31
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: July 16, 2024, 06:21:36 pm »
Thanks for the feedback
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32
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: July 12, 2024, 10:32:48 am »
Whoops did not mean to hijack the thread. Ok if I remove my post and start new thread or too late?
Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the feedback
33
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: July 12, 2024, 10:07:29 am »
Has anyone ridden thru Varney, MT instead of Ennis, MT? It would be a shortcut, but my real interest is possibly being more fun (less traffic) than 287 thru Ennis. It is entirely gravel, so not sure how tough it would be, but google thinks it is a good bike route (and google is often conservative on gravel, but sometimes wrong). No services, although I have had good luck (tour + restroom + water fountain) visiting fish hatcheries in other states.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47532082
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47532082
34
Gear Talk / Re: EBike cross-country experience
« on: June 28, 2024, 01:43:25 pm »
Oh yes, and mileage varies but we aim for 250 miles per week in mountains and up to 350 miles per week on flattish bike trails. We use one rest day per week, so 40-60 miles per day I guess
35
Gear Talk / Re: EBike cross-country experience
« on: June 28, 2024, 01:40:24 pm »
I need to review alternates, but currently have a difficult 70 mile with 4000 feet of climbing day between casino near Lander and Dubois. That day is why we have 4 batteries, and even then it will be close I think
36
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: June 28, 2024, 01:31:22 pm »
My current attempt at Dillon CO (our bikes are being overhauled at Cove Bike and Shop next week while we visit with family) to Hot Sulphur Springs: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47331480
I recently figured out Custom Cues on RWGPS. Nice as that allows us to "see" POI's on our GPS head units or hear them on our phones.
I recently figured out Custom Cues on RWGPS. Nice as that allows us to "see" POI's on our GPS head units or hear them on our phones.
37
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: June 28, 2024, 01:11:31 pm »
Thanks, John. We will probably do that alternate GDMBR segment.
I am also trying to figure out the maze of small roads and bike paths (eg, Blue River Trail) coming out of Silverthorne. Looks likely that one can avoid the first 10 miles of Rt 9 NB from Silverthorne at the expense of a few extra miles. Lots of traffic there on Rt 9, as you say (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ab7c09a831be45148991181947a97e12/page/Main-Page-/?views=Layers)
Matt
I am also trying to figure out the maze of small roads and bike paths (eg, Blue River Trail) coming out of Silverthorne. Looks likely that one can avoid the first 10 miles of Rt 9 NB from Silverthorne at the expense of a few extra miles. Lots of traffic there on Rt 9, as you say (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ab7c09a831be45148991181947a97e12/page/Main-Page-/?views=Layers)
Matt
38
Gear Talk / EBike cross-country experience
« on: June 28, 2024, 11:29:15 am »
My wife is currently riding an ebike across the country with me, west bound from Rehoboth Beach DE to Astoria OR. She has a Specialized Vado SL that is a couple years old (frame is carbon, I see they switched to aluminum in latest versions), and I have a Salsa Cutthroat (non-electric). We are currently taking a break until 8 July to see kids and grandkids, having left our bikes at Cove Bike and Ski in Dillon CO for service while we drive to Boulder for family. We recently rode over Hoosier Pass to get to Dillon, but our trip is not over. I feel confident that we can make it to Astoria 'if the creek don't rise'. At our age (66 & 68), arthritis and other things are a problem (esp for me), but I will skip that discussion and focus on the ebike.
My wife's Vado SL (33# empty) can carry extender batteries in std Specialized bottle cages, so we carry 4 of those (I carry one of them on my Cutty). Typically, she uses 2 or 3 extenders if mountainous, having set the controls to use extenders first, and typically the main battery is over 50% at end of the day. We anticipate using 4 extenders in Wyoming. Using extender first supposedly is bad, but battery health is over 90% after 2 years of use, and seems necessary for highest capacity with multiple extenders, even if battery health declines a bit. BLEVO phone app is good for seeing data on batteries (e.g, tells you if firmware needs updating) - Specialized app is not as forthcoming. We carry 2 charger bricks so that all batteries can be charged in a few hours every night. We stay at motels or warm showers (no camping) and have not charged during the day so far. Carrying extra batteries is heavy, but it is analogous to carrying gasoline for a car trip thru the desert. It is definitely extra weight but the extra power dwarfs the weight issue.
