Topics

1

Routes / Trans Am, McKenzie Pass

« on: May 03, 2006, 09:28:37 pm »

For those of you planning a west to east Trans Am who will be starting soon, you should be ready to take the Santiam Pass alternate over the Cascades. As of May 3, 2006 they say there is still 10 feet of snow blocking the way and it may be "several weeks" before road 242 over McKenzie Pass opens.

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Routes / HWY 395 in Oregon

« on: April 16, 2006, 09:16:23 pm »

Has anyone here ridden highway 395 from Lakeview to John Day?  If so, what did you think of it?  It sounds and looks from the photos I've seen like it's wonderfully desolate and almost devoid of traffic.  

I'm thinking of starting my Trans Am with a slight detour from Eugene to Crater Lake and east to Lakeview, then north to John Day to join the route.    

3

Routes / Trans Am: west to east or east to west?

« on: May 03, 2005, 03:13:24 am »

I'm planning on doing the Trans Am in 2006.  I was thinking of going west to east since I live in Eugene, OR.  A friend of mine suggested starting in Yorktown and heading west.  He said one good reason is that by the time I would get to the Rockies I will have spent more time on the bike and be in better shape for the climbs. He also said it saves the best stuff for the second half.  Finally he said that I would be heading home when I start out.  I think his idea has merit.  

The drawbacks I think of are the prevailing west to east winds.  I also like the idea of being able to maybe send home some gear that I expect I will need in the Rockies but not beyond.

Any thoughts from those who have done it?  Anyone done both ways?  

 

4

Routes / Trans Am

« on: March 19, 2005, 10:47:47 am »

I have been reading the descriptions of this route and I notice that sometimes it says to carry extra water.  How much is extra?  I don't suppose there would be more than a day without finding water somewhere, or am I being too optimistic?  Is a gallon enough or too much?  What's the longest stretch between watering holes?  I'm planning on doing this ride self-supported.  I expect to do at least 75 miles a day except in the rockies of course.  That raises another question.  I suspect that there are plenty of streams in the high country where I can filter and purify so I won't need to lug extra water up those mountains.  Is that wishful thinking on my part?  

5

General Discussion / where to ship?

« on: December 29, 2005, 02:06:49 am »

Where can I find info on where to ship my rig in Yorktown for the Trans Am in summer?  Is there a particular shop that welcomes, or at least tolerates such business?

6

General Discussion / getting there

« on: November 26, 2005, 12:32:23 pm »

I'm looking into options for getting me and my bike to Yorktown next year.  I thought it might not be a bad idea to rent a small van and just drive myself and my bike there, but I find that most companies will not do one way rentals on small vans.  Has anyone else done it this way?  Is it just cheaper to ship the bike and fly?  Any other creative ideas for transporting bikes and riders to the start destination?

7

General Discussion / energy gels

« on: September 28, 2005, 09:28:09 pm »

I have been curious about energy gels and whether or not they are helpful.  I notice the directions say to have one about every 35-45 minutes of exercise.  That means carrying a lot of them on a tour.  It seems to me eating sensible food along the way and drinking Gatorade is probably the better idea.  What say you?    

8

General Discussion / securing a trailer

« on: September 08, 2005, 12:22:39 am »

I just bought a Burley Nomad today and I'm wondering if anyone has found a way to secure it.  I figure I could take the wheels off and run my cable through them when I lock the bike up.  I suppose the trailer without the wheels might be hard enough to take off with and drag around that they might not bother, not to mention it would not be much use to them without the wheels.  The guy at the shop said they're a high theft item these days because people are using them to live out of.  I know nothing is 100% but has anyone figured out any other tricks?

This message was edited by Dan_E_Boye on 9-7-05 @ 8:23 PM

9

General Discussion / favorite off the bike aspect

« on: August 10, 2005, 02:45:55 am »

OK, so we all enjoy the riding.  What's your favorite part other than the ride.  For me it's finding some really good pizza, or a good plate full of pad Thai noodles.  

10

General Discussion / vegetarians

« on: March 04, 2005, 05:16:45 am »

I'm wondering what difficulties vegetarians have had finding decent food along the way.  I've found that even on driving trips it can be hard to find decent veggie food.  I don't imagine finding BBQ tofu on a stick will be as easy in Kansas as it is in Eugene, Oregon.  I know some supermarkets now carry a decent variety of veggie foods, but I'm not sure if it's regional or not.  Is there tofu east of the Rockies?  

11

General Discussion / Thinkin' about a trike

« on: February 22, 2005, 08:32:07 am »

I'm planning to do the Trans Am in 2006 and I don't want to do it on my Rans Rocket.  It's fun in town but I have noticed that on really steep hills I can't go fast enough to keep the bike up and I'm all over the place.  A trike would solve the problem of balance on hills and solve the panniers/trailer debate.  Any trike riders out there willing to share some pros and cons?  Does the comfort trump the weight in your opinion?