16
General Discussion / Re: Chamoix cream is it worth it?
« on: July 06, 2012, 09:52:51 pm »
I had never used/needed it until i rode 5 days straight in the rain. Worth it at any price. I little dab will do you.
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17
General Discussion / Re: Share how you got $ & time off to tour
« on: June 03, 2012, 03:06:35 pm »
Here's my story. Today happens to be the 1 year anniversary of my "trip of a lifetime". It started as a dream and to be honest, i didn't ever really think it would happen. However, I had worked for several years to acquire the gear "just in case". The majority of my equipment (including bike, panniers, tent, stove, etc) was purchased used. As far as funding the trip itself, be sure to include the saving of money you won't be spending if you were living life as usual such as fuel/commuting costs, work related expenses, entertainment purchases(i had very little/need interest to seek outside "fun" while on the road, others may be different). It also helps to justify the cost by comparing what you might spend on a normal vacation.
The time came when I unexpectedly changed careers. You can read about that here www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife. The interesting thing is 2 1/2 years after I made the career change, i'm back with the same organization in a different role. So i guess I would just say have a plan in place and take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself. I'll also say i'm twice the employee i was before the trip because my perspective on so many things has changed.
Good luck!
The time came when I unexpectedly changed careers. You can read about that here www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife. The interesting thing is 2 1/2 years after I made the career change, i'm back with the same organization in a different role. So i guess I would just say have a plan in place and take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself. I'll also say i'm twice the employee i was before the trip because my perspective on so many things has changed.
Good luck!
18
General Discussion / Re: Bike shipping / Lesson learned?
« on: May 15, 2012, 08:22:55 am »
Here's another twist in the box size equation. Fedex will not cover the bike against shipping damages unless there is a couple inches clearance between the bike and the box.
19
General Discussion / Re: best pre-ride food
« on: May 13, 2012, 09:59:22 pm »
Count me in the group that needs a big breakfast to have a good ride day. Eggs seem to be my anti-bonk food, preferably with a waffle and coffee. No problems riding soon after the last bite as long as I roll slow the first few miles (which I do anyway).
20
General Discussion / Re: "Ranch Roads" in North Texas
« on: April 28, 2012, 07:43:37 pm »
I grew up in the southern Texas panhandle. Lots of true "ranch roads" are private and wander aimlessly. Most county roads are graded dirt/gravel. As another poster said, not much fun. Dust is a major issue when a car goes by you. "Farm to Market" roads are paved, most do not have shoulders, but traffic is generally light. If you want to PM your route, perhaps I can offer a little better advice. Don't miss Palo Duro Canyon. There is also a long Rail to Trail through a nice section of country. http://www.traillink.com/trail/caprock-canyons-state-park-trailway.aspx
21
General Discussion / Re: "inexpensive" supported tour
« on: April 03, 2012, 08:33:03 am »
Give Oklahoma Freewheel a look. One week supported. Inexpensive. 800 rider limit. Don't judge it until you ride it!
Have you considered putting your own "supported tour" together? Find some like minded people and split the driving obligations or find a friend to drive.
Have you considered putting your own "supported tour" together? Find some like minded people and split the driving obligations or find a friend to drive.
22
General Discussion / Re: Cheap overnight covered accommodation for Leaf Peeping tour.
« on: February 19, 2012, 10:38:18 pm »
You might also post the question here http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/232-Northeast
23
General Discussion / Re: NEW BICYCLE QUESTIONS
« on: February 09, 2012, 09:10:16 pm »
Nice bike. Should make the trip fine as is. Only possible exception might be tires. What does it have on it?
24
General Discussion / Re: Hello, I have some questions. help us plz.
« on: February 01, 2012, 07:49:46 am »
Spending time studying Crazy Guy journals is a good recommendation. McDonalds are plentiful but there are other sources of free wi fi including public libraries, coffee shops, other restaurants.
Warm Showers is excellent but there will be many places where you will be unable to find a host so you will need to plan on camping or staying in motels. KOA is a national chain of campgrounds that you can easily look at on the web. Of course, there are many, many others including state parks and national parks. There are also many private campgrounds, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
As far as timing, I would think late May, early June departure would be about right. You will encounter all kinds of temperatures along the way but nothing too dramatic.
Good luck with your journey!
