1
GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Dept. of Homeland Security: Your old GPS might not work after 6 April 2019
« on: December 12, 2019, 09:07:26 pm »
They will work just fine, only the ability to get UTC time is possibly impacted.
News:
Your username and password for these discussion forums are unique to the forums. Your forum login information is separate from your My Adventure Cycling login information. Also, please note that your login information for the forums is not connected to your Adventure Cycling membership number. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
We have blocked registrations from several countries because of the large quantities of spam that originate there. If the forum denies your legitimate registration, please ask our administrator for an exception. Send an email to webmaster@adventurecycling.org and we will follow up with you.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Pages: [1] 2
2
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 11:05:00 pm »
I've always been charged full price, but never thought to explain it that way. I'll sure try it in the future.
I guess we can tell the OP "no don't bring a hammock - if you're going through some states - research required. But me, while I bring both my Hilleberg or Tarptent, depending on conditions, I've always brought that hammock. I don't do "ultra-light". I tend towards "ultra-comfy".
I guess we can tell the OP "no don't bring a hammock - if you're going through some states - research required. But me, while I bring both my Hilleberg or Tarptent, depending on conditions, I've always brought that hammock. I don't do "ultra-light". I tend towards "ultra-comfy".
3
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 10:55:15 pm »
Last bit on this Ty. It turns out you were completely right. I checked with a source I trust on Hammock forum who emailed over time the attorney general of each state as well as the heads of the State parks system and Colorado is one of the worst in the union for being Hammock unfriendly.
This is from the Notes section of the spreadsheet of Colorado, from 2013:
A definitive statement has not come back from the parks dept as of yet, but a HF member had the following to say on the matter, "I can tell you that in every state park I've ever been at here in Colorado, the answer is a resounding no. They list it in every park's camping literature, give the same line when you call. I also often have park employees include a "no hanging anything on trees" line when checking in with me - unprompted by any hammock questions."
So, sadly, you were absolutely right. No links needed.
That's one state where I'm boycotting the state parks if I happen to go there. Too expensive. Fortunately lots of State Forest land in the West part of the state. I'll probably not bother cycling that state, but take my motorcycle instead and keep to the free parts.
This is from the Notes section of the spreadsheet of Colorado, from 2013:
A definitive statement has not come back from the parks dept as of yet, but a HF member had the following to say on the matter, "I can tell you that in every state park I've ever been at here in Colorado, the answer is a resounding no. They list it in every park's camping literature, give the same line when you call. I also often have park employees include a "no hanging anything on trees" line when checking in with me - unprompted by any hammock questions."
So, sadly, you were absolutely right. No links needed.
That's one state where I'm boycotting the state parks if I happen to go there. Too expensive. Fortunately lots of State Forest land in the West part of the state. I'll probably not bother cycling that state, but take my motorcycle instead and keep to the free parts.
4
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 10:41:30 pm »
This is the third time I've asked you to give me the links you say you are finding everywhere, but I'm not seeing. I don't care if you live there, I've found more than one person on the internet spreading mis-information before. Yeah, I know that's got to be a shock. What sort of hammock and suspension do you use?
If it's about hammocking, it's on Hammock Forums, of which I'm a long standing member. I've heard about several states but not yours. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I want it confirmed. The fact that you think you know all about Colorado is cool. Now show me the link. My search shows NOTHING. It's real simple ... a ling to an authoritative source and you can be completely right on this topic.
Oh, and what's your strategy for talking a park ranger to change the price for you? Thats something I could use almost as much as more National forests which are free for me.
If it's about hammocking, it's on Hammock Forums, of which I'm a long standing member. I've heard about several states but not yours. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I want it confirmed. The fact that you think you know all about Colorado is cool. Now show me the link. My search shows NOTHING. It's real simple ... a ling to an authoritative source and you can be completely right on this topic.
Oh, and what's your strategy for talking a park ranger to change the price for you? Thats something I could use almost as much as more National forests which are free for me.
