Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Barge and Bike in the USA?

« on: September 20, 2023, 01:59:51 pm »

Right, Mr. 'gator, I should have been clearer, boat in the Potomac, bikes on the C&O trail, not in the stagnant, fetid, interrupted, remains of the canal.

2

General Discussion / Re: Barge and Bike in the USA?

« on: September 19, 2023, 08:30:06 pm »

The Erie Canal has boats for charter, coincidentally, it parallels a lot of the Erie Canal Towpath bike route.  I read a post, somewhere, about a guy who was planning on being the sag-wagon/boat for a group on the Erie Canal.  I don't know about the C&O, but it parallels the Potomac.
Alternatively, you might plan a river trip with day trip excursions on bikes out from the river.
All in all, it sounds like a cool idea.

3

General Discussion / Re: Learning a Foreign Language

« on: September 19, 2023, 08:23:25 pm »

While I don't know of any bicycle specific language courses, I'll bet there are plenty of bicycle oriented forums in what ever language interests you.  It'll be text, but you can get accent from nonbicycle stuff.

4

General Discussion / Re: Bicycles on Via Rail in Canada

« on: July 16, 2023, 07:34:27 pm »

Last year I took my bike on the train from Montreal to Chambord for the Veloroute des Bluets.  I had to go the the station to find out about taking the bike.  In the end it was easy, the bike and 4 panniers rode in the baggage car and the conductor helped hand them down in Chambord, the station was closed.  Coming back was essentially a reversal of that procedure.  Stations away from the central one seem to answer the phone better and Via Rail did send messages to my phone about the train being a few minutes behind schedule.  I don't remember the cost, but I think it was reasonable.  No special packing, either direction.

5

General Discussion / Re: Average Weight Loss/Gain on Cross Country Tour

« on: June 12, 2023, 07:59:59 pm »

Haven't done anything over about 3 weeks.  I consider tours to be a "hall pass" and eat anything and everything.  This year I'm planning on Prince Edward Island, largely because of the food.  I usually return within about a pound of my departure weight

6

General Discussion / Re: Empire State Trail to NY City

« on: June 12, 2023, 07:54:28 pm »

You might see how far up the MTA commuter trains run.  They will take bikes for free, off rush hour, and go right into Grand Central Terminal at 42 St in midtown.  That could avoid a night or two in motels.

7

General Discussion / Re: Solo Trip Cooking Logistics

« on: June 12, 2023, 07:50:35 pm »

If you are cooking, boiling water will kill the bad bugs in it.

8

General Discussion / Re: Farewell for a while

« on: June 12, 2023, 07:42:18 pm »

We'll miss your always relevant posts.
And tailwinds to you, you may need them more than I will.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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?

12

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!

13

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.

14

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.

15

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!