Messages

106

General Discussion / Re: Safe Places to Park My Gear

« on: January 03, 2014, 10:11:33 am »

Keeping the bike parked within the sight of a clerk or ticket taker was always my goal.  I never had the feeling it was for security reasons that they were saying no.  It was the annoyance of me wanting to stretch the rules.
There was the Greatest Show on Earth circus museum in Baraboo, WI where they sternly asked me to move my bike away from the door.  I was one of the very few customers as the season had just ended.  The officious woman there gave in, only because I told her I had to leave if my equipment would be in an unsafe situation.  But she made sure to let me know that she wasn't one bit happy about it. 
But the most representative instance was at a Dollar Tree store where I wanted to pick up some reading glasses.  The strip mall had a number of thug-type characters hanging around just outside the door.  The building itself had columns out front that were too large to fit my bike lock cable, and there was nothing else out there, not even a trash can.  I looked inside the store and there was a large open space just to the left of the door.  I went in and informed the girl of my plight and asked if I could bring my bike inside.  I told her I would only be in the store a few minutes.  She said she would have to get the asst. manager.  I then explained my situation to that person and he said he was going to have to ask the manager.  When I repeated my story once again to the manager, he would not give me permission to bring the bike inside.  He said there was not enough room.  ...I had to laugh.  I was the only customer and no more in sight.  Many of these situations have to do with who is in charge.  They may be IQ challenged.

107

General Discussion / Re: What's on your cycling bucket list? Bike rides to do before you die.

« on: January 02, 2014, 02:53:46 pm »

At 70, I try to keep my expectations lower, but I do have some particular places that move me which will highlight my bike tour this coming season.  The bad-ass Badlands of South Dakota, the Continental Divides in the Tetons, the Cascades, and the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Moro Bay.  Then next year, I am looking at the Grand Canyon rim and Monument Valley among others.  ...There is so much that I haven't seen in the USA.  The more I ride, the more I don't feel the need to go outside our borders.  This is one, big, beautiful country.

108

General Discussion / Re: Florida-traffic on connector and coast routes

« on: January 02, 2014, 02:37:11 pm »

I took A1A (beach roads) all the way up from Key West this year to Maine.  Usually flat, little traffic, and lots of wide shoulders.  It was very scenic and surprisingly undeveloped.  Much of the coastline is set-aside.  I was really surprised.  And the views were gorgeous.

109

General Discussion / Re: Heading West in May, Advice Appreciated!

« on: January 02, 2014, 02:30:50 pm »

(I tried to put a longer post here.  There must be limits)  The toughest part of a ride is to keep a journal to share with others.  It takes time and effort, and also locating wifi hook-ups.  As a journal, I posted daily captioned photos to Facebook, over a thousand of them to explain where I was, the things I saw. and the folks I met.  My family loved it and it made them less concerned for my safety.  I also had a satellite tracker that showed them in near real time exactly where I was on a Google map that they could use on Facebook.
So get ready for the most fun and interesting event of your life.  One never knows what is just over the next rise or around the next bend.  ...If you like, check out my website for in-progress maps for my upcoming western ride.  And good luck.  https://jacksvelosafari.shutterfly.com/

110

General Discussion / Re: Advice or Feedback for Pacific Highway Cycle 2014

« on: January 02, 2014, 02:24:48 pm »

I heard that they are closing some of the low cost campsites along the PCH due to bums invading them.  Is this true?

111

General Discussion / Safe Places to Park My Gear

« on: January 02, 2014, 01:04:02 pm »

I recently returned from celebrating my 70th year with a solo 7,000 mile bicycle loop through the eastern USA and Canada.  I had a magnificent trip with only one annoying on-going problem that I would like to share.  When visiting National Park tourist attractions with a fully geared down bike, most places had no place for me to safely stow my rig.
For example, the Fort at St. Augustine, FL where many lower tier rides start and terminate, the policy is for bicycles to park in the parking lot which appeared to me to be an open invitation to thieves.  After spending time talking to the Park Ranger, he looked around for his boss, winked his eye and told me to park it on the side of the ticket station up near the fort which made me feel much better.  I was able to go inside and spend some time checking things out.
The NASA Visitor Center at Titusville, FL was not so friendly.  They wanted me to park in the motorcycle parking lot which was out of sight of the center entrance.  The place is set up like an amusement park and the line of ticket kiosks act as a barrier to anyone sneaking in.  I asked if I might park my bike just inside the center where there was an unused wide open area.  This felt pretty safe to me being inside the gates.  They would not work with me at all on the situation and I had to ride away without being able to visit the museum.  I had gone miles out of my way on dangerous no-shoulder roads to get there and remember well the way I felt.
In Philadelphia, PA I wanted to see the Liberty Bell.  A Park guard stood there at the entrance where there was a long line to get in, but he wouldn't let me park my bike near him even after I explained the value of all the gear and my plight.
This sort of thing happened a lot.  One can lock his bike, but not the gear on board, and I carry lots of stuff.  This year (2014) I am attempting a ride through the Pacific Northwest.  As I plan my trip, I'm going to write to the places of interest and explain my plight.  Maybe I can get some better cooperation that way.

112

Classifieds / Re: FS: Bob Beckman Expediton Panniers for sale

« on: January 29, 2013, 08:48:11 pm »

Dear Sirs:
I am interested in the panniers but I couldn't find a website to learn about them.  I have three questions.
1.  Are they for sure waterproof?
2.  Will they fit?  I have a REI Novara Safari that comes with a rear rack.  I added an Old Man Mountain front rack.
3.  The handlebar bag looks huge.  Is that two of them?  Maybe what I need are better pictures.  I hope to hear from you.
Jack Day

113

General Discussion / Re: Numbness, Tingling and Loss of strength in hand

« on: October 20, 2012, 12:43:19 am »

Google 'handlebar palsy'.  It's a nerve problem from too much weight resting on your hands while riding.  Change hand positions often, raise handlebars or lower seat.  Hands might be numb and tingle for a month or so but the feeling comes back.  If you go too far this way and really screw things up, quit riding.  The damage can become permanent.

114

Southwest / Monument Valley experience?

« on: October 19, 2012, 09:51:22 pm »

What are the most scenic bike touring routes through Monument Valley, Utah?  Still passable in November? I don't want to bypass the best stuff.  Can one tent?  I then plan to do the Grand Canyon before continuing west to San Luis Obispo, CA.

115

Routes / Re: GAP/C&O Canal - Alternative Roadway Routes

« on: October 09, 2012, 05:50:11 pm »

A friend and I traversed the entire route, west-to-east last year.  Any bike will make it on the GAP, a totally smooth and graded surface.  The C&O is a bit rougher, no grading and just level twin road ruts in some areas.  But we blasted the canal trail for a couple of days of Hurricane Irene's torrential rains and wind without problem.  If I can do it at 67, you shouldn't have a concern.  My friend had a Long Haul Trucker and my bike had 700 / 23 tires.  No sweat, the puddles were not too deep nor was mud an issue.  ...There are more parallel roads on the C&O than the GAP.
Carry lights for Paw Paw Tunnel.  One mile long and super creepy.