5
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 10:23:42 pm »
Well, like I said, I'll call on monday to find what the rules are. Can you point me to the google searches, because I can't find any with the search "colorado state parks ban hammocks" There is one article about a ban on Slacklining in city parks that mentions you can't hang anything from city park property. As I asked earlier, can you point me to the State Park Rule, on the State park site. Not some guy somewhere in 2009 that heard something from someone. I'm a member of the Hammock forums and have known about MD for a while, but nobody there has said anything about Colorado. So point me to the rule can you? Not hearsay.
On another note I saw the prices Colorado charges for Camping in state parks. Wow, how do you all afford a $10 reservation fee plus 24 a night with electricity and $18 without? Cycling through for two weeks would cost me about 400 bucks just to sleep. I guess that is the way it's going all over slowly, State Governments grabbing money every place they can. In North Carolina in 2007 it was 4 bucks a night everywhere.
Camping is getting to be priced out of reach for poor cyclist travelers of the sort I knew in the 70's and 80's. I wonder what one budgets on a 60 day tour for sleeping. I keep reading these sites that tell you that you can travel by bike for 25 or similar such price a day but I think it's more likely to be closer to 50 - 60 a day nowadays. So that would mean a 90 day tour could cost about 5 grand. Does that sound high? I wonder what people budget. I may have to take up something cheaper like a Tour through Chile instead of the TA or Southern Tier. At least in South America no bureaucratic Ogre is going to tell you what you can and can't sleep in.
On another note I saw the prices Colorado charges for Camping in state parks. Wow, how do you all afford a $10 reservation fee plus 24 a night with electricity and $18 without? Cycling through for two weeks would cost me about 400 bucks just to sleep. I guess that is the way it's going all over slowly, State Governments grabbing money every place they can. In North Carolina in 2007 it was 4 bucks a night everywhere.
Camping is getting to be priced out of reach for poor cyclist travelers of the sort I knew in the 70's and 80's. I wonder what one budgets on a 60 day tour for sleeping. I keep reading these sites that tell you that you can travel by bike for 25 or similar such price a day but I think it's more likely to be closer to 50 - 60 a day nowadays. So that would mean a 90 day tour could cost about 5 grand. Does that sound high? I wonder what people budget. I may have to take up something cheaper like a Tour through Chile instead of the TA or Southern Tier. At least in South America no bureaucratic Ogre is going to tell you what you can and can't sleep in.
6
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 09:36:12 pm »Keep in mind that some states and private campgrounds have banned hammocks due to tree damage. All state parks in Colorado, for example.
Could you refer me to where you found those regulations? I've just looked around at the Colorado State parks website and found no mention of any prohibitions.
The sole regs online about camping are these:
4. To camp or to park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands with the intention (or for the purpose) of camping other than on areas designated for camping; or to leave a set-up camp, motor vehicle, trailer or camper unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours, unless otherwise posted.
a. No person may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any forty-five (45) day period, except that extensions totaling no more than a maximum of fourteen (14) additional days may be permitted.
I'll call them on Monday for the final word, not that it would impact me cycling through that state, because I don't like to spend 20 bucks a night when I can find stealth camping, National forests public lands out west with no problem.
In about sixty nights in the last four years I had one Ranger in North Carolina and one in Florida tell me that hammocks were not allowed. I complied in Florida but the ranger station in North Carolina was close by and the other ranger said it was no problem as long as I used tree straps that protected the cambium layer. It seems that some people hand back yard hammocks with rope and those were the ones not allowed.
But this is the US of A and new rules are created every minute it seems, to keep the worst sort of campers from doing irresponsible things.
Good to know. When forced to look at a few I always ran into pop-ups wanting me to join and the ones I seemed to have been to always said "members only" to view the gallery. In any case I have to know the person before I'll suffer facebook. Crazyguyonabike.com on the other hand is perfectly tuned to cycling journals. To each his own.
7
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 09:32:44 pm »Keep in mind that some states and private campgrounds have banned hammocks due to tree damage. All state parks in Colorado, for example.
Could you refer me to where you found those regulations? I've just looked around at the Colorado State parks website and found no mention of any prohibitions.
