Messages

1

Rocky Mountain / Lolo Trail from Kamiah to Lolo Hot Springs

« on: August 21, 2014, 12:58:30 am »

I'm planning on riding from Walla Walla to Missoula in September 2014, I'm wondering about water availability on the Lolo Trail section from Kamiah to Lolo Hot Springs. I have a filter and purifier, but they are no good without water.

2

Pacific Northwest / Re: Touring Around Crater Lake

« on: January 13, 2010, 01:12:28 am »

I'm a fledgling bike tourist.  I'm working on plans for a trip this summer.  I'm thinking of riding the rim of Crater Lake, and surrounding areas.  Anyone have any advice for a trip like this?  Roads to use, gear to bring, places to camp, best times to travel, etc.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Bike Love Forever!
Adam

Good choice! I did this route about 20 years ago as my first self contained tour. I started in Sutherlin, went up to the lake, rode around the lake, then down to the Rouge River Campground.
 I think this was 4 days. Camping on the way up and down was easy to find a spot ( I prefer to stealth camp). But, be careful up on top! There were no camp sites then on the top, only a camp 7 miles down on the Rogue River side. I found a place after dark, but didn't sleep very well as I was worried about getting caught. I had asked a guy at a restaurant about places and he warned me about a steep fine ($250) if I got caught.
  I went in the early Spring as the day I got there the road wasn't open yet around the lake, but they let me ride it anyway, so I had it all to myself. I did have to walk for a short distance once but that was well worth the solitude.
  I think I would come up from the Rogue area then stay at that campground and ride on up and around the next day. Then you could find a camping spot on the way down to Roseburg or go back down the way you came, then you could pick a campsite on the way up.
  As far as gear, basic tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, food, and stove should be good for a few days.I do remember being surprised that there were mosquitoes up there even though there was still snow on the north slopes.

      Good Riding,  Kidflash

3

Gear Talk / Rim Width for touring tires

« on: June 20, 2007, 02:56:32 am »

 I currently have 32 spoke Ultegra rims on my road bike which was custom built for me as a possible tourer. I have been using 700X25 tires because of our road conditions here.
 I hope to be using this bike for an extended road tour in a couple years so would like to use 700X32 tires.
 Would these rims be wide enough for that size or tire?
 What would be a better choice if not?
 I tried a pair of rims from a well known mail order with  the 700X32's and had the front tire blow out 3 times from coming off the rim. Their technical department admitted they weren't the best rims, but had nothing better to offer.   KF

4

Routes / Canadian section of GDMBR

« on: June 01, 2007, 01:55:06 am »

 I am planning to do the new part of the GDMBR
this summer.
 Will mid July be a good time?
 Has anyone had any bear issues when primitive
camping?
 I finished the original portion two years ago (over 6
years) and am anxious to go north. I will probably
be by myself so the odds are bad if there is a
confrontation.

5

Routes / Continental Divide Route

« on: June 01, 2007, 01:44:53 am »

Start at the northern border. It has the best
camping options ,especially  primitive, good
scenery and when you get the chance to do the
rest of the GDMBR you'll have a good start , and
you will find time!

6

Routes / Arizona Trail Maps

« on: December 02, 2005, 02:05:31 am »

I'm planning to ride the southern part of the AZT in
Feb '05,so far the only map source I've found is
BLM--too $$$ !!!Maybe ACA can make a set for us?

7

General Discussion / Xtracycle

« on: October 30, 2007, 01:14:09 am »

 I was out this weekend on a local ride and caught
up with a couple touring on bicycles converted with
a thing called Xtracycle. They had only been on the
road for a week and hadn't done much touring
before this trip. So I couldn't get very good
comparisons from them of their rigs.
 I looked at the Xtracycle website and was really
intrigued by the idea.
 Anybody out there have experience with these? I
am planning a coast to coast in 2010, would this
be a good way to go? I have done many K's with
my BOB, but am always open to new ideas.