Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Advice about Unique Bicycle Touring Company

« on: November 09, 2010, 07:56:09 pm »

I can see the appeal of this sort of service but IMHO you might target those more interested in say a shorter tour like around Glacier NP or something like that. For me the mindset I would have for a cross country tour is to experience as much as I can which includes hotels and camping opportunities. 3 months is a long time to spend sleeping in a RV with the same people. Because you naturally have to charge more for your service, your target would be people who could otherwise afford to stay where they like but if you could supply accommodations where none exist then that would be the benefit. Most people don't have 3 month vacations but you could find a pile of them with 1-2 weeks which would be perfect for riding around Yellowstone or Glacier.
I like your idea though....

2

General Discussion / Re: Camp Stove - Fuel

« on: June 20, 2010, 09:07:54 am »

As far as where to buy fuel in Buffalo, I can't be of much help. If your stove runs on white gas only and thats all that has ever been in the stove, just pour out the contents and let it sit with the cap open and any remaining fuel should evaporate and you should have no issues on your flight. Even if it does smell a little bit, that shouldn't be a problem. I have flown with my stove in my luggage and as long as it is empty, they don't seem to care what it smells like.

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General Discussion / Re: General Question

« on: May 13, 2010, 09:31:57 am »

If you've done a good deal of riding as you say, I doubt you'll encounter any situations while touring that you haven't already encountered and successfully negotiated. The beauty of touring is that you can choose your route, and the line from point A to point B is never straight. I wouldn't worry about it so much if I were you. I've come to realize that touring can become so way over thought that it keeps some from even getting to square one. Just ride and figure it out...that's where the fun is. If you want 100% safety then your couch may be your only option.

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General Discussion / Re: How Realistic is 125 miles daily mileage?

« on: May 13, 2010, 09:19:14 am »

Do you ride at this rate now? Some people can do this kind of mileage but they are generally trained professional riders. In the Tour De France, they cover this kind of mileage daily but c'mon were talking about Lance here. AND...a peloton moves much faster than a single rider because of the aerodynamics of pack riding. I don't know anyone personally that can ride this kind of pace by them self and I ride with some pretty fast riders in my riding club. I'm the last one to ever use the word impossible but what you're asking is very difficult and highly unlikely to happen. Unless your name is Lance....

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General Discussion / Re: what about cheap Walmart bikes?

« on: May 13, 2010, 09:08:57 am »

I can relate to the underlying angst the people feel about using a WalMart bike but if you keep it in perspective, it may be doable. Some of the most epic rides ever were done on bikes with way less technology than we take for granted on what we all consider cheap bikes. Some of the unknowns are how handy the OP is with bike tools when the need arises. The reason *I think* that most box store bikes become crap in short order is because they are never maintained. Look at the people that generally buy this kind of bike. I'm willing to be that most of them are kids that can't spell maintenance or even understand the concept. I know I didn't at that age. The one caveat to my point would be the tires, one of the cost saving measures used to bring these type of bikes to this price point is cheap tires. I'd argue that one could do a trip of this length on a WalMart bike but you would have to be diligent with maintenance.
What makes a tour  successful or not has much more to do with whats between your ears and not under your butt.

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General Discussion / Re: Bike Fit for Person with Bad Shoulders/Knees?

« on: May 05, 2010, 01:07:50 pm »

When you look for a specific bike like the LHT for example, keep in mind that you can exchange the stem for an adjustable one that will give you additional height. My LHT is set up with an adjustable stem and MTB bars and the stem allowed me to find the exact position that suits my style of riding. my size is right between a 54cm and a 56cm frame and I went with the 54 primarily because I wanted the 26" wheels that were not available on the 56cm at the time. An additional benefit for me was that it gave me a more upright riding position which is also what I wanted in a touring bike. Also with injuries, you have somewhat of a chicken and the egg conundrum where the more you ride, the stronger you will become so at first what might seem difficult may not be such a big deal with time in the saddle.

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General Discussion / Re: Good morning America how are you?

