Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Gear that I was glad to have taken

« on: November 11, 2022, 09:29:40 am »

Out where we ride, I'm more amazed at when we do have connectivity    My wife and I are ham radio operators (my name on the forum, KF8MO, is my callsign), and we take our HTs (very small portable ham radios) on tour with us. They receive, among other things, the NOAA/EC frequencies. NOAA in the US, EC (Environment Canada) up here. Don't leave home without it!

While I've never taken an HT on tour, I've set up a bike many times to run portable for community service events. What HTs do you take with you? Do you use them during the day or just to pick up weather or emergencies?

73,
K6JRS

2

Gear Talk / Re: Shorts, Liners, Tights

« on: March 11, 2022, 09:15:55 pm »

As another option, I haven't worn 'cycling' shorts, tights or bibs in well over a decade except while exculsively mountain biking. On tour, commuting or for general on/off road riding, I wear wool boxer briefs and nylon shorts. If it's cold I may add long underwear of different weights or rain pants for cold, wet conditions or as wind pants after riding. I'm in western OR so we do get our share of cool, wet days. This system has worked for years for commuting and tours over a year in duration. On long tours, I'll bring a pair of synthetic pants with zip off legs as a back up riding pair or for my fancy, in-town evening wear!

With everything touring, YMMV and ride your own ride...no matter what the industry says  you should be doing.

Jay

3

Gear Talk / Re: Quad Loc Phone Holder?

« on: March 05, 2022, 10:53:21 pm »

I've been using them for the past 3 years on my daily commute. My first phone (Samsung S5) didn't have a specific cover by Quadlock so I bought an Otterbox and attached the mount with the 3M tape they provided. That mount was used until 6 months ago with zero problems. I'm now using the same bike mount with the 3rd phone. It's easy and secure, smooth roads, rough gravel or chunky off road!

Enjoy the ride,
Jay

4

Gear Talk / Re: The shoe dilemma

« on: January 14, 2022, 08:25:17 pm »

For years I've toured riding in trail runners and wide, flat pedals. They are slightly stiffer than road running shoes and instantly comfortable and safe off the bike. With a larger platform pedal, I doubt there's much, if any, loss of 'efficiency' in my touring efforts. I strap on a pair of Crocs for camp and shower since they don't need to be packed away and it's always smart to give your feet some variety.

I went from toe clips to Look pedals when they first appeared and have used many clipless systems since, on the road and off. I only have 1 bike that still has a clipless system and that bike rarely gets ridden any longer. Try things for yourself. Don't let the group-think make your decision. I've worked in labs that did EMG studies with cyclists. All the data that seems to be regurgitated, year after year, comes from high level cyclists putting out enormous power levels. For the rest of us, it's really just personal preference.

Enjoy the ride,
Jay

5

General Discussion / Re: Hillbilly dogs

« on: January 09, 2022, 11:03:57 pm »

America is a big place. There are more roads to get to your destination than just the established routes...

6

Gear Talk / Re: Showers Pass Transit CC versus Elite 2.1

« on: January 05, 2022, 09:45:26 pm »

My family got me a pair of Showers Pass rain pants for Christmas and again they are cut for some kind of anorexic male model a 36" inseam. I was so disappointed that I cannot use them. What is up with this company, and where do they come up with their measurements? I have all brands of outdoor gear and never had a brand that had such long legs and sleeves and such a tight cut for recreational clothing. They are a small company and I want to support them but they are not doing usability studies. Not sure why some people love them.

I agree with your take on the pants. I was in the market this year to replace my rain pants for commuting through the Oregon winter. My old REI rain pants that took me around the world and back finally stopped responding well enough to the wash-in DWR treatment. I ordered a pair of the pants in Large to go with my Elite jacket and I could barely get them over my thighs and butt. There was no way I would be able to sit on a bike and pedal. Not to mention, at 5'9" 205#, they were 2-3 inches too long. I settled on the only pair I could try on locally and decided I'd be happy if they got me through until next summer.

On the other hand, I love my jacket. I've had it for 8-10 years and it still works well. Yes it is a bit bulky to pack but I don't use the hood. I really don't like the way it fits. The jacket works as well, or better, than most I've used on the bike. I don't really use front pockets while cycling, just my work ID in the chest slash pocket, and I don't think I've used the rear pocket for anything but storing the hood. I would never be mistaken for a skinny track rider, or even a moderately fit rider, but I have no complaints about fit of the jacket.

