Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Newbie

« on: March 25, 2016, 10:51:46 am »

Tim, after 40 years teaching high school I will be retiring in June.  I haven't done any real bike touring since I was in college back in the mid-70's.  I haven't even rode a bike a in too many years but started last year just for exercise.  Now that I am about to have some time I am doing pretty much like you mentioned and also have the same concerns.  I live on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida so biking is very good weather-wise but very bad with tourists.  Having lived around and taught many "redneck" with their big trucks (I also drive a pickup, have for 30 years) I have found that most of them will treat you with as much respect as you have for them.  I was on a very deserted back road during hunting season when a truck slowed down behind me.  The combination of high-horsepower trucks, big guns, and too much alcohol is likely to lead to problems.  They finally pulled slowly up next to me and the passenger reached out with a bottle of water for me, I said thanks and joked about wished it was a beer.  They pulled over up the road, reached into a cooler in the back, and held out a beer when I got there.  Of course I stopped and drank a cold one with them, talked for about 30 minutes, actually had a second one.  One of them gave me a cell phone number in case I needed anything.  There are a lot more people like that than bad stories.

Scariest thing I ever see behind me is giant motor-homes driven by people older than I am with no training at all.  Lots of those on the roads around here and they sometimes will blow you out of the bike lane.  Strangely enough the other problems I have had cycling around here is motorcycles; they love to hug the bike lanes and rev those loud things when they pass.  Most regular bikers are pretty good folks but we get a lot of "Rolex-riders" that are responsible citizens back home, then they trailer there hardly-used Harleys on vacation behind their pricey SUV's to be big bad bikers dudes on vacation here.  Real jerks!

Either way, they won't keep me off the road, maybe us "newbie's" will cross paths in our new life on the road

2

General Discussion / Re: How many bags do you carry on your bike?

« on: March 25, 2016, 09:35:41 am »

I was no the original poster about the duct tape but I will admit I always carry duct tape with me, goes back to my days backpacking I guess.  It was something I learned from someone else, not my original idea but not sure why no one has ever marketed smaller rolls.  Take an ink pen (like the good old fashioned Bic cheapos), unroll about 10' from a big roll of duct tape and roll it up on the pen.  I've used it for a lot of different uses from lashing loose stuff down to fixing a big rip on a strangers pants.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Mirrors

« on: March 12, 2016, 06:38:48 pm »

I've used bar end mirror and helmet mounted, much prefer the helmet mount.  Actually the helmet mount can be used on glasses but I prefer just leaving it on my helmet.  I wear contacts due to aging eyes and my arms not being long enough the read anymore, I do the mono vision method with a strong one in one eye to read and weaker one in left eye for better distance vision.  The helmet mirror is on the left side so that works great for me.  Remember though that when you look in the mirror you aren't focused on the actual mirror but the distance to the reflection, so close focusing is not really an issue.  I whacked the bar-end mirror off a couple of times in some close quarters, plus gets in the way when transporting on the car rack.  Helmet works great for me!

4

General Discussion / Re: Found on the road

« on: March 04, 2016, 08:13:59 am »

I also often wonder when I see just one shoe what happened to the other one?  Was someone jogging and just lost one without noticing? Not likely, but does make and interesting vision in my head.  I see a lot broken bungee cords, which explains why I see whole boxes smashed along the highway occasionally. 

I think the most interesting thing was an prosthetic leg, now how do you lose that and not notice!?!?!  I carried it back with me and turned over to police.  It had some ID number in it but figured it was easier for them to track down than me.  Never did go back to find out the story though . . .

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GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin Edge 1000 Explore

« on: February 17, 2016, 08:18:19 am »

Thanks Hans, good info.  I think I will probably purchase the Explore 1000 this summer, also pulled up the link at the bottom of your page.  As an ordained Episcopal minister (part time now, maybe full time when I retire from teaching this summer) I find it interesting.  When I have a few minutes I would love to talk with you about that ministry.

peace+
Ray

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GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin Edge 1000 Explore

« on: February 16, 2016, 03:06:42 pm »

Looking at getting my first GPS, I have been using my iPhone to this point but hope this summer to take some longer rides after I retire in June.  I was pretty much sold on the idea of the Garmin Edge 1000 but now I am also looking at the Edge Explore 1000.  There doesn't appear to be much difference except it's missing the "training calendar" and the "Simano Di2 Integration", neither of which I can imagine me ever using. 

Can you give me some insight on why you bought the Explore, except for the obvious lower cost?

Ray