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Messages - litespeedlujak

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1
Routes / Re: TransAm Summer 2017
« on: February 29, 2016, 08:30:55 am »
ha ha.  I'm 51 with a left knee that's crap.  But at least it feels better when I ride.  Almost as though someone has shot it full of WD-40.  I can't walk very well.  I certainly can't run.  But I can ride.  In reality, and to be truthful to myself, I'd likely have to do it one way.  The out & back is the dream of a healthy young man.  When I retire........................................

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Routes / Re: TransAm Summer 2017
« on: February 29, 2016, 07:58:32 am »
So far as the thought of saving money, I guess I was looking for a reason to ride back.  That was my excuse.  I was kinda looking at this as MY version of RAAM, albeit, a slow one. 

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Routes / Re: TransAm Summer 2017
« on: February 26, 2016, 11:13:09 am »
Thanks Adventure, I appreciate your respectful comment.  As well, I pretty much agree with it.  Good thoughts.  Regardless, someday, it'll happen.  Most likely, I would be pushing a bit too much to roll at what I believe to be, not reasonable, but possible and likely.  I do want to have fun doing it.  I imagine the lower mileage would be better.  The reason I thought an out and back would be better was due to cost.  For the cost of a plane ticket for me and my bike to fly back, I could ride back.  I've also checked into rental cars.  Incredibly high.  So I guess my reasoning has as much to do with finances as it has to do with anything else. 

4
Routes / Re: TransAm Summer 2017
« on: February 25, 2016, 09:05:15 pm »
Great advice, for the most part.  The biggest part of this possible debacle is the mileage.  I don't disagree with that.  Thanks for getting off the soap box, John.  I was worried that sucker was gonna crack on you.  Next time, use a milk crate.  Much more sturdy.  I'm just really limited on time.  I kinda think it's a stretch to do an out and back as well.  Might forgo that thought and try something a bit more local.  Pretty sure I could assemble a local tour.  Really not crazy about flying out & riding back.  I'd prefer to ride west.  And John, inference should dictate, when I said, "If interested, let me know," that I was looking for a partner.  Might save the ride for another day.  I should add, as far as planning now, I was just trying to figure out how viable this ride would be.  Still pretty sure I could do it.  I tend to have great heart and a never say die attitude.  Thanks for the great advice.  And John, watch that crate.  The wooden ones tend to crack fairly easily. 

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Routes / TransAm Summer 2017
« on: February 24, 2016, 02:09:44 pm »
I am planning a trip for the Summer of 2017.  I am a teacher, so depending on snow days, I SHOULD get out of school (HOPEFULLY) no later than June 6.  Snow days might lengthen this.  I hope not.  I am a new rider, but I'm working hard.  I'd like to be able to ride fairly long miles.  I think it'd be great to be able to do an out & back, Yorktown to Astoria and back to Yorktown.  I'd have to have this completed within about 67 days.  That's 126 miles per day average.  It'd be ideal, for me, to ride closer to 145 to 150 per day, allowing one day off per week.  I'd like for my one day off per week to be Sunday.  This would allow for a visit to a local church and possibly see some of the community.  Nothing is set in stone, as yet.  Being a new rider, I'm not sure what my capabilities are.  Might be that I might struggle to ride to Astoria within the 67 day time frame.  That's an average of 64 miles per day.  I've been riding for about 4 months.  I'm about 60 pounds overweight.  Weight should be off by about October.  I'll have a better idea of how far I can ride.  I'm a 52 year old male.  This is not a fly by night deal.  I've been thinking of doing this over the past 8 years.  As well, I remember when I was 12 years old and looking at a Transamerica Trail brochure.  I thought it a kewl idea then.  I live in the western part of West Virginia, close to Huntington.  If interested, let me know. 

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Routes / Re: Bad spots on the Transamerica
« on: August 06, 2015, 06:21:38 pm »
John, I'm not really worried.....not much anyway.  Don't want you to think I was cutting the police force down.  I wasn't.  When I said the police chief allowed the guy to stay in his jail, I meant Chief invited him over for a dry bed and a hot shower.  I thought that to be incredibly commendable of the officer.  Thanks for the comment. 