As always, your mileage may vary.

Enjoy the ride,
Jay

7

Gear Talk / Re: Best Water Bottle?

« on: September 22, 2021, 07:49:33 pm »

I'm a huge fan of the Specialized Purist waterbottles, regardless of who is selling it. They add much less of the plasticy taste to the water, I've not had any issues with growth on the inside and they have all been leak-proof (as long as the cap is screwed on completely).  They may cost a bit more but they last longer as well.

Jay

8

General Discussion / Re: List of reasons why you should not cycle the Transam bicycle route.

« on: June 21, 2021, 08:40:29 pm »

Because I'd rather find my way across the country based on my own criteria and experiences.

9

Gear Talk / Re: Kickstand love it or leave it?

« on: April 06, 2021, 11:01:51 pm »

Never had one, never missed it. It isn't about the weight, for me, it just isn't necessary. Leaning the bike or laying it down work well, gravity is always enough.

Jay

10

Routes / Re: Westport OR to Champoeg SP

« on: February 22, 2021, 09:26:33 pm »

47 is a good climb from the from the waterfront and then a screamer of a downhill, no real services until you get to Vernonia. You can camp in the 2 city parks with RVs or at a primitive site at Vernonia Lake. At that point, you can join the Vernonia-Banks rail trail. You can also camp at Stub Stewart State Park. If you get off the most direct route, there are many places to stealth camp.

There are a few ways to get in to Newberg, low traffic but no shoulders to speak of, hwy 47 has the highest speeds and traffic volume but not really that bad, logging trucks are the exception. There are a number of gravel options that get you away from traffic but add some distance.

You'll be passing right by me as you approach Newberg. Contact me if you have any specific questions or need anything.

Enjoy the ride,
Jay

11

General Discussion / Re: Average Weight Loss/Gain on Cross Country Tour

« on: December 16, 2020, 11:13:25 pm »

I lost 35# on a year long tour. I probably lost closer to 40+# since the first few weeks I stopped at every bakery. After 2-3 weeks, my appetite settled in. Sadly, I've gained it all back...

12

Routes / Re: MTB vs long haul trucker Trans America

« on: November 16, 2020, 09:23:27 pm »

I've done many miles touring off the pavement with my LHT and 26" x 50mm tires. If you're fully loaded for a cross-country trip, you likely aren't going to be trying much single track so the LHT wouldn't be very limiting. If you are mainly on some sort of pavement to somewhat maintained trails, it comes down to which bike you are more comfortable pedaling for many hours.

Either way, enjoy the ride!!!

Jay

13

Gear Talk / Re: Salsa Cutthroat vs. Co-Motion Cascadia

« on: November 12, 2020, 06:59:11 pm »

Getting one bike to fulfill multiple, diverse roles will always include compromises. Some of these can be overcome with accessories or additional gear, i.e. a second, lighter pair of wheels for an unloaded touring bike.

I'd recommend making a list of all the characteristics, ideal and nice to have, you'd like for this single bike, be generous and honest with yourself. Then circle those characteristics that are absolutes FOR YOU. Start with the bike that best matches your absolutes. Then look at the rest of the list and work out what it would take for your best match bike to meet more of the non-absolutes you've identified. If you're initially chosen bike can't be modified enough in a reasonable way to make you happy, move on to the next best match for your absolutes. Rinse and repeat.

Maybe the bike you need in the near future isn't the bike you'll need in a few years. If you start out with two or three bikes, this process likely won't take too long. However, you may quickly find yourself in need of a bigger list...Good Luck!

Jay
Enjoy the ride!

14

Classifieds / Re: VO fender set 26" with mud flaps $60

« on: July 21, 2020, 01:02:12 pm »

PM sent.

15

General Discussion / Re: Lube when long distance touring

« on: July 13, 2020, 08:35:18 pm »

On a tour around Wales a few years ago, my wife and I rode with her cousin and a friend of hers. They both rode quite a bit and maintained many bikes. Upon arriving at camp each night, they would both break out the spray cleaner and lube and clean everything as if they were at home. Their bikes were silent and worked perfectly but it was a lot of work...us watching them!!!

The key is to enjoy your ride and do it the way you want to...

Jay