Messages

1

Pacific Northwest / Willamette Scenic Bikeway

« on: November 09, 2014, 11:30:35 am »

Hello.  We are planning a ride next spring on the Willamette Scenic Bikeyway (134 miles) on a tandem bike pulling a BOB trailer.  We will start at the north end and finish in Eugene.  I need to figure out how to get back to the start point (South Portland) to pick up my SUV.  I know the Cascades Amtrak train is an option with the 10 bike slots, but from what I can find out Amtrak will not allow tandems.  Are there any shuttles or other modes of transportation from Eugene to Portland that I can take without having to tear down and box our tandem?  Thanks.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Bob Yak Trailer? XCountry tour, thoughts?

« on: February 09, 2014, 11:59:08 am »

I use a BOB and am very happy.  The factory tire is not very good and can only air to 35 psi.  I changed it to a very durable 100 psi tire smooth road tread and have no problems.  Also, zip tie the BOB tire on the underside of the trailer.  I like the BOB because I can easily drop the trailer and then tour around town.  I did change out my back rim to a strong touring type, but would have to do this anyway with a pannier set up.  No broken spokes and no problems.  Some say the additional 13 pounds of the trailer is an issue, but the Arkel GT-54 rear panniers weigh 6.6 lbs (Arkel) and the fronts are 4.2 lbs.  The is 10.8 lbs verses 13 lbs for the BOB.  The difference is 2.2 lbs.  Big deal.  I really suggest taking an extra skewer and connection pins.  If you lose the connection pins or break a skewer in the middle of nowhere, you are screwed.  Enjoy your BOB.  I really enjoy mine. 

3

Gear Talk / Re: Shipping a Bob Yak trailer

« on: February 09, 2014, 11:41:13 am »

I don't know if this is too late or not, but go to your local home furnishings store and get a "Lay-Z-Boy" lounge box.  They are super strong.  You will have to do some cutting and bending.  I bend the cardboard by laying it flat, putting a 1/2" diameter pipe on top and then pulling up on the box.  It bends perfectly in  straight fold.  I take the fork off to consolidate.  I got the "BOB Bag" and I just load it up and keep it right in the trailer.  Tape it all shut with packing tape and you are ready to fling it on the bus or plane.  I have done this several times and it works great!

4

Pacific Northwest / Re: Interstate 84 sections of Columbia River Gorge

« on: September 01, 2013, 09:45:47 am »

I rode this section the first week of June and the tunnel is avoidable.  You might want to invest in the ACA map (Section 7) as it will detail the route nicely.  Although you will use only a small portion of the map it might be worth it. 

5

Pacific Northwest / Re: Astoria to Boise

« on: June 17, 2013, 12:29:03 am »

I just completed my trip a week ago from Astoria to Boise and it was a blast.  I stayed on U.S. 30 to Portland and pretty much followed the Adventure Cycling map until Umitilla.  Climbing the grade out of Pendleton was tough, but once again followed the old highway and very little traffic.  Stayed on old U.S. 30 (which runs along side of Interstate 84) for most of the way back into Idaho.  All in all a very good trip and get this, not one flat tire.  I could not believe it.

6

Pacific Northwest / Re: Camping in St. Helens Oregon

« on: May 26, 2013, 01:53:26 am »

I found out the City of St. Helens has McCormick park that has 10 tent sites on a first come - first served basis for $10 per night.  This includes a shower.  Neat!!

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Pacific Northwest / Camping in St. Helens Oregon

« on: April 09, 2013, 11:35:37 pm »

I am biking from Astoria to Boise and plan to be overnight in St. Helens Oregon.  Is there a place in town (park for example) I can pitch a tent?  Does the city have some designated camping?  Just want to pitch a tent overnight. Thanks.

8

Pacific Northwest / Astoria to Boise

« on: October 15, 2012, 09:56:10 pm »

I am planning to go from Astoria to Boise during the first week of June 2013.  Does anybody have advice for using Washington State Route 14 from Vancouver to Umitilla?