Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: Bike w/panniers Or BOB IBEX Trailer

« on: January 09, 2011, 02:20:35 pm »

Bob trailers can be very dangerous if not correctly loaded. I have read and met people who came close to getting killed when there Bob's became uncontrollable going down fast hills. This issue is usually left out of the great pannier vs. trailer debate.

Have toured extensively with Burley two wheel and panniers. If you compare four loaded panniers to a trailer the physics are the same when it comes to getting up a hill. The disadvantage to trailers is the possibility of mechanical problems. The advantages are easier to pack in the morning and quick detachment of the load from the bike.
James

17

General Discussion / Re: Chain Cleaner

« on: January 09, 2011, 02:03:01 pm »

In response to cleaning a chain while on tour, I take the chain off the bike and drop it into a discarded plastic bottle with some citrus cleaner,
solvent etc., whatever is readily available. Cap it and shake the bottle vigorously, remove and wipe the chain dry. Re-hang and lube. Of course you need a a quick disconnect master link for this process.

     When it comes to lube, wet lube for wet climates and dry lube for dry climates. No matter what lube you use try to put a drop on each barrel on the chain rather than the entire chain.   

18

General Discussion / What are some of the steepest grades on the Trans Am?

« on: April 26, 2010, 04:48:27 am »

 Hello, Does anybody know what are some of the steepest (percentage) grades of hills on the Trans Am?
Thanks in advance,
James

19

General Discussion / Re: Cell phone coverage on Southern Tier

« on: January 25, 2009, 05:19:57 am »

 We just finished the ST in November. We used Verizonwireless broadband for the laptop and  for the cell phones. Surprising to us the only area we couldn't get service was parts of Texas near Sanderson. We had internet connection close to 90% of the time, never having to use the motel's internet.
Good Luck, James Winner

20

Gear Talk / Touring Saddles?

« on: June 18, 2008, 09:09:45 pm »

We put all of our faith in the more experienced and tried a Brooks Saddle (Flyer w/springs). This was a good choice for us. We expedited the break in period by placing wet towels over the back sit-bone area for about 30 minutes then went for a good ride. Once the leather dried we applied Brooks saddle dressing top & bottom and we were good to go.
James

21

Gear Talk / trailer pulling and old guys

« on: June 10, 2008, 12:06:26 am »

We've toured with both panniers & trailers. We setup a experiment once to try to determine if there was a difference between panniers &  trailers.
The experiment consisted of 30 miles of flat & rolling hills, using equal weight, and identical wind conditions. The weight 60#, was equivalent to a fully loaded tour was distributed into four front & rear panniers for ride #1, and a Burley Nomad two wheel trailer was used for ride #2. Each ride was done on a separate days early in the morning so energy levels would be equal.
   The verdict? Both panniers & trailers had identical times on the bike computers. When it comes to fully loaded touring they're both equal, it's user preference.
James Winner

22

Gear Talk / Touring tires

« on: March 10, 2007, 03:53:57 pm »

I have tried the helmet, sunglass, & bar end mirrors. Never had much luck
keeping them from moving all over or completely falling off. Out of
desperation I tried a simple 3 1/2 inch motorcycle mirror from
J.C.Whitney with good quality glass. Problem solved, doesn't vibrate all
over and I have a very clear view.
   With a clear distant enough of a view you can see 18 wheelers coming
and take evasive action if necessary, but when it comes time to change
lanes etc. I always turn my head to view behind, just in case.
James2u
 

23

Gear Talk / Road bars vs. Flat bars on a Tandem

« on: November 28, 2004, 05:03:25 am »

Has anyone replaced there road handle bars for flat mtb. style handle
bars on a tandem? We're doing the Trans Am next year and I'm
thinking a more upright position could be a hand and back saver.
Thanks, James

24

Routes / LA to Phoenix

« on: June 18, 2008, 08:53:25 pm »

 You would save approx. 100 miles not having to go down to San Diego in order to start the ST.
 The roads from Riverside would be Allesandro/Gilliam Springs Rd./Hwy.60 to Beaumont and then frontage roads & Interstate 10 thru Palm Springs,Indio,Desert Center and finally Blythe.
  We are warmshowers.org hosts so if you need a place to shower & stay in Riverside look us up.
James

25

Routes / LA to Phoenix

« on: June 07, 2008, 09:23:09 pm »

  You might consider turning inward @ Huntington Beach off the Pacific Coast Route. This is an alternate to the San Diego start for the ST. The route entails Santa Ana River Trail to Riverside, Riverside to Beaumont, Beaumont to Indio, Indio to Desert Center, then Desert Center to Blythe where you connect up with the Southern Tier Route to Phoenix. Several tourers have used this route and we plan on using this route as well in September for our ST trip.

26

Routes / touring in PA amish country

« on: June 07, 2008, 09:28:15 pm »

  Try this link.

http://www.bikepa.com/

27

Routes / Astoria or Florence

« on: January 18, 2005, 05:21:57 am »

Can anyone tell me in there opinion which is the better route to begin
the Trans Am on Florence or Astoria.
thanks, James

28

General Discussion / Sana Anna River Bike Path and more

« on: December 13, 2008, 01:09:13 am »

I'm the owner of santaanarivertrail.com website. The site is'nt completely finished yet but should be within 30 days. When I get the remaining bugs fixed I would be interested in your input on how I can improve it or not.
   My wife and I ride SART  alot and live a block away from the river at Mission Blvd..Drop me a note if you ever want to hook up for a ride. Quite often we will grab breakfast or lunch at Mimi's at Waterman.
james2u at charter dot net

 

29

General Discussion / Eating and spending on a two month biking spree

« on: April 09, 2007, 04:44:42 am »

Hey Steph, Another interesting org. is Servas,
They are 'An International Host & Traveler Network of Peace Builders"
http://www.usservas.org/
James

30

General Discussion / Eating and spending on a two month biking spree

« on: March 31, 2007, 03:24:22 am »

Hi Steph!Don't let some of these folks talk you out of going on your trip.
Becoming a vagabond/wanderer for awhile could be an enriching
experience that will provide many a story to tell your children one day.
My advise, sign up for  www.warmshowers.org. The website lists folks all
over the world who can provide you with a free shower, place to sleep etc.

Namaste
James2u