The sole regs online about camping are these:
4. To camp or to park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands with the intention (or for the purpose) of camping other than on areas designated for camping; or to leave a set-up camp, motor vehicle, trailer or camper unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours, unless otherwise posted.
a. No person may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any forty-five (45) day period, except that extensions totaling no more than a maximum of fourteen (14) additional days may be permitted.
I'll call them on Monday for the final word, not that it would impact me cycling through that state, because I don't like to spend 20 bucks a night when I can find stealth camping, National forests public lands out west with no problem.
In about sixty nights in the last four years I had one Ranger in North Carolina and one in Florida tell me that hammocks were not allowed. I complied in Florida but the ranger station in North Carolina was close by and the other ranger said it was no problem as long as I used tree straps that protected the cambium layer. It seems that some people hand back yard hammocks with rope and those were the ones not allowed.
But this is the US of A and new rules are created every minute it seems, to keep the worst sort of campers from doing irresponsible things.
8
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: February 02, 2018, 09:18:51 pm »
Keep in mind that if you post on facebook, touring on a bicycle, that you are limiting your exposure compared to crazyguyonabike. A lot of people don't have facebook, and like myself refuse to ever join. Just a thought.
9
Bikecentennial / Re: Bikecentennial build
« on: February 01, 2018, 07:30:03 am »
I didn't tour the US in 1976 but was in Africa for two years in 77 and 78. I had what was a typical couple of bikes. One was a Peugeot from 76 and another was a Canadian Tyre branded bike bought in 72. Both used Mafac center pull brakes on 27" wheels (27 and 1/4 I believe) I don't think that 700cc was around yet except with tubular tires on a few serious race bikes. Don't take my word on that however.
I remember the wheels were steel chromed wheels which were on every bike of the day. How could one forget that with all the excitement trying to stop chrome plated wheels when wet. Aluminum came in the 80's I remember and wet braking hasn't been exciting since.
All of the bikes of the day were ten speed and double front cranks only. Triples were invented for the mountain bike crowd that came a decade later.
I remember the Peugeot had a simplex derailleur but don't know if that was common on non french bikes. The other thing I recall is that there were no sloping top tubes and frames were bought larger than is common today. A fist-full of seatpost was the common phrase in sizing thought to be right.
Oh ... no aero brakes, downtube (suicide) shifters, no indexing but only friction and the pedals were like the MKS silvan available today and had loose or retainer bearings that were traditionally oiled rather than greased (I could be wrong on that part - but that was how it was in my neck of the woods back then)
There was back then no such thing as an Ahead Stem. Only threaded quill stems, and just like my pedals, no press fitted cartridge bearings. I think cottered cranks were the norm back then too. Both of my bikes had them. Lastly only racers ever seemed to wear helmets and they were these leather padded strips type things. No such thing as a styrofoam helmet. All the people I saw had no helmets except a few enthusiasts really into cycling had cycling caps and once in a rare while a leather racing helmet, but you rarely saw that where I was riding in both countries. The dedicated guy would use wool jerseys and stuff things for quick access into those rear jersey pockets.
ahh, the good ol' days.
I remember the wheels were steel chromed wheels which were on every bike of the day. How could one forget that with all the excitement trying to stop chrome plated wheels when wet. Aluminum came in the 80's I remember and wet braking hasn't been exciting since.
All of the bikes of the day were ten speed and double front cranks only. Triples were invented for the mountain bike crowd that came a decade later.
I remember the Peugeot had a simplex derailleur but don't know if that was common on non french bikes. The other thing I recall is that there were no sloping top tubes and frames were bought larger than is common today. A fist-full of seatpost was the common phrase in sizing thought to be right.
Oh ... no aero brakes, downtube (suicide) shifters, no indexing but only friction and the pedals were like the MKS silvan available today and had loose or retainer bearings that were traditionally oiled rather than greased (I could be wrong on that part - but that was how it was in my neck of the woods back then)
There was back then no such thing as an Ahead Stem. Only threaded quill stems, and just like my pedals, no press fitted cartridge bearings. I think cottered cranks were the norm back then too. Both of my bikes had them. Lastly only racers ever seemed to wear helmets and they were these leather padded strips type things. No such thing as a styrofoam helmet. All the people I saw had no helmets except a few enthusiasts really into cycling had cycling caps and once in a rare while a leather racing helmet, but you rarely saw that where I was riding in both countries. The dedicated guy would use wool jerseys and stuff things for quick access into those rear jersey pockets.
ahh, the good ol' days.