7
Routes / Bad spots on the Transamerica
« on: August 06, 2015, 03:36:27 pm »
Where are the bad spots on the Transamerica?  I'm referring to places where riders might be given a difficult time by police, dogs who like to chase, jerk-off car/truck drivers and generally unfriendly folks.  Also, where are the places I don't want to miss?  I'm referring to excellent mom & pops diners, friendly folks and safe drivers.  A few years ago, someone commented about a police chief who allowed him to overnight in his jail.  What a great guy!!!!    Planning on a ride as early as next summer.  If not, then the following summer.  Thanks for all the input.

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General Discussion / Re: circumnavigation of the U.S.
« on: November 03, 2014, 01:06:55 pm »
Thanks for the responses.  As usual, differing, yet still good advice.  Might HAVE to go counter clockwise.  I live in West Virginia.  If things go as I hope, I'll start in March or April, ride over to the Chesapeake, VA area and roll north.  THANKS

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General Discussion / circumnavigation of the U.S.
« on: October 31, 2014, 01:42:22 pm »
Has anyone ever done a circumnavigation of the U.S?  I speaking of following the Southern Tier, Pacific Coast, Northern Tier and the Atlantic Tier.  Thanks.

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General Discussion / What is a century?
« on: September 07, 2014, 10:11:22 pm »
By definition, what is a century?  I know it's the equivalent of 100, regardless of the tie-in.  But on a bicycle, is a century 100 miles accomplished in one sitting?  What about food stops?  Or is a century 100 miles in 12 hours? 

11
General Discussion / Re: Can scooters ride the routes?
« on: September 07, 2014, 10:06:41 pm »
I think you've made a wise choice sticking to ACA routes.  I like scooters also.  I believe 99% of the bicyclists would be happy to have you as company, so long as you buy the burritos at the Bell when you see them.  Lol. PEACE.

12
General Discussion / Re: importance of componentry
« on: July 20, 2014, 08:38:56 pm »
Most road bikes are supplied with road bike componentry.  But a few road bikes, I believe most would qualify as touring bikes, have mountain bike componentry.  I've seen a few with Shimano Deore.  Is this because touring cyclists are not really looking for speed, but just being about to stay astride the bike while climbing a hill or mountain, thus calling for a lower gear (granny gear).  Is there an advantage of having a Deore setup over Tiagra or 105 setup?

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General Discussion / importance of componentry
« on: July 10, 2014, 01:57:11 pm »
I'm looking for a decent endurance or touring type drop bar bike.  I want to do a tour.  I also want my bike to be a good commuter and everyday rider.  I have absolutely no intention of racing or much of anything involving speed.  More interested in miles.  I have myself somewhat locked into Tiagra at a minimum and 105 at best.  Is this really necessary?  I know the lower I go, the less crisp the shifting will be.  A local dealer told me I wouldn't notice much difference between Sora and Tiagra, but that I would from Sora to 105.  I thought Tiagra was essentially the same thing as 105, with 105 being a cleaner and prettier look.  Would Sora or Claris suffice for a budget bike?  How much more often will the budget Claris or Sora go out of adjustment as compared to Tiagra/105?      THANKS

14
General Discussion / Re: general advice on making a tour happen
« on: June 30, 2014, 04:34:13 pm »
JD, good tip about the weight thing.  I have looked at Gunnars.  I might need to look at them again.  I can't imagine the 520 flexing like that.  Does anyone have any thoughts on riding aluminum on a long tour?

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General Discussion / Re: general advice on making a tour happen
« on: June 27, 2014, 11:41:27 pm »
Pretty good advice from all of you.  I've read quite a bit on hiking the Appalachian Trail.  That is something I've wanted to do for years.  Bad knees is likely gonna kill that.  Not many folks pack lighter than AT hikers, so I totally agree with the light hiking deal.  The only real catch to this is the money issue.  Correct in that I need to plan ahead and save quite a bit.  I am hopeful of starting a non-profit for needy folks in my area.  Gonna try and get some sponsorship.  I want to use my ride to raise awareness and funds.  I'm a dreamer, but I'm a 50 year old dreamer.  I guess that might make me a realist as well.  The tip on doing quite a bit of riding fully loaded is an excellent tip.  Lots of country roads in my state of West Virginia to do that.  Thanks again.

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