Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: handlebar bags for carbon handlebars

« on: August 08, 2023, 03:57:34 pm »

Well, I rode across coast to coast, solo in 2021 using the Ortlieb handlebar bags on my Whiskey carbon handlebars. I set strips of tire tube underneath the wiring on the bars as a precaution for cracking. I don't think I had more than the map on top and a few light items in the bag so may have weighed all of .5 pound. The carbon bars are thick and bombproof, and the set up was effective. I would (will) do it again.

2

Routes / Re: likely winds/wind direction in late March/early April in Florida keys

« on: April 05, 2022, 08:44:00 pm »

 It's unfortunate that some campgrounds are reserved solely for RV's without space for tents.  I'm wondering if AC MAPS direct  cyclists on the Heritage trail on their Atlantic coast Key's section.
I used ACA maps on my C to C trip this last summer and found them invaluable.

3

Routes / Re: likely winds/wind direction in late March/early April in Florida keys

« on: April 03, 2022, 05:47:41 pm »

Did you use ACA maps, other resources, or bike the Overseas Heritage Trail?

4

Routes / Re: Touring Baja California to Cabo San Lucas

« on: February 08, 2022, 04:33:52 pm »

Ride back up to Tijuana or ship bike back up north?

5

Routes / Re: Touring Baja California to Cabo San Lucas

« on: February 08, 2022, 04:12:29 pm »

Thanks for the notes! So 'the 5' is a paved route? Where could I obtain the roadmap of the region? there must be a bicycle resource for this ride out there as well!
Sounds good.

6

Routes / Re: Solo Route 66, east to west, spring 2022 - any unusual concerns?

« on: February 01, 2022, 11:28:43 am »

I rode from Odell, Ill, where the northern tier intersects Route 66 until Marshfield , MO where RT 66 intersects the Transam; and rode NW from there.
 With this section, much of the route parallels the interstates, but does meander off into back roads. There are some great sections in Illinois and Missouri that have built paved bike trails that are right adjacent to sections of original 66!

7

Routes / Touring Baja California to Cabo San Lucas

« on: February 01, 2022, 11:09:19 am »

Hi Folks;

Has anybody toured from Tijuana down to Cabo San Lucas (and back), along the Sea of Cortez? If so, how were the roads, water supplies, access to supplies, food, etc? I prefer paved roads.

Mitch

8

Gear Talk / Re: handlebar bags for carbon handlebars

« on: May 06, 2021, 09:11:33 am »

I'll likely look for a system that does not clamp; possibly velcro. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance reports:

"How do you set up handlebar bags on carbon fiber handlebars?

Many cyclists think of carbon fiber handlebars as a more fragile version of aluminum or steel handlebars. However, that can’t be further from the truth.

Carbon fiber handlebars are actually relatively stronger and more durable, so there’s no need to worry about attaching handlebar bags to your carbon fiber components. They should be fine even after attaching bike touring bags."

i agree- my carbon bars are less prone to damage that aluminum.

9

Gear Talk / handlebar bags for carbon handlebars

« on: May 06, 2021, 08:33:32 am »

Any suggestions for a fairly good size handlebar bag (touring, not bikepacking) with a map pocket on top that can be attached to Carbon Handlebars??

10

Routes / Re: Safety of Rte 66 in California?

« on: April 27, 2020, 09:47:03 pm »

Thanks, PNWRider92-
I have the sense, with common sense and vetted ACA routes, St Louis is a fun city to cycle through.
My original post was more of an inquiry about the overall safety or lack of  within the section of ACA rt 66 where the northern tier meets Route 66 at Odell Illinois, s to Marshfield MO where it meets the trans am trail.

11

Routes / Re: Safety of Rte 66 in California?

« on: April 22, 2020, 04:58:29 pm »

Makes sense. I do trust ACA routes and both intuitively Feel I should  and have been advised by other touring cyclists to stay on ACA routes.
I lived in Seattle for 15 years and found the bike routes fairly safe, although it’s not St. Louis.
My major concern now is collecting the right gear.

