136
Routes / Re: Crossing at Niagara Falls
« on: June 07, 2018, 07:10:58 am »
Yes, the toll collector mentioned that the fare had recently gone up.
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137
Routes / Re: Crossing at Niagara Falls
« on: June 05, 2018, 06:31:56 am »
Crossing at the Lewiston Queenston Bridge was a non-issue. At 10:30 in the morning, there was a little traffic. Although you have to share one of the two lanes of traffic, the drivers were respectful. When approaching the Customs booths, the very far right is for truckers only. I shared the lanes with the car traffic and had no problems proceeding through customs. After paying the $1 toll, the toll collector was familiar with how to get bicycles over to the recreation path.
138
Routes / Re: Crossing at Niagara Falls
« on: June 04, 2018, 07:54:27 am »
Thanks for the input. I'll be there in a couple of hours. I'll post an update on my experience.
139
Routes / Crossing at Niagara Falls
« on: June 03, 2018, 04:45:53 pm »
I'm currently in Lockport New York and will be crossing into Ontario tomorrow. I had planned to cross at Rainbow Bridge, but it looks like the Lewiston Queenston Bridge maybe a better, more bike-friendly option. Any thoughts? The weather forecast is for light rain for the next few days. I don't know if that is a factor into which bridge is better to use.
140
Gear Talk / Re: My Bike Set-up for TransAm
« on: May 07, 2018, 10:37:04 pm »
I just suggest you try out your gear in a controlled test environment first. You don't want to be fumbling with the safety catch as the 800 lb grizzly is charging you.
I think the odds of being charged by a grizzly will bicycling and camping along the TransAm trail is negligible small. But if you're going to carry the spray, it might be a good idea to try it.
I think the odds of being charged by a grizzly will bicycling and camping along the TransAm trail is negligible small. But if you're going to carry the spray, it might be a good idea to try it.
141
Gear Talk / Re: My Bike Set-up for TransAm
« on: May 06, 2018, 10:45:03 pm »
I'd be curious to see your packing list. I'm planning a self-supported cross country trip and need panniers front-and-back for my stuff. After a 2-week trip last year, I decided to ditch the stove, cook kit and fuel. Saved more space than weight and don't think I'll miss it. I'm sure I couldn't get my gear in just my two Ortlieb rear panniers. And I have my bulky stuff all in compression sacks.
I had the same pepper spray but opted for a smaller one that fits in my handlebar bag side pocket. I bought mine more for pesty dogs than for bears. Have you tried the spray? Don't try it in a campsite or any place you intend to stay. The pepper spray is VERY potent. I think if you use it in a campsite, you'll likely need to abandon the site. The spray is that noxious.
Good luck on your trip. Only 20 days away!
I had the same pepper spray but opted for a smaller one that fits in my handlebar bag side pocket. I bought mine more for pesty dogs than for bears. Have you tried the spray? Don't try it in a campsite or any place you intend to stay. The pepper spray is VERY potent. I think if you use it in a campsite, you'll likely need to abandon the site. The spray is that noxious.
Good luck on your trip. Only 20 days away!
142
General Discussion / Re: Weather apps
« on: April 24, 2018, 08:35:37 pm »
I've been using MyRadar, an Android app, when touring. I use it for the in-motion radar maps to see if the rain I'm heading into is a brief thunderstorm or an all-day soaker.
143
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Lake Erie Connector, UGRR Detroit Alternate Sec 1 & 2- ferry closure- Apr 2018
« on: April 08, 2018, 03:55:05 pm »
Will ACA post some suggested route modifications? Are there forum members familiar with the region? It doesn't look like a difficult route change. From Walleceburg, it looks like Rte 32 must be used to get to Walpole Island. Once in Algonac, Rte 29 goes right up to Marine City to pick up the ACA route. Any comments about these roads? Would it be better once in Algonac to head inland a little farther, say Marsh Road, before turning north to avoid traffic. Can anyone comment on using the Walpole Island Ferry with their bicycle?
John R - 53 days to go!
John R - 53 days to go!
144
Routes / Re: Cross Country, combining routes
« on: January 28, 2018, 07:38:07 pm »
I'll be doing a similar route in the opposite direction in June/July timeframe. Maybe our paths will cross!
I grew up in Michigan and still have a soft-spot for many of it's beautiful areas. I'm sure many other can give you there thought.
Mackinaw Island - spectacular, especially since cars out allowed. Just need to look out for the horse poop. Are you planning to stay overnight there? If there's a special occasion, a night in the Grand Hotel would be amazing.
Traverse Bay and Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes - spectacular! If you get the urge to run down the dunes to the lake, the distance is deceiving. It's a LONG way down and even longer coming up. I was a teenager (a long time ago) since I've been there. I wouldn't do it again. But you should do it once!
Much of central Michigan is not too exciting but very flat and nice for bicycling. Hopefully your trip allows for a stop in Frankenmuth. It's a touristy Bavarian town but has a good brewery.