10
General Discussion / Re: Boston to LA . August to October 2018 . SIM card?....
« on: February 01, 2018, 06:57:12 am »My ride is now taking shape... I've booked my flights and have 89 days to to LA from Boston via Nashville..... taking in some places along the way that were significant to Johnny Cash....
I'll be wanting a SIM card for three months with a decent data allowance to keep my blog going and be able to get in contact with warm showers hosts, google maps etc.....
Any recommendations for a SIM deal for Johnny Foreigner visiting the USA please?...
You likely know about your phone, but just in case I will mention that there are two technologies, CDMA, which Verizon uses and GSM which all the other US based companies use. I'm not certain, but I believe that most European countries use GSM, so your phone, unless it is a recent model designed to handle both (such as an unlocked iPhone 6 or more recent) you may not have a choice.
Right now I use att after switching from Verizon a few years back. I agree with what has been said, I think that Verizon has a bit of an advantage over ATT in rural areas. I did find however that in the mountains of North Carolina, and Tennessee that a lot of small town have their own regional carriers and they seem to be the only ones that are reliable. But that was several years ago, perhaps it's gotten better. None the less I always look for one restaurant meal a day somewhere where they advertise WiFi, so I can be certain of a signal and connect a while with the world. That's been the most reliable thing for me.
There is always the option of a pre paid US phone.
11
General Discussion / Re: Tips for Cross Country Ride 2019
« on: February 01, 2018, 06:40:00 am »I have often wondered how people handle money and its security. With ATM's widespread, just carry enough cash as necessary? Stash a few twenties and a credit card in a deep recess of a pannier?
In a time long ago, I stashed a wad of traveler's checks and cashed just what I thought I'd need. I recall always having it in the back of my mind the possibility of theft or loss.
What are current strategies?
The way I look and smell a few days into a long tour - I think people are more inclined to throw my spare change than rob me.
But seriously I've only had one day ever where I was thinking "maybe this is one of those places where smarter people than I wouldn't stay". It was on what would be called the wrong side of town somewhere in Louisiana where due to extreme thunderstorm activity I stayed in a small park right in the projects. Nothing happened so I don't know if nervousness was a stereotype and not really justifiable or if luck was involved.
I like to carry cash just in case of that ATM or credit card won't work. I carry about sixty bucks in the wallet that hangs around my neck and two twenties a few fives and ones (for vending machines esp) in two spots in my bags.
The thing I worry about is drunks on the road, especially in rural parts of the country near smaller out of the way towns. I'm generally kind of a non worrier. If it happens it happens but I don't want to ruin my adventures by worry, seeing things that probably aren't there. But after being offered beer ( much appreciated) and other booze by friendly but badly drunk guys, who I saw driving up to where I was, so many times - I've decided that when practical I will try to make Fridays and maybe Saturdays, early days off the bike.
12
Gear Talk / Re: Recommendations for dynamo lighting/charging configs
« on: February 01, 2018, 06:16:26 am »
One has to examine their riding speed and longevity aspirations a bit more than you've described. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I read about it (It may have been the Thorn Forums in the UK and their focus tends to be on rugged expedition gear, but I do recall one users experience with the the SP PD-8x. He was happy with the Dyno but disappointed with the longevity and the company made it clear these are not designed to be rebuilt.
One always gets what they pay for, but all too often that last little bit of performance, durability and design smarts come at a steep cost. What sort of riding do you plan to do? On road only or off road? I would consider that because of the speeds reached on good smooth roads tend to be high enough that worrying too much about the Nth degree of efficiency may not be worth extra cost but if you go slow, like I like to, or off road, you may want to look at a more efficient hub.
