Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: What's your rain riding plan?

« on: April 20, 2024, 03:20:27 pm »

My hard and fast rule is that soaking wet stuff never goes back into a pannier.

Allow me to clarify, I meant a wet tent may have to be packed in the pannier temporarily in order to get on the road, however, once it warms up I'd pull the tent out at a stopping point and let it air dry.

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Gear Talk / Re: What's your rain riding plan?

« on: April 03, 2024, 02:54:12 pm »

"...if you ride in the rain you're going to get wet and that the goal is not so much to stay dry, but to stay warm. If a fabric is truly waterproof, the rain may not penetrate, but you're going to be equally wet from the perspiration you generate."

That's the tricky balance, isn't it? The rain gear must have physical ventilation or you'll drown from your own sweat. No doubt the breathable fabrics help, but in my experience, it doesn't breathe enough for me. Irregardless of the air temperature, I have such an internal temperature difference when riding compared to standing around that actual underarm and back openings are a requirement for me.

davidbonn, I agree, I've got a similar plan to air out wet items outside of the panniers the next day after a soaking....I expect there to be something in the on-bike "drying rack" rotation every day. Also, a wet tent will be in a pannier with other wet things, and dry things with dry things in other panniers. I neglected to mention in my original post that I did try a Frogg Toggs rain suit, however, I found the material too fragile for riding and the cut was more appropriate for parachuting rather than riding, so I abandoned that idea.

Great input all, keep it coming!

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Gear Talk / What's your rain riding plan?

« on: April 02, 2024, 04:51:25 pm »

This topic has been discussed before and is understandably subjective due to varying tolerance levels of personal discomfort. Right now, the weather is the typical Midwestern springtime nastiness; meaning lots of cold rain and wind. So, in preparation for my first West to East TransAm ride starting in May, it's the perfect backyard testing ground for my tent and riding kit.

Decades ago, when riding in rain I'd whip out the race cape and call it good. I'd sweat inside the non-breathable plastic material and get soaked everywhere else. In my 20's, I was able to endure a higher level of discomfort. Fast-forward to modern times, I avoid riding in rain to the point I didn't have much much modern riding rain gear. On tour, especially in the late springs of the Pacific-Northwest, cold rain is inevitable and unavoidable. In my backyard testing thus far, I've discovered that some of my old rain gear is no longer waterproof and some of my newer items, despite "waterproof" claims proudly displayed on the label, are not waterproof. I'm of the opinion that waterproof claims are more of a sliding scale and not an either/or in reality. The better gear may well prolong the soaking, but true riding waterproof gear in a downpour is a big ask.

I'm a little unorthodox in my clothing gear choices because I'm generally repulsed by the high cost and mediocre performance of much specialty cycling clothing, especially in the rain and cold gear categories. I've found some very good alternatives in other outdoor industries such as Scorpion convertible motorcycle jackets, Columbia PFG fishing pants, Rooster sailing-specific headgear, along with waterproof gloves from the cycling-focused brand Endura.

One rain riding area I'm still struggling with is shoe coverage. My old "waterproof" Pearl Izumi booties are not, or no longer waterproof; a big disappointment fortunately discovered through my backyard testing. They limit the shoes I can use because of the snug-fit design intended for road shoes. I had bought some way-too-expensive Assos waterproof socks, and they lasted one rain ride before holes in both toes breached the hulls of the waterproof membrane and flooded my feet like the Titanic. Before that, I had some VeloToze rubberized waterproof shoe covers; they were impossibility tight to get on and off and soon split rendering them them useless. Also, they were only for road shoes and provided no cold insolation.

If you were on tour and the forecast called for days of 45-50 degrees (7-10 celsius), wind, and constant moderate-to-heavy rain, describe your riding rain plan.

4

General Discussion / Re: Documenting my maiden TransAm voyage - Suggestions?

« on: February 01, 2024, 05:11:35 pm »

Thanks for all the comments here. As you can see through my meandering thought process during this thread I'm thinking through it and gathering insights from those who have used various methods in the past.

Friends and family naturally want constant updates to vicariously go with me. I don't blame them. It would be exciting to me on the other end too. However, considering the logistics and time element involved that you all have pointed out, at this point, I think I'll keep it simple.

Also, there is a selfish part of me that wants this to be my trip, my experience. This bike trip is a lifetime bucket list item for me as a cyclist and others are, for the most part, indifferent about my personal goals. There is a certain amount of solitude and vulnerability, a conquering of the unknown needed to make an adventure an adventure; something I'm looking forward to.

