Messages

1

Gear Talk / Overshoes or Goretex Socks?

« on: March 17, 2018, 12:48:38 pm »

In wet weather I've always used overshoes pretty successfully, but it's time for a new pair and I'm wondering whether a better solution would actually be Goretex socks instead of overshoes.  Thing with overshoes is that they are fiddly to put on and my feet get clammy on long rides.  Anyone tried Goretex socks instead?  (I don't want to go with open sandals, as I'm a wuss and my feet get chilly in northern climes.)
Thanks!

2

General Discussion / Re: Anyone know of a site showing prevailing winds by month

« on: August 06, 2017, 07:52:19 pm »

Perfect! Thanks very much. So for riding the Pacific Coast in October, it looks like the winds are going to be less reliably north to south than in July, but I'll give it a shot anyway!

3

General Discussion / Anyone know of a site showing prevailing winds by month

« on: August 06, 2017, 03:13:46 pm »

Anyone know of a site where I can look up the prevailing winds in different US states for different months of the year?
Thanks!

4

Routes / Anyone cycled the Pacific Coast Trail in October?

« on: August 06, 2017, 03:11:35 pm »

I'm wondering what the weather was like in Washington and Oregon, and whether the campgrounds were still open in those states in October.
Thanks!

5

Routes / Re: Prevailing winds on Pacific Coast route in October?

« on: May 05, 2017, 11:20:21 pm »

Sounds great. Thanks very much!

6

Routes / Prevailing winds on Pacific Coast route in October?

« on: May 05, 2017, 10:53:43 pm »

Does anyone know whether the prevailing winds on the Pacific Coast Route are still north to south in October?  I'm thinking of starting at the beginning of October in the hope of avoiding most of the tourist traffic. I could also start at the beginning of September if that would be a better option.
Thanks,
Lachlan

7

Routes / Re: Can I ride the Western Express (Nevada, Utah) in June/July?

« on: May 04, 2017, 01:55:52 am »

I cycled the Western Express last year in June, arriving in San Francisco on July 3. I had temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s. For a Scotsman, I surprisingly didn't have a problem with the heat. I can only assume that was because I kept myself really well hydrated and covered up. I only started once at dawn; otherwise I'd typically start around 8am. Besides my 3 water bottles, I had a 2.5 liter water sack, and (for the long sections with no services inbetween) an approx. 9 liter Crystal Geyser water box. It was a stunning ride. One of the best I've ever done. Good luck!

8

Gear Talk / Re: Recommendation for lightweight pants for lounging after riding

« on: April 25, 2017, 07:38:07 pm »

So far I've always taken a pair of Kuhl Kontra Air Pants with me.
http://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/pants/kontra-air/
They worked great, but thing is I lose weight round my waist on extended trips, so the pants get really loose.  For my next trip, I'm thinking of switching to something with an elastic waist.  Definitely not jogging pants, as they would be too warm and heavy, but something with an elastic waist and elastic ankles so I can ride my bike in them if I need to, and preferably with a pocket or two.

9

General Discussion / Re: Shipping bike from US to Vancouver Canada to start Pacific Coast tour.

« on: April 21, 2017, 02:08:12 pm »

Thanks!

10

General Discussion / Re: Shipping bike from US to Vancouver Canada to start Pacific Coast tour.

« on: April 20, 2017, 01:02:25 pm »

So if I understand correctly, if I ship the bike to Vancouver from the US, I have to pay customs duties on the bike (even though I can later get them refunded). But if I fly with the bike to Vancouver from the US, I save myself the hassle of the customs duties. Is that right?
Thanks!

11

Gear Talk / Re: How to camp lightweight and sleep more comfortably? any advice please?

« on: January 14, 2017, 02:11:02 pm »

Looks great! One consideration: It's not freestanding. Not sure how important that is to you, but I often camp in situations where I can't get pegs into the ground. For example, I camp on rocky ground or put the tent on concrete below a gazebo (or similar) in city parks - I'm lazy and do this to avoid condensation in the morning! So has to be freestanding for me. I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur at the moment. Not perfect but works pretty well.

12

Gear Talk / Are Schwalbe Dureme tires discontinued?

« on: January 13, 2017, 09:14:11 pm »

For years I've sworn by Schwalbe Dureme tires but they're no longer listed on the Schwalbe site. Anyone know which tire has replaced them?

13

Gear Talk / Re: How to camp lightweight and sleep more comfortably? any advice please?

« on: January 13, 2017, 09:10:25 pm »

I'm a side sleeper. I use a NEMO Cosmo air sleeping pad and an inflatable pillow. Work really well for me.
Good luck!

14

General Discussion / Re: Touring bike wheel

« on: September 24, 2016, 12:00:43 am »

I ride a Rigida Andra 26" rear wheel with 32 spokes and Rohloff hub.  I'm 175 pounds and tour with full camping gear in all kinds of weather.  Knock on wood I've never had a single issue so far.

15

Gear Talk / Re: Packable/lightweight rain jacket, down jacket and sleeping pad recommendations

« on: September 11, 2016, 01:59:49 pm »

Re sleeping pad, I'm a side sleeper and used a NEMO Cosmo Air sleeping pad for my recent TransAm and was very comfy.