The absolute most efficient and rugged, designed for year of use and insane mileage is the Schmidt Son 28. I have one and have had two others over the years. Where the Son 28 makes a difference is low rolling resistance (though I've never really been able to tell while riding compared to my less efficient Shimano hubs) and they are reputed to be the very best in charging efficiently at low speeds. They are I believe at full charging capability at 15 kilometers per hour vs 19 for the smaller lighter Son Delux.
I'm not sure how that compares to my Shimano. I tend to not fret over small differences in performance but charging at slow speed is imprtant to me, since I go slowly and always charge my cache battery, which is in line to the GPS and acts as a buffer so I don't worry about constant shutdowns on the GPS or the iPhone. I like to be able to run the lights at the same time. I do quite a bit of riding at night. Your needs might be quite different.
What I sort of learned the hard way however is that sometimes little details make a huge difference in use over time. I've found the hookups to the Shimano, which is the same as on the Precision shutter dyno to be a pain. In the first place I've already broken one. In the second it's not as elegant to put in clips for two wires and the more breaks in the wire the more likely the problems. Thirdly they are a bit more fiddly to take on an off for wheel swaps or flats repairs and the plastic clips are far less robust compared to the spade connectors. Since I have several wheels, some light, some heavy - I like to be able to interchange wheels but the different connecting systems make that impossible. I regret not sticking to one over another style. If I had to start all over again though, I'm not sure which would win out, quality and a small performance gain, or economy.
The one thing I can say for sure however is that I'll never ever build a wheel without a dyno. It's just so nice to have. Good luck.
Oh, one last point. I save a heck of a lot of money by ordering dymos and light from overseas. The shipping hurts but not if one waits and buys several items at once. My next purchase will be to upgrade my Bush & Mueller CYO lights for a couple or Schmidt Edelux II. My lights are fine but the Edelux has such a nice broad even illumination, somewhat more even and wider than mine are, is metal compared to plastic and even the switch feels better to use. Life's short. Spend foolishly.
One always gets what they pay for, but all too often that last little bit of performance, durability and design smarts come at a steep cost. What sort of riding do you plan to do? On road only or off road? I would consider that because of the speeds reached on good smooth roads tend to be high enough that worrying too much about the Nth degree of efficiency may not be worth extra cost but if you go slow, like I like to, or off road, you may want to look at a more efficient hub.
The absolute most efficient and rugged, designed for year of use and insane mileage is the Schmidt Son 28. I have one and have had two others over the years. Where the Son 28 makes a difference is low rolling resistance (though I've never really been able to tell while riding compared to my less efficient Shimano hubs) and they are reputed to be the very best in charging efficiently at low speeds. They are I believe at full charging capability at 15 kilometers per hour vs 19 for the smaller lighter Son Delux.
I'm not sure how that compares to my Shimano. I tend to not fret over small differences in performance but charging at slow speed is imprtant to me, since I go slowly and always charge my cache battery, which is in line to the GPS and acts as a buffer so I don't worry about constant shutdowns on the GPS or the iPhone. I like to be able to run the lights at the same time. I do quite a bit of riding at night. Your needs might be quite different.
What I sort of learned the hard way however is that sometimes little details make a huge difference in use over time. I've found the hookups to the Shimano, which is the same as on the Precision shutter dyno to be a pain. In the first place I've already broken one. In the second it's not as elegant to put in clips for two wires and the more breaks in the wire the more likely the problems. Thirdly they are a bit more fiddly to take on an off for wheel swaps or flats repairs and the plastic clips are far less robust compared to the spade connectors. Since I have several wheels, some light, some heavy - I like to be able to interchange wheels but the different connecting systems make that impossible. I regret not sticking to one over another style. If I had to start all over again though, I'm not sure which would win out, quality and a small performance gain, or economy.
The one thing I can say for sure however is that I'll never ever build a wheel without a dyno. It's just so nice to have. Good luck.
Oh, one last point. I save a heck of a lot of money by ordering dymos and light from overseas. The shipping hurts but not if one waits and buys several items at once. My next purchase will be to upgrade my Bush & Mueller CYO lights for a couple or Schmidt Edelux II. My lights are fine but the Edelux has such a nice broad even illumination, somewhat more even and wider than mine are, is metal compared to plastic and even the switch feels better to use. Life's short. Spend foolishly.
