Messages

31

General Discussion / (Catastrophic) injury insurance while cycling?

« on: December 25, 2015, 08:55:07 pm »

Hello folks,

Do any of you have thoughts/recommendations/opinions about injury insurance (or "catastrophic injury" insurance as I've heard it) while bike touring? With my plans to do the TransAm this upcoming summer, my parents feel that such insurance would be necessary in the off-chance I receive a debilitating, long-term injury. I'm not quite sure what more it would offer than what we already get from Anthem Blue Cross health insurance.

On a separate note, I am thoroughly enjoying this forum, as you can probably tell from the number of different questions I have posed in all the subsections. I appreciate all of the feedback you provide, especially since I am a beginner tourer!

Happy new year,
Jeremy

32

Gear Talk / Thoughts on "fat-tired" touring bikes?

« on: December 03, 2015, 03:51:37 pm »

Hi folks,

The ACA recommends for the Lewis and Clark Trail "that you equip yourself with a fat-tired touring bicycle." What size tire would be necessary for this trip? Any recommendations for bikes? I've been leaning strongly towards the Kona Sutra or Novara Randonee, but don't know if these would be up for this route.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

33

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: Connecting TransAmerica with Lewis and Clark: how best to do it?

« on: December 02, 2015, 02:18:27 pm »

I have mapped out sections across the northern part of the state -
From Yellowstone Lake - east on US 14/16 to Cody - the Wapiti Valley is a stunning ride.
From Cody stay on US 14/16 - but cut over via Wyo 30 to Basin - high desert and irrigated farms.
From Basin take Wyo 31 to Nowood Rd. to Tensleep - incredible colors - like a Gauguin painting.
Up from Tensleep on US 16 - magnificent canyon walls and over to Buffalo.
You should really plan to camp at moderately high elevation  and take in the wildflowers here.
From Buffalo, US 16 to Ucross and continue on US 14/16 to Gillette.
(A lovely ride - longer, but soooo much better than getting on I-90.)
From Gillette, Wyo 51 to Moorcroft - then US 14 and Wyo 24 to Devils Tower.
Continue on Wyo 24/SD 34 thru Aladin (general store) to Belle Fourche.


If you are interested I can forward you the strip maps.

I'd really apprecaite that!

34

General Discussion / Thoughts/ideas for March tours in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia?

« on: November 14, 2015, 02:09:40 pm »

Hello folks,

I go to school in eastern Washington, and am starting to brainstorm possible Spring break adventures (March 11-25). I'd be really interested in doing some touring in the PNW, and wanted to see if you all may have recommendations or thoughts on rides in Oregon, Washington, or BC (Vancouver Island would be awesome). Yes, I know the weather won't be ideal, but I don't mind camping in the rain and snow. I can also get transportation to/from Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver.

Thanks for any input you may have, and happy riding!

35

Connecting ACA Routes / Connecting TransAmerica with Lewis and Clark: how best to do it?

« on: September 06, 2015, 01:15:23 pm »

Hi friends!

This is my first time to the forum, so thank you in advance for any help or feedback you send my way.

I am planning my first unsupported (camping) long-distance bike tour next summer. I'll be starting in late-May (after I graduate) from Oregon and ending in late August, with no set end-location. I've been looking extensively into the TransAmerica trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail. The TransAm makes the most sense because it is direct and well-established. However, the Lewis and Clark trail also interests me because of the territories it covers and the history of the route. This got me to thinking: are there ways I could connect the two?

These two options really interest me:
1) Take the TransAmerica Trail from Oregon to Yellowstone, and then find a route across northern Wyoming before connecting with the Lewis and Clark trail in central South Dakota. Take this to St. Louis and stop or, with time, continue on the TransAm to D.C.
2) Complete the Lewis and Clark trail and join with the TransAm trail in St. Louis.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any suggestions for routes across northern Wyoming?