Messages

1

Routes / Re: Delmarva Peninsula

« on: June 27, 2019, 09:32:31 am »

Thank you, Jennifer - I was hoping it would be up and available for me to use when I plan to ride it this fall, but I reckon I'll have to carry on the old fashioned way: follow my nose!

2

Routes / Delmarva Peninsula

« on: June 26, 2019, 06:26:59 pm »

For some reason (I don't know why, exactly) I was under the impression that there was going to be a Delmarva Peninsula connector to the Atlantic Coast Route, and that Delmarva maps would be available in May. Was I mistaken in that?

3

Routes / Re: C&O Canal Towpath

« on: June 20, 2018, 01:57:19 pm »

What's the scoop, here? Did they fix the washed out bridge? Is the trail rideable? What are folks doing for a work-around?

4

Gear Talk / Re: front rack questions

« on: May 07, 2017, 04:42:59 pm »

I've got a surly nice rack on the front, and am about to put one on the back, as well. I can hang the bags hi or low, the top platform is great for found treasures. There is no conflict wit my ortlieb handlebar bag

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5

General Discussion / Re: Bike across the US help

« on: April 20, 2017, 11:03:09 am »

In today's ACA email they gave a link to Cycling About, another website with tons of info, much of which seems to be exactly what you are looking for - check 'em out!
www.cyclingabout.com



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6

General Discussion / Re: Bike across the US help

« on: April 18, 2017, 01:06:53 pm »

The ACA website has a number of how-to resources, and the cyclosource shop has books! Plenty of information out there to get you started! The "bicycle touring pro" website also has a lot of info available. Backpacking websites/resources also have a lot of info that's well tested and to the point - the only difference between us and them is the packs and the fact that we can carry more stuff!

Good luck and have fun - the planning and learning can be just as much fun as the ride!

www.bicycletouringpro.com

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7

General Discussion / Re: Do i need lights and a handlebar mirror for Pacific Coast in July?

« on: April 09, 2017, 04:48:26 pm »

I'm a careful kind of guy, so I always have a headlight and a taillight or two. You might not need the illumination, but the folks on a cross street  ahead of you might appreciate the heads up. Which is not to say that some knucklehead still won't pull out in front of you. I assure you that they will!

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8

General Discussion / Re: How do you deal with back pain and shoulders pain Sleeping on a Sleeping pad on

« on: April 09, 2017, 02:54:34 pm »

Walks.in2.trees, what hammock/tarp/bug screen setup do you use? My Hennessy Hammock is a fair bit bigger than that...

I have a system similar to that which you describe for treeless hanging, but a lot of stakes are required. Out west that could be a tough thing to use, given how hard the ground can be.

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9

Routes / Re: Northern Tier to Transamerica

« on: April 05, 2017, 02:14:29 pm »

If you do not need to stay on ACA routes - consider crossing Nebraska.
I have 100,000 miles touring and have done both Kansas and Nebraska.
No comparison. (And, technically, it fits the definition of "connector" NT to TA.)

Yes, you will encounter other cyclists and designated facilities on the TransAm -
But most Nebraska small towns have free/cheap camping and you will meet other cyclists, too.
Once you get west of Wichita ("West of Wichita" - sounds like a C&W hit song, eh?)
The TransAm is straight, flat (imperceptibly uphill westbound), hot, and windy.
The US 20 route across Nebraska goes thru the Sandhills region.
This area was never plowed - so you see natural grasslands.
The road curves gently around the hills - plus it's 5F cooler on average.

I do not know why Adventure Cycling does not have an east-west route across Nebraska.
I have been suggesting it for some time.

Of course, that would also mean crossing Iowa and half of Wyoming off-route, too.
Iowa has lots of options - and Wyoming's highways have far better shoulders than Colorado's.

If interested, would be glad to provide careful details. - - J

<<<>>>

Pic from 1988 - North Loup River in the Sandhills



Pic from 2016 - Riding US 20 in the Sandhills

You might check out the Eastern Express Route - it's not "official", though I found out about it through ACA. The guy who put it together has been an ACA trip leader for years and years. It goes from DC to Pittsburgh via C&W and GAP trails, crosses the great plains, goes across Colo at Fort Collins, and has a more gradual climb across the Rockies. Of the 2200 miles of it, 600 are on dedicated bike or rail trails. Plus if yer doing it from DC, it misses KY dogs and Appalachian steep climbs!

www.easternexpressroute.com

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10

Routes / Re: Northern Tier to Transamerica

« on: April 05, 2017, 10:02:49 am »

Following

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11

General Discussion / Re: Canada: Bug seasons

« on: April 04, 2017, 12:21:17 pm »

Dunno, but if I ever ride across Canada, I might have to fix up a "holster" on the bike for one of those paddle shaped electric bug zapper things! Then I'd ride sometime after the end of June. Horse flies are easier to hit! ☺

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12

Gear Talk / Re: 48 tooth gear on a triple chainring?

« on: March 23, 2017, 01:22:27 pm »

Thanks for that info! I've tried, and failed, to clear up that I'm not interested in changing to a 48, just curious as to the assessment that it was a "bad idea" and wondering if others agreed and why. Sorry for the miscommunication. The fault is entirely mine. But I hadn't heard/didn't know about the minimum tooth difference spec, so I've learned something else important!

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13

Routes / Re: Transamerica route question

« on: March 23, 2017, 11:22:35 am »

I will usually carry two pair bike shorts, a pair of stretch cargo shorts to wear over the bike shorts if presentability is important, a ss bike shirt, a long sleeve ultralight cool tech hoodie, a med weight merino hoodie, a pair of lightweight poly travel pants and a similar shirt, a fleece, a wind shirt, rain gear, and a hat of some persuasion, depending on the weather. If you don't have hair you need a hat. I, well, I have a hat. 😞

I also take a couple pair of quick dry travel undies and three pair of socks, one orange non-working and 2 merino. Wool isn't hot and it doesn't smell, so it works well for socks and shirts.

I want to be ok dry, wet, hot, cold. Or any combo thereof. I've been cold and wet and after a while I got numb and stupid, so I'll carry enough to be warm and dryish. Or at least warm. :/
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14

Gear Talk / Re: 48 tooth gear on a triple chainring?

« on: March 23, 2017, 10:30:18 am »

I appreciate that! I've had the bike built for a year or two and have done 2 or more short tours each year with it. I'm actually happy about it and confident about it. But I know there's a lot I don't know, so I figured I would explore that assessment and see what other folks thought about it.

Ideally I would have a 24/38/48 crankset - but who knows, maybe I'll be strong enough by next year to get some use out of that big old 52 tooth chainring!

I appreciate the feedback, y'all.

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15

Gear Talk / Re: 48 tooth gear on a triple chainring?

« on: March 23, 2017, 08:16:02 am »

Didn't say! Couldn't tell!

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