Topics

1

General Discussion / How to pitch a tent in USA?

« on: August 23, 2024, 01:57:06 am »

Hi,

I love riding/touring in the USA but I have 1 annoyance:

Pitching my tent.

I do very little wild camping, so I often stay in private campgrounds, USFS campounds, State Park Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds etc.

To appreciate the gift of being able to stay on a covered concrete slab or a patio, I bought myself a freestanding tent.

But for a number of reasons it is still desirable to pitch the tent with stakes, it might be due to wind etc.

I estimate that in 80% of all my tent pitching cases the ground is extremely (gravel) hard packed and I seriously struggle to drive the stakes in. I spend a considerable amount of time trying to find the right spot. The beforementioned campgrounds are designed for heavy vehicles and finding a grassy spot is often impossible. Moreover, the staff really wants you to pitch on that designated hard spot and nowhere else.

The freestanding tent has solved many pitching issues for me (due to hardpacked ground) but it is also heavier and takes up more space. Its a trade-off.

How do you solve this pitching issue?

Lucas

2

General Discussion / Most dangerous roads

« on: August 11, 2024, 06:34:23 pm »

Based on my 40000 mi of bike touring I want to share the 2 most dangerous roads I have ridden on:

1 Sierra Cascades: East of McCloud on HWY 89. This road is marked in the map description as truly dangerous. I can attest this stretch is extremely dangerous due to logging traffic and no shoulder. I cannot remember if I rode the stretch on a weekday or during the weekend. There is a small detour S of HWY 89, but it barely covers this dangerous section. I cannot fully remember where the logging trucks turn off, but at the McArthur Burney Memorial Park they are more or less gone.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rwtqfaNqpj6ETZEG8

2 Sierra Cascades detour: I had to make a big detour (going S on HWY 395 from Bishop) and started mapping myself only using google maps. It was a VERY big mistake and I had to switch back onto the official ACA route again due to safety. The problem road was the stretch is between Adelanto, CA and Lucerne Valley, CA. The biggest part was on HWY18. For the first time in my life I feared for my life on this stretch. No shoulder, cracked up, broken road surface and dangerous motorists. I got so scared in Lucerne Valley that I had to climb some 6000 ft up to Big Bear Lake and rejoin the route.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHrnyZuKW3SbjDUt7

What are your most dangerous roads?

Lucas

3

Gear Talk / Women specific chamois on a male body?

« on: March 05, 2024, 12:29:01 pm »

Hi,

I have been looking for long legged tights (no bibs) with a chamois and have only been able to find them in a female version here in Europe. I usually wear size M, but the female version size XL fits me well (Assos).

To the male riders: Have you tried to wear bike shorts with a female chamois design and has it caused any problems?

I have the possibility to pull out (unstitch) the female chamois and sew in a male chamois but will only do so if necessary.

Lucas

4

Gear Talk / Where: Hot weather padded long tights

« on: January 31, 2024, 03:09:28 pm »

Hi,

During my last trip through the Mojave and Sonoran desert I used some lycra UV sun protective leg protectors. They were an add-on to my cycling shorts and covered my legs all the way to the ankles. It worked but I would like an "easier" setup.

Therefore: Where can I get some good quality padded (chamois) cycling tights WITHOUT suspenders/braces covering the entire length of my legs and for summer conditions? I can only find versions with suspenders.

Lucas

5

Gear Talk / Where: Selling New Old Stock bike parts online?

« on: December 16, 2023, 03:18:48 pm »

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a place where I can sell high end new old stock bicycle parts online besides ebay?

Lucas

6

General Discussion / A few notes on the Sierra Cascades route

« on: November 17, 2023, 06:58:43 pm »

This summer i did the Sierra Cascades Routes North to South.

Three things I would like to mention:

1. The route takes you through 5 National Parks where tent camping is impossible unless you have made reservations 6 mo in advance online on www.recreation.gov and paid with a credit card. EVERY single campsite spot in the National Parks is booked out. You have no chance. You cannot go to an office and talk to a camp host, beg for mercy and pay in cash. There is no walk-in, no hiker biker site. Nothing. It's all bear country and the majority of motorists with their tents don't obey the bear safety rules since they leave coolers outside their trucks, do barbecue grilling etc etc. In Lassen National Park I had to beg for mercy by randomly asking other campers if I could set up my tent on their plot. I got lucky but told myself - never ever again. Oh, and lastly you have to pay 30 dollars to enter EACH park - same price if you come on a bicycle or a 60000 lbs Winnebago RV. PS: Yes I know about the 80 dollar annual pass, but still.

