Messages

31

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / ST section 2 map 20 highway closure due to wildfire 6/2021

« on: June 08, 2021, 09:10:18 pm »

There is a wildfire burning near Globe, AZ.  It appears to have closed Hwy 70 east of Globe.  There doesn’t appear to be an alternative route.

32

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Closure on Pacific Coast Section 4, major landslide on map 48 - Jan 2021

« on: April 24, 2021, 07:11:09 pm »

The road was opened on April 23 2021.  Some other construction work will continue to improve drainage and other items through the summer.

33

General Discussion / Re: Advice on purchasing a fat bike

« on: April 22, 2021, 10:40:27 am »

I don’t know anything about fat bikes either.  However they also need some gear so I purchased some items from the ACA store and had it shipped to them.

I went online for some more info on fat bikes.  It appears that the Mongoose bike is a very basic entry level bike.  The gear range makes it a difficult ride for hills or anything requiring a low gear.  If you can find a good used bike for sale near Browning that might be the way to go.

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Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Closure on Pacific Coast Section 4, major landslide on map 48 - Jan 2021

« on: April 10, 2021, 03:09:43 pm »

According to Caltrans Hwy 1 will be repaired and opened on April 30th. 

35

General Discussion / Re: Touring after Chemotherapy

« on: April 09, 2021, 04:36:46 pm »

Jama,

Well, I've completed my last round of chemo 2 days before my birthday (some birthday present).  Fortunately I went to a lymphoma specialist for the treatment.  I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma grade 3B (most aggressive). The other oncologist wanted to do 6 rounds of chemo but since I was in "complete remission" after 2 rounds the specialist said I only needed 2 more.  One of the chemicals is known to have side effects on the heart.  I was told that since I was is good condition and the ECG showed good function and I only had 4 rounds there shouldn't be any damage.  Only time will tell.

Definitely been a roller coaster of an experience.  I also have muscle loss and weight gain.  I've had the same feelings as you of being hit by a bus, truck, train, or just a pile of s--t after each round of chemo.  The worst part though is the waves of nausea when I try to do any activity.  This pretty much limited my attempts to hop on a bike.  I did one short ride (6 mi) and I was exhausted afterwards.  My white cell and red blood cell counts are extremely low after each round.  The low RBC makes it difficult to to any activity for more than a few minutes before fatigue sets in.  Like you I am a little embarrassed by my lack of fitness now.  Good news is weather is now good enough so I can hop on the bike pretty much any time during the day.  As soon as this episode of nausea passes I will be setting out on some small rides around the neighborhood.   Then longer rides to rebuild the stamina.

Watching some youtube videos about people touring has kept my spirits up and looking forward to getting out there again.  I bought some new stuff I want to give a try before my next ride to see if they make the bike a little more comfortable. 

36

General Discussion / Re: carrying a firearm on a tour

« on: February 25, 2021, 02:44:49 pm »

Too many chances to wind up in jail with no real benefit.

37

General Discussion / Re: how steep is the grade of the Golden Gate Bridge

« on: February 22, 2021, 06:07:39 pm »

Jamawani gives a good description of the bridge and its approaches.  I rode it about 10 years ago in the morning.  Not many tourists at that time in the morning.  Also rode along the waterfront which was interesting and pleasant.

38

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Pacific Coast section 5 I5 between San Clemente and Oceanside

« on: February 18, 2021, 08:46:43 pm »

There is a bike trail off of Christianitos Rd that takes you south of San Clemente to the Old Pacific Coast hwy through San Onofre state park.  It parallels I-5  to Las Pulgas road.  You then take I15 south to Harbor Drive and get off the interstate.  Going through Camp Pendleton requires either a military ID or pre-approval which is not practical for a 1 time trip.

39

Routes / Re: New Orleans to Chicago

« on: February 04, 2021, 12:51:19 pm »

Another option is to use the Mississippi River Trail until you hit the Bicycle Route 66 in St Louis.

40

General Discussion / Touring after Chemotherapy

« on: January 23, 2021, 09:29:15 am »

Has anyone done a tour after chemotherapy?  How long were you off your bike?  How long after chemo were you able to tour?  Do you lose much muscle mass during chemo?  Did you take any precautions as you began to ride after chemo?

41

General Discussion / Re: TABR- Specialized Diverge E5 (Modify w Shimano GRX600) or buy Surly Disc Trucker

« on: December 04, 2020, 09:53:05 am »

My 11-40 cassette did not require the derailer hanger change.  There is a video on youtube by bikepacking.com that talks about this setup and changing the derailer hanger.

42

General Discussion / Re: Bike/train travel

« on: December 03, 2020, 08:52:20 pm »

I've also used Amtrak many times for my bike trips.  I figure out where I want to ride first then I find the Amtrak trains that run closest to where I want to start and end.  Since the Amtrak long distance trains carry the bike in the baggage car you have to select a stop that has baggage service.  I usually have to ride for a day or two to get to my start/stop point.  As jamawani  mentioned the schedule isn't always very convenient.   I've had several trips where I caught or got off a train after midnight.  The sleeper cars are more comfortable than the coach cars especially for overnight trips plus I can put all my stuff in the room.  It does add to the cost but the room includes meals.  If you take multiple trains Amtrak charges a bike fee for each train unless you boxed your bike.  Also as jamawani mentioned the long distance routes are only running 3 days a week.  Who knows when they will be able to run their regular schedule again.

43

General Discussion / Re: TABR- Specialized Diverge E5 (Modify w Shimano GRX600) or buy Surly Disc Trucker

« on: November 22, 2020, 10:40:27 am »

I have the GRX800 on my bike.  The front crankset is the RX810-2 and has a 31 tooth low gear.  The rear derailleur is the RX810.  My bike shop was able to fit an 11x40 cassette with no issues.   My lowest gear is 21.25 gear inches.  Not as low as I would like but good enough to tour with my gear.

44

California / Re: Bike rentals near Death Valley

« on: November 16, 2020, 10:06:40 am »

There are some dirt roads in Death Valley you can ride with a mountain bike.  You may want to drive to a parking area near the dirt roads since most are a pretty good distance from hotel/camping.  Most national parks require you stay on designated roads and hiking trails are off limits to bikes.  I've ridden a road bike in Death Valley several times and it was very enjoyable.  Not a lot of traffic and generally the roads were in pretty good condition.  There isn't much of a shoulder but again the traffic is pretty light.   Check the weather before you go.  It can be very cold and windy during the winter/spring.  You will definitely need to carry plenty of water.  As I recall there aren't many places to get water.

45

California / Re: Bike rentals near Death Valley

« on: November 15, 2020, 07:02:01 pm »

The closest town/city that might have rentals is Las Vegas.  I don't know which ones offer rentals but you can call to see who rents.