Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: ocean in florence oregon

« on: November 18, 2009, 02:27:56 pm »

We rode the coast last summer and it is fabulous. Hiker-biker sites in campgrounds, lots of other cyclists, nice shoulders,(for the most part) and a great tailwind from the north. The Oregon coast is a very sought after destination for cycle tourists, I highly recommend it. And to answer your query, Florence is right on the ocean, as a matter of fact the beach encroaches on the town and they have had to build walls to keep it back in certain areas.
Ride On

2

General Discussion / Re: Neck and shoulder pain

« on: September 22, 2009, 05:42:07 pm »

This little item is spendy, but allows much more adjustment than many adjustable stems out there. I have this and I love it.

http://www.glorycycles.com/loerhscst.html

3

General Discussion / Re: food

« on: August 28, 2009, 02:04:40 pm »

I too have Celiac disease and I tour every summer for 3-4 weeks. At first it was difficult, but as I explored more foods and options, it became easier. Rice of course is gluten free and now there are many gluten free pastas out there that work well. When I go to the grocery store I usually get some potatoes, veggies, maybe some sausage and make a stew. This year I made some flax cereal bars at home and took with me for breakfast. One year as we did a 1200 mile stretch of the Northern tier we sent pasta and home made bars ahead to ourselves via general delivery mail. A good steak house works if they cook their steaks on a flame grill. Mexican restaurants are usually safe if you stick to beans rice and corn dishes. Corn chips and bean dip for lunch works well too.
Be aware however of advice like "don't eat the bun from a cheesburger" because you can get cross contamination from grills that cook the bun on the grill.
For a good list of do's and don'ts go to www.celiac.com

4

General Discussion / Re: Bike Related Skin Rashes -- Please Help!

« on: June 22, 2009, 06:19:49 pm »

It's a long shot but ya never know. My daughter is allergic to glue, especially in shoes. She breaks out in a rash very similar to the one you describe. If there is glue in the seams, that may contribute to this allergy to bike shorts. Good luck.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Tough Touring Tire

« on: June 19, 2009, 04:40:41 pm »

I had a set of Bontrager Hard Case Race Lite tires and they both peeled. That is a big flap of rubber started peeling away and showing the cords. I pitched them and now use Schwalbe Marathon. I love em.

6

General Discussion / Re: What's on your iPod?

« on: May 19, 2009, 07:06:01 pm »

I also listen to music while riding, I use headphones, not earbuds. I keep the music low and it is easy to hear oncoming traffic. I agree, on long stretches of roads, music is a welcome distraction. Personally I like the blues, it gets me up the hill.

7

General Discussion / Re: older riders

« on: May 19, 2009, 06:53:31 pm »

I am 55 and have been touring every summer for the past 5 years with my wife, also 55. (Boy alot of 5's) We take a month long vacation every summer, that work thing gets in the way, and tour different locations. We have done the Norther Tier from Sandpoint Id to eastern North Dakota, another year we did a 1000 mile loop of Northern Minnesota. We have also done some more local door to door tours within the state of Oregon. This year we are planning on the Oregon coast to the Redowoods then to Crater Lake, over the McKenzie pass and then back up the Willamette bikeway. We go fully self supported and rarely eat in a cafe. Camp cooking is half the fun. We have stayed in a motel only 6 times in 5 tours. When we retire we plan on doing the "Wind In Your Back Tour". Basically going whichever way the wind is blowing and see where we end up.
Ride On

8

General Discussion / Re: biking across america with diabetes

« on: May 14, 2009, 03:55:46 pm »

Kemmet,
I have only one bit of advice and from what I am reading the best bit of advice. Seek out a Certified Diabetes Educator. These people are board certified and next to a doctor have the best information concering type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Don't rely on internet advice, support groups and hearsay, talk to an expert and your trip will be very enjoyable.

9

Gear Talk / Re: Should I get a new bike?

« on: March 01, 2009, 09:23:34 pm »

As a Warm Showers host and touring cyclist, I have seen a lot of MT bikes out there on the road working just fine. My only suggestion would be to go to a smooth road tire rather than the knobbys. 

10

General Discussion / Re: camp food and ideas for eating better

« on: March 01, 2009, 07:49:22 pm »

One word-stew. All grocery stores have potatoes, veggies and if you chose sausage, chicken or beef. Easy to cut up, easy to cook quickly and everything a growing bike tourist needs. I carry a two day emergency supply of rice and that is about all. I rarely eat in a cafe for a main meal, occasionally brunch.

11

General Discussion / Re: What book would you recommend to read?

« on: March 01, 2009, 07:41:25 pm »

Any of Joe Kurmaskie's books are a must read. Also try "10,000 Miles of America" by Richard Suleski.

12

General Discussion / Re: Help finding cycling or other outdoor industry job!! Thanks!

« on: March 01, 2009, 07:33:30 pm »

Contact Joe Kurmaskie, AKA The Metal Cowboy. He is in Portland OR, not California, but he is looking for help with his 1 Million Bike Ride in August.

www.metalcowboy.com

He also runs Camp Creative, a camp for kids that includes cycling. There are links on his web site.

13

General Discussion / Re: Is it worth installing a kick stand?

« on: March 01, 2009, 07:24:48 pm »

Someone else mentioned Click Stand. My wife and I both use them for touring and love them. Light, easy to use and nothing attached to your bike. I have used other kickstands, but this is the best.

http://www.click-stand.com/Home_Page.html

14

Gear Talk / Speedo

« on: March 03, 2008, 11:30:26 am »

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will be going with the Cateye.

15

Gear Talk / Speedo

« on: February 29, 2008, 06:21:46 pm »

Ok, I am going to ask a question I know I will regret. What is the best cycle computer out there. My old dear and trusted Vetta finally gave up the ghost and I need a new one. With so many to choose from, I want some feedback. I don't need a unit that will tell my how fast my hair grows, just the basic functions.