Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: How to transport bike box?

« on: December 16, 2016, 11:49:51 am »

For this particular trip I would suggest taking Amtrak back to Eugene.   Take the ferry over to Oakland.  The train leaves very late in the day and you will be in Eugene the next day. 

32

General Discussion / Re: What is the best to repair Ortlieb Bags???

« on: December 04, 2016, 12:28:15 pm »

Ortlieb makes a repair kit for their bags although I'm not sure how they will work on the ends.  I've used their patch kit on holes in other bags and they do a very good job repairing the hole but they aren't folded or rolled where I've patched.

33

Gear Talk / Re: trailers vs panniers

« on: November 29, 2016, 06:30:10 pm »

As you can see there are various opinions on the topic.  I've tried both and I prefer a trailer for a longer tour.  I don't like the way my bike handles with loaded panniers and I've never had a problem packing the trailer.  By the time you add the racks and the panniers they aren't that much lighter than a trailer unless you count ounces like a racer.  You will have to just try them both and see what works for you.

34

Classifieds / FS 2014 Burley Nomad - Sold

« on: October 05, 2016, 10:49:56 am »

Burley Nomad trailer.  Purchased in 2014 it has Schwalbe Marathon tires for added puncture resistance.  It has about 1000 miles on it so it almost looks new.  $200 includes shipping.
 

35

Routes / Re: Road 395 south in USA?

« on: October 02, 2016, 07:14:33 pm »

I've driven the 395 from Reno to its terminus in Hesperia.  For the most part the road is decent for cycling.  There are a couple of high passes south of Carson City but they do not close during the winter.  At most you would have to wait a couple of days for the road to be plowed.  Again for the most part it has a wide shoulder and has moderate to heavy traffic depending on the section.  The route south from the junction of hwy 58 may be a little sketchy.  There isn't much of a shoulder until you get close to Victorville, CA. and it has pretty heavy traffic.  You could detour over to Barstow and ride down the National Trails Highway. 

36

General Discussion / Re: Touring bike wheel

« on: September 21, 2016, 07:30:41 pm »

I had a similar problem.  I had a hand built wheel made with 36 spokes and 3 cross.  Haven't had a problem since. 

37

Gear Talk / Re: Getting bike and gear to start of tour

« on: September 12, 2016, 11:07:02 am »

I like to travel by Amtrak.  As was previously mentioned they sell a bike box ($15 + $10 for shipping) that is easy to use and they will give you the tape to seal it up.  The first time I traveled on Amtrak with a BOB I nested two boxes with some gear and put it on the train as baggage (free) (It was smaller than their max dimensions for luggage).    When I got to my destination I just put the boxes in the trash so I didn't have to lug the extra weight and they were inexpensive.  Ortlieb has a bag called the Big Zip that will hold a BOB and some gear.  It can also be shipped as baggage on Amtrak or the airlines as long as you keep the weight below 50 lbs.  You can ship it home when you get to your destination or fold it it and put it on the bottom of the BOB.  If you take Amtrak and get a sleeper it does include the meals plus it's easier to sleep.  The small room is called a roomette.  The earlier you make your reservation the cheaper the price.  It will be more expensive than airfare but depending on the cost of taking your bike it may not be that much more than flying and it is much more relaxing. 

38

Routes / Re: Western express to transAm

« on: August 07, 2016, 11:40:04 am »

There are a number of posts about the western express.  Just do a search and you will have a wealth of information.

39

General Discussion / Re: Bike touring in the desert?

« on: August 06, 2016, 02:17:09 pm »

When are you planning to do the trip and what is your route.  If you are taking hwy 89 south to connect to hwy 60 over to Blythe and hwy 78 you will be going through a number of small towns where you can get water.  The long stretch is between Blythe and and Brawley which you should be able to make with the water you are carrying.  Time of day and heat will make a big difference in the amount of water you will need.  Riding early and late when it is cooler will make it easier.

40

Gear Talk / Re: Davidson Titanium Road Bike

« on: August 05, 2016, 10:59:16 am »

I have a ti bike and it is extremely comfortable on a tour.  It has the eyelets to mount a rear rack.  I tow a trailer and prefer it to panniers. 

41

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Big Sur Area of Pacific Coast Route - July 2016

« on: July 27, 2016, 10:05:22 am »

There is a large fire in the Big Sur area and according to the news they have closed the campgrounds in the state parks in Big Sur. 

42

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Best GPS device for cycling

« on: July 17, 2016, 08:14:16 pm »

I just bought a Garmin Explore 1000 to replace my Garmin 800 and love it.  I didn't need all the racing stuff and this one has tracking built in (through your smartphone).   You can go to garmin.com and compare the features of their various models.

43

California / Re: Planning my first trip to California

« on: July 09, 2016, 03:41:18 pm »

I would advise starting in San Francisco.  Wind tends to come from the northwest so traveling south tends to be more enjoyable.  Besides the road tends to have a better shoulder in the south bound direction.  Depending on whether you intend to camp or stay in hotels you will have plenty of options.  Once you get to Santa Barbara you can take the train to LA and thena bus to the airport.  You could continue to ride from Santa Barbara along the coast all the way to LAX. 

44

Bicycle Route 66 / Re: Rt 66 Section 6 Maps 91 - 95 Needles to Amboy

« on: July 03, 2016, 12:34:13 pm »

I just drove that section of I40.  There are numerous signs on the freeway for Share the Road and signs that tell cyclists when to exit the freeway.  I have to assume that the Route 66 roadway hasn't been repaired if the signs are still up.

45

Routes / Re: Trans Am route question: Bridge over Dix River in Kentucky still closed?

« on: July 03, 2016, 12:29:49 pm »

According to the KY DOT website there is no construction on KY 152 at this time.