Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Recommended routes in Texas Hill Country

« on: January 13, 2012, 01:41:53 pm »

Don:
Take a look at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=887&v=7y
There are others on the site perhaps worth looking at. (I'm relocating to north Texas and have been searching bike tours in the state, a surprising diversity.) Good riding.

2

Gear Talk / Re: cargo trailers

« on: October 17, 2011, 10:25:13 am »

I'd like to know more about how misloading a one-wheeled trailer, e.g., the BOB was the cause of a fall. How do you misload it in the first place? There are lots of reasons to fall while descending with a trailer, wind being chief among them, not to mention road conditions and other conditions of the bike itself, e.g., loose headset, hubs etc.

I had a crash back in 2004, while on an early training ride with the Bob. The bike was a MTB, dual suspension. I lost control of the front steering while traveling downhill at about 30-35 mph. The Bob was loaded with two 25-pound barbells, laid front-to-back. I believe the trailer tongue weight placed enough force on the rear of the bike to lift the front end off the road, causing the steering loss. Bob recommends not exceeding 25 mph. Bike geometry may have been a factor as well as my position (sitting back instead of leaning forward), but that's added speculation. I've done the TA since and a number of other short tours with the Bob, using a non-suspended touring bike (Atlantis). No Problems. I recently added a front pannier rack to redistribute weight more to the front as well as routine item access convenience (clothing, food, tools, etc.). Works well. Hope this helps.

3

Gear Talk / Re: BOB Trailer Ibex storage versus YAK

« on: September 26, 2011, 08:56:38 am »

Chris: Unless the design has changed, the fork on the Ibex cannot be separated from the box. You may want to check with "Bob" directly, however.

4

Routes / Re: Sierra Cascades - in the begining

« on: July 01, 2011, 01:28:10 pm »

Did you check WarmShowers.com for a possible host?

5

Routes / Re: 1 week in Maine/New Hampshire/ Massachusettes

« on: June 24, 2011, 10:55:00 am »

Yogi:
One option is mapmyride.com . Input the location you want to start from and see what pops up. The other is crazyguyonabike.com, albeit more directed to longer distance touring; however, you can search by location. The coastal routes are obviously quite scenic, but summer traffic can be an issue. Good luck and enjoy.

6

General Discussion / Re: Nightly Accomodations & Bicycle Traffic

« on: June 13, 2011, 08:40:04 am »

Mike:
You'll see on the ACA maps many possible overnights (churches, town parks, etc.) where showers plus are available. One of the advantages of ACA. In areas lacking such ACA spots,  I found it useful to stop at local libraries ahead of where I would be overnighting to see if a church or other had a contact I could call to see if I could camp. Often, they'd open the building for me. We always left a thank you note and small donation in appreciation. Have a great tour.

7

Routes / Re: Upstate NY to CT

« on: April 17, 2011, 11:16:16 am »

Have you tried Google Maps directions with the bicycle icon? I took a quick shot and it generated a 274-mile route using US 6 plus. You could then contact the NY DOT (and CT) bicycle coordinator to ask their opinions. Good riding.

8

Gear Talk / Re: Raingear

« on: March 29, 2011, 10:28:19 am »

Take a look at
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Rain-Capes.html
I used it on a TA and on other tours and found it very effective at keeping the rain off while providing plenty of ventilation. Also cheap vs. the high-tech offerings.

9

General Discussion / Re: Complete Newbie Considering Touring

« on: March 22, 2011, 09:30:53 am »

Silas:  Welcome to bicycle touring; you've started at the right place. After you've reviewed what ACA has to offer, check out "crazyguyonabike.com" for information and inspiration. Then, get out and ride. Good journey.

10

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: GPS: strictly for xcountry cycling adventure...so confused!!

« on: March 03, 2011, 01:42:51 pm »

I don't believe you can go wrong with the Garmin 60 csx. I've gone across country, shorter tours, and around my town with it. Features a bicyclist can like (and hiker; works OK for auto). Good luck.

11

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Why Every Cyclist Should Ride with GPS

« on: December 20, 2010, 04:37:48 pm »

Fred:
I hope we all never have to use this "bread crumb" track! Interesting use, though.

12

Routes / Re: Route information.

« on: November 05, 2010, 10:28:34 am »

Take a look at
 https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/local-programs-bureau/repository/bicycle/state-bicycle-routes/index.html

Also, crazyguyonabike.com , search on your route

and ptny.org , an excellent source for info on Albany routing (Erie Canal Bike Trail)

Good luck

13

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Great Divide waypoints

« on: October 30, 2010, 10:28:41 am »

Allen:
Take a look at Topofusion.com . Scott and his wife documented (gpx files) the entire route with a photo journal, to boot. An excellent complement to ACA.

14

California / Re: Cascades route map #4 2011

« on: October 04, 2010, 11:14:07 am »

Take a look at Jim Hammond's journal: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=160688&v=6
He recently completed the complete route. There are a few other journals recently completed on this route on "crazyguyonabike."

15

Routes / Re: Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail

« on: September 20, 2010, 10:16:03 am »

If you haven't looked at "crazyguyonabike.com" journals yet, do a search. I know you will find lots of good info. Also, Scott and Paula of Topofusion.com did an excellent journal with a comprehensive gpx set of files on the route. Good luck.