Messages

16

Routes / Re: Anyone cycled the Pacific Coast Trail in October?

« on: August 06, 2017, 07:55:47 pm »

I traveled from Seattle to the San Francisco Bay area via the Pacific Coast route in mid-October a number of years ago. I spent most of the time in my rain pants and rain jacket. Not heavy rain during my ride, but cool, overcast and misty. That said, you can have some very nice days on the coast during that time of year. Can't tell you about camping since on that trip it was a credit card trip.

17

General Discussion / Re: Best Route from Mt. Bachelor to LA

« on: May 15, 2017, 05:06:25 pm »

I sent you my contact info through the "my messages" function on this site.

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General Discussion / Re: Best Route from Mt. Bachelor to LA

« on: May 11, 2017, 11:30:17 pm »

Some thoughts - riding from Bachelor to LA will mean riding through some heavily populated areas and while a route can be devised through those populated areas that will be 'safe' (and that is never a given), there is much to be considered. Also, any route from Bachelor to LA will require crossing some mountains. If you travel from Bachelor to the coast to join the Pacific Coast Route, there will be climbing over the Cascades plus climbing the Coast Range, then there will be climbing along the coast. Plus, once in California on the coast route the route is, in my opinion, less rider friendly than Oregon, particularly if this is your first cycling tour and riding with teenagers and young children. If you travel south from Bachelor using 97, which is generally a good cycling route with, for the most part, good shoulders, then you will have a decision to make when you reach K. Falls. Either continuing generally south on 97 to California, or taking 39/139 from K Falls to eventually connect with 299 to Redding, then south through the valley until, at some point, you will need to decide how you want to navigate the population centers in Northern California (Sacramento, the Bay Area). There are so many issues to consider, which is likely why you are not seeing many responses to your request. There is no easy answer. If you live in Central Oregon, since you mentioned Bachelor, I would be willing to help you explore possible routes. Let me know.

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Gear Talk / Re: Surly, Trek, Soma....???? I'm overwhelmed; please help!

« on: May 01, 2017, 11:41:24 pm »

You may want to consider a Waterford. They are steel frames and built to how you want to ride. Not inexpensive but if you want to tour, then spending some cash for a bike that fits you to a T may be a something to consider. My spouse and I both have Waterfords and from my spouse's perspective, once she acquired the Waterford she enjoyed touring far more than when she had the Trek. But as I said, the cost may be uncomfortable.

20

General Discussion / Re: Do i need lights and a handlebar mirror for Pacific Coast in July?

« on: April 09, 2017, 07:41:23 pm »

I am in agreement with DaveB. I, too, use the same type bar end mirror, and when touring I always have a rear light. I have never used a front light. As for the tunnels on the Oregon Coast, there are two and both have a flasher system that you activate before entering that warns drivers there are bikes in the tunnel. They are not particularly long. One tunnel is slightly uphill. My approach has been to wait for a suitable break, hit the flasher, then pedal hard to quickly get through the tunnel.

21

Routes / Re: Coos Bay Bridge Bypass Yes and No?

« on: March 29, 2017, 12:40:47 am »

I don't have access to the map details you are referencing, but on the third trip from Seattle to Santa Rosa along the coast I decided to try 101 through Coos Bay and south instead of taking the recommended route that runs on the west side of Coos Bay to Charleston and then Seven Devils Road to Bandon. That was not one of my better decisions. It was a miserable ride on 101. I do not mind traffic, but there was just too much traffic and no shoulders and I had zero fun. Future trips I continued to take the Seven Devils Road route. As to crossing McCullough Bridge, I never had an issue with that bridge (unlike crossing the Astoria Bridge where, for me, the pucker factor was on high until I reached the apex and started descending into Astoria). Also, several times I just walked the bridge on the pedestrian walkway when the winds were whipping. Perhaps they have changed 101 since the last time I did this ride was just over seven years ago, but I would counsel against using 101 through and south of Coos Bay.

