Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: helpExtended touring in Europe

« on: November 10, 2023, 01:23:41 pm »

What is the easiest country to get a visa from today?

I think you will find that the answer to that very much depends on the passport(s) you carry, your personal circumstances and possibly previous travel/visas.

Generally, Schengan area countries will allow up to 90 days out of any 180. Currently, there's an ad hoc system in place to track dates at borders but a fully centralised, computerised system is in the way.

As always for something like this, the proper authorities are the best placed to answer questions.

2

Routes / Re: 3-4 month USA 2024

« on: August 06, 2023, 03:52:59 pm »

Presuming you are a European citizen you will need a Visa to stay beyond 90 days in the US and environs. The standard ESTA exemption is only 90 days and can't be reset by crossing into either Canada or México.
Something to consider in your planning.

3

General Discussion / Re: Stranded in panguitch, UT

« on: May 23, 2023, 05:41:42 am »

Amazon or similar?
Local cycling clubs.
Good luck!

4

General Discussion / Re: Farewell for a while

« on: May 18, 2023, 11:09:09 am »

Tailwinds to you, Sir!

Have a great trip!

5

Gear Talk / Re: Sandals for colder climate?

« on: May 18, 2023, 06:29:46 am »

Those are the minimum temp ranges I was thinking about.

What did you use against rain?

Nothing. The wool socks keep my feet warm even when wet.

When it comes to rain I am less interested in being dry and more interested in being comfortable.

However, this kind of thing is very personal and very specific. What works for one on one day may not be comfortable for another on the same day or another day. Wet socks and a nasty wind would not be pleasant, I imagine.

 

6

Gear Talk / Re: Sandals for colder climate?

« on: May 18, 2023, 05:17:42 am »

It really, really depends on what you mean by cold.

But yes, I have ridden in sandals supplemented with merino wool socks. It has worked fine for me in temps down to 4-5 Celcius.

7

General Discussion / Re: Kirbyville UMC no longer hosts cyclists

« on: May 17, 2023, 06:47:35 am »

Hi Cwaskas!

That's a real shame. I was very fortunate to stay there and be made most welcome, by Jim. There was a wonderful setup for bike adventurers with tools and maps and a very comfy bed! The highlight was dinner and breakfast with the generous and interesting Jim, not the Pastor, but a helper.
He had been hosting bikers since 2014, I believe and for this foreigner it was an educational and wonderful visit.

I am sorry that others will not have that experience and all the more grateful for mine.

Appreciate the news, if I'm not exactly cheered to read it.

8

Routes / Re: help needed: route selection (June-July)

« on: May 11, 2023, 05:33:57 pm »

I appreciate that I'm on a different continent to you but have you considered where you would like to go?
What places interest you? Have a think and look to link them up.
Apart from busy roads there is little reason to stick to an "official" route, is there?

9

Routes / Re: Cycling the Parkways from Washington DC to New Orleans

« on: May 11, 2023, 06:18:42 am »

CycleTravel suggests a very doable looking ride from Lebanon to downtown.
https://cycle.travel/map/journey/428168

10

Routes / Re: Cycling the Parkways from Washington DC to New Orleans

« on: May 10, 2023, 08:22:29 pm »

If you like music, I wouldn't miss Nashville! I approached Madison (north of Nashville) from Murfreesboro, then from Madison through the city to join the NTP.
I made the mistake of using Komoot to plot a route and it nearly killed me. CycleTravel saved my ass that evening.
Here is my route from Madison and onto the NTP and a bit of the MRT before I turned west.
https://cycle.travel/map/journey/428018

You may be interested in my travelogue https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-big-big-trip-journal-if-you-want-to-make-the-man-or-woman-upstairs-laugh-just-tell-him-your-plans.254046/post-5789162
That link should point to my arrival in Nashville and give you an idea of what to expect.
I travelled from Charleston so some of the earlier posts may be interesting to you too.

It was late November when I did the Trace and it was dark early, very early but traffic was light. My understanding is that it can be very different earlier in the year with lots of RV traffic.

Good luck, that's a great trip you have ahead of you!

11

General Discussion / Re: Alternatives to bike shorts?

« on: March 12, 2023, 01:43:15 pm »

Ditto on the not wearing of any padding.
I use quick drying boxers. My preferred saddle is a Brooks B17 but clocked up a fair distance on a C17 too.

12

General Discussion / Re: Hiker Biker Site Locations

« on: March 09, 2023, 07:05:31 pm »

John, you may find iOverlander useful. It is an app (but there's a website too, I believe) that is a map based database of different services useful for travellers.
Since it is user maintained there can be discrepancies in descriptions and some regions are better served than others.

There are reviews as well as basic info. It can work offline.

Another alternative is Osmand, another app that will show campgrounds (among other POIs). Again its utility varies region by region and again it depends on users to supply and maintain data. It's advantage is that we can import a gox file of a route and see what services are within range. It also works offline.

13

General Discussion / Re: panniers or single-wheel cargo trailer or both --

« on: January 29, 2023, 01:29:47 pm »

Depending on your bike and surface preferences I can recommend an Xtra wheel trailer.
One wheel, same size as the bike, carries panniers. Great for off-road and no handling issues if well packed and balanced.

Also....
It may just be me but a 14 word question that requires a lot more words in return for an answer doesn't inspire a huge urge to reply.

14

International / Re: Trans Pyrenees routes

« on: January 19, 2023, 03:42:11 pm »

Hi Rob,
This link may help you figure out bike friendly train transport in Spain
https://showmethejourney.com/travel-on/train/129-md-media-distancia-spain/
I don't think a bus will work for bike transport although the Spanish post office will ship boxed bikes to most parts of the country.

https://cycle.travel/map is my go to.planner. (Make sure you select 'paved only')

CrazyGuyOnABike will possibly have journals of similar trips. You may find better responses on European forums, UK ones if English is your language.

I know there's a supposedly wonderful off-road option in the foothills on the Spanish side but that probably won't work on a road bike.

If you give some more information in terms of distance/climbing you consider 'moderate/challenging ' and your accommodation preferences (camping or not) it may help generate responses.

Good luck

15

General Discussion / Re: Your best single piece of advice

« on: January 07, 2023, 03:12:54 pm »

As usual, John's advice is spot on.

There are no "rules". Tour the way that is good and satisfying - for you.

My best lesson from touring is to ride what's in front of you. Or beside you.
In other words, sometimes a tour, or parts of a tour are not what we expected. We can fight that or embrace it. I suggest embracing it.

As for packing, the most important thing to pack is a smile. It opens many doors.

Take lots of photos and take notes. Voice memos are great. They'll make a big difference for recalling the details. It's amazing how much we can forget. In the same vein, Strava, RWGPS & Komoot all have the options of adding photos to a ride. A great way to keep a permanent record.

Have a great trip!