Messages

16

Routes / Re: pacific coast

« on: February 14, 2011, 01:09:17 pm »

I just did that tour last summer. For most of the route finding a place to stay should be no problem. There is an area in California called Big Sur that has fantastic coastline but few towns, I would plan ahead for a place to sleep between Monterey and San Simeon.

Have fun,

17

Gear Talk / Re: Biking Shorts/Pants

« on: December 12, 2010, 02:29:00 pm »

I tour with my lycra shorts, but I have a pair of nylon hiking shorts that I slip on as soon as I get off the bike for almost any reason. One big advantage, besides modesty, is that the hikeing shorts can hold my wallet, camara, and phone. In other words things I don't want to get lose if the bike gets stolen.

18

Cycling Events / Re: Los Angeles to New York June to August 2011

« on: December 07, 2010, 01:01:24 pm »

A skinny shoulder is something I could deal with, but head winds suck. I've know some that have gotten lucky and said it wasn't bad. You might be one of the lucky ones.

Yosemite is great, last year there was still snow on the roads in June. If it is clear, June would be a great month (not to crowded).

I went through Death Valley in the winter months. The temp got in the high 60s F and as low as 30s F at night. I would not consider it in the summer months although others have. They don't call it Death Valley for nothing.



 

19

Cycling Events / Re: Los Angeles to New York June to August 2011

« on: December 04, 2010, 04:44:56 pm »

If at all possible I suggest heading from SF to LA, here's why;

1) Prevailing winds are north to south
2) The shoulder is wider on the seaward side of the road
3) The view is better

20

Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Sandals

« on: November 23, 2010, 12:29:39 pm »

I've used the Shimano, the Lake, and the Lake I/O sandals. I've also tried on the keens as well.

The Keen's were a narrow fit which was kinda odd since Keen had a rep for wider more comfortable shoes. The Shimano's were good, but then they switched the way they made the straps just when I needed a new pair, so I switched to the Lake sandals. They had a good stiff sole but were hard to walk in compared to the Shimano. Then I got the Lake I/O sandals, the right combo of stiffness and still be able to hike around in them. They also have a large toe box, (I wear 10 1/2 EEE New Balance) plus I don't look like a dork walking around in them.

21

Gear Talk / Re: ToUrIng SHoEs

« on: November 23, 2010, 12:01:29 pm »

I completed a tour of the Pacific Coast this summer using platform pedals. I noticed that about 30% of the other touring cyclist I met along the way were also using platform pedals. However most of those people were wearing MTB shoes w/o the cletes attached. They sited a stiff sole but can still walk around as the main reason. I used Lake I/O Sandals and was very happy with them.

22

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 20, 2010, 07:51:33 pm »

With Arkel TT-84's on the back there would be a lot of weight directly over the rear axle, and maybe a little bit behind the axle as well. That would make the front wheel a little light and you could lose some control. I like the idea of the Radical side bags, but I suggest that you do a combination of rear rack bags and Radical side bags. This will spread out your weight, increase your balance, help with organization, and increase the capacity.

"Mr Bent", a fourm contributor, used that method on his Short Wheel Base (SWB) Underseat Steering (USS) recumbent when he did his trans-am. I thought he said the combo worked real well. 

23

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 17, 2010, 07:44:43 pm »

I've used the Arkel 60's on my trike, and long wheel base bike. I've used the smaller Arkel 40's with an under seat rack as well. If you tell me what kind of recumbent you have, I can focus my comments to better suit needs.

Neal