Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Accommodation in Portland

« on: August 30, 2010, 03:55:09 pm »

I think this is a great thread. Here we have a mate from down-under looking for info on America's bicycling mecca. And he gets good, informed information and offers of assistance.

2

General Discussion / Bike/Barge trip in Europe

« on: August 14, 2010, 05:52:03 pm »

I am considering a bike & barge trip in 2011. It would be about one or two weeks long. I would meet up with about 6 - 9 family members. Our family ranges to highly experienced to casual cyclists. Has anyone had particularly good or bad experiences with bike & barge touring outfits?

3

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Hello to Fred Hiltz

« on: January 30, 2009, 03:15:19 pm »

Hi Fred.

I've been away for a while, busy on other cycling issues. Thought I'd check in, and am thrilled that you are here helping folks with GPS issues.

For you newbies, Fred is a fountain of GPS info. The ACA is privileged to have such  dedicated members.

Paul

4

Connecting ACA Routes / west Glacier - hwy 2 stinks?

« on: April 28, 2008, 12:55:39 am »

Get the ACA Map "Northern Tier Section 2". Panels 23 & 24 will get you from West Glacier to Whitefish with only a short stretch (in Columbia Falls) on US 2. Part of the route is gravel, which I'm sure you wont mind since you're doing the Great Divide.

I rode that route in 2006, and don't recall that traffic was a problem.



Paul

5

Connecting ACA Routes / Northern Tier to Boston

« on: April 04, 2007, 06:25:19 pm »

Don't be too concerned about the hills in the Berkshires. Looking at it positively, it will condition you for the mountains in the Rockies.

Paul

6

Connecting ACA Routes / getting from DC airport to the Tidewater Potomac r

« on: April 03, 2007, 05:33:30 pm »

Which DC airport, Ronald Regan (DCA) or Dulles (IAD).

Paul

7

Connecting ACA Routes / Twin Cities to Ithaca, NY

« on: February 05, 2007, 07:45:18 pm »

Jim. I will echo that NY Bike Route 5 is an excellent alternative to the Erie Canal..

I came across it by accident when I was looking for a shortcut with my GPS. I think, for some sections at least, it is shorter, and avoids the 'muck' problem of wet crushed limestone. In that area of course, you've got to ride at least a portion of the Erie Canal trail for peace, solitude, and history.

Paul

8

Connecting ACA Routes / Twin Cities to Ithaca, NY

« on: January 30, 2007, 10:55:19 pm »

Hans. Sounds like a fun trip.

It also sounds like you have done enough research to know that the ACA routes will take you from about 35 miles of Minneapolis to about 60 miles of Ithaca. I rode that route this past summer, cobbling together parts of the Northern Tier, North Lakes Sections 1, 2, and 3,  and the Lake Erie Connector. You may want to look at my BLOG, where I talk a bit about the trip.

One option of the ACA North Lakes Section 2 route (which I did not take) will take you across the Manitowoc WI to Ludington MI ferry LiteSpeed mentions.

Paul

9

Connecting ACA Routes / Route from Munising, Mi to Portland, OR

« on: October 02, 2006, 05:55:59 pm »

Hi UPer. Get these maps from the ACA: North Lakes Route. http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/northlakes.cfm this will get you from the UP to Minnesota. Then get maps 1 through 7 of the Northern Tier: http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/northerntier.cfm This will get you to Washington.

I'm afraid I can't help you in getting from Washington (or maybe Idaho) to Portland. I'm sure someone familiar with that area will chime in.

Enjoy, and be prepared for some head winds.

Paul

10

Urban Cycling / commuting by bike

« on: March 06, 2007, 08:50:23 pm »

I don't commute when there is snow or ice on the pavement. (I live in south Bend, IN, which is in the Lake Michigan Snowbelt).

Paul

11

Urban Cycling / what bike do you use for pure urban ridin'?

« on: February 07, 2007, 06:13:07 pm »

Sail: How do you like your pedals with SPD on one side and platform ot the other. I only know one guy who had those, but he liked them. I'm kinda suspicious though, he was anxious to sell them to me.

Paul

12

Urban Cycling / what bike do you use for pure urban ridin'?

« on: January 04, 2007, 09:11:46 pm »

Hi Bruno.

I'm on my 4th 'commuter' bike in the past 30 years. The others have all been either stolen or destroyed by errant cars. In my mind, an urban bike needs 4 features:
[list=1]

• Good headlights and tail lights
• Fenders
• A kickstand
• Quality (read expensive - like Schwalbe Marathon Plus) tires

Paul

13

Urban Cycling / New Cyclist to DC

« on: January 02, 2007, 11:31:08 pm »

Dave. I see you are new to the ACA forum. Welcome.

I don't live in DC, but my son does, and he is a bicycle commuter. If you will send me you e-mail address, I will put you two in touch with each other.

PS. Don't be too concerned about spam from this forum - I have never gotten any that I know of.

Taylor.P.K@cincom.net

Paul

14

Urban Cycling / top bicycle-friendly cities and towns

« on: November 08, 2006, 12:05:10 pm »

I'm disappointed that the Washington Post did not contact the League of American Bicyclists. They, are, IMHO, the preeminent advocate of bicycle friendly cities and towns.

Paul

15

Classifieds / touring shoes

« on: January 28, 2006, 06:45:24 pm »

You can find old style touring shoes (not designed for clipless) at http://www.wallbike.com/oddsnends.html.

They DO NOT have any way to attach a cleat to their sole. Actually, this site has a lot of neat touring stuff.

Gramps