Messages

16

Routes / Re: Virginia

« on: June 02, 2014, 10:10:24 pm »

We are into Berea KY, and have had very few dog chases.  Today one came out and I was reaching for the whistle all while my front derailed flipped the chain off.  I went over.  Fortunately the panniers break the fall.  The dog just backed off.  I will say the few chases we have had (except for the first few in Va) were half hearted and once you blast the whistle they keep six feet out.

17

Routes / Re: Virginia

« on: May 23, 2014, 03:11:51 pm »

Thanks, what was your defense?  With all this load we can only get going so fast.  The whistles seem to be working.

18

Routes / Virginia

« on: May 22, 2014, 07:22:56 pm »

We are starting the TransAm, west to east.  Have done about half of Virginia.
1.  Beautiful state.
2.  There are dogs here, 4 vicious chases so far.  But three of us blew whistles hard and loud and it stopped them in their tracks.  Even a pit bull.
3. Mechanicsville Va. Shows a cycling only camp site.  It's there in the middle of town and the guy is great, but it's rough ground and a tarp and bucket for your pot.   We went to a hotel.
4.  Williamsburg to Mechanicsville, don't expect many services.  Only found one or two C stores.
5.  We went from Charlottesville and into the Blue Ridge Parkway.  gorgeous.  Virtually no service on route in the park.  Visitor center has water.  Pack some food for the 26 miles.  We were lucky to stumble onto a resort at Love Va.  1/4 mile past the Love sign.  Camped for $25 and has a deli.  11 more miles to get out of the park but we were bushed so we stayed.  adventure cycling has this placed marked but it's hard to see from the road.  Look for a white church,

19

General Discussion / Re: Logistics of shipping equipment for touring

« on: April 28, 2014, 02:25:24 pm »

To confirm what is being said about Fed X

A regular bike box from Iowa to VA weighing 40 lbs is $130
A smaller kid bike box (in which I will ship my bags), weighing 60 lbs is $53.

20

General Discussion / Re: Hand Signs

« on: April 21, 2014, 03:18:42 pm »

30milespersandwich

I like your name.

I could also think about:

Miles per beer.

21

General Discussion / Re: Logistics of shipping equipment for touring

« on: April 18, 2014, 11:05:49 am »

Sorry to be oblivious Dave.  I guess there was so much conversation about shipping via airplane and only one comment about FedX/UPS, it was starting to sound like the obvious choice is by air.   When I was naturally thinking the best option was Fed X.  So my comment was more of a curiosity as if I'm making a mistake.    I learn a lot by watching the conversations on these boards, and in 30 days and taking off on my first long distance tour.  Just trying to pick up as much knowledge as possible before I go.

22

General Discussion / Re: Logistics of shipping equipment for touring

« on: April 17, 2014, 05:27:33 pm »

I was thinking about FedX or UPS to ship the bike box and a box of gear.
I don't see anyone mentioning this as an option.
We can ship it to our first nights destination and put everything together from there.

23

General Discussion / Re: Low Carb and Long Distance Touring

« on: April 01, 2014, 10:59:20 am »

I'm leaving on the Transamerica Mid May.

I'm a work-a-holic CPA and have to admit I eat terrible most of the time.
Thus I'm over-weight at 224.  6 foot.
However I exercise and ride a lot.

I rode through November until winter hit hard, exercised in a local club through Feb, then work has consumed me.
I'm out of shape again but did ride 100 miles in March, and hope to get a few hundred in before we leave.
I will just have to start modest and build into the ride.

So I'm hoping this 10-12 week venture will be a chance to lose 20+ lbs, by eating better and riding. 
So my plan right now is to boil some eggs for the AM when we get up.  Hit grocery stores for vegs and fruit.
Nutella and bread for backup.
Eat some solid food during the day, but try to avoid C-store and fast food crap.

Any hints or guidance ?

24

General Discussion / Re: Newbie, just signed up for the TransAm tour!

« on: December 11, 2013, 09:20:05 am »

I'm doing the TransAm in late May.

First I rode my bike longer into the fall/winter than normal (into late December).  I can't start as early as most folks, since I'm a CPA and will get little riding in prior to April 15th.

My conditioning has been to ride my touring bike with weights in the panniers.  Total weight for 85-100 lbs.
Will ride if weather gets up to 30 degrees, so that has ended these past few weeks.

I also train at a local fitness club.  Sort of like Cross Fit.  This includes legs once a week, but focuses on overall core fitness with low weights.    Then I started Yoga twice a week, to increase my flexability.

Just trying to lose 10-15 lbs (which hasn't worked well during the Holidays), and get as all around fit as possible.

I find rollers boring and too easy.  But better than nothing.

25

General Discussion / Re: Need advice for my trip this summer

« on: December 06, 2013, 06:32:39 pm »

Very entertaining read.
Tswhosonfirst might be young, but he came back with a very professional response to some obvious knee jerk reaction post.  Good Job.

You might have a lot to learn, but my guess is you will do just fine.

btw: I'm (age 54) doing the TransAm next summer with my son (age 23) for our first riding experience in excess of 7 days.  I have done a ton of research and can afford to buy good stuff, but if I had to bet, I would bet on you and your friends over me.

26

Routes / Re: TransAm Problems

« on: October 30, 2013, 02:19:03 pm »

Thankyou everyone for the great advice.  I would rather receive the wisdom on this forum than anywhere else.
Winds - yes, we just start very early and then keep a steady pace, even if it slower than our desired pace.
Good to hear the coal trucks and vehicle agression are not too bad.  Just chalk it up to one out of a hundred people are jerks and most are good people.
Local Advice - this surprises me how inaccurate they are, but multiple people have said the same thing, so I believe you.
Dogs - my son says his strategy is to not be the slowest rider in the group .  We should be able to handle them with some water.

We are really looking forward to the experience.    I read the forums everyday for whatever wisdom I can gain.

27

Routes / TransAm Problems

« on: October 30, 2013, 09:19:18 am »

Three of us (from Iowa) are planning a east to west TransAm journey starting next mid-May.  As I research and plan I'm reading in many journals about the problems of coal trucks (VA and KY) , dogs (KY), agressive/angry drivers (MO) and high winds (KS).   I also reading about the many kind people in rural America and riding in the West doesn't seem to have the same issues, except longer distances between services.  We are experienced riders and can ignore cars honking and typically out run dogs, but with the loaded weight slowing us down the probelms my increase. 

Several thoughts come to mind.  In addition to the ACA maps, to buy state maps and talk to locals about the best roads.  Do we avoid riding during high traffic times for the coal trucks?  For dogs, if I can't out run them, I stop and get off the bike to stop appearing as a moving chew toy and turn the tables to master vs. dog.

So my question is how do some of you vetrans handle these issues?   

28

Routes / Re: Ride across Nebraska route advice

« on: October 22, 2013, 04:56:18 pm »

If you are riding in the spring, you should anticipate high winds.  15 to 30 mph out of the South are typical.

29

General Discussion / Re: Day Jobs?

« on: October 22, 2013, 09:58:33 am »

Paddleboy:

Great perspective. 
I guess that's why I'm 53 and still waiting for the big tour ride.
Doesn't mean we can't enjoy life with lots of short epic rides, but there are some many priorities more important.
If you plan well and work hard, eventually you get to do most things, but there are no promisses.

30

General Discussion / Re: Day Jobs?

« on: October 21, 2013, 09:22:50 am »

27 years of hard labor in building my business.  Now I can delegate and take some time off.   There is no free lunch.