Topics

1

General Discussion / Northern Tier cell phone service

« on: March 11, 2017, 08:52:26 pm »

On the Northern Tier route, does anyone have experience with cell phone reception, as in which service providers do or don't have good reception?

Thanks!

2

General Discussion / Arkel Small Handlebar Bag - Solutions to noise and space!

« on: March 08, 2017, 02:48:41 pm »

I love my new Arkel handlebar bag, however I had two major issues: 1) noise, 2) cavernous main compartment. If you, too, are having those problems, here are a couple of ideas:

1) Noise. The bag bounced and made lots of noise over every little bump. I put some bubblewrap under the liner, then used two small bungies (which happen to be the perfect size) to connect each side of the bag to the bike: one end in the plastic strap-carrier hole on the handlebar bag and the other end in the eyelet at the bottom of my fork. Problem solved!

2) Big space. All my stuff ended up in a pile at the bottom of the main compartment. Quick, easy, and cheap fix: it just so happens that a 6-pack cardboard divider fits perfectly! Cut off the top handle and slip it in. The cardboard is flexible, so many larger items can be accommodated; you can also cut out a section if you want. This isn't permanent, but it's a start, and replacing it shouldn't be a problem : )

Hope this helps anyone who is experiencing the same issues 
 

3

General Discussion / Receiving mail on the road

« on: March 01, 2017, 11:42:06 am »

Hi! I'll be riding the Northern Tier Route this summer, and need to receive Priority Express mail once a month (with my medications, mailed by my daughter at home). I'm thinking General Delivery to Post Offices, but does General Delivery always work, or do some P.O.'s not accept the mail? (I've tried calling USPS and several post offices but can't get a straight answer). Are there other organizations who would be willing to receive a cyclist's mail? Thanks for any advice!