Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: Touring

« on: June 25, 2009, 12:06:45 am »

Do a search of this board and you should come up with another thread with the same topic.

If I recall, there is some high country in New Mexico that you will want to be aware of. 

32

Great Lakes / Re: Welcome to the Great Lakes Region

« on: June 06, 2009, 11:25:33 pm »

I just returned from a solo tour from west central Wisconsin to Green Bay.  I used mostly low traffic county roads, state rails to trails systems and a few State highways.  I was self supported on this, my first tour and loved it.

I plan a couple more short tours of 500 miles or so, then will look toward a major one for next year.

I do appreciate all the help offered at this site.

33

General Discussion / Re: Where to pick up a new bike?

« on: May 30, 2009, 09:48:54 pm »

Look at REI as an option.  They have stores all over and provide both quality touring bikes and equipment.

34

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: May 26, 2009, 09:36:42 pm »

Prior to leaving on a short tour I read a thread somewhere either here, Bike Forums or Crazy Guy about what people like about touring.

As I rode my first day or two I began to wonder what kind of a tourer I would be, or, if even I would like it.

I stopped in a small town restaurant to have a meal and ask directions.  The staff enjoyed our conversation as they do not get many people touring via bike.  They were very good to me. 

As it turns out a a week and a half after the end of my tour I had to take a car trip through that same town.  I stopped to have lunch. 

The owner said, "Are you that guy on a bike from a couple of weeks ago?"  We chatted a bit and as I stood in line to pay my bill, the cashier also recognized me.  It was fun to relate to these people.

For me, this and other instances may add up to the people I meet as being the enjoyable part of touring.

35

General Discussion / Re: Shorts recommendation?

« on: May 25, 2009, 04:29:09 pm »

Greetings:  I need some recommendations on affordable cycling shorts.  I'm taking a crew of three young dudes out on a multi-day tour, but they're pretty inexperienced and come from families without a lot of money.  I'm providing trailers and some other basic touring gear, but I'm putting together a gear list for all the basics they will need.  My main concern is comfort. I don't ride long distance on a conventional bike anymore.  Since getting recumbent, most of the saddle issues that bothered me are long gone.  My charges, however, will be on conventional bikes.

Do you think padded shorts are necessary?  I think so, and I'm going to recommend that that each have two pair: one to wear and another set that can be cleaned and drying for the next day.  I would like to keep the cost at under $40 per pair.  What do you suggest?  Any other hints at helping me make this a success are welcome!

Scott

I do not know what kind to buy....but...  Maybe a local bike shop would special order the shorts for your young dudes and you could get a discount.  Like maybe at cost?

36

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: May 19, 2009, 09:04:23 pm »

TY for all the comments.

I piked up a pair of Keen Commuter cycling sandals the day before I left.  When I put them on they felt just like the regular pair I have used for a couple of years.  I love them and no break in period was needed.

That said, I do need some advice.

I also took a pair of those plastic clogs that are popular to use a off bike shoes and shower shoes.

Anybody simply use their sandals as shower shoes?  I would not mind cutting down on some bulk.

Comments?

37

Gear Talk / Re: Safari Kick Stand

« on: May 18, 2009, 09:28:17 pm »

I added a Swiss made ESGE double kickstand and like it a lot.  It is very much like a light motorcycles stand.

38

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: May 17, 2009, 12:43:35 pm »

With the Menomonie, WI to Green Bay trip of 540 miles completed I now look to MN next week.  I had a ball and met so many wonderful people.  I will be making some equipment adjustments this next trip. 

I had an extra duffel bag I loaded on top of my Bob's dry sack.  I learned it was a hassle to get things out of it when needed and it was a wind catcher.

Therefore, I will compress my sleeping bag and maybe place it on the rear rack.  In addition, I will carry rear panniers to store food, stove and light gear that may be needing easier access.  Eventually I will get low rider front racks and panniers but that must wait. 

I will ride about 260 miles from central Minnesota back home to Wisconsin.   

39

Routes / Re: Milwaukee to Minneapolis

« on: May 12, 2009, 12:57:40 pm »

Check out the Wiscons Dept of Transportation site.  There are trails that will get you from the Milwaukee area to Madison, then from Madison to La Crosse.

Trails are hard on your body.  I have found it better to use county roads once out of the urban areas.  There is a bike map system that is now somewhat outdated that can help you a bit.  Check with your local quality bike shops.

