Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: It's the time of the season.

« on: November 09, 2020, 07:11:36 am »

After reading my reply to you, I realized I could have done better to make my point. Without digging myself into a deeper hole I should won't belabor any further response. My eyes also deceived me as I thought I saw a link to a video, not just youtube. Thank you for your response. I should have done better. Your response is appreciated.

2

General Discussion / Re: It's the time of the season.

« on: November 02, 2020, 08:29:11 pm »

Westinghouse:  My wife and I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016; we did the TransAmerica bike route in 2018 (my second cross country ride) Going light weight is admirable. I always try but I am not always successful. On the AT I watched people hike over Mt. Rogers in shorts and T-shirts in a snowstorm on May 5th because they sent their cold weather clothing home in Damascus, Va (we were warm and dry in our rain jackets and pants on what unexpectedly turned out to be an 10-hour 20-mile walk that day). Many smelled badly from wearing the same t-shirt for many days. I watched guys eat Top Ramen after soaking in a zip lock back and cold water for 5 or ten minutes to save the weight of a stove. I also saw people with light weight packs sagging down to their butts,  irritating the skin of their shoulders, then claim their pack was less than 20 pounds. Despite what I just said, I will watch the video you posted. Thanks for sending.

3

General Discussion / Re: Max speed unavoidable critter crashes?

« on: October 22, 2020, 10:29:21 am »

I’ve hit squirrels, prairie dogs, snakes and dogs, but what scares me are deer. I look for them diligently.

I had a friend and neighbor killed by a deer last May. I understand you concern. Moose are in the same category of concern.

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General Discussion / Re: A Bicycle Chain

« on: September 30, 2020, 10:45:36 am »

Figaro, your method probably works. I could go longer on a chain, even fully loaded. We did the TransAm in 2018, swapping chains in Newton, KS. Probably not needed but peace of mind. Two replacement chains does seem a bit excessive.

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General Discussion / Re: Bike Touring/Camping

« on: August 26, 2020, 06:46:40 pm »

Currently the closed campgrounds in Yellowstone include Norris, Fishing Bridge and in the Northeast, Slough creek and Tower falls. The campsites with hiker/biker sites are open. (madison, Grant Village and I believe Canyon campgrounds) When I went through Yellowstone in July, the showers at Grant Village were turned off.

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General Discussion / Re: A Bicycle Chain

« on: August 25, 2020, 05:18:26 pm »

I use SRAM 1071 or 1051 (971 or 951 on Julie's 9-speed cassette) chains and run them up to 3000 at most, changing the entire drivetrain (cassette and chainrings) every 5th chain.

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General Discussion / Re: A musty item -

« on: August 25, 2020, 05:14:43 pm »

Everything smelled musty from the heat and humidity of Kentucky and Virginia on the TransAmerica. I soaked the panniers in a mild bleach bleach solution when I came home. My panniers (ortlieb) smelled more musty than Julie's non-waterproof Lone Peak which brings up another discussion of pannier type in wet vs. dry areas of the country.

8

General Discussion / Re: Are you postponing a tour to 2021?

« on: July 23, 2020, 03:11:55 pm »

I agree; I don't mind vehicles using the sites as long as touring bicyclists have a guaranteed spot. There was plenty of room at the Colter Bay hiker/biker area for overflow cars. In Colter Bay, the hiker/biker sites are individual sites with a parking stall so it is easy to put cars there and make the area more efficient. At Madison campground in Yellowstone NP there is simply a plot of land with several picnic tables designated as the hiker/biker area. This set-up would not accommodate cars, though perhaps a motorcycle or two.

9

General Discussion / Re: Are you postponing a tour to 2021?

« on: July 20, 2020, 09:21:32 pm »

I agree with hikerjer. I was turned away only in campgrounds without hiker.biker sites. I stayed at 2 hiker/biker sites in Yellowstone and Teton NP. However at Colter Bay in Teton NP, there were 3 vehicles using the hiker/biker campsites when I woke up in the morning. They must have come in after sunset when I was asleep. I have heard this is happening frequently around the country due to increased demand for campsites.

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General Discussion / Re: Are you postponing a tour to 2021?

« on: July 18, 2020, 06:40:42 pm »

With hikerjer at 71 and staehpji and I at 69 with could start a new topic on old guys and bike touring

11

General Discussion / Re: Are you postponing a tour to 2021?

« on: July 18, 2020, 07:38:46 am »

Are you seeing lots of RVs out there?

RV's are out there, but basic tent sites are being filled up quickly by folks with large Coleman tents. One KOA manager said tent sites was the largest increase in his business.

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General Discussion / Re: Are you postponing a tour to 2021?

« on: July 17, 2020, 06:17:39 pm »

For Big blue cat: I arrived home yesterday from a West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City tour. Fortunately there are hiker/biker sites in the national parks. Obtaining a campground site on a weekend, and perhaps on a weekday is difficult if not impossible. I hitched a ride to save 2 days in order to arrive home on a Thursday vs. this weekend. Campgrounds are full with reservations and first come/first serve fill up early. I was turned away twice, which is double the number of times I've been turned away in 23,000 miles of touring. I was prepared to stealth camp, but I prefer the relative luxury of campgrounds.

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General Discussion / Re: Flats while touring

« on: May 21, 2020, 04:36:32 pm »

John: my exact reasoning for using the Schwable Supreme. I use the 35C as I can't find the 32C. I can buy through Quality Bike Parts due to my volunteer position at a non-profit bike shop, but QBP doesn't stock the 32C. That is why Julie rides Continental Gatorskins in the 32C size so that her wheel set-up is a little lighter than mine.  When we did the TransAm with one flat, on a very hot day on a steep descent.

14

General Discussion / Re: Flats while touring

« on: May 20, 2020, 06:53:40 pm »

John Nettles and Froze:  Thanks for the prompt. I procrastinated doing it for too long.

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General Discussion / Re: Flats while touring

« on: May 20, 2020, 09:23:23 am »

Thanks John;  I've wondered about that when I got a rash of spam email earlier this year.
Lou