Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Trek Domane AL5 Suitable for Touring

« on: May 08, 2022, 06:36:32 pm »

Thank you all for your responses, and I have to say I agree with everyone!  Aggie, thank you for the OMM recommendation.  I received my OMM Classic Rack yesterday, along with the Domane, and I mounted it with no issues. 
Driftlessregion, Pat Lamb, and others who suggested repairing the 520, as soon as I get it back from the LBS (providing Trek does not want it returned), I will take it to a specialty welder and have the collar welded back on to the tube, and then I will have two touring bikes, or one touring, and one gravel, depending on how you look at it. 
Oh, BTW, the seat post was inserted at least 8 inches into the seat tube, so minimum insertion was not an issue.
Finally, on my long distance tours across country, I do need to take four panniers, so front and back racks are essential. 
Thanks again everyone - your feedback was extremely valuable!
Ed C

2

Gear Talk / Trek Domane AL5 Suitable for Touring

« on: May 01, 2022, 08:15:28 pm »

My 5 year old Trek 520 frame broke off just below the clamp on the seat tube.  Ugh!  Trek is covering it under warranty, but...  there are no frames to be had - anywhere.  My LBS is talking me into "upgrading" to an aluminum frame Domane.  It has eyelets for the rear rack, but none for the front.  I would have to mount a front rack with P-clamps.  It has hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano 105 components.

Anyone have any experience with the Domane?   LBS says it is robust, and will take the beating of a cross country tour.  Let me know!

3

Classifieds / Spot Gen3

« on: February 19, 2021, 09:20:44 pm »

I have for sale a Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS and messenger.  I used it on one trip a couple years ago.  Still in original box.  Great for tracking on a tour.
$55.00 plus Approx $10.00 S&H.

4

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Pacific Coast Section 1, map 12 - Construction 8/2020 - 11/2020

« on: August 08, 2020, 06:36:30 pm »

Thanks for the info!  If things go well, I should be on that stretch on August 30.

5

Routes / Re: Oregon coastal

« on: August 08, 2020, 06:32:09 pm »

Many Oregon State Parks and Beaches have opened up again, and remain open through at least today.  I am planning my itinerary for a Pacific Coast ride, and there are only two campgrounds where I wanted to stay that remain closed - one in Oregon and one in California.  There are hotel options nearby, so I am not too concerned.  There are also private campgrounds that are open.  Near Lincoln City, I wanted to stay at Devils Lake SRA, but it will not reopen this year, so I am staying at a nearby KOA instead.  I strongly recommend keeping tabs on the Oregon State Parks web site, as they update the openings regularly.

6

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: TA #1 & PC #2 in Oregon - state campground hiker/biker sites closed. summer 2020

« on: August 08, 2020, 06:30:24 pm »

Many Oregon State Parks and Beaches have opened up again, and remain open through at least today.  I am planning my itinerary for a Pacific Coast ride, and there are only two campgrounds where I wanted to stay that remain closed - one in Oregon and one in California.  There are hotel options nearby, so I am not too concerned.  There are also private campgrounds that are open.  Near Lincoln City, I wanted to stay at Devils Lake SRA, but it will not reopen this year, so I am staying at a nearby KOA instead.  I strongly recommend keeping tabs on the Oregon State Parks web site, as they update the openings regularly.

7

General Discussion / Re: Security - locking your bike

« on: July 19, 2020, 12:33:18 am »

I always bring the very valuable stuff, i.e. wallet & phone with me regardless of where I go.  In 40+ years I have never had my stuff gone through, I least that I know of.  If I was concerned, I guess I could get a little luggage lock that would fit through the tent's zipper pulls.   Also, I have a long (about 15' or so) 1/8" coated cable that was made by my local Ace Hardware that I can insert through the pannier handle loops.  Of course, they could still go through but they could not get the panniers  . 

