Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Canadian Border

« on: May 20, 2021, 07:04:06 pm »

I read today that current border restrictions have been extended until at least 06/21/21.
You can check:
Travel.gc.ca/travel-Covid
For detailed info.

2

General Discussion / Re: Canadian Border

« on: May 15, 2021, 09:33:29 pm »

No- bike tourism is not considered essential travel.
I recently drove from Haines, AK to Fairbanks, AK- passing though the Yukon Territory and asked this question of the Canadian border agent.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Off the Bike Shoes

« on: December 29, 2020, 01:38:33 am »

Bedrock sandals and a pair of split toe socks.

4

General Discussion / Re: United Airline Policy on Bikes

« on: May 19, 2017, 06:06:20 pm »

I second the recommendation for Bikeflights.com
I haven't used them for overseas travel, but they certainly know what they're doing from my experience within the US, including Alaska. I enjoy the delivery right to my destination address, avoiding the cumbersome airport transfers. However, I travel with a Brompton folding bike in a B&W suitcase of which they recognize the size and approximate weight. Their website has a lot of useful info, and they also provide boxes.
You also are entitled to a discount with your ACA membership.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Advice Please -- topic is what liner set to use with this sleep set up

« on: May 04, 2017, 11:56:25 pm »

I also used the neo air xlite with a quilt, plus the sea to summit reactor compact plus liner. I made sure to have a set of long underwear and warm socks.
It worked fabulously!

6

Gear Talk / Re: Ultra light sleeping bag, tent and pad?

« on: January 17, 2017, 09:35:03 pm »

Check out:
Tarptent.com    (I have been very happy with the double rainbow)
Undergroundquilts.com.      (I recommend the flightjacket series)
Thermrest NEo Air Xlite
Cheers

7

Gear Talk / Re: Packable/lightweight rain jacket, down jacket and sleeping pad recommendations

« on: December 27, 2016, 06:42:49 pm »

IMO, Showers Pass makes excellent products.
Suggestions: For serious rain protection take a look at any of the less than 10 ounce Patagonia H2No shells such as the Stretch Torrntshell or Rainbow. For light rain and wind protection I like the Houdini pullover and pants, which i lived in for damp cool weather of 45-60 degrees in SE Asia. Sometimes i take both when i am not sure of weather conditions, mail home what doesn't get used regularly.
I never travel without my Patagonia Down Shirt. The Ultralight Down Jacket is also excellent- depends on whether you want a hood.
The patagonia products are easily found discounted on the Patagonia website sale page, REI, Backcountry or Moosejaw.
A lightweight, small pack size mattress is the Thermarest Neo Air X-Lite womens version. I have no trouble with it being too noisy to sleep on (common review complaint). Its warmth has allowed me to use a minimalist sleeping quilt, rather than a full on sleeping bag, to save weight and space.
Cheers,
janet

8

General Discussion / Re: Pan-America bike tour starting from Prudhoe Bay.

« on: May 29, 2015, 01:59:39 pm »

hi per,
don't hesitate to contact me should you need assistance or a place to camp in fairbanks. i'm on the warm showers host list, and my telephone number is: 907.378.4822/ email: janetanorth@yahoo.com
regards,
janet

9

Alaska/Hawaii / Dalton Highway Closure

« on: May 28, 2015, 05:01:29 pm »

5/2015: the Dalton Highway is closed indefinitely from mile 334-415 due to serious flooding and damage. Please check the conditions before you set out for Prudhoe Bay:
www.511.alaska.gov

10

General Discussion / Re: Pan-America bike tour starting from Prudhoe Bay.

« on: May 28, 2015, 04:52:16 pm »

the Daltpn Highway is currently closed from mile 334-415 due to extensive flooding, with no plan to be reopened soon. you can follow the progress at: www 511.alaska.gov
sorry!
you might consider cycling across the Denali Highway, or heading down to Whittier and catching the ferry to Valdez.
enjoy,
janet

11

Routes / Re: Fairbanks -> Anchorage or Anchorage -> Fairbanks?

« on: February 06, 2014, 01:27:51 am »

please check my FAQ bicycle touring in alaska at crazy guy on a bike, and then feel free to ask me specific questions.
cheers,
janet

12

Gear Talk / Re: Tent - One Person and Freestanding?

« on: January 01, 2014, 03:40:32 am »

i know you said freestanding, but you might give this a look at:    www.moosejaw.com
the terra nova zephyros 1; incredible price, additional 5% off with code: RMN5
i bought one mostly to use the fly as a tarp.
cheers!

13

Routes / Re: Planning route from Anchorage to San Fransico

« on: November 29, 2013, 07:33:16 pm »

when you buy "the milepost", they will give you a code that makes their digital version available from their website.
unfortunately, it only reads from south to north- very irritating for those going the other direction.
enjoy!

14

General Discussion / Re: How to connect to the internet on the road in the US?

« on: June 06, 2013, 03:03:59 am »

if you would like to lounge around the campsite and be on the internet for long periods of time, i recommend a "hotspot" or "mifi" type device available from any cellphone provider. it is a rechargeable, stand alone, small plastic transmitter to find a wifi signal through the designated carrier. you are usually allowed up to 5 devices per account.
for the no contract option you will have to pay full retail price for the device, and then what ever they charge per GB. this isn't cheap, but it's convenient.
depending on your route, AT&T or Verizon may have the best coverage. i would check their websites.
this has worked well for me with my ipad, ipod, iphone and husband's galaxy tablet, also laptops in the past.
i would suggest setting up the device in the store, connecting your devices, and making sure there aren't any problems before hitting the road.
cheers!

15

General Discussion / Re: Fuel Canisters in Hokkaido, Japan

« on: May 30, 2013, 05:36:04 pm »

i used Primus cannister fuel all through my japan tour. i bought my stove especially for the availability of the fuel.
i googled "sporting goods store" or "camping store", and then checked what was offered.
i think snowpeak is actually a japanese brand.
enjoy, hokkaido is fantastic! the "mishi no eki" will become your best friend-it is an amazing rest stop area with food and toilets. i've even camped out back!
i also recommend a strong set of lights (many, many tunnels) and a kickstand-leaning bike against stuff is discouraged.
regards,
janet