Messages

16

Midwest / Trans America to Katy Trail

« on: July 03, 2015, 12:26:01 am »

I am working my way east from San Francisco via Western Express. I want to continue east on the Trans America and I'm wondering how to link up to the Katy Trail east bound. From the eastern terminus, I am going to navigate my way up to Pittsburg to ride the GAP/C and O to DC.
Thanks

17

Connecting ACA Routes / UGRR to Great Allegheny Passage

« on: June 01, 2015, 03:39:38 am »

I would like to connect the UGRR to the GAP which is basically Pittsburgh. Anybody done this or have any ideas?
Thanks,
Robin

18

General Discussion / Re: Differences between touring in Europe and touring in the US?

« on: May 26, 2015, 04:12:08 am »

On the whole, I'd have to say bike touring in Europe is a much more pleasant experience. I don't know about less expensive however. I do camp because it's cheap. In the U.S. one can (wild) camp in the National Forest for free. I've also asked permission of ranchers and farmers in the U.S. and have had great experiences. The rules and laws differ country to country in Europe. For example, France is very relaxed about wild camping while in Spain it is illegal. I don't care for campgrounds anyway. It was kind of entertaining in Europe. The campgrounds are packed and noisy.
The biggest difference is traffic. While Europe has its share of congested cities I never felt open hostility to cyclists like I have in the U.S. As an American, I am somewhat embarrassed by the overall cultural demonization of cyclists and pedestrians. Not ALL over the U.S. but by and large the U.S. is auto-centric. There are parts of the country that I simply will NOT ever cycle. And there are sections that are incredible! Whatever you do, have a good time and keep the rubber side down...

19

Classifieds / Wanted: Western Express route maps

« on: May 26, 2015, 03:55:22 am »

I'm looking to beg, borrow or hopefully not steal a used set of the Western Express route maps. Anybody out there have a set they want to part with?

20

International / Western Australia

« on: April 12, 2015, 01:56:31 pm »

Anybody have any info or experience cycling Perth to Broome?

21

International / Portugal: North to South

« on: March 08, 2014, 09:23:28 pm »

I got a wild hare.... That's how most of my bike trips start out. This one involves cycling from northern Portugal to southern Portugal in Novemberish. I have not picked a route but it is starting to get cool by the Atlantic coast so wherever I'm most likely to encounter favorable weather. Does anyone have any experience with this part of the world? I'd love any and all information, comments, suggestions.

22

International / Re: Flying into Paris

« on: February 22, 2014, 09:29:26 pm »

Thanks for the advice about Orly. Unfortunately It's too late to change my ticket w/out incurring ungodly fees. But I think there is a shuttle bus or Air France cars or some such to Orly.

23

International / Flying into Paris

« on: February 17, 2014, 08:55:37 pm »

I'm flying to Paris in August and making my way down to Spain by way of Bordeaux. Anybody have any experience with getting to the city from CDG? It's an overnight flight arriving at about 8 in the morning from Washington DC.  I don't sleep well on planes. Therefore I don't expect to be in very good condition to unbox my bike, put it together and cycle into the city. Just wondering if anyone has experience with vans, taxis, etc in Paris. My other thought is to leave my bike home and buy a used bike in France. Any thoughts or experience with this?

24

Connecting ACA Routes / Connecting Southern Tier to Western Express

« on: April 30, 2013, 05:47:19 pm »

I'm considering riding the Southern Tier E-> W late September until November. I'd like to connect to the Western Express near Durango, CO from Silver City NM. Anybody have any experience with this?
R-

25

General Discussion / Health/Medical Insurance while cycling abroad

« on: September 01, 2012, 09:58:01 am »

Anybody have any experience with health insurance providers while traveling abroad? I found a company or 2 but they don't specify if (God forbid) I get hurt while cycling if they will cover it.

26

Gear Talk / Handlebars

« on: July 23, 2012, 08:54:33 pm »

I am thinking of switching to a different handlebar. I am very narrow in the shoulders and my drop bars are a little wide. I'm also considering a more upright position.
Anybody know anything about the Nitto Moustache? Ever use a set? Any thoughts, opinions? I also can't seem to find the specs, like the width from handle to handle.
Thanks,
obinja

27

Gear Talk / Salsa Fargo and tires

« on: May 04, 2012, 04:36:34 pm »

And while I'm at it: I have a Salsa Fargo that I really like. I want to change the tires out because  I'm not doing too much single track touring these days and their a bit ridiculous for my purposes. I do like the bike for dirt and rough roads, pastures, creek crossings etc. The rims are quite wide as well obviously, I considered changing those out as well but maybe I leave them well enough alone. Any thoughts on tires that will fit without all the knobs? I'm going to ride this thing from Paris to Morocco (it's already in London) by way of well OFF the beaten path.

28

Gear Talk / Women and Brooks Saddles

« on: May 04, 2012, 04:20:35 pm »

I need a new saddle. I'm considering a Brooks. Any gals out there have experience with them that can shed some light?
Thanks,
Obinja

29

Gear Talk / Re: Is rain gear needed on the Sunshine coast of British Columbia?

« on: May 30, 2010, 02:40:09 pm »

Personally, I never go anywhere without raingear. You can get away with it for short day rides if you have a nice warm dry place to go should you get dumped on. I live in a "dry" climate, the American southwest to be exact and I work as a wilderness guide. Not having raingear is just irresponsible for me. Anyway, the technology has come so far anymore, you can find raingear that weighs almost nothing and can be stowed very easily. It can also work well as an extra layer if it gets chilly. Good Luck.

30

Gear Talk / Finding a Touring bike

« on: May 30, 2010, 02:35:33 pm »

I want a bike that does it all. I bought a Jamis last year and did an 800 mile basically flat tour. When I hit the Rockies, it was like hitting a brick wall (geared too high for me). It's too expensive and complicated to change the drive train. I'm starting over. I'm a short legged fairly strong but older female rider. My commuter frame is 15 " with 700 wheels. Unfortunately, I'd need a new fork and new racks for the disk brakes blah blah to convert it to a touring bike. Anyway, I feel pretty secure on the smaller frame and a long seat post. I got tanked by a pick up truck two years ago and managed to limp away with only minor injuries. The bike was totalled. I am not opposed to bailing off a bike to save my life. I'd like to be able to ride the highway as well as rough county roads (dirt, gravel, mud) on the same set of wheels and bike. Maybe even some single track thrown in. I like a steel frame for just about everything except racing.The Jamis I rode last year was a little taller. Nice ride but I never felt real safe and secure on it.
I have limited funds but I'm looking at the usual suspects out there: Salsa, Surly, Jamis. Terry is nice though a little spendy for me.
Any thoughts, suggestions out there? I'm planning a ride from Colorado to California in the fall.