That said, I have heard California's state parks are starting to get a bit overrun with homeless people.  It it is true, that may be more of an issue.  In which case, I would probably ask someone "reputable" to keep an eye on my tent site. 

Thanks John!

8

General Discussion / Re: Security - locking your bike

« on: July 18, 2020, 11:43:58 pm »

I will be riding the Pacific Coast Route starting late August, solo.  I get it about locking the bike (or not), but what about the panniers while in camp, or going to the shower while in a state park campground?  Bike is locked, tent is up, panniers in tent, but there are still unscrupulous persons who go through "stuff" when no one is around.  I can certainly take valuables to the shower, but who wants to do that every day?
Any suggestions for security of panniers, even when at a restaurant or grocery store?
Thanks!

9

General Discussion / Solo Trip Cooking Logistics

« on: June 05, 2020, 11:07:37 pm »

I have a few questions, as I am planning my first solo (sort of) tour, on the Pacific Coast Route.  I did the Southern Tier with ACA a few years ago, so I do have some experience.  The difference is that with the group tour, cooking was easy, shared, and the group shared the responsibility of carrying the "group gear."

For solo trips with 50-70% camping, what kind of cooking gear do you carry?  Of course I have my MSR Whiperlite stove, and a few pots and pans, but what gear is recommended for such a trip?  I do not have any interest in converting to the Jetboil system, as that would be a sizeable investment.   Here is what I would plan, but I am interested in other's opinions and experience.

Stove, fry pan, 4 quart pot, spatula, serving spoon, kitchen knife, cutting board, lighter, MSR fuel bottle. 

Anything else I should include or exclude?

TIA!

10

Routes / TransAm ACA Tour East to West 2020, Where to Fly Into?

« on: August 26, 2019, 12:16:51 am »

I am signed up for the ACA Transam in 2020.  Trying to decide whether to fly into Newport News, and a short ride to Williamsburg, or fly into Norfolk, short trip to Virginia Beach, then a 75 mile ride to Williamsburg.  Either is fine with me, I'm good with the miles, but looking for advice from anyone who has done either of these pre-ride routes in the past.  I know from Norfolk, I would need to take the ferry to Jamestown on 31, but that is not an issue.  Thanks in advance!

11

Routes / Re: Southern Tier, Heading West, Novemberish...

« on: August 11, 2019, 10:49:12 pm »

I did west to east starting in San Diego mid-September.  Hot in the west, stormy (rain, hail, lightning) in New Mexico, and one extremely cold night below freezing in Louisianna, camped in the back of a truck stop.   Other than that, weather was fine.

12

Routes / Re: Southern Tier 2017 Thread

« on: November 22, 2017, 11:38:09 pm »

Just finished the ST last week, on an ACA tour.  What a fantastic adventure.  Below is the link to my blog of this epic journey.  As this was my first bike tour ever, I was so moved that I will be doing other routes about every two years, giving the alternate years to my love to vacation as she sees fit!  2018 will see an RV caravan adventure to Alaska!   

http://crafted102.blogspot.com/

13

General Discussion / Re: What is proper etiquette?

« on: September 01, 2017, 07:41:17 pm »

I agree with Pete as well, but I will encourage friends and family to wear helmets.  Strangers - they have made their decision, and it is not my business.

14

Gear Talk / Re: front rack questions

« on: July 26, 2017, 03:33:03 pm »

I had problems fitting a front rack on my  new Trek 520, with disc brakes.  Finally ended up with the Tubus Low Rider, after working with Wayne at thetouringstore.com

15

Food Talk / Re: Best Foods for Training

« on: July 26, 2017, 03:24:55 pm »

On my rides, I take a banana, sliced apple in a sandwich bag (more recently), cheese, and fig newtons.  Seems to work well.   Need to figure out how to take salted hard boiled eggs! 

That being said, I plan to ride my first tour, Southern  Tier, starting this September.  Chances are that the same snacks will work while touring, supplemented by a good lunch!

Good luck!