We tested multiple battery strategies in 3 different short tours the year prior to starting across the US on Skyline Drive in Virginia, trails to DC and Pittsburgh and back, as well as across Florida. I changed some eqpt on the Vado (racks, fenders, brakes, chainring) in that period. All but the chainring we considered to be essential. The stock rack bent under wear of a test tour so I went with old main mountain (OMM) front and rear which required removing rear fender/light combo. I added PDW metal fenders (bent them to fit in fork) which gives her much more clearance to tires in case of mud. Including batteries, she is carrying 40-45 lbs I think. We will see once the bikes get weighed in Missoula.
My wife's FTP is about 50 watts, and we set the 3 levels of support at max of 80W, 120W and 240W. As you may well know, you get a lot more miles out of low power level than high, so "miles per battery" rating is highly dependent on user and terrain and temperature (below 40F, you get less capacity). She would not be this tour without the ebike, which allows her to go the same speed as me which is pretty great. While throttle type ebikes ridden at 30 mph may lead most of us to curse ebikes as a group, my wife's ebike has been an enormous blessing for her which is wonderful to see.
Matt Dwyer
My wife's Vado SL (33# empty) can carry extender batteries in std Specialized bottle cages, so we carry 4 of those (I carry one of them on my Cutty). Typically, she uses 2 or 3 extenders if mountainous, having set the controls to use extenders first, and typically the main battery is over 50% at end of the day. We anticipate using 4 extenders in Wyoming. Using extender first supposedly is bad, but battery health is over 90% after 2 years of use, and seems necessary for highest capacity with multiple extenders, even if battery health declines a bit. BLEVO phone app is good for seeing data on batteries (e.g, tells you if firmware needs updating) - Specialized app is not as forthcoming. We carry 2 charger bricks so that all batteries can be charged in a few hours every night. We stay at motels or warm showers (no camping) and have not charged during the day so far. Carrying extra batteries is heavy, but it is analogous to carrying gasoline for a car trip thru the desert. It is definitely extra weight but the extra power dwarfs the weight issue.
We tested multiple battery strategies in 3 different short tours the year prior to starting across the US on Skyline Drive in Virginia, trails to DC and Pittsburgh and back, as well as across Florida. I changed some eqpt on the Vado (racks, fenders, brakes, chainring) in that period. All but the chainring we considered to be essential. The stock rack bent under wear of a test tour so I went with old main mountain (OMM) front and rear which required removing rear fender/light combo. I added PDW metal fenders (bent them to fit in fork) which gives her much more clearance to tires in case of mud. Including batteries, she is carrying 40-45 lbs I think. We will see once the bikes get weighed in Missoula.
My wife's FTP is about 50 watts, and we set the 3 levels of support at max of 80W, 120W and 240W. As you may well know, you get a lot more miles out of low power level than high, so "miles per battery" rating is highly dependent on user and terrain and temperature (below 40F, you get less capacity). She would not be this tour without the ebike, which allows her to go the same speed as me which is pretty great. While throttle type ebikes ridden at 30 mph may lead most of us to curse ebikes as a group, my wife's ebike has been an enormous blessing for her which is wonderful to see.
