Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Getting my bike case from the start of my ride to the end

« on: July 16, 2010, 06:45:36 pm »

I make a motel reservation at the end point and then tell them that I will have 1 piece of luggage arriving that I want them to hold for me until my arrival date. I recently shipped my box from Florida to Maine with FedEX Ground, about $35 and a week or so travel time. It took me 2 months to do the ride. Be sure to specify Ground. I spend a couple of extra dollars for the insurance as it is a fairly expensive box for my S&S equipped Co-Motion Americano.

2

Routes / Elevation chart for Atlantic Coast route?

« on: February 13, 2010, 02:31:51 am »

Does anyone know where I can find an elevation chart for the ACA Atlantic Coast route?

3

Routes / Atlantic Coast route, best time for weather?

« on: October 14, 2009, 01:48:41 am »

I am planning an unsupported ride from Jacksonville, Fl to Boston leaving late April or early May 2010. About 1800 miles in, say, 6 or 7 weeks. What kind of weather can I expect? Would a late August or early September departure be better weather wise? Any other comments or tips about that route would also be appreciated. Anyone out there want to join me?

4

General Discussion / Re: ACA Maps are Way Small.

« on: September 28, 2009, 11:02:52 am »

Jennifer. maybe you could ask for ACA volunteers to help with the initial input. Another thought is to get a small rectangular plastic magnifier to put over the narrative in one's handlebar map case. I think Staples or Office Depot may have them.

5

General Discussion / Re: ACA Maps are Way Small.

« on: September 27, 2009, 12:25:58 am »

Jennifer,
Has ACA ever considered making the narrative portion of the maps available on-line with a password given to those who purchase the map? That way one could print out in large type size of one's choosing the various narratives to take on tour with the map.

6

Gear Talk / Re: fenders....fairly lame question.

« on: September 14, 2009, 01:24:34 am »

Check out this article by the late Sheldon Brown: http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/fenders.pdf  I use SKS fenders.

7

Connecting ACA Routes / LAX to Southern Tier

« on: August 25, 2007, 02:28:23 am »

I live in San Diego and have a few ideas for you. Please click on my profile and email me directly. George (also)

8

Classifieds / touring shoes

« on: November 30, 2005, 09:36:37 pm »

I've worn my Shimano SH-M038 spd shoes for about 12,000 riding miles (including coast to coast) and there is still life in them, although I do have a new pair in the closet awaiting. I have a very wide foot, so I have to let them out just a bit, but they have served me well and I highly recommend them.

George Olmstead
San Diego

9

Gear Talk / Co-motion Americano vs Norwester Tour

« on: December 16, 2008, 10:17:20 pm »

Amercano. You will not regret it. It is about as bomb proof as they come and certainly nimble enough. If you plan on flying with it, check the current extra airline charges for a bike (wow!!) then get the S and S couplers, but skip the Co-Motion soft case and get the S and S 10" edge pull hard case" with 4 compression members and the mesh bag. http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_hard.htm If I am flying in and out of different cities, I just Fed-Ex Ground ship the empty case to the final city (friend, motel, bike shop, whatever). Co-Motion has a free fit kit instructions which worked well for me. Don't worry about never having ridden one. Here are 2 other articles to look at: http://www.sandsmachine.com/m_ac_1.htm and http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/comotion.pdf

George
San Diego

10

Gear Talk / Sandals

« on: October 01, 2008, 01:41:18 am »

I have a wide foot and formerly used MTB shoes (with SPD cleats). After a few hours, my feet would ache. Not anymore. I have recently switched to the Shimano sandals (SH-SD65S, reg $79 on sale at colorado cyclist.com for $55), and I a very pleased with them. The cleats are sold separately. I wear an 8 1/2 shoe, so had to decide between a size 41/42 or a 43/44. The smaller size was too snug. The larger size works just fine. Go here for more discussions about sandals:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=9&Topic=2121&keywords=sandals

George
San Diego

11

Gear Talk / Touring tires

« on: April 02, 2007, 01:36:38 am »

I have recently purchased the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme from
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schwalbe.asp
and am delighted with them. Low rolling resistance, very tough tire, long expected mileage, a very comfortable ride. I definitely recommend them for loaded touring. They have only been out for a month or so and not every dealer may actually have them in stock. Be sure to ask if you place an order.

George
San Diego

12

Gear Talk / Touring tires

« on: February 28, 2007, 07:10:14 pm »

nashbar.com has Panaracer Pasela TG Road Tire on sale for 1/2 price.
700x35, folding bead, Kevlat belt-$12.45.
Harris Cyclery (Sheldon Brown) carries these, so they must be good. I am considering a set of Continental Top Contact for a long tour, but they are very pricy (59 on-line, 65 at LBS)

George
San Diego

13

Gear Talk / Lower Gearing on Road Bike

« on: June 21, 2006, 04:32:09 am »

I have 2 bikes, both of which are "foldable" and fit in standard airline sized cases without extra fees. One is a road bike, Ritchey Break-Away, and the other is a touring bike, Co-Motion Americano Co-Pilot. Both were built with a 46-34-24 front chainring and a rear 11-34 cassette, for a gear inch figure of 19. No problems. The Ritchey has STI levers and the Co-Mtion has bar end shifters. I have ridden the Ritchey from Seattle to Boston, in Spain and in New Zealand. I love having the low gears when needed, and gladly give up a couple of high gears for the trade-off. The Co-Motion was built at the factory, but the Ritchey had several changes made by a local Ritchey dealer, Hi-Tech Bikes in San Diego, before I took delivery. Call me if you would like to discuss further. George  619-223-8933

George Olmstead
San Diego

14

Gear Talk / TIRE TALK

« on: June 24, 2006, 03:46:00 am »

I am using 700x23 Specialized Armadillos on my road bike and am quite happy with the ride. I will switch to Armadillos for my touring bike the next time I need tires for it.

George Olmstead
San Diego

15

Gear Talk / gear help

« on: June 28, 2005, 03:14:31 am »

Pam, I found the answer to your question about a small speaker for you iPod, or other MP3. I bought it today at Fry's Electronics for $39. It is a Sony model SRS-T33 that weights 6 oz, including the 2 AAA batteries (not included) is 7" long and 1.5" wide and plugs into the headphone jack on the iPod. It might also be on their catalog site at outpost.com. Or type " Sony SRS-T33" into Google and you will see several sellers, one for $30. Not great fidelity, but I did not expect that, however it is certainly acceptable. I plan to velcro it to my handlebar bag and also use it in camp (with rechargeable batteries). Mine is "pink", which I usually really dislike, but it is actually more of a salmon color and just fine. Let me know what you think.

George Olmstead
San Diego