Topics

1

Routes / Lewis and Clark or Parks, Peaks, Prairies

« on: January 04, 2022, 11:33:58 am »

Looking for information to decide between Lewis and Clark or Parks, Peaks, Prairies routes headed east from Missoula area.  Planning on a W to E ride starting in Seattle and using the Great American Rail Trail to Missoula with the objective of getting to Iowa for RAGBRAI. Would be leaving early June.  Thanks.

2

General Discussion / Burely Django, Hepcat for touring

« on: August 03, 2019, 11:54:10 am »

I am interested in a cross US ride and am deciding on a bike.  I have ridden bents for 14 years and have 4 I could use.  The trike is not an option and is used for short rides with no gear.  The RANS F5 is comfortable but only accommodates 650 skinny tired wheels.  The Schlitter Encore is a possibility but I would have to have beefier wheels and probably pull a trailer.  The most obvious choice would be the Burley Django as is it comfortable and fairly compact, however would require carrying spares for different sized front and rear wheels.  I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used a Django or Hepcat for long touring.  My other choice is to purchase a more upright diamond frame but would rather put that money into the trip then into a new bike.

3

Routes / Rte. 66 or Western Express

« on: March 28, 2019, 06:46:33 pm »

Hello,
I am in the early stages of planning a cross country West to East.  The idea is to start in either San Francisco or LA and ride east to Iowa to do RAGBRAI, then continue to my home in Maryland.  I would have to time this right to be able to attend RAGBRAI at the end of July so I am not yet sure when I would start, but probably sometime in May.  I am wondering which route would be best at that time of year, Rte 66 or the Western Express.  I would like to stop at the Grand Canyon either way, then continue to the Lewis and Clark heading north to the western border of Iowa where RAGBRAI begins.  After RAGBRAI I plan to follow the Great Rivers to the Trans America, then east to Richmond Virginia where I would pick up the Atlantic Coast and Tidewater routes to the ferry and to Smith Island and Crisfield.  From there I would ride to Chincoteague Virgina before heading home about 65 miles NW. 
I have read some about Rte 66 and the reviews seem mixed.  I know nothing of the Western Express.  Crossing the Rockies does not worry me except for the risk of road closure due to snow.  Crossing the desert is more of a concern.  I plan to camp/stealth camp most of the way.  Time, except for getting to RAGBRAI on time, is not a concern.  Any light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated.