Messages

121

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/

122

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?

123

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.

124

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

125

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.

126

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.

127

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.