Topics

1

Gear Talk / Trek Domane AL5 Suitable for Touring

« on: May 01, 2022, 08:15:28 pm »

My 5 year old Trek 520 frame broke off just below the clamp on the seat tube.  Ugh!  Trek is covering it under warranty, but...  there are no frames to be had - anywhere.  My LBS is talking me into "upgrading" to an aluminum frame Domane.  It has eyelets for the rear rack, but none for the front.  I would have to mount a front rack with P-clamps.  It has hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano 105 components.

Anyone have any experience with the Domane?   LBS says it is robust, and will take the beating of a cross country tour.  Let me know!

2

Classifieds / Spot Gen3

« on: February 19, 2021, 09:20:44 pm »

I have for sale a Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS and messenger.  I used it on one trip a couple years ago.  Still in original box.  Great for tracking on a tour.
$55.00 plus Approx $10.00 S&H.

3

General Discussion / Solo Trip Cooking Logistics

« on: June 05, 2020, 11:07:37 pm »

I have a few questions, as I am planning my first solo (sort of) tour, on the Pacific Coast Route.  I did the Southern Tier with ACA a few years ago, so I do have some experience.  The difference is that with the group tour, cooking was easy, shared, and the group shared the responsibility of carrying the "group gear."

For solo trips with 50-70% camping, what kind of cooking gear do you carry?  Of course I have my MSR Whiperlite stove, and a few pots and pans, but what gear is recommended for such a trip?  I do not have any interest in converting to the Jetboil system, as that would be a sizeable investment.   Here is what I would plan, but I am interested in other's opinions and experience.

Stove, fry pan, 4 quart pot, spatula, serving spoon, kitchen knife, cutting board, lighter, MSR fuel bottle. 

Anything else I should include or exclude?

TIA!

4

Routes / TransAm ACA Tour East to West 2020, Where to Fly Into?

« on: August 26, 2019, 12:16:51 am »

I am signed up for the ACA Transam in 2020.  Trying to decide whether to fly into Newport News, and a short ride to Williamsburg, or fly into Norfolk, short trip to Virginia Beach, then a 75 mile ride to Williamsburg.  Either is fine with me, I'm good with the miles, but looking for advice from anyone who has done either of these pre-ride routes in the past.  I know from Norfolk, I would need to take the ferry to Jamestown on 31, but that is not an issue.  Thanks in advance!

5

General Discussion / GPS Tracker

« on: July 18, 2017, 11:15:17 am »

Looking for a GPS Tracking device that can connect to a web site, so that friends and family can track my ride.  I know this can be done through Strava, but not sure I want to leave my phone on all day every day (recharging can become challenging on a self-contained camping tour).

Thanks!

6

Gear Talk / Trek 520 Front Rack

« on: May 31, 2017, 11:25:09 pm »

I am having some difficulty in fitting a front pannier rack on my 2017 Trek 520, with disc brakes.  Tried the Arkel  AC Lowrider front rack, and it would not fit with the disc brake.  Then tried the Janndd extreme front rack tall boy - same problem with the front disc brake interfering with the mounts.   Any suggestions for a proper rack or retrofitting would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

7

Food Talk / Sports/Endurance Drinks on Tour?

« on: April 11, 2017, 12:18:13 am »

I am joining ACA's Southern Tier self-contained tour this fall.  This will be my first tour.   What are the thoughts/experiences on the use of sports drink mixes or endurance mixes, such as Perpetuem, Heed, Sustained Energy, Poweraide, Gatorade, etc.?  I used to use Perpetuem when riding centuries and doubles, but that was several years ago, and only one day events.  Not sure about carrying the extra weight and bulk.  Thoughts?