Thanks again for all the suggestions that draw on past experiences.

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General Discussion / Re: Do u have favorite cycling sounds (i.e, not music : ) ???

« on: January 27, 2024, 03:55:52 pm »

For me, there is nothing more satisfying than the crisp, metallic, "snap" sound of Shimano SIS downtube shifters; particularly the late 80's/early 90's Dura-Ace 7400 series.

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Gear Talk / Re: What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: January 25, 2024, 01:04:14 pm »

I'm just glad that I didn't divulge that in one pannier I'm taking my George Foreman Grill and in the other my Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. 

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Gear Talk / Re: What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: January 24, 2024, 04:56:40 pm »

For my upcoming 2024 TransAm, I am rebuilding my bike; replacing tires, shift and brake cables, brake pads and chain. For my own peace of mind, it's necessary to do this step even though it's probably not completely necessary in every case. Doing this allows me to do a thorough checkup on bearings, re-applying threadlocker, tightening bolts, checking spokes, and making adjustments were needed.

The last thing I want to be dealing with is something falling apart on the side of the road somewhere in Wyoming and not having the correct tools for a more major repair. Anything could happen, of course, but some preventative maintenance now will go a long way to avoid it. I know my enjoyment factor will go way up and my stress level will go way down if my equipment is in top working order.

I will take an extra folding tire in my pannier as insurance. It's well worth the weight and bulk to me. I've had an unrideable slashed tire from glass two miles from home on a ride before and had to call for a ride. I won't have anybody to call.

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Gear Talk / Re: Thinking outside the panniers

« on: January 18, 2024, 05:24:16 pm »

Luckily for you, your Pinion gearbox drivetrain greatly minimizes the potential mechanical issues you have to deal with out on the road. This is an intriguing concept that addresses many common issues of standard drivetrains, although I have yet to see or try one in person.

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Gear Talk / What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: January 18, 2024, 05:04:10 pm »

I have a personality trait as being a preparer; I don't like being caught out not having something when I need it. However, when on a long tour, I realize this contingency plan philosophy can get out of control quickly adding a lot of weight and needless complication to the situation. I think each gear choice is personal and largely dependent on where you're touring and under what conditions. Some items increase general comfort or peace of mind on a bike tour. For me, I have to weigh the importance level of each essential vs non-essential item. I'm ok with taking some non-essential items if they substantially contribute to my overall well-being.

What gear items have you taken on tour and then realized are not needed or just not worth the weight?

Did you:
A: Send it back home from a post office
B: Discard it along the way
C: Carry it the whole way and vow a different approach next time

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General Discussion / City park camping policy on TransAm route?

« on: January 16, 2024, 06:11:25 pm »

I understand that free city park camping is plentiful along the TransAm route, which is great! What is the general policy for one-night stay riders in most communities? I've heard it mentioned that some riders called the local police department in advance on the day of their arrival to notify them; others apparently do not. Or do you just show up and it's assumed that you're a TA rider and not a transient vagrant?

Also, I've wondered how it works when riders stay at fire stations or on city hall lawns. Is this a general open-door policy because of the route or a case-by-case basis prearranged with biker-friendly, kind-hearted souls?

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General Discussion / Re: Documenting my maiden TransAm voyage - Suggestions?

« on: January 16, 2024, 03:30:46 pm »

Thanks all for the insights. I appreciate them all. To emphasize, I do not want to put extra pressure on myself to make high production videos each evening under challenging circumstances. I applaud those who can and have done that for our benefit. I have considered, as was mentioned, to gather pictures/videos, digitally document in writing, and then put together a quality video of the entire trip once I get back using real editing tools. I'm thinking this approach will lessen my stress levels and allow me to focus on the experience. Minimizing avoidable hassles is what I strive for on trip like this.

Maybe I'll just utilize a FB or similar platform for simple daily (or every few days) updates for friends and family. I'm not sure yet of the best method to do that. Are there long stretches of cell service dead zones on the TransAm? Generally speaking, how often can one expect to utilize free wifi along the route? I have a NAS server at home to which I can off-load pictures and video while on the road to free up phone/GoPro device storage space. Thanks again for all the considerations mentioned to help me think through this aspect of my journey.