« on: May 03, 2010, 04:37:30 pm »

Enjoy your ride and let us know how you like it. It's always interesting to hear what people from the other side of the pond think of cycling in the US and how it differs from back home.

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General Discussion / Re: the best new bicycle for offroad use

« on: April 28, 2010, 08:12:50 am »

Find a bike store where you can test ride as many bikes that feel suit the type of riding you anticipate doing. Riding on dirt and gravel roads does not limit you to mountain bikes. My suggestion would be to look at bikes like the Thorne Sherpa or the Koga Miyata World Traveler just to name a couple of bikes that are well traveled. Google "Fully Loaded Touring Bikes" and you will find a large photo library of touring bikes with the brands of the bikes listed and see if any of those are available in your area. Most any bike will do the job of getting you from point A to point B on a map but what fits you best should be your first priority.

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General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT or Cannondale Touring 2

« on: April 20, 2010, 03:34:56 pm »

Not that it matters in the big picture but I have never seen another bike with such a wide fan base as the LHT. I ride one myself so I know what a good bike it is, but name one other bike that has such a universal appeal as the LHT. And the funny part is that it's so non tech.

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General Discussion / Re: Young lad's touring bike?

« on: April 06, 2010, 08:46:12 pm »

I'd say you've made a good choice. Some might bring up the issue of drop bars and hand positions for long distance touring but I tour with straight bars and I like them. You might have to use P clamps for rear racks if you plan on using fenders also but that isn't an issue. I think this is a bike he could ride for many years to come. The only problem with straight bars is that you run out of room quickly for lights, computer, handlebar bag etc. but if you can live without some of that stuff you should be ok.

11

General Discussion / Re: chafing or discomfort from seat

« on: March 18, 2010, 09:22:27 am »

1) Check the fit of your saddle, is it wide enough? narrow enough? Does it support your sit bones properly?
2) Check the location of your saddle on the bike. Do you find yourself sliding forward or back? This shouldn't be happening.
3) Check the saddle height, Do your hips rock while you pedal? If your hips rock, lower your saddle in 1/4" increments till the rocking stops.
4) Does your saddle have too much padding? Big fluffy saddles cause more chaffing than saddles that are thinly padded.

Saddles are a personal thing, no two arses are alike. If you have checked the above items to make sure none of these are happening then chances are that it is just personal break in time that is needed. If you have a little extra money, have your LBS do a bike fitting. It can make a huge difference in your riding comfort and efficiency.

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General Discussion / Re: Gators in FL

« on: March 14, 2010, 08:55:49 pm »

Just keep riding...and I guerantee you'll live to tell about it.

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General Discussion / Re: Gatoraid (sp?) v Water

« on: March 09, 2010, 06:38:38 pm »

You actually get more electrolytes from food than sports drinks. So if you bring energy bars or salted nuts or bananas etc with you, you are getting a higher electrolyte level. In that case drinking water is just fine but if you don't have anything to snack on while you ride, then sports drinks are better than nothing. The key is to hydrate and keep electrolytes up.

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General Discussion / Re: Gators in FL

« on: March 02, 2010, 03:44:37 pm »

Camping in campgrounds is not an issue, they are as safe as anywhere to camp. Gators are the last thing you should worry about on your trip. You stand a better chance of hitting the lottery than being eaten by a gator. Like I said, stay away from the edge of the water in the evening unless your on a dock or pier.

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General Discussion / Re: Gators in FL

« on: March 02, 2010, 12:53:30 pm »

Hi, I live in Florida and my advise is don't put yourself in the environment where gators feed and you'll be fine. Gators feed along the banks of ponds and waterways (salt or fresh) and primarily in the evenings. The method they use is to submerge themselves along the shore and wait for prey to walk along the bank where they can snatch them and drag them back into the water. If you see a gator on land he/she is generally not feeding and just in transit to the next water hole. If you sit quietly and wait they will just move along because they know that they are vulnerable when on land. Just keep your distance and do not provoke them by throwing things or trying to hit it with sticks etc and you both will live a long and happy life.