Messages

16

Routes / Re: Oregon coastal

« on: July 31, 2020, 06:36:48 am »

Apparently some HB sites are open. It varies by park. I camped at Champoeg SP and HB open there. As far as I can tell, also Willamette Mssion SP HB sites available.

Best to call the patk itself and ask them if in doubt.

17

Routes / Oregon coastal

« on: July 28, 2020, 09:58:02 pm »

Heads up....the State of Oregon has closed all coastal state parks hiker/biker sites. I was just at Honeyman SP several miles south of Florence and found out the hard way.
Thankfully I arrived after rangers gone for the day so I just helped myself to some other available space. I paid my 7.00 and spoke to ranger following morning.
She advised me that website says "hiker"sites are closed. Easily misinterpreted.
One can only camp by making advanced reservation for standard tent sites, about 20.00 per night.

18

Routes / Re: NYC to Schenectaddy

« on: February 20, 2020, 08:24:14 pm »

I second "canalligators" recommendation to use the Mohawk Trail.  I rode it going east and it's very pleasant.  Well signed and pretty easy to follow.  If you're looking for camping in Schenectady, there isn't.  There's a huge soccer complex about 4 miles out of town, but being solo, it seemed to isolated for me.  There's a library in the city park, but the park is heavily patrolled and the cops will not let you camp there.

19

Routes / Re: Missouri touring in May?

« on: February 20, 2020, 08:18:58 pm »

Thanks for your information, Twitch.  I'm set to arrive in St Louis on April 30 and will ride east on the Katy from there, then into Kansas for a bit, then return via some version of the Route 66.

20

Routes / Re: Missouri touring in May?

« on: January 22, 2020, 12:27:32 am »

John N - I have some childhood history south of St Louis and thought I'd include that and just thought a loop might be worthwhile.  I like your suggestion, so I may try it on another adventure.

Thanks to others who have given your thoughts and suggestions!  I have connected with a Warm Showers host in St Louis who is also helping with suggestions and well, I guess my tornado concern is not such a big deal.

21

Routes / Re: Missouri touring in May?

« on: January 16, 2020, 03:51:35 pm »

Thanks for additional information! I especially appreciate the storm/weather information and you are helping me get over my paranoia about it.  I'm coming from Portland, Oregon by train, so that in itself is an adventure.  I trained from Portland to Cleveland last year before my tour (blog: gypsearoad.com), so I'm aware of the pain of the Chicago train station.

I like the suggestion of the vehicle rental and it definitely cuts down on the pressure to be back to catch a train.  I'll check out my maps and consider adding Kansas into the mix.  the 66 route just seemed closer to where the Katy ends but I could get to the Transamerica route and take that from west to east. What makes the BR66 route more difficult?

22

Routes / Re: Missouri touring in May?

« on: January 16, 2020, 01:33:27 pm »

Thanks for the encouraging information, John.

Would I usually be close to towns, shelters, or farms?

Are you familiar with the Route 66 route?  I think I would probably take the Katy and Rock Island going west from St Louis, then make my way to Joplin and return along the Route 66 AC route, something like that. Wondering about camping options returning east to St Louis.

23

Routes / Missouri touring in May?

« on: January 15, 2020, 05:29:18 pm »

I am working on some routes in Missouri, arriving by Amtrak to St Louis.  A big loop to include Katy Trail, Rock Island Spur, maybe part of Route 66, part of Trans Am...somewhere close to 800-1000 miles total. My concern is the weather in Missouri, like tornadoes and electrical storms.  Based on what I have read, May is the worst time to go.  Is this true?  I can stand some heat, but it's either all of May or middle of June until middle of July.

Can the forum enlighten me on the weather including will I find safe spots along the way?  Also, beyond the Katy Trail, I still want to camp most of the time. Is that possible?

Thanks!

24

Routes / Re: Bike route from Erie Canal to Albany Airport

« on: April 25, 2019, 07:28:40 pm »

Thanks for the information and the tips! 

I don't have to put my bike in a box at any point on my Amtrak trip, but I'll remember to take off lights, seat bag, etc. I'll check the map closely for routes to the "Albany" Amtrak station.

25

Routes / Erie Canal Camping

« on: April 22, 2019, 01:43:25 pm »

I found an old forum from 2016 but wondering if there's new local knowledge regarding camping along the canal. Can I expect to be able to camp at locks? Are there campgrounds relatively close to the canal? Would you say it is pretty safe to camp in these areas?

I will be riding from Buffalo to Albany leaving June 10. I am planning on 40-70 miles, depending upon what interests me and resources.

26

Routes / Re: Bike route from Erie Canal to Albany Airport

« on: April 10, 2019, 05:21:54 pm »

I found the train you mentioned, the Lake Shore Limited.  It's a night train so I'll sleep in the train station until daybreak in Buffalo.  Cost was $61 including bike vs. car rental at well over $100 for a one way.  Thanks for your comments and information!

27

Routes / Re: Bike route from Erie Canal to Albany Airport

« on: April 10, 2019, 04:49:42 pm »

Thanks for reply, John!  Great information. 

I too thought I could take a bike on the Maple Leaf.  I had to call Amtrak as they have no reservation or fee information on their website.  I think there are 2 trains that go that route, one takes bikes and one does not.  I will investigate further as I would rather take the train. 

Thanks for the recommendations on where to rent a car!  I had seen small pickups on Kayak and they seemed to be cheaper than a one way car. 

I have until early June to get this part of logistics figured out.

28

Routes / Bike route from Erie Canal to Albany Airport

« on: April 10, 2019, 04:27:58 pm »

I'm planning a ride which will include riding east on the Erie Canal. Due to time constraints, I want to rent a vehicle in Albany, one way, to Buffalo. I will then continue my ride through Niagara Falls, then west via north shore of Lake Erie, to Cleveland, then catch the train back to Pacific NW.   I wanted to take the Maple Leaf Train, but was told by Amtrak that they do not take bikes.
Can I assume best locations to rent and return is at the airports?  I have found little information on best bike routes to/from these airports.  I would appreciate any local knowledge, suggestions, or alternative ideas.
Thanks for your assistance!