Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: My Pannier Design

« on: May 08, 2023, 02:56:59 pm »

John-
I can't sew, even poorly, but I have gotten some gear made by giving a canvas worker the old (heavy, water absorbent) item and asking them to copy it in modern wonder cloth.  It has saved weight, and made the items easier to pack.

2

General Discussion / Re: Insulin pump

« on: April 28, 2023, 08:25:10 pm »

A bottle of water in the pannier will come to the temp of the pannier, but will stay at or near that temp for the few seconds it takes to put a thermometer in it.  You can try this to estimate the insulating properties of your panniers.
Good luck.

3

General Discussion / Cyclosource

« on: April 28, 2023, 08:19:13 pm »

Just got the new catalog, nice cover photo.  I want to know where in Alaska they have palm trees?

4

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: April 28, 2023, 06:43:49 am »

First, I heartily endorse what Ray said about the tool between your ears.
Second, make sure everything is in tip top shape before you set out.  The best repair is one you don't have to make.  I get a new patch kit every year to make sure the glue is not dried out.  I have a whole bag of unused ones.
Third, practice.  As per Murphy's dictum, when you have to fix a flat, it will be as night falls, with a storm coming in.
Have fun!

5

General Discussion / Re: Biking Across Country (1st time) - Seeking Help w/ Idea

« on: March 07, 2023, 06:51:21 pm »

I'd say Professor J nailed it.  Nailed it, countersunk the heads, filled the holes, sanded, and painted the whole shebang.

6

Gear Talk / Re: cooking System

« on: December 27, 2022, 07:42:21 pm »

A few comments that some may find relevant.
I have a JetBoil rig and it lives up to its name, very fast to boil water.  I found that if I leave the gas canister installed over night, the fuel runs out a lot faster than if I disconnect it after use. I guess the valve, or something must have a very slow leak. 
I usually do a mix of camping and cheap motels, about 3:1 or 4:1.  I eat a lot of convenience store lunches, and hit diners as I find them. 
When camping, breakfast is usually a bottle of OJ from a convenience store the day before, tea, and a sweet roll.  Then, a second breakfast if I find a diner.  Dinner is usually based on couscous because it cooks fastest.  I have found air dried meats from Croatia, beef and pork, in a European Deli in Burlington, VT.  I carried some on the GAP and C&O trip, which actually started in Buffalo, so was about 21/2 weeks.  By Cumberland it had gotten a little slimy on the surface, but I washed it off with soap, and rinsed it and dried it thoroughly, and it was fine.  It has a lot more flavor and better texture than freeze dried stuff.  I supplement the "stew" with some fresh veggies.
Trying the local cuisine is part of the experience for me.

7

General Discussion / Re: How do I tell my boss I am bike touring for 3 months (and keep my job)?!

« on: December 23, 2022, 02:35:25 pm »

I concur with BB.  Call it a sabbatical maybe, implying that you will be returning.
Having incriminating photos of the boss might not hurt either.
Good Luck!

8

Gear Talk / Re: Chair

« on: December 08, 2022, 07:52:32 pm »

The anti-sink pieces of PVC look like a neat idea.  I take my chair if I anticipate camping in unimproved sites, e.g. stealth camping.  In a campground, the picnic table serves.  I lightened mine by giving it to a canvas worker (think boat covers, etc.) and asking her to copy the cloth seat in something lightweight, I also substituted a nylon stuff sack for the cotton.  It also makes a good support for my solar panel to angle it for better exposure.

9

General Discussion / Re: how to lighten a load

« on: December 08, 2022, 07:30:38 pm »

How much you carry largely comes down to two issues:  How daring are you willing to be, meaning how thin will the survival, first aid and repair inventory be?  The second, is how grungy are you willing to be, how few changes of clothes will you wear?
In general, it is easier to find 5lb. you can live without on the rider than on the bike.  If you want inspiration, just think about how much money it would cost to get a bike that was 5 pounds lighter.  Losing that amount of weight is like paying yourself that amount.

10

General Discussion / Re: Camping in Churches

« on: December 08, 2022, 07:22:37 pm »

On the Erie Canal Towpath, I passed a church, around midmorning, and they offered camping, snacks, and use of the washer and dryer.  I didn't need their help then, but I liked the idea so I signed the guest book and left a few bucks in the donation box.  That was before the pandemic, so they may have changed. 

11

General Discussion / Re: Burlington Bikeway/Cyclosurce

« on: November 08, 2022, 04:17:36 pm »

So, Mr. 'Gator, are you in the background on that catalog?  It looks like it is also on the Bikeway, at the Parkin Colchester.

12

General Discussion / Re: chain grease on polypropylene raingear

« on: November 06, 2022, 07:59:48 pm »

Olefins, like polypropylene, have a high affinity for oils and greases.  I might try pretreating it with olive oil to try to mobilize some the grease with an easily washed oil.  Otherwise, I'd just consider the stains as part of the patina attesting to actual use.

13

General Discussion / Re: Getting to Your Starting Point

« on: November 06, 2022, 07:56:19 pm »

If you opt for one way car rentals, I've had good luck at airports.  They are open 24 hrs, 7 days a week and some small ones may even have free longterm parking (e.g. Lebanon, NH). 

14

General Discussion / Burlington Bikeway/Cyclosurce

« on: November 06, 2022, 07:52:14 pm »

I just noticed that the cover photo on the Winter catalog is the Burlington Bikeway at the bridge over the Winooski River, where it empties into Lake Champlain.  The credit for the photo doesn't mention that.
I've only ridden it in the summertime.

15

General Discussion / Re: Camping in Churches

« on: September 23, 2022, 07:31:34 pm »

OT, but, nice handle in the OP.  Not 'crunchy' I assume.