Messages

46

Gear Talk / Re: Wheel sizes

« on: May 13, 2014, 10:48:10 am »

On a touring bike I want a tire size that is readily available everywhere, just in case. So all my tour bikes are 700C. You can choose the number of spokes to make the wheels stronger. I use 40 front and 48 rear for my fully loaded touring bike. 36 by 40 for my credit card tour bike.

47

Gear Talk / Re: Help with Renting or Borrowing a 48-52 cm Touring Bike in Oregon Please

« on: May 12, 2014, 11:16:00 am »

I alway ship UPS or FEDEX store to store, you get business rates that way. I haven't done in a while but it used to be cheap.

48

Gear Talk / Re: Advice on a Bicycle for Trip to France

« on: May 12, 2014, 11:13:13 am »

If money is tight then I would stick with the Bike Friday. A loaded down bike on tour is a different animal from a racing bike. You ride it differently, it feels differently. I actually like a loaded bike. Your young, a few extra pounds aren't going to make a lot of difference. I haven't tried the case as trailer. You could always store the trailer and just use panniers. Picking out a tour bike is much easier after you have done some touring.

49

Gear Talk / Re: Retiring, getting into self contained touring

« on: May 11, 2014, 09:31:22 pm »

It's hard to choose a bike until you are experienced. You might. Try a cheap tour bike like a Trek 520 and see how it goes. I did... Realized I weighed too much with panniers and got a custom bike. I have credit card touring and a full loades touring. The trek is great for commuting.

50

General Discussion / Re: How safe is a solo female doing the Northern Tier??

« on: May 11, 2014, 03:11:18 pm »

I did the Northern Tier with side trip up to Banff. I got yelled at once by some teenagers in a pickup truck in Montana. They sounded drunk and didn't slow down. Otherwise I was treated with respect and curiosity. I would give your chances of having a problem at less than 1%. To make yourself feel a little more comfortable carry a spray can of pepper spray in your handlebar bag or jersey. Also read, "Where the Pavement Ends", a really pretty young woman rides alone from Russia through Mongolia, China, and Vietnam." It is truly amazing, inspiring and it should allay any fears you may have. Have a great trip. One thing I am sorry to recommend, get into and settled in reservation towns before sunset.

51

General Discussion / Re: My First Tour (Need tips)

« on: May 09, 2014, 08:55:58 pm »

I would not do a 500 mile trip until I have done at least 2 two day trips. You got a couple weekends. Do some out and back trips. I'd start with 50 miles. Then you can gauge readiness and what to take.

52

General Discussion / Re: Low Carb and Long Distance Touring

« on: May 09, 2014, 08:50:51 pm »

I tend to do 4,000 miles or more on tour each year and feel that it's unnecessary to worry about intake, whatever it is.  My body is the result of thousands of years of evolution and it efficiently converts anything I put into my mouth into energy when I'm burning so many calories.  I stay in host homes most of the time and certainly will not be picky about their generosity.  I lose a half pound a day no matter how much I eat on tour so that's okay with me.  I'm 70 and don't waste my time left on silliness.  I recommend the same with you.

I'm with you. Unless you have a reason, wasting time on unnecessary reductions is ridiculous. I have type 2 diabetes, so I try and keep my carbs down below a couple hundred a day, and everyone would do better to gently move in that direction, but in general if your healthy and exercising heavily. Don't waste you life on stupid diets for no reason. I'd rather enjoy being alive while I am.