Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: How warm should your sleepingbag be?

« on: April 02, 2024, 06:09:59 pm »

I use a 40 degree down mummy bag from Marmot. Keeps me warm nearly all the time. On the few nights it doesn't, I wear extra clothes to bed. Never really been cold during summer tours.

2

Gear Talk / Re: What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: January 28, 2024, 10:57:40 pm »

Can of Halt, Leatherman tool. Both were generally useless weight.

This somewhat surprises me. I can see the uselessness of a can of halt, but I find a Leatherman invaluable.  The pliers come in extremely handy in many cases and I use the knife almost very day. The Philips and regulars screw drivers come in handy on occasion. But each to his own.

3

Gear Talk / Re: What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: January 22, 2024, 11:35:44 pm »

After a week on my first tour, I mailed home about half the tools I had taken. Never did need them.

4

General Discussion / Re: Stealth Camping? Sleep Site!

« on: January 20, 2024, 08:49:48 pm »

"On public lands in the American West a good bet is to find an abandoned road". -   

I'd agree for the most part. The key is if the road is blocked off. I used to think that when riding a fairly busy road, my best option was to find a small side road that leads off the mail road and find a suitable camping spot somewhere along there.  I came to the realization that maybe this wasn't the best option.  Often, other parties would turn off this side road for the same reason and slowly drive along looking for a place to stop, rest, relieve themselves, drink or who knows what.  I've concluded that in many instances you're better off to pull directly off along a main highway out of sight and uphill, if possible, and out of view of the main flow of traffic where people are zooming along at a high rate of speed and aren't interested in what's along the side of the road. I think you're far less to be spotted in those circumstances.

5

Gear Talk / Re: My cooking gear

« on: January 20, 2024, 06:51:29 pm »

"But I might also throw in a small freeze-dried dinner or a pack of instant noodles."

Good point. Although I don't particular care for them, I always have a packet of a freeze-dried food in the bottom of my panniers or backpack for semi-emergency use like when I'm too tired or conditions are lousy for cooking a regular meal.  It's pretty easy to prepare freeze-dried stuff in adverse conditions.  It's come on handy a number of occasions, although I often go a long time without touching it, but it keeps, so there's no problem.

6

Gear Talk / Re: My cooking gear

« on: January 09, 2024, 10:51:17 pm »

Is that scrapper similar to what they use on cast iron pots and pans?
[/quote]

I can't say for sure since I've only used them on my GSI aluminum pots and fry pan where they work great.  I don't see why it wouldn't work on cast iron.  They are far superior to a scrub pad in that they don't collect food residue and are easily cleaned. Honestly, it's amazing how something so simple can work so well.

7

Gear Talk / Re: My cooking gear

« on: January 09, 2024, 09:09:23 pm »

I'd add this.  It has been one of the most simple and helpful pieces of cooking gear I've come across. I carry it on every bike tour and backpacking trip.

https://gsioutdoors.com/products/compact-scraper?_pos=1&_psq=sc&_ss=e&_v=1.0

My wife gave it to me as a stocking stuffer years ago and I dismissed it as a gimmick. Boy, was I wrong. It's extremely handy, efficient, small and light.

8

General Discussion / Re: Stealth Camping? Sleep Site!

« on: January 07, 2024, 01:00:55 am »

Interesting post for me.   I camped at Harris a few years ago and can honestly say, that it is the only state park I was a bit uncomfortable in and it was largely because of the transient population. Fortunately, there were a number of other bike tourists in the hiker/biker site, so I felt relatively safe and didn't experience any problems.  Had I been the only camper around, I would have been a bit uneasy.  Just another symptom of the homeless problem in this country.

9

General Discussion / Re: Stealth Camping? Sleep Site!

« on: January 07, 2024, 12:54:03 am »

Plenty of good advice in the above posts. One piece of advice I try to adhere to concerning stealth camping is to try and stay on the uphill side of the road, all things considered.  People have a much greater tendency to look down than up when driving by.  You're less likely to be noticed by passersby. Personally, I've stealth camped lots of times and never really had a problem. However, for peace of mind, when possible, I prefer to stay at a regular campground.  It has to be pretty miserable or sketchy for me to pay for a hotel/motel, although I've done it a few times.

10

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: October 21, 2023, 06:55:51 pm »

I don't know if they really qualify as a tool, but I find a few plastic zip ties can come in extremely handy on occasion.  Ditto with some duct tape.  I also find a good pair of tweezers come in handy for picking out a piece of glass or thorn embedded in your tire if you get a flat. They can be tough to get out with your fingers.

11

General Discussion / Re: cost per day to tour

« on: August 19, 2023, 05:33:32 pm »

It depends entirely on where you are and your personal style of riding. No correct answer on this one.

12

General Discussion / Re: Seattle to Boulder Tour :)

« on: February 05, 2023, 05:33:47 pm »

Totally possible, but be sure to take cold weather gear, as lingering winter weather could set in anytime and morning and evenings are sure to be chilly.  Stick to the valley floors as much as possible and you should be fine. You may run into snow at higher elevations, but nothing too serious barring a freak storm.

13

Gear Talk / Re: New touring bike recommendations

« on: January 30, 2023, 11:52:49 pm »

Thanks for your response. By being dated I simply mean that it's not quite the same model as the newer Sutras which have made some changes and improvements i.e. better gearing, stock Brooks saddle, etc.  Trust me, in no way would I considering giving up my Sutra. It's a great bike in fine condition and I fully intend on riding it for many more years - hopefully on a cross-country tour this summer if things pan out.  I'm pretty sure the bike will out last me. I suspect one of my kinds will be riding it long after I'm gone.

14

General Discussion / Re: Trans America - Oregon to Virginia

« on: January 30, 2023, 07:21:00 pm »

There are tons of books and You tube videos on the subject. Google bicycle touring.  My favorite introduction is Raymond Bridge's, Bike Touring published by the Sierra Club books. Somewhat dated but still relevant and extremely informative. Probably more than you'll ever want to know.

15

Gear Talk / Re: New touring bike recommendations

« on: January 30, 2023, 05:57:12 pm »

I have a 2012 Kona Sutra, so my advice may be somewhat dated. However, after several long tours, I have nothing but good things to say about it.  I did have to upgrade the cassette to gain lower gearing, put a Books saddle (maybe not necessary but nice for me.) on it and adapt the stem (spacers) somewhat, but it was still a great investment. It came with a rear rack, so that was a plus.  Even with the upgrades, since I got it on a closeout sale at a local shop, it was still cheaper ($1200) than most of the other options I looked at. And, I really liked the color, and it's been an absolutely great bike.  Old as it may be, I have no reservations on taking it on a cross-country tour this summer if all goes well.