.

Hills are not an issue as I have ridden the Divide from top to bottom but I hate headwinds.

I will be starting in Vancouver Canada and will use the ACA section 1 map of the Pacific Coast to get me to the Anacortes area.

I hope to travel very light this year with panniers rather than the BOB so was intending to pack my topbag as opposed to a full sleeping bag. Will it be warm enough?

Thanks

Lisa (in UK)