Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Camp chair

« on: February 15, 2012, 06:56:21 am »

If you are concerned about comfrot sitting around after a day of riding - you're not riding far enough! 

Seriously, if that level of comfort is important to you, while the chair may cost more than you hoped of may otherwise have planned - it's a worthy investment.  I've not tried those products, so I can offer nothing useful for you.  One thing I pack along is a simple mesh hammock.  Weighs next to nothing, all you need are a couple well placed trees (usually available), and all the comfort you could hope for. 

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/CAMOmnifindQueryCmd?storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1&searchCategory=&ip_state=&ip_constrain=&ip_navtype=search&pageSize=24&currentPage=&ip_sortBy=&searchKeywords=hammock

2

Gear Talk / Re: Can this bike handle cross country? (sorry if posted to wrong place before!)

« on: January 27, 2012, 08:38:30 am »

Honestly almost any bike can handle the task - depending upon how you travel.  As one of the otehr dicsussions points out, can you handle it?  The double chain ring might require more leg strength in the hills; therefore, changing to a triple would be necessary.  Best wishes on your trip!

3

General Discussion / Re: Woman riding by herself

« on: January 04, 2012, 07:11:22 am »

Good advice so far.  The conventional wisdom apart from cyclists about cycling is that much or most of what we do is dangerous.  At one level it is true, but then everything we do has an element of danger to it.  For example, roughly the same number of people die from choking each year as compared to bicycle related deaths.  Yet the same people who may weigh in against cycling for its 'dangers' do not correspondingly attempt others to avoid eating.

Common sense, in my ever so humbled opinion, must rule the day.  If you are considering a tour on your own my guess is you do other things on your own as well.  Make your decisions in like manner.

Above all - enjoy the ride!

4

General Discussion / Re: texting

« on: December 20, 2011, 06:44:57 am »

#4 - The disorganized: Clips your left elbow while driving break-neck speed to the local day care center.  Afterall, those extra couple bucks you ring up for being late to pick up junior is certainly worth more than someone's life!

5

Gear Talk / Re: shoe covers for cold weather

« on: December 09, 2011, 02:11:32 pm »

I use these: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1080301_-1___#ReviewHeader

Reviews are mixed.  I've had mine for some time and they work fine and have not come apart.  My feet sweat in them they are that good, in my experience.

I've stopped riding below 25 degrees (F), so I must admit I can't speak to their abilities in those temps.

6

General Discussion / Re: 100 dollar bills too large?

« on: December 09, 2011, 02:01:26 pm »

Not sure about those places taking the big bills - I don't go to them.  I'm more of a Panera Bread fellow truth be told.  I think the advice given so far is spot on.

Having said that... I understand the costs associated with using a credit card on foreign travel, so plastic may not be your best choice.  The currency in the US is not likely to add much in the way of weight or bulk, in my opinion, even if you carried a small stack of bills.

7

General Discussion / Re: Cross Country with a 13 year old boy

« on: December 01, 2011, 06:36:32 am »

First - welcome!  Hope you enjoy it.  More than that - I hope your 13 year-old enjoys it and carries it forward some day.

Second - you have found a very valuable resource.  The forum discussions will answer many of your inquiries and concerns.  There are also links on the ACA website that are really valuable.  I might also add a plug for crazyguyonabike.com and the journals and articles that appear there.  Another valuable resource.

Third - I suggest very strongly that you ramp up to the trip with shorter "shake-down" trips to work out some of the discomforts you "might" encounter.  There are a few facets to anything new that no matter how much research you put into it you will never figure it all out until you do it.  If some of those require adjustments in equipment or such things it is better to learn that over a short 3-5 day trip rather than once you're underway on the TA.

Fourth - Please, tell me about your beard.  (You did ask!?!)

Enjoy the trip!

8

General Discussion / Re: Hi, I'm a newby after advice!

« on: November 16, 2011, 06:54:07 am »

Go Aussie!

My wife is from Oz and has discovered that collectively we fit the preconceived notions about Americans, but individually we break away from that stereotype - a very odd situation.  You'll find that we are warm and welcoming, for the most part; and perhaps willing to help anyone who looks like they need it (as long as you are a healthy distance from big cities - sorry to those urban dwellers among us, just my experience).

Don't worry about guns...  many more people carry extra weight than firepower.  Being young and female and perhaps on your own you ought not to be paranoid or anxious.  However, you should be cautious.  I doubt you have much to fear from wildlife - I'd be more alert for distracted motorists as you'll see more of them and get hurt by them.  When crossing roads look left last - not right!

Again, welcome and enjoy!

9

General Discussion / Re: Bike route from Los Angeles to Charleston, SC - Need advice

« on: November 15, 2011, 02:05:49 pm »

Just one idea... contact local bike clubs and see if they have cue sheets and/or opinions about the roads you selected.

10

General Discussion / Re: Hi, I'm a newby after advice!

« on: November 15, 2011, 06:43:04 am »

Hate to answer a request this way, but the search function will do just about everything you have asked.

Welcome to the United States.  Enjoy your ride!

11

Gear Talk / Re: Preferred method of terminating handlebar tape ?

« on: November 11, 2011, 06:46:54 am »

Another vote for electrical tape.

12

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 10, 2011, 02:47:56 pm »

dkoloko,

I have to admit, it did take several attempts to truly understand what you are looking for - it was not clearly stated.  I think I have it now.

Look at these folks: http://www.revelatedesigns.com/

I do not have their products and cannot testify to quality and durability, etc...  Their photo gallery shows road frames using their products.  I did not look closely to see if anyone has these bags combined with panniers.  Does not appear to include a backpack.

To answer your question about front or back panniers - to me that is a personal choice.  For me it is back first.

13

General Discussion / Re: trip planning software

« on: October 19, 2011, 09:49:52 am »

I'd agree that painstaking research may be your route on this one.  To make that easier I'd suggest you contact the local chambers of commerce or tourist boards for festivals and the like.  Perhaps contacting local bike clubs for best routes to these events - should they require you to stray from your overall course - would likely also be helpful.  Many local boards place that info online anyway, so that could make this easier in one sense.  The local bike club in these parts has posted online cue sheets for routes all over the county - that could help on the second piece. I wish you the best and hope you enjoy the ride.

14

Gear Talk / Re: Tents

« on: October 06, 2011, 08:22:11 am »

Honestly, it must simply do the job it is designed to do.  I can give up the second door and third person if it means saving significant weight.  The freestanding is a must.  I've really come to appreciate and like the gear loft.

15

General Discussion / Re: Transcendence In Sports

« on: October 04, 2011, 07:26:53 am »

Wow, the second study in nearly as many days...  nothing quite compares to feeling like a lab rat.

Don't have time at the present for your 8-10 minute survey, but will provide some data for you... spiritual experience?  Well, I'll tell you that every time I'm bombing down hill at 40+ mph I pray darn hard for my equipment not to fail, a dog or animal not to run out, or some other unseen hazard to cross my path.  Beyond that - just enjoy the ride.