Topics

1

Gear Talk / Weight on Top of Rear Rack and Bike Handling

« on: November 28, 2006, 01:08:51 am »

I plan to upgrade the stock rear rack on my Trek 520, probably to
Tubus Cargo (although I'd be interested in suggestions). I want a fairly
long shelf because I plan to bungee or otherwise attach about 12
pounds of stuff in a dry sack to the top of the rack. I'll have some fairly
modest-sized panniers on the back, with the pair carrying 15 or so
pounds. My front bags will be mounted on a lowrider rack (Tubus Tara,
although I'd like suggestions on this too) weighing maybe 15 pounds.

These weights are well within the capacity of the racks, but I'm
wondering about how the weight on top of the rack will affect
handling. Any thoughts about that?

2

Routes / So Tier San Diego to Phoenix

« on: November 17, 2006, 01:53:12 am »

I'm thinking of riding the Southern Tier from San Diego to Phoenix
around the end of the year. What are the winds and temps like on that
stretch in December/January? And will I be able to find hotels/motels if
I do this as a credit card tour of 50-80 mi per day?

uc

3

Routes / Route 50 Pollock Pines-S. Lake Tahoe

« on: July 03, 2006, 12:57:40 pm »

Route 50 from Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe looks shorter and easier than the Western Express Route. I've heard that riding Route 50 on this segment is illegal for bikes, but I've also heard that a lot of people do it.

Is there anyone who knows both routes and can comment on the differences between them?

uc

4

Routes / Routing in Sierra-Nevada Range

« on: February 06, 2006, 08:02:02 pm »

I'm considering a trip up Hwy 395 from Mammoth Lakes, CA to meet up with the Western Express Route, on which I will turn west and follow it to San Francisco.

I plan on doing this mid-summer if all works out. Here is what I need to know...

What is 395 like north of Mono Lake? Are there shoulders? what's the traffic like?

Should I follow 395 all the way to its junction with Hwy 206 (The Western Express)? Or should I turn onto Hwy 89 and go through Markleeville and meet up with the Western Express at Woodfords? Or is some other route recommended?

And what is Hwy 88 like going over Carson Pass?

5

General Discussion / Overnight Bike Theft

« on: November 27, 2006, 12:44:21 am »

I'm concerned about leaving my bike out overnight and having it
stolen. That's one reason why the MSR Velo tent (where the bike gets to
stay inside) is attractive to me, even though it's pretty heavy.

What do others do about overnight bike security?

6

General Discussion / Cycle America

« on: January 02, 2006, 01:02:22 am »

I'm thinking of doing a tour with Cycle America. Anyone have
experience with them?

uc