Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Chair

« on: June 26, 2024, 11:17:57 pm »

Yes, I would not travel without my Helinox Zero!  I'm not very tall and on a recent short trip when it rained all day at camp, my chair fit nicely in my Nemo tent so I could sit and read and cook in the vestibule.  I also use it when I take a break, say, at a convenience store, for a cold drink.  I set it up in front, by the wood pile or the propane sales, and people watch. I don't consider the weight a penalty at all.

2

General Discussion / Re: Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 26, 2024, 11:10:27 pm »

Thank you driftlessregion!  What you've stated is sort of what I gathered from the various SP I spoke with.  Still fine tuning logistics and where there's no SP for camping, nor church yard, I'll just stay in a hotel!

3

Gear Talk / Re: What have you taken on tour and later wished you hadn't?

« on: June 07, 2024, 12:04:00 pm »

I've not carried one, but I read that a derailleur hangar is a good spare part to carry. Thoughts?

4

Gear Talk / Re: Chair

« on: June 07, 2024, 11:59:52 am »

Love my Helinox Zero!  I discovered, by necessity, that it fits inside my Nemo tent for a cozy place to sit when it's raining.  Also comes in handy when stopping at a convenience store for a snack and break.

5

General Discussion / Re: Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 07, 2024, 11:42:42 am »

Thanks and yes I'll have my copy. And names of the supervisors I spoke to.  I'm sure it will all work out and looking forward to exploring Wisconsin!

6

General Discussion / Re: Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 06, 2024, 05:22:18 pm »

Yes, I have the document that is provided by Adventure Cycling.  If one reads the last four paragraphs, it sort of gives them the option of turning people away.  I called each of the four state parks I planned on visiting.  The DNR manages them and pretty much said we'll turn you away if no spot.  The only one that I will make a reservation for is Kohler.  The others said they would find a place. 
I'd recommend anyone using the hiker biker sites to read the ACA documents carefully and call the individual parks.  However, I know from personal experience that Washington State and Oregon will always take care of any hiker/biker who needs a place to camp.
Tailwinds....

7

General Discussion / Re: Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 05, 2024, 06:23:31 pm »

Thanks for the input. I wonder why, then, when I called Kohler SP on 6/5/24, the person (ranger?) I spoke to said they WOULD turn me away.  She seemed somewhat familar with the document regarding this, from which I read. It would be pretty stressful to arrive late in the day and be told I have to go someplace else, especially since I don't know the area.  I decided I would call each of the state parks that I expect to visit and ask the same question.

8

Routes / Re: Review of OTET (Ohio to Erie Trail)

« on: June 05, 2024, 11:47:38 am »

Additional information - the Westerville Bike Shop (owner named Mason) will allow one to camp in the rear of his store.

9

General Discussion / Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 05, 2024, 11:44:24 am »

In spite of the document ACA has and what I read therein, I just spoke to someone at one of the state parks (Kohler SP) and here's what they told me...

Most state parks have just one hiker biker site.  First come. If that site is full, and all other campsites are full (weekends usually are), you will be turned away and not allowed to camp in the state park. They will not accommodate a hiker/biker if no designated site is available.  Just a heads up if you are going to Wisconsin expecting a no turn away response.

Anyone have recent first hand experience or more information, I'd welcome your comment.

10

Routes / Re: Chicago to Wisconsin loop

« on: February 28, 2024, 04:49:12 pm »

Thanks for your reply!  Since I know nothing of Wisconsin (yet), I'll see how the cities you mention align with areas I might be traveling through.

11

Routes / Chicago to Wisconsin loop

« on: December 13, 2023, 05:44:02 pm »

I have heard good things about touring in Wisconsin and I've roughed out a route from Chicago, up to Door County in WI, then return via Madison then to Chicago, probably about 700 miles total.  Seems to be lots of rail trails.  Have you done a similar ride or have local knowledge? Thanks!

12

South Atlantic / Destination Raleigh from Surry VA

« on: August 23, 2023, 05:15:10 pm »

I'm riding from Pittsburgh to Raleigh NC and have route laid out pretty much (with help from Adventure Cycling and Warmshowers).

Anyone familiar with the roads/routes from Surry VA to Raleigh NC? This is the remaining section to route. I'll likely be camping if I can find church yards, parks, etc. willing to allow.

Thanks all.

13

Routes / Re: GAP & C&O Trails

« on: August 06, 2023, 05:18:02 pm »

Great.  You can contact me via my blog site, gypsearoad.com, should you decide to leave on the 11th.  Love my Orca's also.  Otherwise see you out there and have a great adventure!

14

Routes / Surry VA to Raleigh NC

« on: August 06, 2023, 04:12:56 pm »

I'm riding from Pittsburgh to Raleigh NC and have route laid out pretty much (with help from Adventure Cycling and Warmshowers). 

Anyone familiar with the roads/routes from Surry VA to Raleigh NC? This is the remaining section to route. I'll likely be camping if I can find church yards, parks, etc. willing to allow. 

Thanks all.

15

Routes / Re: GAP & C&O Trails

« on: August 06, 2023, 03:48:16 pm »

Thanks for the info on the game in Pittsburgh!  I'll be arriving in Pittsburgh on September 8 and departing on September 11 for WA DC.  I'll be booking my accommodations right away! Glad for the reinforcement that I decided on September.  See you on the trail in September!

And thanks for this forum!