2. Food in the USA was twice as expensive as food in Europe where I'm from. 100% up!!!!

3. Due to the problem with the National Parks I had to come up with my own route finalizing the trip. But also finding a more flat route avoiding all the mountains. Here is what I did: In Lee Vining I stayed on US395 all the way to Adelanto in the Mojave desert. This highway is actually very nice. Wide shoulders and no crazy traffic - I felt safe all the way. However as soon as you reach Bishop it gets REALLY hot. But then the pleasantries ended. I wanted to go from Adelanto East through Victorville, Yucca Valley, Palm Springs, Salton City and El Centro. I met a motorist North of Adelanto who stopped on the highway to give me some water (it was maybe 110 degF). I asked if he knew a camping spot but instead he gave me 20 USD so that I could find a motel: He told me Adelanto and Victorville have high crime rates and serious drug problems. When I reached Adelanto 20 mi later most cars were banged up and the vibe was very bad - nothing I have ever experienced in USA before. I went to the gas station to get a drink and eat some food outside: After 5 min I was told to leave since I was LOITERING!!! I stayed in a Motel6 with night guards and people actively asking me for tobacco when outside my room. Anyhow, next day I left for Yucca Valley and Palm Springs on US18. That piece of highway was the most dangerous piece of highway I have biked in my entire life. I felt extremely unsafe and feared for my life. When I reached Lucerne Valley I was mentally so crushed that I decided to change my plans entirely and do a 5000 ft climb to Big Bear and rejoin the ACA route. As soon as I left the main highway everything became calm and peaceful again and I stayed on the ACA route all the way to the border and sucked up all the crazy climbs again :-).

I want to compliment the ACA mapping department for being fantastic at finding routes across the USA letting us cyclists stay away from problems. For me, I cannot imagine how people ride across the USA just using Google Maps: It must be extremely dangerous.

However, I wish that ACA could reach out to the NPS and negotiate a deal for cyclists and PCT hikers. The solution with www.recreation.gov is a disaster and kills the pleasure for cyclists to experience the parks.

Lucas

7

Routes / Northern Tier: Back to the old route?

« on: November 17, 2023, 08:25:30 am »

Hi,

When riding the Sierra Cascades Route this summer I met a couple (non cyclists) who live in Williston, North Dakota and we talked about the oil boom explaining why the original Northern Tier was rerouted to avoid the truck traffic in the area. They told me that the traffic is nowhere as dangerous anymore since the oil boom has moved to somewhere in Wyoming. They said rough necks are moving away again and things are becoming normal. Maybe the ACA mapping department could look into opening the old route again?

Lucas

8

Alaska/Hawaii / Alaska - Dalton Highway. Review and gearlist

« on: September 07, 2023, 07:38:55 pm »

Hi,

I completed the Dalton Highway this summer in 5 days + 1 rest day due to heavy rain = 6 total days. I left Prudhoe Bay at 4am on July 7th 2023.

I met approx 1 cyclist on the Dalton each day. The same on the Alcan Highway from Fairbanks towards Dawson Creek. It is extremely popular. Later, when I did the ACA Sierra Cascade I met 1 cyclist on 2500 miles. ACA routes are generally dead in terms of touring cyclists.

A few notes:

