Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Dry Bag Sizing?

« on: January 31, 2014, 02:47:37 pm »

Trash bags tied with a wire tie placed inside your panniers are inexpensive, replaceable and effective-----that has been my experience.  Blackbear

2

Routes / Re: Indianapolis to St. Louis Area

« on: March 14, 2013, 12:24:13 pm »

Dondito: You may have to ride to St. Charles to get on the Katy, but if you want to be a purist, the Katy now runs farther east from St. Charles to Machens ( I believe).

3

General Discussion / Re: Melissa Carter: Cars aren’t the problem with ‘Share the Road’

« on: February 20, 2013, 04:59:56 pm »

Dear Melissa:  Have another donut and calm down.

4

Gear Talk / Re: Cheap Breathable Rain Gear and Shelter

« on: December 14, 2012, 08:48:52 am »

"Suggestion"-----Sorry!

5

Gear Talk / Re: Cheap Breathable Rain Gear and Shelter

« on: December 14, 2012, 08:47:29 am »

Westinghouse:  Great Suggetion.  Thank You

6

General Discussion / Re: Advice needed!!!

« on: November 01, 2012, 09:31:32 am »

I haave done the Trans Am.  John Nelson is insightful, particularly teh 2-10-88 % packing and the "Resourceful" comment. Do it!  Blackbear

7

General Discussion / Re: Places you are allowed to camp on Trans AM from a UK resident

« on: June 27, 2012, 11:28:50 am »

Colin: Place to camp no the Trans Am...never a problem.  The Wanderlust in most people you meet on the TransAm generates incredible hopitality.  Churches, Fire stations, City Parks, individual home invitations.  Go for it!  Blackbear

8

General Discussion / Re: fitting tents into rear panniers

« on: June 27, 2012, 11:24:48 am »

Last Summer, St. Louis to Greensboro, NC, I placed two-man tent, footprint and sleeping pad on top of rear rack. Worked well, kept bike stable and left room in panniers.  Blackbear

9

Routes / Muscatine, Iowa South

« on: February 29, 2012, 02:21:19 pm »

Has anyone taken the ACA Muscatine,Iowa south Route lately and how is it?

10

General Discussion / Re: Long distance trip alone?

« on: January 31, 2012, 04:29:34 pm »

I road St. Louis to Greeensboro, NC last May.  Wore a metal dogtag for ID. Used a SPOT device so family and friends could locate me  ( Also good for immediate help if first responders are necessary) and enjoyed the challenge and solitude I found. You will be amazed at the Friendly people you will meet------DO IT!  Blackbear

11

Connecting ACA Routes / Mississippi River Route

« on: January 30, 2012, 02:01:29 pm »

Has anyone done the  Muscatine, Iowa to Wahington,Mo lately? How is the Route? Hills?  Blackbear

12

Routes / Re: Galena IL to Dubuque IA

« on: January 11, 2012, 09:46:38 am »

Having done the TOMRV multiple times, I can tell you the TOMRV Route is very doable.  The 4 lane bridge has a very wide shoulder and you should have no problem.

13

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Advice for GPS tracking device so family can follow my cross-country ride?

« on: January 08, 2012, 09:55:38 pm »

I used the SPOT on a trip from St. Louis to Greenssbosro, NC this Spring and found it useful to keep family and friends informed.

14

Routes / Re: L&C; St. Louis, MO to Hartford, IL

« on: December 13, 2011, 03:10:23 pm »

Sorry, Jennifer, you're right about the Machens route.  Mea Culpa!

15

Routes / Re: L&C; St. Louis, MO to Hartford, IL

« on: December 12, 2011, 02:03:43 pm »

If you are staying in Downtown St. Louis, the Katy does not go to Downtown St. Louis as Jennifer suggests.  She is probably thinking about Downtown St. Charles.  You can go to Hartford, IL from Downtown St. Louis by taking the Mississippi riverfront trail north out of Downtown St. Louis to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and then take the Bike Trail to the Lewis & Clark Museum in Hartford,Il.  Blackbear