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Topics - oldgroundhog

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General Discussion / Bicycle Touring vs Backpacking
« on: December 07, 2012, 06:39:35 am »
What are your thoughts on the advantages of bicycle touring over backpacking, or vice versa?   I've hiked the Appalachian Trail and made several Pacific-Atlantic cycle tours.  I'm frequently asked which is best and why?  I have my thoughts on the subject, but was wondering yours?  So if you are both a backpacker and a cycle tourist, what do you say?

2
Routes / Robert Campbell Highway
« on: January 11, 2012, 07:59:23 am »
There is a dirt and gravel remote 360 mile highway from Watson Lake, Yukon to Carmacks, Yukon called the Robert Campbell Highway. 

I'll be taking it on my route to Alaska this summer, but would really like to talk to someone who has ridden it.  Years ago, ACA used this road on their North Star route.

Is there anyone out there?? 

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Gear Talk / Rain Gear (yet again...)
« on: December 20, 2011, 07:16:17 am »
A search of 'Rain Gear' provided a pletheria of ideas again for this subject.  Some prefer a basic poncho.  Others like high end GoreTex.  I've cycled with both.   Has anyone toured with 'Frogg Toggs'?

They seem cheap enough but lack of ventilation is a concern.  Summer travels will find me back in Alaska and NW Canada.  Good rain gear is a requirement there.

If I must shell out the big bucks for GoreTex, does anyone have a 'top shell' they'd recommend?   Something that has held up for several tours.

Groundhog

4
GPS & Digital Data Discussion / First GPS / Phone suggestions
« on: October 19, 2011, 08:16:54 am »
I have no GPS, Ipad, or even a cell phone.  I'm perhaps one of the last hold-outs in the country to still use pay phones when on tour (which are rapidly disappearing.)   I've cycled coast-coast a couple times, Canada, Alaska. 

My question to all is this.  If you were buying a 'first' gadget for use on the road what would it be?   My riding next summer will be back in the Canadian Yukon and Alaska.  From being there several years ago, I can tell you that there is no internet or phone usage out in the wilds of the Robert Campbell, Cassiar, Dempster, or Top of the World Highways.

A nice feature of this gadget would be to have elevation charting ability.  To be able at the end of the day to plot a graph of the day's ride from automatic elevation 'tickers' made each mile.  Then reset for the next day.  When internet access is available I could call home with this gadget.

Is there really 'one gadget' for both phone and gps?   Can a gps be programmed for elevation charting?   
Other suggestions?

Thanks for the input.   




5
Gear Talk / Alcohol Stoves
« on: July 04, 2011, 09:26:16 pm »
I'm looking for a lightweight cooking stove.  I've tried both Whisperlite and Coleman backpacking stoves, but feel there are just too heavy.  I've heard good results from folks using alcohol stoves such as the Trangia and Tatonka.  But having no experience with either, I'm not sure of their cooking / heating results.  If anyone out there is using an alcohol stove, I'd appreciate some feedback on what you have and how the stove works out for you.

OldGroundhog

6
General Discussion / Town Camping and Police
« on: August 16, 2010, 09:17:20 am »
From my fellow touring cyclists, I'd like inputs on how you town camp and deal with police.  I've toured 40K+ miles across the USA and Canada.  In the last decade, when my wife and I have asked to camp in the town park, ball field, or school yard, there has been a noticeable hostility from local police in medium/large towns.

Just last month on a 1,000 mile tour we were called "undesireables" by the police in Millinocket, Maine when we asked to camp in town.  His  exact quote was "We run a clean town and don't allow undesireables.  Don't let me find you camping here."

Small town police are typically more friendly toward cyclists.  But still there always seems the apparent issue that we who travel and camp by bicycle are problem people.  So... what do we do and how have you dealt with this issue??

7
Gear Talk / Cycling Sandals
« on: April 16, 2009, 09:01:51 pm »
Well, it's time for a new pair of cycling shoes and I'm considering giving sandals a try.  My riding is cross-country touring, not racing.  For those of you who ride in sandals... what brand do you prefer?   I've looked at Lake, Exustar, Shimano, and the generic Nashbar brand.  Seems all of these accept standard SPD cleats.  But which brand feels and performs better?         THANKS!!    Groundhog

8
Gear Talk / New 29er Bikes
« on: October 17, 2007, 07:13:46 pm »
Buying a new bike to ride the Great Divide in '08 and getting a lot of buzz that the new 29er bikes are now the best way to go for mountain bike touring.

Was wondering if anyone has ridden with this new bike style.  Seems like the larger wheels of a 29er would give the bike better handling overall.


9
GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Tracking Elevation
« on: November 01, 2006, 04:26:39 pm »
Is anyone aware of a GPS system or any other product on the market that will track and record elevation gain or loss?  

Thanks,  Groundhog





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General Discussion / Speaking of Tires
« on: April 23, 2008, 05:53:10 pm »
For riding the Great Divide, can anyone say about how many miles I can expect to get on a set of WTB Exiwolf tires 2.3"?

Guess I will need to send a extra pair to a PO stop somewhere on the trail for change out, but wondering where to send them.   Thanks!


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General Discussion / Eating on Tour
« on: March 15, 2008, 04:16:12 pm »
After 20,000 miles of touring, I'm ready for something NEW to eat on the road beside macaroni/cheese and Lipton side dishes for a evening meal.  

So let me ask my fellow touring cyclists if you could share a few of your favorite recipes.  Many Thanks!


12
General Discussion / Great Divide - The right bike?
« on: September 19, 2007, 04:32:25 pm »
With 15,000 miles of self-contained road touring, it's time for a change.

Would like opinions from those who have spent time mountain biking on the Great Divide as to what bike works best on this trek with recommended components.

I'm leaning toward panniers instead of a BOB.  Right choice?





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