Messages

781

General Discussion / cardiac pacemakers and touring

« on: February 09, 2008, 05:45:55 pm »

I am a 59 year old male.  Due to heart rhythm problems, I was fitted with a pacemaker 3 days ago.  I've been touring for about 30 years,and hope to continue.  Any other roadies out there with this condition,and, if so, how does it affect your biking in general, and multi-day touring specifically?  Any feedback is appreciated.  

May the wind be at your back!

782

General Discussion / Stealth Camping?

« on: February 09, 2008, 05:35:48 pm »

I've done a lot of stealth, or what we call "commando" camping.  Sometimes, we've had to do it because there was no place to camp and it was getting very dark.  I can camp anywhere, as long as I can get enough clean water to bathe.  I don't even care if it's hot or cold water.  Imust admit, though, that being 59 now, I will pay for the amenities of a campground or even motel with hot showers.

May the wind be at your back!

783

General Discussion / Highway question

« on: February 11, 2008, 01:48:31 am »

I've ridden over Snoqualmie many times. You have an 8 foot shoulder almost the whole way.  Your main dangers are all the stuff--boards, metal, car parts, miscellaneous items off trucks, even furniture on the riding lane.  The cars have never really been a problem especially with a ripple strip between the biker and the car lane.  There is one other hairy situation, and that's the snowshed westbound along the side of Lake Keechelus about 3 or 4 miles before Snoqualmie summit.  The shoulder is reduced to a foot or two and the section is too long to get through before the cars come, because you can't see the road back far enough when entering the tunnel.  Also, shoulders are reduced a lot over bridges, but for those you can see far enough back to wait for an opening.  Watch out, because if there's debris clogging that reduced lane width, you've got nowhere to go. Despite all of this, I like the ride--great grade, nice views, good stops in Easton, the Summit, and North Bend.  Also, use a mirror!  

May the wind be at your back!

784

General Discussion / Highway question

« on: February 09, 2008, 05:58:42 pm »

I live in the middle of Washington.  You can ride I90 all the way from Seattle to Spokane. Watch for dangerous junk on the riding shoulder anywhere on this interstate!

May the wind be at your back!