Topics

1

Routes / My own Great Debate

« on: March 30, 2011, 11:53:06 pm »

WHERE TO START?!?!?!   

So, as many of you, I plan on touring starting in June. This is a given and in the months passed, I had the idea to ride from my home in NJ, south to VA and then across eventually ending in 'Frisco. Within the past week, Ive really flirted with the idea of getting to the west coast by rail and then "taking the long way home" by bike. The latter idea, now, is especially tempting seeing as recent news of my sister having a baby boy thats due in late August has emerged. I would love to leave from my home on the east coast and ride into the sunset day in and day out but I would be eternally bummed if I were to say, NOT make it all the way to the west coast pre-baby. That is going to be the deciding factor on when I end my trip. So, I have 2 questions for all of you with more experience than I and I would love to hear what your opinions are...

"Am I just being ridiculous for wanting to see the Pacific Ocean and just enjoy the ride for what it brings or is riding along the west coast as breathtaking as I have imagined in my head?" (NJ IS FLAT ALONG THE WATER!)

"Where can I take a train into, to get somewhere above the Red Woods in NORCAL so I can ride the Pacific Coast to 'Frisco and then bear east?"

 

2

Gear Talk / How accessible is propane on the TA Trail/good stove?

« on: December 14, 2010, 01:58:34 pm »

I have in mind to cook my meals most of the way along the TA trail when I converse it next summer considering I enjoy making a nice meal for myself and so my question would be-
1. What is a camping stove that you guys have had good success with (lightweight, ease of use, maximum efficiency)?
2. How common are fill stations where I can access a gas such as propane to power my burner?

Im making a trip to REI by Philly this upcoming week so I want to have a base for what to look at.

3

Gear Talk / Reliable rear hub

« on: December 07, 2010, 08:58:25 pm »

I just picked up my new bike and it has Formula hubs on it. Nothing special, just stock Formula hubs and although stock they roll beautifully(brand new). I was curious to see what kind of, if any, reliability issues any of you guys have had with an unsealed hub and what I can expect as far as maintenance when I make my trip coast to coast on the TA trail in May

4

Gear Talk / FYI

« on: November 16, 2010, 10:38:05 am »

IM GETTING MY BIKE TODAY OWWW! OWWWWWWW! Gonna be ripping around on the 2011 Jamis Aurora Elite. Weather permitting ill be able to put in some decent miles in before I have to go under the knife. Ill let everyone know how it performs.

That is all.
 

5

General Discussion / WHY RIDE A BIKE?????!

« on: November 12, 2010, 04:38:57 pm »

So, in my public speaking class I have to present a persuasive essay and I came to the conclusion that if I can convince at least one person in the class to want to ride a bike, it'll make the world a better place (or maybe even the scene in NJ) so.. I wanna hear what you guys have as far as clever ways of persuasion to get the average joe on a bike. The obvious being that its fun, good exercise, and saves money on gas but if I could throw some creativity in there, myself and the teacher alike, would really love that. WHAT D'YA GOT PEOPLE OF ADVENTURE CYCLING??

6

Gear Talk / Touring Platforms

« on: November 11, 2010, 06:41:00 pm »

Pedals. Ive taken a liking to the Crank Bros. Mallet pedals, they look like a nice big, grippy platform with SPD access from both sides as opposed to the Shimano A530 pedals being only single sided and a not so stellar platform. What kind of experiences have any of you guys had with the Mallet pedals on a touring rig?

7

Routes / Western end of the Southern Tier

« on: November 05, 2010, 03:10:36 am »

Ill be taking TA across but my dilemma is - Do I want to take the Grand Canyon Connector to the ST and be in the desert midsummer OR bypass GCC and just take Western Express???

The only thing that I dont like the thought of is the brutality of a midsummer desert crossing. What are your experiences on the westernmost leg of the ST from Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA in July/August?

Beautiful just goes without saying here...

8

Gear Talk / Touring Tent Talk

« on: November 01, 2010, 12:12:21 am »

Going coast to coast this upcoming summer via Transamerica Trail to Western Express and I was wonder what everyone thinks of the Topeak Bikamper. To me it seems like its a great idea to not have to carry any tent poles and worry about them breaking and the fact that it partially covers your bike is a plus. Does anyone have any experience with it? If so, how roomy is it? Its not that im claustrophobic but being that its going to be my room for a few months I was thinking id like to have some space and not have to sleep coffin style. My second option would be the Kelty Gunison 2.1 found here in the Adv. Cycling store. Whats up?

9

Connecting ACA Routes / Atlantic Coast to Transamerican Trail

« on: October 26, 2010, 11:32:08 am »

Myself and a few friends are making the coast to coast trek this upcoming May and I was wondering if there was any other way to get from central New Jersey (Point Pleastant) to the Transamerica Trail without having to travel the few hundred miles dead South as opposed to starting off to the West/Southwest from the start. If anyone has any kind of information to help with our journey please share the word.

Enjoy the ride!
Greg