Messages

16

General Discussion / Re: Road bike vs. Cyclo-cross bike

« on: May 19, 2018, 01:29:21 pm »

Great response. Thanks. Makes perfect sense. I’ve had successful tours on the Randonee a few times before. I should probably just stick with what works for such a long trip. I guess they make “touring bikes” for a reason!
Thanks again.

17

General Discussion / Re: Road bike vs. Cyclo-cross bike

« on: May 18, 2018, 10:13:40 pm »

Any thoughts on extensive touring on a Moots “Routt” Titanium frame bike? I also have a steel frame Novarra Randonee and it works fine- but planning a Transamerica trip and the weight favorability is pretty compelling.
Moots- pros= weight savings of approx 7 lbs versus the steel frame bike.
Moots cons= expensive bike I don’t want stolen on the road. Also gear ratio not as wide range as the Touring Bike.
Thoughts?

18

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica East to West or West to East?

« on: July 04, 2016, 01:42:36 pm »

All VERY good feedback. EXACTLY what I was looking for. Appreciate you all taking the time.
We are probably still thinking a May 1st start in Yorktown.

19

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica East to West or West to East?

« on: July 04, 2016, 12:07:55 am »

Great response. Thank you. Makes perfect sense. We were planning a May 1st start to allow as long as a 4 month journey. And we would start in the relatively early morning each day.
Really appreciate your perspective.

20

General Discussion / TransAmerica East to West or West to East?

« on: July 03, 2016, 09:04:40 pm »

My wife and I are planning to do The TransAmerica route starting in May of next year. Is there any data that supports traveling either West to East or East to West as being preferred?
Wind? Weather? Sun in your eyes?
We are thinking East to West currently.

21

General Discussion / Re: Natchez Trace Parkway - Cell Phone Signals

« on: July 05, 2015, 11:00:38 pm »

Cypress Swamp is a well known landmark on the Trace and is near Jackson. But "the swamp" and swamp-like conditions exist for many many miles either end of Cypress Swamp.
The Trace on the more Northern portions are rolling and much more scenic in my opinion.

22

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica bike tour- travel East or West?

« on: July 05, 2015, 10:09:49 am »

Extremely helpful response. I do believe that several of the organized supported TransAmerica tours including Adventure Cycling.....travel East to West. Makes sense to follow their maps and their direction as often as possible. We live in Texas, so really doesn't matter where we start as it relates to Family or Friends. And looks like you are right on with the wind factor. Another factor we thought of...which might seem trivial....is the sun in your eyes EVERY morning for 4 months if you are heading East.
I'm thinking we do East to West.
Thanks again so much for a perfect response. Very very helpful!

23

General Discussion / Re: Natchez Trace Parkway - Cell Phone Signals

« on: July 04, 2015, 09:35:55 pm »

Got it. Understand completely. We camped several nights. Some of the parks had little to no service.
But....if you are on the parkway and spending nights at motels or B&B's in or near towns....I would guess you would be ok.
Given your situation- the satellite phone might not be a bad idea.

24

General Discussion / Re: Natchez Trace Parkway - Cell Phone Signals

« on: July 04, 2015, 06:04:32 pm »

Just did it South to North. We have AT&T. Cell service is ok most of the way. Made posts to a blog almost every night.
Plenty of cars. Agree that you can live for an evening without a phone.
Ride is flat and boring. Unless you really like trees and swamps.
Sorry.......you should do it and enjoy it!

25

General Discussion / TransAmerica bike tour- travel East or West?

« on: July 04, 2015, 05:59:05 pm »

I am planning a TransAmerica Self-supported bike tour with my wife in 2016. Which direction is optimal and why? We will do the middle of the country Adventure Cycling Route- I believe Astoria and Virginia Beach?!

26

General Discussion / Re: "Protection" necessary?

« on: February 18, 2014, 11:28:55 pm »

Truly excellent and helpful dialogue. It is appreciated.

27

General Discussion / Re: "Protection" necessary?

« on: February 18, 2014, 01:52:12 am »

My apologies. There were responses on the other thread that I missed. It wasn't necessary to repost. I'm new to the site and apparently impatient.

28

General Discussion / Re: Best date to ride Pacific Coast Vancouver-San Francisco

« on: February 18, 2014, 01:49:37 am »

Thanks so much. Makes great sense. Appreciate the comments.

29

General Discussion / Re: "Protection" necessary?

« on: February 18, 2014, 01:38:54 am »

Still no real response.

30

General Discussion / "Protection" necessary?

« on: February 17, 2014, 09:34:10 pm »

What are thoughts on the need for "Protection" on a ride in California and Oregon (adventure cycling routes) in May? My wife and I on the Bike for a month on the road/ campgrounds/ B&B's/ Warmshowers/ etc.  Dogs/animals/unwanted humans etc.
-No need
-Mace
-club
-horn
-heavy artillery
??