Warm Showers is excellent but there will be many places where you will be unable to find a host so you will need to plan on camping or staying in motels. KOA is a national chain of campgrounds that you can easily look at on the web. Of course, there are many, many others including state parks and national parks. There are also many private campgrounds, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
As far as timing, I would think late May, early June departure would be about right. You will encounter all kinds of temperatures along the way but nothing too dramatic.
Good luck with your journey!
25
General Discussion / Re: Favorite Eating Spots
« on: January 26, 2012, 07:46:34 pm »
Guadalajara Mexican Food in South Dakota. I ate in Pierre but it looks like they have one in Brookings and Spearfish as well. The food was very good but the "soapapilla" was 
Served on a pizza pan and featured chocolate syrup, honey, whipped cream and cinnamon!
You should really take a hard look at your route and detour through Ontario and stop at Slickers Ice Cream in Broomfield
Top it off with some amazing desert from the bakery across the street. While you are in town, Broomfield Bike shop is a fun place-they don't charge tourers on labor for repairs.
Served on a pizza pan and featured chocolate syrup, honey, whipped cream and cinnamon! You should really take a hard look at your route and detour through Ontario and stop at Slickers Ice Cream in Broomfield
Top it off with some amazing desert from the bakery across the street. While you are in town, Broomfield Bike shop is a fun place-they don't charge tourers on labor for repairs.
26
General Discussion / Re: No ride reports???
« on: January 17, 2012, 09:32:18 pm »
Woohoo! Another Advrider fan! I guess you know about the bike subforums down in the bowels?
Agreed that it sets the standard but Crazyguy will grow on you once you get comfortable with the navigation. Bikeforums also has a touring subforum. http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/47-Touring
Keith
www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife
Agreed that it sets the standard but Crazyguy will grow on you once you get comfortable with the navigation. Bikeforums also has a touring subforum. http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/47-Touring
Keith
www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife
27
General Discussion / Re: Newbie to touring and trying to figure out my fitness level
« on: January 17, 2012, 07:37:08 am »
Sounds like you are good to go on fitness and the Trek will do fine on a supported tour as long as the geometry works for you day after day. For me (your age), going to a touring bike made a huge difference in comfort. You might consider slipping over to Texas this winter and ride in the Davis Mountains to see how it goes. Plenty of climbing, decent elevation, and spectacular scenery - road or mountain bike.
Welcome to touring. You are going to love it.
Welcome to touring. You are going to love it.
28
General Discussion / Re: Crossing Canadian Border
« on: January 16, 2012, 09:35:24 pm »
I crossed the border into Canada at Cape Vincent onto Wolfe Island. Very low key and uncrowded plus a couple of ferry rides to boot!
First sign said "Welcome to Canada"
Second sign said "Watch for Bikes"
Third sign said "Hands free devices only"
It was love at first sight!!
First sign said "Welcome to Canada"
Second sign said "Watch for Bikes"
Third sign said "Hands free devices only"
It was love at first sight!!
29
General Discussion / Re: Computers and the bike
« on: November 06, 2011, 08:02:36 pm »
I used a EeePC netbook on my 66 day ride this summer. Well worth it IMO. 2 of us used it to check email, store pictures (over 1500), and keep a crazyguy journal and blog current. Keeping it charged was never an issue. On a related note, i was very surprised how unreliable my att blackberry was. Had we been relying on it for directions or regular communications, we would have been in deep trouble.
Keith
www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife
Keith
www.crazyguyonabike.com/whenlife
30
General Discussion / Re: Stupid Hotel Question
« on: October 30, 2011, 11:23:04 am »
Another plug for Warmshowers. We were hosted 10 nights on our recent cross country (and were not on ACA routes most of the way). Awesome hosts. I can't say enough kind things about the people that cared for us. I might also mention that the National Parks have a "no turn away" policy for cyclists in campgrounds, even when advertised as full.
I was also amazed at how many places we were able to stay after friends and family had a look at our route. Here's just one example. My best friend from high school (back in the 70's) was looking at the route and noticed he had a cousin near the route up in Montana. Sure enough, they were 3 blocks off our route and were glad to invite us in. We had 7 of these along the way.
Have a great trip!
I was also amazed at how many places we were able to stay after friends and family had a look at our route. Here's just one example. My best friend from high school (back in the 70's) was looking at the route and noticed he had a cousin near the route up in Montana. Sure enough, they were 3 blocks off our route and were glad to invite us in. We had 7 of these along the way.
Have a great trip!