Messages

1

Routes / Re: Route ideas for 300+ miles in May

« on: March 14, 2022, 08:30:49 am »

The Katy Trail in MO is 240 miles and level;
https://katytrailmo.com/katy-trail-state-park/
however, be aware that it is hard packed crushed rock/limestone(?), not paved,
thus takes a little extra energy following a rain.
The Adventure Cycling Association maps embrace it with documentation.
Highly bicycle accommodating.
Both camping and B&Bs.
~ Best of tour (where ever : ) wishes.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Tread type

« on: February 11, 2022, 07:42:34 am »

I am going to do a gravel tour this summer.  Surface will be rocky to paved.  I will be riding 42mm tires equipped on a gravel bike.  What type of tread is best for this?

I like my off-road treads to have a center bead so that when I am on pavement the ride, for me, is adequately smooth.

3

General Discussion / Re: What "riding buddies" do you take on tour?

« on: January 22, 2022, 11:00:53 am »

My critter type riding buddy
has been a postcard picture of a little fox. 
Thus, his name is Foxie.
Foxie always fits prominently in my handlebar bag,
where he and I can keep an eye on one another,
just in front of my ACA Maps
& a New Testament (my other buddy).

4

General Discussion / Re: Happy New Year!

« on: January 02, 2022, 09:08:33 am »

How about you?  Are you planning any tours in 2022 and if so, where?

Thanks John.
Happy New Year wishes to John & all.
Blue Ridge Parkway / Skyline Drive.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Using a gravel bike for C2C ride - what am I missing?

« on: December 12, 2021, 08:34:09 am »

Kiz - In my view, you're good to go as you posted. 
Regarding the trailer ....
if you are going to use one
i'd encourage you to be 100% attentive as to how the manufacturer describes how the weight load is to be:
1. limited; &
2. distributed within the trailer bed.
Keep us posted as your planning progesses futher?

6

General Discussion / Re: The more expensive tires are the least expensive.

« on: December 10, 2021, 07:38:17 am »

The cost of the tires (& tubes, if i'm running 'em)
when compared to the total cost of a tour,
both in dollars and time spent organizing and executing,
along with the justifiably based added peace of mind while on the spin,
makes the decision for me.

7

General Discussion / About trailering one's pet dog while touring?

« on: November 18, 2021, 07:41:28 am »

Any thoughts (pro and con : ), tips and/or true life adventure accounts of
trailering one's pet dog while touring?
I thank you.

8

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

« on: November 11, 2021, 09:01:34 am »

Oh yeah .... with fall having arrived ....
here is another of my fav.s ...
fallen leaves from time to time crunching under the tires.
Also, hearing the squirrels scampering about those fallen leaves,
as they are accumulating their food stores for the coming winter.

9

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

« on: November 11, 2021, 07:50:46 am »

Was out on a spin yesterday and began asking myself what are the 'sounds' i hear
(i.e., not from earbuds : )
while cycling
that i don't hear when not & that i really like.
For example, a favorite for me, absolutely,
is sand & gravel crunching under fat tires.
What are your fav.s?

10

General Discussion / Re: Best book you've read on bicycle travel

« on: October 25, 2021, 07:56:14 am »

What's your favorite bicycle touring book and WHY?

Though not a story or journal about touring ....
a thoroughly detailed* & well organized 'how to text.'
Why is it my favorite?
Cause it, more than any other information source,
enabled me to fully appreciate touring with the minimal self-inflicted : ) trials & errors.
I relish re-reading quickly thru it about once every 5 years to remind myself
of how much I have forgotten &/or still never knew!
Available from the Adventure Cycling Store:
https://www.adventurecycling.org/cyclosource-store/search-results/sp/essential-touring-cyclist/
*Full dislosure ~ It does not address current digital/internet-dependent gear.

11

General Discussion / Re: Best book you've read on bicycle travel

« on: October 25, 2021, 07:39:20 am »

I also enjoyed Miles From Nowhere, but I would have a hard time saying exactly why it is so good. Perhaps the tragic fate of its author adds to its mystique.

Does the book have a sad kind of an ending John? 
I am ready to grab a copy but have gotta refrain from doing so if the ending is sad.
Thanks in advance for your hoped for update.

12

General Discussion / Re: Tents, locks, kickstands, gear protection, and hauling stuff

« on: October 16, 2021, 07:30:05 am »

... bungies ...  Look at all the broken ones you see on the road. 

: ) a most worthy point.

13

General Discussion / Re: Tents, locks, kickstands, gear protection, and hauling stuff

« on: October 15, 2021, 07:18:18 am »

attaching with bungee cords

While bungee cords are a modern convenience miracle,
if one breaks as you are in motion and entangles in your spokes
it may not be good.
I'd encourage you to consider good straps
in lieu of bungees?

14

Routes / Re: US bike route 21 Atlanta to Chatanooga

« on: October 04, 2021, 09:31:36 pm »

Oops , I screwed up. my destination host posted Asheville by mistake .

No prob at all ... lots of us (i include myself : ) enjoy dreaming about routes as much as we doing riding 'em !!!
You helped me recall about the previous fun times i have had on the Cherokee to Asheville slab
and, as said, you got me dreaming about the next time i'll be able to give the Blue Ridge Parkway my next spin !!!

15

Routes / Re: US bike route 21 Atlanta to Chatanooga

« on: October 04, 2021, 10:20:06 am »

... Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee into Asheville.  Take lots of water!...

Pat does knoweth that of which he speaketh.