Thanks! Mitch

12

Routes / Re: Safety of Rte 66 in California?

« on: April 22, 2020, 11:22:15 am »

Hi Manilishi;

Thanks for the reply. The Katy trail was just a thought. I read about it in a book by Mick Dolan who road cross country and all of rt 66.
I used to ride through Seattle a multitude of times when a lived just north in WA state and it was quite safe. While in Wa, I took weeklong Touring rides through the northwest as we each rotated driving a sag van and stayed in cheaper motels or hunting lodges. Prior to that, I just took a week long ride through the NY Adirondacks with panniers and camping while in VT. So I don’t have extensive experience with long distance touring, but a very good sense of preparedness based on what I have done and extensive cycling.
I now live in northern Vermont after returning from WA in Montpelier and can say that Seattle was as safe as some of the country roads near here.
I fully agree that staying on ACA routes is a safe bet; they’re tried and true. Other local cross country riders in Vermont suggest the same approach with staying on ACA routes since residents are accustomed to riders.
I’ve reached out to a few cross country cyclists for tips and info.

I researched several bikes and did look at the niner.
 I posted a request for suggested bicycle types on this forum about 1 year ago since I was considering a cross bike or gravel grinder. Majority of replies recommended a traditional touring geometry. However, I refuse to buy into the overweighted Surly LHT mindset. So I looked about ( co motion, soma, etc, ) and thought about titanium, given it light weight and strength. I inadvertently reached out to a co in Australia who makes ti bikes asking if they could make a touring bike with a performance element. I know the cost of ti is pricey.
Auren bikes of Australia called me late one night about 3 weeks later ( I forgot who they were). They wanted their foot in the door in the states so offered a significant reduction.
A year later , I bought a frame that’s shipping now.
I’m now researching gear and other details.
Route starts in Brunswick , maine- northern tier until south of Chicago where I connect with rt 66 in Odell Illinois ,s to Marshfield Mo, connecting to TransAmerica trail to Missoula, then bout 250 miles north back to northern tier.
I plan to travel ultralight with panniers, mostly camp.
Thanks so much for reaching out. Would love to call your number to chat more.
Mitch

13

Routes / Re: Safety of Rte 66 in California?

« on: April 22, 2020, 07:45:50 am »

Thanks , John.
 Good to know. I’ll find a route around the western edge of St Louis and may take the Katy bike trail some , then head south down to Marshfield to pick up TransAmerica.

14

Routes / Re: Safety of Rte 66 in California?

« on: April 21, 2020, 02:32:39 pm »

I plan to ride the northern tier ( now 2021) e to w, and taking ACA Route 66 south from Odell, Illinois to Marshfield, MO and connect to TransAm.
Can you comment on safety or lack of on that stretch?

15

General Discussion / Re: Touring/Hybrid Bike recommendation

« on: June 07, 2019, 09:12:51 am »

Hello!
I'm going to do the Vancouver BC to Mexico route this coming March-ish, I'll be traveling very light; using a credit card.
I'm afraid my beloved Cannondale R2000 is not suitable; so I'm looking for another (used) bike (2000 to ~2014).
My preference is to go light (Aluminium or Titanium) and am looking for something with 700 x 38mm tires, or equivalent, or in that neighborhood.
Any suggestions for either a Touring bike or Hybrid bike?
I'm kinda floundering with the overload of data available
cheers
martin

Hi Day Tripper;

I'm curious as to what you ended up using for a bike. I posted a similar inquiry about 2 weeks ago. I plan to tour coast to coast next year carrying rear panniers, but going as light as I can, maybe....25-30 lbs max. I'm looking at a ti gravel bike; Lynskey GR270 and the co assures me it can do the job. Folks out there seem skeptical and suggest a traditional 'loaded touring' bike. The irony is that when I speak to tourers in person, they have used a gravel bike.

Your thoughts?