13
Routes / Re: good months for the southern route
« on: January 29, 2018, 07:01:29 pm »
My daughter lives just south of Austin and february is a month that changes a lot. Temps are kind of all over the place in early Feb and by late Feb it tends to be pretty reliable good weather for cycling, at least as far as my few trips to the area have been around that time of year.
But if you have a choice, I'd personally wait a while and go in late march early April when all those gorgeous wild flowers are blooming all over that area.
But if you have a choice, I'd personally wait a while and go in late march early April when all those gorgeous wild flowers are blooming all over that area.
14
Routes / Re: Southern Tier with hammock or tent
« on: January 29, 2018, 06:52:19 pm »
I quite disagree. I always bring my simplylight designs hammock with me, as well as my tent. It's four pounds total with the tarp more. From Florida to east Texas you will find it easier to find two trees than you will a spot for the tent - if you are stealth camping. It's pine country. Campgrounds on the other hand, I found a few official campsites in Florida did not allow hammocks and one place once in Alabama, but otherwise it hasn't been a problem.
Aside from the obvious, the comfort and the lack of need to scope around for flat, pine-come and debris free spaces, the hammock has a few serious advantages. First of all it gets extremely hot and humid all the way from Florida to Texas, and humid too. Hammocks, wick heat away from the body and are so much cooler to sleep in. In fact if the temps hit about 68-70 degrees at night, you get cold without bottom insulating. hammocks are also very comfortable as seats.
Now as you get into hill country in Texas and further, it will be mostly dead weight in your bag. You can get creative and use a hammock on the ground without any trees, but I don't find it worth the bother. I'd carry it however one a West to East trip, and East to West would take it and then ship it home from somewhere in Texas if you are weight conscious. Me, I'm not ultra light. I'm more towards the "ultra comfortable".
Aside from the obvious, the comfort and the lack of need to scope around for flat, pine-come and debris free spaces, the hammock has a few serious advantages. First of all it gets extremely hot and humid all the way from Florida to Texas, and humid too. Hammocks, wick heat away from the body and are so much cooler to sleep in. In fact if the temps hit about 68-70 degrees at night, you get cold without bottom insulating. hammocks are also very comfortable as seats.
Now as you get into hill country in Texas and further, it will be mostly dead weight in your bag. You can get creative and use a hammock on the ground without any trees, but I don't find it worth the bother. I'd carry it however one a West to East trip, and East to West would take it and then ship it home from somewhere in Texas if you are weight conscious. Me, I'm not ultra light. I'm more towards the "ultra comfortable".
15
Routes / Re: From Sea to Shining Sea.... 2018
« on: January 29, 2018, 06:37:19 pm »
Being from Wales the weather will be extra tough on you seeing as you have no way to get used to it slowly. People have done it though, so if that's the only time frame and you are a bit crazy; sure - go for it. One advantage is that you won't need fuel to fry your eggs out there in the West.
One thing I'd give as a tip is that just south of Nashville is the (for you) end of theNatchez Trace. It is heaven for cyclists. The speed limits are between 40 and 50 mph (65-80kph) and they take enforcement seriously, wide shoulders and no intersections or lights. as a cyclist camping is free and they have special cyclist only camping. Oh did I mention it's beautiful? Well worth taking for at least a bit. Then you can veer off to the west to Memphis before you carry on to the Rhode Island.
You should take a look at websites about the trace to see if you want to incorporate it into your trip.
One thing I'd give as a tip is that just south of Nashville is the (for you) end of theNatchez Trace. It is heaven for cyclists. The speed limits are between 40 and 50 mph (65-80kph) and they take enforcement seriously, wide shoulders and no intersections or lights. as a cyclist camping is free and they have special cyclist only camping. Oh did I mention it's beautiful? Well worth taking for at least a bit. Then you can veer off to the west to Memphis before you carry on to the Rhode Island.
You should take a look at websites about the trace to see if you want to incorporate it into your trip.
Pages: [1] 2