Messages

1

Routes / Re: Vermont 2025

« on: May 29, 2025, 08:30:58 am »

Here's a route around lake Champlain that I've not done but had planned to do this year.  Looks like it might get postponed until next year.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48591975?privacy_code=LWeIbyuXz1KibO41oVVo691Knmo1wQCS

2

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: Mother Daughter Ride NH to MT

« on: April 16, 2025, 10:39:31 am »

Ogalluzz,
What you're planning is similar to my route from 2019, except I continued on the Northern Tier from Minnesota to Anacortes.

If you haven't spent much time in Michigan, I'd recommend doing the loop up to Traverse City and Mackinac. It's a very pretty part of the state.  I took the ferry from Ludington to Manitowoc since I hadn't done that before. 

For navigation, I used RWGPS on my Android phone with ACA paper maps for backup.  I don't own a standalone bike GPS unit.  I could get 2 days on the phone, recharged when I could, and had a powerbank for backup.

Let us know if you have specific questions.

3

Routes / Re: ACA TransAmerican Summer 2025

« on: April 05, 2025, 06:33:03 pm »

Just a couple of thoughts:

1) Start using RWGPS on your training rides and start playing around with it's route planning features. I think the app is great, but it can some times be a little quirky with turn-by-turn instructions.

2) Despite being pescatarian, I think you'll have no problem finding enough calories. Maybe not always the healthiest options.  But Subways are ubiquitous with plenty of meat-free options.

3) I planned to take a zero once a week but learned I didn't need it. I take time off when I need to for errands or for sightseeing. Regarding my daily ride, I can go four hours straight but my (old) back does best with a six minute stretching routine every hour.  I think you'll find a bicycling routine that works for you once you're riding. 

4

Routes / Re: ACA TransAmerican Summer 2025

« on: January 27, 2025, 08:59:05 am »

My suggestions are more for uturnshari. Elickerj, with your level of experience, you already know this.

Uturnshari, are you riding self-supported? Camping, credit card touring, or a combination? Whichever it is, start training as soon as you can (or as soon as the weather permits).  Even though it's only January, I'm carrying 40 lbs in my panniers in preparation for a Trans Am ride. And start practicing with whatever gear you're planning to take. If camping, take some overnight bike rides to a campground, say 20 to 30 miles away, multiple times if time permits, to try everything out. A fully loaded bicycle handles much differently than one not loaded.

5

Routes / Re: Lake Champlain circuit route questions

« on: November 21, 2024, 08:06:07 am »

Thanks, all. I called the customs offices at the crossing and it sounds like entry/exit on a bicycle will be straightforward. I also found out that the hours for the crossings are being reduced from 24 hours per day to 12 next year.

6

Routes / Re: Lake Champlain circuit route questions

« on: November 18, 2024, 04:45:57 pm »

Thanks. I'll try calling people at the customs office, if I can find a contact number. I just thought somebody on this forum may have first hand knowledge already.  Still have 7 months to sort stuff out.

7

Routes / Lake Champlain circuit route questions

« on: November 18, 2024, 12:53:30 pm »

I've started planning a Lake Champlain circuit ride for next year, likely mid-June.  At the northern end, the route crosses into Canada near Rouses Point on Rte 11 and back again near Alburg on Rte 225 (different highway numbers in Canada).  I have two questions (many more likely to come!). 

1) How are these entries for bicyclists?

2) Google maps showed Rte 225 closed at the crossing.  Was there construction? Or was the crosssing closed?

8

Routes / Re: Lake Champlain bikeway

« on: October 07, 2024, 09:06:22 pm »

Don't know if this will work. It's the route as I inputed it into RideWithGPS.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48591975?privacy_code=LWeIbyuXz1KibO41oVVo691Knmo1wQCS

9

Routes / Re: Lake Champlain bikeway

« on: October 07, 2024, 06:39:50 pm »

https://champlainvalleynhp.org/recreation/lake-champlain-bikeways/lake-champlain-bikeways-maps-and-guidebooks/

This is the website that has a download of a map available.  Won't be going through St. Albans - the published route is further west, co-aligned with much of the Island Line Trail.

10

Routes / Lake Champlain bikeway

« on: September 27, 2024, 04:43:28 pm »

I'm looking for a 1 to 2 week bike trip for next year and stumbled across information on the Lake Champlain bikeway.  When looking on this forum, I see less than a half dozen people commenting on this route, and nothing recently. At CrazyGuyOnABike, I only found a couple of journals, and none with people who've done the entire circuit.  Has anyone done this recently and care to share their thoughts?

I've inputed the route from the Lake Champlain Bikeway into RideWithGPS. It comes out to around 330 mi from Whitehall New York to St Jean sur Richlieu in Canada and back - very doable for a week of cycling.  I prefer staying in a hotel/motel/b&b, but will be carrying camping gear to use if necessary.  I don't plan on bringing cooking supplies and will pick up meals on the road.

One bicyclist on CGOAB used the Vermonter Amtrak train from Metro Park New Jersey to Essex junction Vermont.  But it looks like a 10-hour trip versus a 4 hour drive to Whitehall. Thoughts?

11

Gear Talk / Re: Need a bike

« on: September 16, 2024, 01:58:08 pm »

I did the Erie canal path in 2017.  For much of it, I ended up doing the roads that paralleled it, mostly highway 31. Too much dust dirt and mud for me. But for the sections I did do on the trail, my Surly Disc Trucker was fine as were my Schwalbe Marathon 26x1.5 tires were fine.

12

General Discussion / Re: Fit for Touring?

« on: July 05, 2024, 07:40:54 am »

Could be the bike, how it's set up for you, or how you're training. But when I first read your narrative, I think intermittent claudication. Knowing nothing about you or your past medical history, you may want to discuss with your PMD and fellow cyclists.

13

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: Katy Connector Route Network

« on: June 11, 2024, 06:14:19 am »

WOW! They don't pay you enough!

14

General Discussion / Re: Newb advice

« on: May 27, 2024, 05:43:48 am »

Will need more details. Are you planning to ride on paved roads? Or gravel and dirt too? Are you interested in van supported group tours? Or self supported with camping?  Overnights to a local park? Or extended cross country adventures?

15

General Discussion / Re: How much water to carry?

« on: April 14, 2024, 08:37:05 pm »

I think davidbonn and Google AI can both be correct. Camel up when you're at a water source and then use your saved water at regular intervals and as needed.