Matt Dwyer
39
Routes / Re: TransAm Alternate Routes You Would Recommend
« on: June 28, 2024, 10:45:21 am »
My ebiker wife and I are going east to west, and recently rode from Pueblo to Canon City. We took advantage of the circa 10 mile Arkansas River MUP trail (mostly paved except for short stretches) from Pueblo that winds up at the Pueblo Reservoir Visitor Center which sells drinks and snacks and has restrooms and water. Later that day, we used the 4 mile or so Arkansas River MUP trail (smooth limestone gravel) to get into Canon City. Both are highly recommended, unless flooded (always a risk if the word "River" is in the name). Made us wish the trail was completed between the two cities entirely along that river. Bike trails at the end of the day are wonderful, imo, as they give you peace and quiet, coloring my opinion of the entire day.
We did not enjoy Rt 9 WB from Hartsel to Fairplay, but I have no suggestions on reroute. The traffic was very heavy (maybe 5x Guffey to Hartsel), pickup trucks enjoyed scaring the crap out of us at 75 mph, and we had a lovely time fighting cross/headwinds going uphill. I shudder to think of what that would have been like if it had been raining that day, but your tolerance may vary (eg., my wife would definitely never ride that road again).
Rt 9 WB over Hoosier pass was busy as well but folks were better tempered, or so it seemed. Currently taking a week off to see grandchildren before continuing up to Missoula, on our way to Astoria.
We did not enjoy Rt 9 WB from Hartsel to Fairplay, but I have no suggestions on reroute. The traffic was very heavy (maybe 5x Guffey to Hartsel), pickup trucks enjoyed scaring the crap out of us at 75 mph, and we had a lovely time fighting cross/headwinds going uphill. I shudder to think of what that would have been like if it had been raining that day, but your tolerance may vary (eg., my wife would definitely never ride that road again).
Rt 9 WB over Hoosier pass was busy as well but folks were better tempered, or so it seemed. Currently taking a week off to see grandchildren before continuing up to Missoula, on our way to Astoria.
40
Routes / Re: Eads CO to Sugar City
« on: June 20, 2024, 11:17:47 am »
Turned out to be a cold rainy day with a tailwind, so 3 bottles each was plenty.
For future reference by others:
Scoluar grain elevator on Haswell allowed us to use their restroom. Also the gas station/propane supplier in that town was open (contrary to Google maps) and appeared to have a convenience store, but we did not go in.
For future reference by others:
Scoluar grain elevator on Haswell allowed us to use their restroom. Also the gas station/propane supplier in that town was open (contrary to Google maps) and appeared to have a convenience store, but we did not go in.
41
Routes / Re: Eads CO to Sugar City
« on: June 17, 2024, 03:52:08 pm »
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll figure it out.
Had a nice surprise today, finding the Heartland Mill just south of Marienthal, KS on 96. Restrooms, water, baked goods and drinks. Highly recommended.
We love these new 21 oz stainless steel water bottles from Camelbak and Bivo. Excellent thermos
Had a nice surprise today, finding the Heartland Mill just south of Marienthal, KS on 96. Restrooms, water, baked goods and drinks. Highly recommended.
We love these new 21 oz stainless steel water bottles from Camelbak and Bivo. Excellent thermos
43
Routes / Re: Eads CO to Sugar City
« on: June 16, 2024, 01:01:24 pm »
Yes, I am familiar with these tactics.
Another tip is that coop grain elevators along route 96 may have offices that are staffed and have water, or cold drinks for sale.
Another tip is that coop grain elevators along route 96 may have offices that are staffed and have water, or cold drinks for sale.
44
Routes / Eads CO to Sugar City
« on: June 16, 2024, 08:49:42 am »
Any food, water, or restrooms in the 56 miles between Eads CO and Sugar City CO on the TransAm?
I assume not, sadly, but correct me if wrong. Riding that this week.
I assume not, sadly, but correct me if wrong. Riding that this week.
45
General Discussion / Re: Planning TA—Oregon logging trucks & annual highway closure?
« on: March 08, 2024, 10:56:32 am »...I also rode 126 east of Eugene, from Mackenzie Bridge to Walterville. There's no shoulder ..
Not sure if 126 has changed, but looking at google street view, I can only find short segments with no shoulder, but I have not ridden it yet.