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Gear Talk / Re: Anybody run Redshift Shockstop suspension stem and seatpost?

« on: January 16, 2024, 01:22:13 am »

Thanks for the comments. I hadn't considered the effect of a front bag affecting the leverage of the stem and therefore the elastomer choice. However, for the setup I'm considering, I won't have a handlebar bag. Instead I'll be running Brooks Scape top tube and feed bags for a bikepacking-style cockpit. I do have a traditional Arkel handlebar bag, however, I feel like too much weight that high and far out from the bars affects the bike's handling too much for my liking. I'm sure it may work great for someone with a different setup.

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Gear Talk / Anybody run Redshift Shockstop suspension stem and seatpost?

« on: January 16, 2024, 12:15:27 am »

I'm in the process of reconfiguring my bike and gear in anticipation of my TransAm attempt in 2024. I am consciously prioritizing comfort with my choices given the length and sheer amount of hours in the saddle.

I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that serves many purposes. Most of the time, I have it set up in off-road "gravel" mode and also use it for non-technical, flowy single-track. For this purpose, I run a Redshift Shockstop Pro stem and matching Pro seatpost. They are a game-changers for me in this discipline taking away the jolts and constant chatter from the rough surfaces. I won't ride off-road without them.

For the TransAm, which I understand is 99% pavement, they may not be totally necessary especially when fully loaded. However, at this point, I am planning to run the stem for sure since I've had some finger numbness on high mileage rides. I may adjust the elastomer settings to be a litter firmer for pavement than where it's set for gravel. I am a bit more unsettled whether to run the seatpost also for the trip or switch to a normal rigid post. The Pro post is much firmer than the standard model and really isn't perceivable most of the time. I'm wondering if anybody has experience running the Redshift suspension products on a long and loaded road tour and what is your assessment?

Neil

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General Discussion / Re: Documenting my maiden TransAm voyage - Suggestions?

« on: January 14, 2024, 07:09:59 pm »

Thanks for the posts and suggestions. To clarify, the problem is that I am a professional graphic designer, photographer and produce commercial video spots for a living; this is the reason I know I won't be satisfied with phone app-created content produced from a tent. It's involved enough in a studio setting.

I'm hoping someone has used a platform that is both efficient to collate pictures/video/written content and also be shareable. Maybe Facebook is the answer, maybe something better for this purpose?

Thanks again, and keep the ideas coming.

Neil

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General Discussion / Documenting my maiden TransAm voyage - Suggestions?

« on: January 14, 2024, 04:53:49 pm »

Hello all!

My name is Neil and I've officially committed to solo riding the TransAm in 2024, W to E, for my first transcontinental tour. I'll be taking Amtrak from the Midwest to Astoria in May. It's an exciting bucket list item for me, however admittedly, a little intimidating.

For a little introduction background, I'm a life-long cyclist and home bike mechanic riding consistently for about 35 years. My cycling roots began in BMX as an early teen, and then moved onto both road and MTB hardcore racing in my teens and 20's. As an adult and no longer racing, I've ridden for fitness focusing on hills and distance, both with groups and solo, logging several thousand miles each season. I got into self-supported touring about 15 years ago and have done several partial week solo tours, completed TOMRVs, Horribly Hilly Hundreds, Dairyland Dare organized rides, and also completed over 20 RAGBRAIs, some being self-supported.

All that being said, this next adventure on the TransAm seems like another level challenge. Being four months out from launch, I feel pretty good overall with my preparation, research and ironing out questions.

One question mark remaining on my list is how to best document and communicate on the trip. Obviously, I'll take many photos and videos and my friends and family will be interested in vicariously following my trip. I've watched some of the YouTube touring channels whose creators generally make and upload 5-minute daily videos. These have been great resources, but do require a level of diligence and commitment to creating the content. I do not know what methods they are using to edit video in less-than-ideal environments on their phones. At this point, I am not sure this is the method I want use due to the time and effort involved, not to mention the reliance on the tech. Additionally, I know myself well enough that I wouldn't be satisfied if the resulting videos were less than stellar productions, which I imagine is quite challenging under the circumstances.

I've read others use social media platforms for daily or periodic updates. I personally don't use any of them, but could start for this trip. The main priority for me is to be able concurrently communicate with and share content with many people without individual text strings and emails. I want to spend my time experiencing, not being consumed with the technology to document it. I am not a pen and paper kind of person, so I know that won't happen.

Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Neil