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Routes / Re: English gentleman doing San Fransisco to New York City ride - June/July 2017

« on: December 01, 2016, 02:40:44 pm »

If you are considering the Transamerica route, it intersects the Atlantic route north or Richmond, Virginia, which has a side route into NYC. See if that will work for you.

23

Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar Rearview Mirror

« on: July 26, 2016, 11:26:36 am »

Well yes, butterfly, of course. That would be a 'duh' on my part.

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Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar Rearview Mirror

« on: July 25, 2016, 11:17:55 pm »

I have been using Cateye bar end mirrors on my drops for at least the last 25 years. The mirrors are not convex and I have never broken one but I have replaced one just because. Vibrations? Yes, but not so that I cannot ascertain what is behind me and it depends on whether I am in the drops or on the hoods and the road surface on which I am traveling.

25

Routes / Re: Wintertime Pacific coast OR Sierra C?

« on: July 03, 2016, 12:52:01 pm »

Take the Pacific Coast route. It may be wet, but roads will be open; services will be available; and temperature will not be extreme. The Sierra Cascades, in the winter, is not recommended. Closed roads because of snow; very cold temperatures; and closed campgrounds and services.

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Gear Talk / Re: Continental Touring Plus

« on: June 24, 2016, 04:32:29 pm »

Like you, I do not enjoy riding on Schwalbe tires. I ride on Continental Gator Hardshells, 700x25 or 28's, and I have never had a problem. Flats will happen, regardless of the tire, but I have found that the Continental Gator Hardshell minimizes those inevitable flats (or, I have just been lucky since switching to Continentals about 10 years ago).

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General Discussion / Re: Suggestions on getting bike and rider to Oregon? Shuttle? Fly? Train? Rental Car

« on: June 16, 2016, 08:26:41 pm »

When I have traveled somewhere to begin a ride I have used UPS. I acquire a bike box, dismantle (somewhat) the bike (wheels, pedals, seat, turn the handlebars); pack into the box and surround with peanuts, then ship to a hotel where I will spend a day putting the bike together. I usually use a bike box for the bike and some gear and a second box for my wheels. I generally ship at least a week before I start the ride since I want to ensure the bike is at the hotel before I arrive. I don't like using the peanuts but they are light, fill the box to minimize movement and limit the possibility of damage during shipment. I also use hard foam to protect my derailleur. I hate shlepping stuff through an airport or finding transportation that will have room for my bike and gear if I do not intend to leave directly from an airport, and I rarely leave directly from an airport.

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Routes / Re: Pacific Coast Route North to South

« on: May 21, 2016, 11:42:58 pm »

September is a better month for weather, particularly in Northern California. Riding the coast in Northern California during the summer you will have a better than even chance to encounter fog and cold. Plan accordingly.

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Routes / Re: El Nino impact on Sierra Cascade route this spring?

« on: March 26, 2016, 06:16:53 pm »

There are a number of pros and cons for riding on an interstate but I must ask, Jamawani, what the heck do you do to make it immoral? Should we be averting our eyes?

As for traffic on U.S. 97 in Central Oregon - as was pointed out, there are good shoulders. Insane traffic? Well, that has to be in the eye of the beholder. Traffic on 97 from K. Falls to Bend is anywhere from 4,000 per day to 20,000 per day as you approach Bend. The part of 97 that is on the ACA route has less than 10,000 vehicles per day. If you ride in any sort of traffic, you will likely not find this volume a bother. And again, good shoulders.

I agree that you may find the rim road and the north entrance to Crater Lake closed in early June, but if it is, you may wish to consider another road beside  Oregon 230 on the west side of the lake. For the most part, that is a narrow, no shoulder road, and while traffic is manageable, for me, when riding it, it can be stressful.

I second Jamwani's suggested route of Bieber, Lookout Road, and 139/39 to K. Falls as an alternative around Shasta. Good road. Not much traffic.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

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Gear Talk / Re: Mirrors

« on: March 05, 2016, 10:48:27 am »

To remedy the reading glass issue, I now wear progressives so I have zero problem with seeing the road, the bike computer, or the bar end mirror that I use. You might wish to consider progressives.