Messages

1

Pacific Northwest / Re: Feedback on proposed route

« on: August 28, 2024, 03:28:43 pm »

I just may go back next year to ride the western half.     

2

Pacific Northwest / Palouse to Cascades Trail Surface

« on: August 27, 2024, 02:07:21 pm »

Thanks Jamawani.  I feel like the WA Parks Dept. should be more candid about the eastern portion of the PCT.  A statement on its official website could go far.  Visitors are required to register with the Parks Department before using the PCT, so they could place a prominent note on that webpage too. 

I researched the PTC before my trip, but didn't see any information about the loose gravel.  Something like "Some cyclists have shared concerns about the trail surface (crushed stone) along the eastern portion of the PTC.  Many find the harder surface west of the Columbia River offers a more enjoyable ride." 

Maybe it would help; it couldn't hurt.  I was downright angry at the WA Parks Department for using this surface.

3

Pacific Northwest / Re: Feedback on proposed route

« on: August 26, 2024, 12:04:38 pm »

How was your experience on the Palouse-To-Cascades Trail?  Mine was unpleasant due to the gravel.  To me, the deep, un-packed gravel that makes up most of the PCT is not safe for bikes.  It's a slog to pedal through and your tires slide out from under you when you steer.  It's not only unsafe, it's the opposite of fun.  Would be interested in knowing what others think about it.

4

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

« on: May 09, 2024, 05:48:08 pm »

On some long bicycle tours, 2800 miles, You could always find about 10 cassette tapes and a player in my handlebar bag.


Reminds me of the old Steven Wright joke:  "When I was in college, my friend and I drove across the country. We only had one tape and we listened to it over and over.......  I can't remember what it was."

5

General Discussion / Re: Snoring repels bears, but does it attract other critters?

« on: March 22, 2024, 05:32:36 am »

Are you seriously worried about being attacked by a fox desperate for a meal?  If so, I would stay home and lock your doors.

Of course not.

6

General Discussion / Re: Snoring repels bears, but does it attract other critters?

« on: March 17, 2024, 11:02:18 am »

When I bikepacked across the country in 2002, I never encountered bears, so maybe my snoring kept them away.  OTOH, I don't think I was in bear country more than just a few nights.

Another thing I thought of - if a bear comes close (or for that matter, chasing dogs) what about an airhorn?

7

General Discussion / Re: Snoring repels bears, but does it attract other critters?

« on: March 15, 2024, 03:41:25 pm »

LOL! Thanks John. What's interesting is searching for "snoring" on these boards shows there's been no topic about snoring while camping.  Maybe that means people generally don't need to worry about snoring in the woods.  I guess it makes sense; wild animals are attracted by smells, not noise.  Still, racoons are very bold.  But that is about garbage, not snoring.

8

General Discussion / Snoring repels bears, but does it attract other critters?

« on: March 15, 2024, 02:01:22 pm »

I found this post in a very old thread about bears:

"I think people who snore have a rare advantage when sleeping in a tent at night!"

Would snoring attract other animals, like racoons or a very hungry fox?

(Will be bikepacking this spring.)

Thanks!

9

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

« on: March 01, 2024, 02:44:47 pm »

The sounds of children playing as you ride by.  And the sound of them cheering you on.

10

General Discussion / Re: The famous bicycle

« on: March 01, 2024, 02:15:40 pm »

Thank you, Westinghouse, for your time and thought in preparing your post of Quotations.
It is the best.
I just may frame it.

I JUST DID.

11

General Discussion / Re: Stealth Camping? Sleep Site!

« on: February 29, 2024, 07:30:43 pm »

Really good tip. Never would have thought of that!  Like "highway bandits" in the Middle Ages

12

Routes / Re: Trans Am Rockies Camping - Bears?

« on: February 25, 2024, 10:57:15 am »

Thanks, that's good to know!   

13

Routes / Re: Trans Am Rockies Camping - Bears?

« on: February 23, 2024, 08:27:59 pm »

In terms of taking attractants inside your tent, can't you just put them in plastic bags?  Freezer bags, for instance, or garbage bags? I'm thinking about things like toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellant, trash; NOT food.   

14

General Discussion / Re: Stealth Camping? Sleep Site!

« on: February 23, 2024, 07:08:52 pm »

Thanks, Westinghouse.  You're giving me good advice by saying essentially, I don't really need more advice about camping.  That boosts my confidence.          

15

Gear Talk / Can you fit a fender under a Topeak front rack?

« on: February 13, 2024, 09:00:48 am »

Can you fit a fender under a Topeak front rack?  A sales rep told me the TetraRack M1 front rack for the QuickTrack system is not designed to fit over a fender, but "you might be able to sneak one in." 

Has anyone out there done this? 

My bike is the REI Co-op CTY 1.1, and my fenders are the Bontrager DNCS for 700c.

Thanks!