Messages

751

Routes / Re: Colorado loop

« on: January 12, 2009, 09:49:49 am »

Colorado Cycling Guide by Jean and Hartley Alley covers bicycle riding in Colorado.  Many loops are given in this book.  I used it for a two week trip I did there back in 1998.  My route was Canon City, Salida, Gunnison, Hotchkiss, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Creede, Lake City, Gunnison, Saguache, Salida, Canon City.  I've been on a couple week long supported tours like Bicycle Tour of Colorado.  You might also check their websites to see what old routes they have used for ideas.

http://75.60.24.163/BMHA/Info/Info-Hartley-bio.htm

752

Gear Talk / Re: Rear bike rack

« on: January 12, 2009, 09:43:09 am »

"It probably won't fail but if it ever needs repair, you could get it fixed, not so with an aluminum rack."

Why can't you get an aluminum rack fixed?  I've modified my aluminum Blackburn several times.  Moved the attachment points to fit another bike.  Just ground off the old ones and moved them over an inch and had my brother weld them where I wanted them.  No big deal.  The way you talk it seems like you think only the factory has the equipment to weld aluminum.  Nonsense.  Any TIG welder will work just fine on aluminum.  And these very expensive tubular steel racks recommended here also require a TIG welder to weld.  You cannot and will not get them repaired in the middle of nowhere by some farmer with an old ARC welder.  Thin walled tubular steel racks require just as special welding equipment as aluminum.  If not more so since the thin walled tubular racks require far more precision in welding than the thick solid aluminum rod used in a Blackburn.  It will be far easier to fix an aluminum rod rack than a tubular steel rack in the middle of nowhere.