Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: first big bike tour

« on: April 11, 2014, 04:45:41 pm »

Other than the camp chair, I don't see anything out of the ordinary item-wise, although the Q-Core is inordinantly heavy

No way I am sitting on one of my Ortliebs, especially if it's muddy. There might be hard items in them like a pump and tools. And using one for a chair necessitates taking it off the rack, which many times I don't bother with. I bring a 12 oz. plastic tarp. Great for two people to sit on and can be used as a shelter to cook under in wet weather. The tarp goes on the rear rack under the tent so it takes up no pannier space.

Never do I unpack all my gear on any given day. I take out what I need for the day/night and leave the rest packed. If I need to get out quickly the next morning, I a make sure I am prepare the night before by making sure I have packed everything I won't need the next morning.

Don't think a half a body legth of bubble warps is going to cut it when it's literally freezing out, especially for sometone like me who is 6' 2" and over 200 lbs. I will stick with my Therma Rest Pro Lite 3 or Big Agnes Air Core.

My GF uses a Cocoon pillow. Takes all of 3 minutes to pack up, weighs 3.5 oz. and is extremely compact. I simply stuff my sleeping bag sack with the clothes I will wear the next day and cover it with my towel.

Unless you are riding long stretches with no services, how much water do you need to carry?

2

Southwest / Grand Canyon

« on: January 22, 2013, 02:51:42 pm »

Now, for some future ride, I'm looking at a ride that stops at the Grand Canyon.  I was just wondering about the campsites available in that area and whether or not I'll find an opening, should I arrive later in the day.

  Bill

3

General Discussion / self-contained/credit card

« on: March 01, 2012, 02:11:38 am »

I'm interested in a self-contained tour from Eugene, OR to S.F., then to Yosemite N.P.  I'll carry what's needed; but, I do not want to camp.  I would not know exactly where I'd be at the end of each day and cannot make reservations, as on a vacation.  Money is not a problem.  The problem is that I want to be sure there's a room available.  What's your solution?  If I go on an inn-to-inn tour with ACA, is there support of a mechanic and a sure ride to the next inn, if something breaks or I cannot bike the rest of the way?