1 I bicycled 40000 mi throughout the World and the Dalton is the piece of highway I would NEVER do again. I was not enjoying it. I was in constant survival mode: When can I get food, when can I get water etc etc.
2 When I left the airport building I was instantly attacked by the mosquitos since it was a fairly warm day, something like 15 degC.
3 I had booked a room at the Aurora hotel for something like 150 USD which was GREAT: Unlimited food throughout the day, free laundry, free internet, free sandwhiches, free fruits ... everything free except for sodas and chocolate bars. I loved it. Nice atmosphere.
4 In the general store a few miles away I bought my bear spray which was a little less than 100 USD. They generally stock many of them. They also have lots of bug spray.
5 Basically since you can get so much food for free you should be able to pack down all the way to Coldfoot ... and thats what I did.
6 On the Dalton I tried to stay away from DEET bug spray and use a headnet, full finger gloves and bug resistant clothing. However, the mosquitos were so big and could keep up with me even at 10 mph that out of desperation I was sometimes spraying my shoes and my gloves and sometimes my headnet as well.
7 I biked with my headnet approx 30% of the time ... which was annoying at times. When you reach Fox you can get rid of the bug net basically.
8. The temperature has a big influence on the mosquitos, in the morning when its cold there are few - in the afternoon a lot. I would say that an ideal biking temperature would be something like 10 degC.
9. Roughly 30-50% is paved now. For instance the 60mi south of Prudhoe Bay are paved and in perfect condition.
10. Besides mosquitos, rain is your worst enemy. The rain will turn the gravel roads into extra sticky mud with corrosive properties. With my fenders and rim brakes I almost could not move and had to walk some sections. All the sticky mud fell down on my chain and cassette and fucked up my gearing. As a result my bike needed at 200 USD overhaul in Fairbanks, new chain, new brake pads etc. The corrosive and sticky properties originate from the calcium chloride sprayed in the roads to keep dust levels low.
11. Since the road surface is so bad, I had to brake all the way down the hills maybe staying at 15 mph tops.
12. Of course there is the Atigun Pass, but the bad hills really start S of Coldfoot ... it is just an endless up and down.
13. Many people dont make it and have to quit and abandon. Parts breaking etc. I met a truck driver who had taken many cyclists to Fairbanks because they were mentally broken ... especially girls.
14. I did not see one single bear. I met a cyclist who met a bear while he was camping 0.5 mi away from the Yukon river crossing rest stop along the river bank.
15. I was not impressed by the nature and scenery. I have seen something similar in northern Norway. I found the Sierra Cascades much more beautiful.
16. There is a lot of semi traffic but its generally not a problem. The drivers mostly slow down and give lots of space. But you have to be observant when 2 semis pass each other right where you are: Step down into the ditch if necessary. Biggest problem are stones thrown around when the semis pass you - I was hit by a stone 1x on my forehead but luckily no injury.
17. Most drivers are friendly and wave at you when passing ... of course out of mercy. If you need to hitch hike it will not take long to get a ride and people are ready to bring you all the way to Fairbanks if necessary.
18. I spoke to many motorcyclists and most of them had leaking front shocks - it shows how bad the road is.
19. Camping in your tent at Coldfoot is free just next to the restaurant on the grassy area (the restaurant closes at 11pm). I also heard you can camp for free at the Yukon River rest stop between the motel buildings ... but not verified.

Equipment list:
1 I would do 29 inch wheels and at least 2 inch wide tires.
2 A frame with LOTS of clearance between the fork/frame and the tires so the mud can pass.
3 No fenders.
4 Disc brakes. Rim brakes are horrible with the mud. Maybe bring some new brake pads.
5 My transmission was 22-32-44 on the front and 12-23 on the rear. I used the 44 chainring for maybe 5 minutes on the entire Dalton. You will be cranking all the time.
6 Preferably get some ankle shoes/boots that are waterproof with no mesh. The bugs will attack your ankles and ankle boots will solve that problem. Maybe get rid of them and buy new ones at REI in Fairbanks later on. With all the mud its also nice to have a boot.

Lucas

9

Routes / Southern Tier: Route suggestion East CA and West AZ.

« on: August 30, 2023, 07:35:10 pm »

Hi,

Just finished the western part of Southern Tier and here are some other options.