40

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: May 12, 2009, 12:52:53 pm »

Rep -- I've used a Whisperlite stove on several tours and found it works well.  Obtaining fuel in other than gallon containers can be difficult.  Some outdoor equipment stores sell it in small quantities; another possibility is buying enough to fill your fuel container from  car campers who have a gallon for their camp stove (they'll probably just give it to you).  The best way to carry the fuel bottle is in a water bottle cage.  If your Safari is like mine, a cage can be mounted on the bottom of the down tube, a perfect place for the fuel. If it does leak, no problem.

If your considering additional "short" tours, a wonderful area that's not too far for you is Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly the Keweenaw Peninsula.  Adventure Cycling once rated it as one of the 10 best places to tour in the U.S.  I use to live there, and it's got many attractions for touring -- Lake Superior shoreline roads, forests, inland lakes, friendly small towns, historic sites, etc.

Thanks roadrunner

I just got back from my first solo self supported tour and am ready to head out again. 

I used unleaded gasoline in my whisperlite and it worked very well. 

Actually, I have been thinking of heading north to Lake Superior.  I was thinking Ashland, WI before heading SE to visit my sister in the Antigo area, then rolling back home through Wausau. 

41

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: May 01, 2009, 08:34:21 am »

Best of luck, and have a great ride.

One quick consideration--think about using a mirror, if you're not already.  I wouldn't ride the roads, city or country, without one.  I've been riding bikes for 50 years, and for about 35 of them with a mirror.  There have been several times I've had to take evasive action, i.e., riding off the road onto the shoulder or into the ditch, because of approaching cars from the rear looking like they're going to hit me.

I know most riders don't use them.  I've got a friend who claims he can tell by the sound if a car is coming too close.  Bou, I sure can't hear well enough to tell if a car is coming a foot or two closer to the right where I'm riding!

Again, all the best!

Thanks for the suggestion about the mirrors.  I do have one on all my bikes.  I keep an eye on approaching cars and wait to see them break for the, "line", then I know I am safe.

In addition, I run a P7 flashlight on strobe whenever I leave my garage, night or day.  I turn my lights on just like the newer autos do when their key is turned.  In addition, I have a Vetta taillight that does not wash out in the daylight.

42

Classifieds / Re: wanted - touring bike

« on: April 30, 2009, 10:21:37 pm »

Hello, I am tall (6'3" ) and am looking for a  relatively used touring bike - don't want anything older than 10 years or so.  If anyone is looking to sell, I will listen.  Thank you.  Email me at jdorman@seedsofhealth.org

I would assume you are checking Craig's List and E-Bay.  I picked up a one year old Novara Safari for $475.00 last fall.

43

General Discussion / Re: Tour Planning - Ten months out

« on: April 30, 2009, 10:18:19 pm »

Well, equipment is coming together.  I found an REI Novara Safari on Craig's list.  It was purchased new last May and I got it for $475.00

Then, on e-bay I found a BOB that was delivered yesterday.

So things are coming together and it is time to decide where to go.

I may do some statewide or regional tours next summer then plan a long 6 week type tour that next year.

Of course, I want to head out tomorrow.  That would be in a snowstorm I guess.  Not the best idea.

Drink beer, gain weight.  Ride bike, lose weight.

It is kind of fun to read this old thread.  The Safari is working out very well.  I have 700 miles on it so far this spring.  I have gathered all of the equipment I need for touring.  Well, one is never fully supplied, right?

I head out on my first regional tour in two days.  I am going solo to Green Bay, WI, a trip of 225 miles by car.  I plan on four days there, some time with family and four days back.

I can't wait.

44

Routes / The Natchez Trace Parkway in January or February

« on: April 22, 2009, 11:54:14 pm »

A friend told me about the Parkway this evening.  Does anybody have any ideas about conditions for a self supported trip in January or Feb?  Being from Wisconsin, I have the impression that all weather is great in the south during these months.  But I thought it best to ask as I may be wrong.

45

Gear Talk / Re: Novara Safari Front Rack? and Fenders?

« on: February 24, 2009, 10:27:31 pm »

I think my question can be posted elsewhere and is more of a common one, but, as I have a Safari I will post it here.

I will be touring with a BOB trailer but am thinking a front rack and panniers may be needed to spread out the weight and provide some stability.

I do know that finding a proper rack is an issue with the Safari.  Does it matter what set of panniers one acquires?  Will panniers fit any rack, or, is it best to get the rack then fit the panniers to it?

Thanks