When you're in Ontario, you'll be going by Point Pelee, the southernmost point in Canada. I think it's only 10 miles out to the end. If you're in to bird watching or butterflies, it's a very nice side trip.
Enjoy!
I grew up in Michigan and still have a soft-spot for many of it's beautiful areas. I'm sure many other can give you there thought.
Mackinaw Island - spectacular, especially since cars out allowed. Just need to look out for the horse poop. Are you planning to stay overnight there? If there's a special occasion, a night in the Grand Hotel would be amazing.
Traverse Bay and Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes - spectacular! If you get the urge to run down the dunes to the lake, the distance is deceiving. It's a LONG way down and even longer coming up. I was a teenager (a long time ago) since I've been there. I wouldn't do it again. But you should do it once!
Much of central Michigan is not too exciting but very flat and nice for bicycling. Hopefully your trip allows for a stop in Frankenmuth. It's a touristy Bavarian town but has a good brewery.
When you're in Ontario, you'll be going by Point Pelee, the southernmost point in Canada. I think it's only 10 miles out to the end. If you're in to bird watching or butterflies, it's a very nice side trip.
Enjoy!
145
Gear Talk / Should bicycle helmets be retired after a certain age?
« on: December 29, 2017, 11:22:37 pm »
I've been reading some of the posts on bicycle helmets and wondered if I should be replacing mine. I've never had a fall where the helmet's hit the ground. The Styrofoam or whatever's inside seems to be in good condition. I'm guessing it's 10 years old. The felt-like stuff that comes in contact with the scalp is a little smelly and grungy but is otherwise okay. But I like the fit just fine. Should I just retire it? Does the padding give out just because of exposure to sunlight and oxygen. I'm cheap, no, make that frugal, but don't want to be stupid!
2nd question. I once saw a rider whose helmet had a clear, integrated "shield". More than a visor, but not a full face covering. I like the idea because it would protect my eyes without needing to wear glasses. And it looked like a touring helmet. The only other ones I've seen on line look like something a downhill racer would wear. I'm a bicycle tourist, not a racer and don't want to look too outlandish!
2nd question. I once saw a rider whose helmet had a clear, integrated "shield". More than a visor, but not a full face covering. I like the idea because it would protect my eyes without needing to wear glasses. And it looked like a touring helmet. The only other ones I've seen on line look like something a downhill racer would wear. I'm a bicycle tourist, not a racer and don't want to look too outlandish!
146
General Discussion / How to keep bicycle clean during the winter-slush season?
« on: December 14, 2017, 06:04:25 pm »
Winter has arrived in NJ. Two days with significant snow. I'd like to keep riding if the roads are clear enough. But how to keep all the salt, dirt and grit off the bicycle? In the summer, I just hose it down and re-lube the chain and derailleur. But the hose is put away for the winter and the garage is pretty chilly!
147
General Discussion / Re: Advice sought for New York to San Francisco route starting early April 2018
« on: December 03, 2017, 04:06:27 pm »
Sandy Hook is quite lovely without the crowds!
148
General Discussion / Re: My 1st Solo Bicycle Touring Trip in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania etc
« on: November 10, 2017, 06:10:44 pm »
I'm guessing you're following NY State bicycle Route 11. I've not ridden this route but drove from Syracuse to Delaware Water Gap this summer. Along the route (Interstate 81) I was thinking "Boy, I'm glad I'm not bicycling here!". Lots of PITA hills. Maybe the bicycle route is better.
Where in NJ are you headed? There are some lovely areas in northwestern NJ, but the drivers can sometimes be obnoxious. (I live here and, I'm sorry to admit, I'm not always a patient driver).
Where in NJ are you headed? There are some lovely areas in northwestern NJ, but the drivers can sometimes be obnoxious. (I live here and, I'm sorry to admit, I'm not always a patient driver).
149
General Discussion / What is proper etiquette?
« on: August 31, 2017, 11:25:41 am »
In NJ, anyone under 17 riding a bicycle is required to wear a helmet. All to often, mom and dad are out riding with the kids; the kids have their helmets on, but the parents don't. This morning I saw this and yelled at the dad "Where's your helmet?" He ignored me. Does someone have a kinder way of encouraging parents to wear a bicycle helmet. Maybe I should have said "Hey buddy, you forgot your helmet." It such an easy thing for the adults to do and it models behavior you wish the kids to continue.
150
General Discussion / Re: The latest time to head out east to west on the TransAmerica trail
« on: May 17, 2017, 05:44:28 pm »
"Highway 4 in the California Sierras has grades up to 28%."
Can this be bicycled? By mere mortals?
I think the steepest climb I've had is at Smugglers Notch at Stowe VT and I think that was only 17%. If I leaned forward, I lost traction with the rear wheel. If I sat back, the front wheel lifted up. I'll try it again this autumn when I'm back up there.
Can this be bicycled? By mere mortals?
I think the steepest climb I've had is at Smugglers Notch at Stowe VT and I think that was only 17%. If I leaned forward, I lost traction with the rear wheel. If I sat back, the front wheel lifted up. I'll try it again this autumn when I'm back up there.