1. Basically I followed the ridewithgps option posted in the Addendums (option between Yuma and Phoneix) thereby staying away from Blythe etc.
2. From Ocotillo take HWY98 and stay away from the old road N of I8. Locals say that road is the worst in the whole state of CA.
3. In Calexico I stayed on 98 and went straight E to join the I8. 98 is a good road with wide shoulders and not too much traffic. At the I8 jct take the frontage road on the north side of I8 for a few miles and then fully join I8 at the next jct.
4. I8 is a calm with lots of traffic but the shoulder is wide and it feels safe.
5. At Ogilby Rd you HAVE to leave the I8 and take the frontage road on the North side of I8 for some miles. The worst piece of shit road in my life. Could only ride 8 mph even with a tail wind ... everything cracked up.
6. At the next jct you are allowed to join I8 again. There is a gas station incl grocery store (Chevron) right here.
7. At Araz Rd you HAVE to leave I8 again and stay N of the I8. Basically just follow the ridewithgps option posted.
8. Now ridewithgps suggests going N and make a big loop rejoining at Ligurta.
9. I slept in a motel in Yuma and rode E on 95 and rejoined I8 at Fortuna Rd.
10. I noticed that in AZ on I8 it only says pedestrians not allowed on the I8 ... bicycles accepted.
11. Now going E on I8 climbing the foothills and rejoining the original ridewithgps in Ligurta. There was a border patrol inspection on that section but they did not bother about cycles.
12. Basically, unlike CA, bicycles are allowed all the way from Yuma to at least Gila Bend. There is no need to take the frontage roads suggested by ridewithgps. The I8 is big and safe and often has a better road surface than the crappy frontage roads.
13. There are gas stations incl groceries in Wellton, Tacna, Dateland and Sentinel (google maps says Sentinel is closed which is a lie) before Gila Bend.
14. E of Gila bend I took 238 to Maricopa leaving the ridewithgps suggestion. The first part was nice with a wide shoulder and low traffic. But somewhere in the middle on 238 there is a landfill and suddenly I was surrounded by semis and NO shoulder and the road turned into a VERY dangerous road. There was a big semi every minute on that rather narrow road ... many times I had to pull into the ditch.
15. In Maricopa I took the 347 going N. Heavy traffic, wide but rather bumpy shoulder. But safe riding again.

I did the stretch in August 2023 when it was around 115 degF in the afternoon.

Lucas

10

General Discussion / Dispersed camping on BLM Land and State/National Forests?

« on: June 22, 2023, 01:48:00 pm »

Hi,

When following the ACA maps, does anyone have some tips on how to assess if one is passing through BLM Land or a State Forest or a National Forest where dispersed camping is generally permitted?

Basically knowing what type of land you are passing through so it's possible to crash for a few hours in a tent not far from a highway. Can it be assessed right on the road or do you need to check online?

Lucas

11

Gear Talk / Sandals for colder climate?

« on: May 18, 2023, 03:14:28 am »

Hi,

Has anyone tried this (hands on experience):

Using sandals and the layering principle using a number of woolen socks, windproof socks and waterproof socks/gaiters with the aim of a) being able to cycle when its cool and b) being able to cycle when its hot (+100 degF).

Lucas

12

Routes / Sierra Cascades: Maps too old. What to do?

« on: May 07, 2023, 08:32:26 am »

Hi,

I have a set of brand new, unused Sierra Cascade maps that never came to use 5 years ago. This year I'm ready to take up the challenge again.

The problem is that the entire map set was printed in 2010 which is now 13 years ago and there are no addendums for these versions online.

Is there anything I can do or do I have to buy new maps?

Lucas

13

General Discussion / USA: Getting 9 speed parts in bike shops

« on: March 18, 2023, 03:15:37 pm »

Hi,

If my 9-speed cassette (12-23) gets worn during a cross country trip, what is the chance that a standard bike shop along the ACA routes in USA or Canada will stock such an item? Likewise for 9-speed chains.

For some reason I sense it will be an uphill battle.

Lucas

14

General Discussion / Alternatives to bike shorts?

« on: March 12, 2023, 03:24:29 am »

Hi,

In connection to my previous post about ethanol and staying hygienic: https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=17600.0

Ideally, I would like to find a laundromat about every week and do my laundry. I simply don't have the patience/time to wash every single evening.

1. If you theoretically remove the chamois/pad from the shorts to the saddle itself, basically installing a saddle pad, then you can use whatever normal shorts you want. With that solution, you get rid of bulky bike shorts and can use rather normal thin underwear. But this solution is not common. Can anyone explain more scientifically the problems with that solution?

2. It is common not to use any underwear when using padded shorts. But what about going against and use some thin underwear anyhow? Thin underwear that is lightweight and low in bulk. Then the idea is to wash and handle the thin underwear instead of the padded shorts.

For me, chafing from seams or fabric folds has never been a problem. For me, the red pimples are my main problem.

Anyone with some hands on experience?

Lucas

15

General Discussion / Clean bike shorts with ethanol?

« on: March 07, 2023, 04:44:12 pm »

Hi,

Has anyone experimented with this:

If cleaning the synthetic bike shorts (including their chamois) is impossible due to logistics, has anyone tried spraying the chamois with ethanol in the evening to kill the germs? The main idea is to have germ free bike shorts each morning to avoid red pimples on ones behind.

A small spray bottle is lightweight and ethanol can be obtained everywhere.

Lucas