Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: What to do with your stuff on days off??

« on: July 29, 2011, 01:24:15 pm »

I've done some multi-day supported rides that went through small towns, rural roads.  On those I generally didn't even think about leaving my bike unattended down the street when I went to eat or whatever.  Mainly small towns and on those rides there were a bunch of other bikes around.  But, if it was a bigger town by myself I probably would just try to keep an eye on it.  And like you guys said, try to hide stuff.  I guess you can't worry about that kind of think too much, otherwise you wouldn't have any fun, you'd be too busy worrying about your stuff!!  Thanks again!

32

General Discussion / Re: What to do with your stuff on days off??

« on: July 29, 2011, 09:48:40 am »

That makes sense, I guess it is mainly common sense kind of stuff.  It is sad that a cyclist would steal something, but you're right, they're probably the ones that would need something we have, or know how to work a release or something.  I have a friend that had his bike stolen on RAGBRAI a few years back.  It was a bummer for him, and with 10,000 or whatever,  other people around, makes you wonder.  Now he's VERY protective of his bike!!  Thanks!!

33

General Discussion / What to do with your stuff on days off??

« on: July 28, 2011, 04:44:02 pm »

I haven't done any self-supported tours yet, YET, so I'm not sure how it's supposed to work, and maybe it's a dumb question anyway.  I've been reading some blogs and journals of some people that have done or are doing some long tours and I was wondering, what do you do with your campsite, bike, bags, etc. when you go to the store or go see sights or whatever?  Has anybody had any problems with theft or vandalism or anything or are you far enough removed from everything that that's not an issue?  A bike you can lock up, and some of the panniers have a cable lock I think, but what about a tent, or does everything come with you all the time?  Thanks! I enjoy reading everybodies stories!!!

34

General Discussion / Re: Leaving tomorrow!

« on: July 27, 2011, 04:19:57 pm »

Keep at it!!  You'll be a better person for it!  And eventually you'll run into some cooler weather, might take a while, but it'll come and that will make everything more enjoyable.  It's like 110 degrees with the heat index and windy here today, so I'm skipping my weekly ride altogether.  I don't enjoy that kind of heat!!  Have fun!!!

35

General Discussion / Re: Cycle greeting etiquette mystery?

« on: July 27, 2011, 04:16:44 pm »

I try to wave or at least give the "finger wave" from the hoods.  Yeah it sounds like that guy passing you was taking it way too serious!!  There have been times when I'm struggling up a hill or something like that, when I know I don't do a great job waving or saying hi, but I think I do a pretty good job.  And when somebody doesn't wave back or yells at me, I just blow em off as either 1 - an idiot or 2 - they were in the moment and focused on riding.  I try to put a positive spin on it, but sometimes they're just idiots!!  I suppose some of the female riders could have been totally smitten with my manliness and were just tongue tied!! Probably not, but maybe!

36

Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar bag for carbon bars??

« on: July 27, 2011, 09:45:26 am »

Yeah, I have one of those little top tube bags as well.  It does what I intended it for, but I don't like hitting my knees on it either, it bugs me.  I found a small Avenir handlebar bag, the metro mini, which, from the looks of it, is small, what I was looking for, and attaches with velcro.  I'm going to get one and check it out.  It's not very expensive, and MIGHT be just what I'm looking for.  I'll let everybody know when I get it.  Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it!!!  My first "long" ride is in a month, well month and half or so, I'm excited!!

37

Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar bag for carbon bars??

« on: July 26, 2011, 10:31:10 am »

From what I've read and the different companies (bars, bags, mounts) that I've talked to, it sounds like a bad idea for me to any kind of bag on my bars.  I still think a velcro mounted one may be the way to go if I keep it light.  On the next bike I just won't use carbon bars.  I've also seen frame bags for road bikes.  Anybody have any experience with those? They don't look very big, but probably big enough and accesible enough for what I want to use it for.

38

General Discussion / Re: Your top 5 things to take on tour

« on: July 26, 2011, 10:10:49 am »

Don't really have anything to add to what everybody has already said.  But have a good time!!! and use sunblock and chamois buttr!!!

39

General Discussion / Re: Leaving tomorrow!

« on: July 26, 2011, 09:47:23 am »

Thanks Mark! Have a good, safe trip.  From what I've read on your blog so far, it sounds like quite and adventure!!!  Enjoy!  See the sights, don't push yourself too hard, that takes the fun out!! (in my opinion anyway!!)

40

General Discussion / Re: Best seat for your butt

« on: July 26, 2011, 09:39:52 am »

I've ridden a Selle Italia Pro Link for years and thought it was good.  Switched to the newer version two years ago, the Pro Link Lite Gel flow, or something like that.  It was okay.  Just recently bought a Selle SMP Pro, kinda funny looking but super comfy!!  www.theprosstuff.com among others sell them.  They are expensive, but prosstuff has a demo deal which is very cool.  Worth trying!!

41

Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar bag for carbon bars??

« on: July 15, 2011, 11:25:31 am »

Oh yeah, thanks! I checked those out and you're right they look the same.  Klickfix has a "mini" bag that I think is just what I need.  I'm not trying to carry a lot, just the few extra things to get out of my pocket!!  Thanks again!!

42

Gear Talk / Re: Handlebar bag for carbon bars??

« on: July 15, 2011, 09:27:45 am »

Thanks!  It looks like the mount doesn't have the sharp clamping edge that it seems like they all have now.  Any idea if that style is still available?  Do you know how old it is?  I looked on their site and didn't see it, so I sent them an email.  Thanks again for the help!!

43

Gear Talk / Handlebar bag for carbon bars??

« on: July 13, 2011, 09:33:00 am »

Anybody have any experience with using a handlebar bag on carbon bars?  I know you're not supposed to attach any brackets to the bars so I was looking for one that attaches with velcro.  I've come across a few on the internet, but they look like they all attach on top of the stem, which might work, but then the computer has to move to somewhere else.  I'm just wondering if there is one that goes on the front.  Just a smallish one for camera, snacks, phone, maybe a tube.  Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks