Topics

1

Gear Talk / Question about something.

« on: March 05, 2010, 12:41:03 pm »

What is the average screw/bolt size for a bike. I bought a rear rack and it came with neither screws, nor clamps. So now I'm kinda stuck wishing I had bought the seat post rack. So, if anybody could give me a rough estimate I'll try and figure out how to attach this thing to my bike. As it didn't come with instructions either. And I'm hardware challenged. This is gonna be interesting. Late '90s Raliegh MTN Bike is what I have btw. Thank you much!

2

Gear Talk / Should I get a new bike?

« on: February 28, 2009, 07:10:05 pm »

I have had this really nice Raleigh MTB for about as long as I have been riding. Its the only one I've ever ridden, and I love the way it rides. I'm thinking about doing the TA and I was wondering if I should go buy a new bike. The one I currently have was recently taken to the mechanic, and the guy told me its in perfect condition aside from the rust on the frame. I've had it almost 10 years now, I love it.

I was wanting some opinions; should I buy a new bike? I'm afraid my baby will die out in the middle of nowhere and I'll have to get used to a new bike on the road. If you think I should buy a new one, should I go for a road bike, mountain, or a hybrid of the two? I'm really used to MTBs and I have trouble riding bikes with smaller tires . . . sooo, opinions?

PS, I'm trying to find the model info on my Raleigh MTB, its a late 90's model, I know that much.

Thanks a lot!

*edit*

This is posted later on in the thread by me but I wanted to put it up here as well because some people don't read all the postings;

My bike is pretty light, since its rusty its gotta be steel right? I can easily carry it on my shoulder, have been since I got it at age 9 xD But then again, I've always had good upper body strength. Is carbon fiber a good material for a frame? Does it rust? I'm pretty much mechanically challenged but I plan on stripping the bike this summer and giving it a new paint job with the help of my 16 year old brother, who loves taking things apart. Good or bad idea? I really need to do this, the rust isn't way bad, its just a pain to change the handlebar/seat positions so I wanna fix that. Any good website/book recommendations I could use to help with the 'putting it all back together' part?

3

Routes / I'm looking for a route . . .

« on: February 28, 2009, 02:42:04 pm »

. . . that would be a good training session in preparation for the TransAm. I live right on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and have considered running down the parkway this summer as a test of endurance. But I have heard that the Blue Ridge is a lot harder than the TransAm, and I don't want to really discourage myself xD Plus those long dark tunnels all along the NC parts of the parkway freak me out xD So, are there any other low use rural roads around NC that you guys know about? Thanks in advance.

4

General Discussion / A Few Questions About the TransAm

« on: February 26, 2009, 05:31:43 pm »

Hey, I'm planning on doing the TransAmerica Trail, part of the Pacific Coast until it intersects with the Western Express headin' back home to NC. Not sure when I will do this, all depends on whether or not I continue with college this fall, anyway. May 2010 or May 2011.

Ok, my question is . . . I am planning on bringing a dog with me because other than the dog, I will be traveling solo. More than one reason for bringing the dog; companionship, protection, entertainment, etc. I don't plan on bringing a trailer, and the dog is going to be far too big to put into a handlebar bag or on the back of my rack. But I am a responsible pet owner, so I plan on going the dog's pace. I have asthma so I won't be able to put in many miles a day anyway.

Is this a really bad idea? I know all the extra weight I will be carrying. The main thing I'm worried about is other dogs we might meet, the 'loose' farm dogs and such. Has anybody ever had any experience with this? I'm also worried about if my dog gets hurt, how often to you run into a town with a vet's office? I know first aid but . . .

Also, how hard is it to condition on the go? I will be training for this somewhat but for the most part we both will be hitting the road without much bike touring experience.

Thanks for the info, I'll be on later to check the answers.

*edit*

Has anyone ever tried slowing down when the random 'loose' dogs turn up? Because everything I read says that you shouldn't speed up or try and out run a dog that starts to chase you. I was always told to stop and hold my ground. Has anyone ever tried this? Also, I ask way too many questions but . . . how likely am I to run into tornadoes, out in the mid-west or other flat places? I'm a mountain/coastal girl, very used to hurricanes/thunderstorms/blizzards, but tornadoes scare the life out of me. Thanks a lot.

I don't have the dog yet, I'm still deciding whether or not to bring one and researching breeds with amazing stamina that can handle temperature extremes . . . so far the Rhodesian Ridgeback looks the best bet. Lots of 'em in shelters where I am too. Most likely be adopting an adult dog and training it to walk/jog next to me on a
bike.

*edit 2*
This is a very long term trip. I plan on 3-5+ months for the first bit, taking a couple months break in Portland or thereabouts, and then heading home on another 3-5+ month trip.

*edit 3*
Oh my, well . . . the whole reason I didn't want a trailer is because I am afraid I won't be able to handle my bike while pulling something, and I don't want to pay $300+ if it turns out I can't handle the load. Advice? Is there anyway I can . . . test ride a trailer? Thanks.