Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Do u have favorite cycling sounds (i.e, not music : ) ???

« on: November 13, 2021, 06:10:28 am »

Great question.  When I did my trip this year I was happiest when I could just hear the sounds my bike made as I went.  Maybe that's when there was no wind? 

2

General Discussion / Re: Shout Out

« on: September 13, 2021, 10:14:44 am »

Froze......yeah, overall I had a ball! There were a few times when I thought about throwing in the towel but am glad I continued on.  I'm already looking at next year but I might change it up a bit.  I'm leaning towards a "loop" trip someplace tbd. 

3

General Discussion / Re: Shout Out

« on: September 11, 2021, 08:57:58 pm »

I'll keep that free cup of coffee in mind!  Thanks.......

4

General Discussion / Shout Out

« on: September 09, 2021, 08:37:33 am »

I recently completed my first cross country ride from Portland, Oregon to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a self supported solo trip.  I just wanted to say "Thank You" to those of you who post on here and those of you who gave me personal advice.  All of your advice was welcomed and most heeded.  I found that most of it was spot on.   Also a Hi to all the great people I met along the way.....Doc, Warren, Tony and many others.  It was inspirational how kind and caring most people are.  Also a shout out to ACA for their great maps, both print and digital.  I wish I would have purchased both from the start!  I truly enjoyed my visit to the ACA headquarters in Missoula!  One other thing....my home bike shop, Attitude Sports in Fond du Lac, WI was instrumental in making my journey possible with product, advice and support!  Thank you Dave, Justin, Kyle and Pat!

What a ride

Again.......Thank You!

Mike

5

General Discussion / Re: Gear list: am I on the right road?

« on: August 21, 2021, 08:34:52 am »

I used a folding solar panel power pack on my trip x country.  I bungeed it to the top of my sleeping bag /tent and left it plugged into my rechargeable rear light...a Hot Shot 125.  I could also unhook it and charge my cell phone when needed.  I considered the charger and tail light to be two of the more important pieces of equipment that I carried.  I had no fewer than three drivers stop me and mention that they could see my light well before they noticed the bright yellow jersey. 

As for the rest of your list I wholeheartedly agree with the statement......"if it makes you happy then take it".  I traveled somewhat heavy and didn't regret it. 

......Mike

6

General Discussion / Re: C&O trail

« on: August 19, 2021, 08:03:33 am »

Also on this thread someone asked if they prefer a crushed limestone over the C&O.  On the same trip I rode the Great River Trail, the LaCrosse  Trail and the Elroy/Sparta Trails in Wisconsin.  I think there was one more but forgot its name.  They are crushed gravel, largely two path.  IMHO they were much easier to ride because were smoother and I didn't have to pay that much attention to the surface and could sight see a little more.  The tunnels on both the C&O and Elroy/Sparta trails are way cool!  I did walk through the Paw Paw.  The crushed gravel also "dried" out sooner after a rain. 

......Mike

7

General Discussion / Re: C&O trail

« on: August 18, 2021, 09:28:01 pm »

I rode the C&O from Cumberland to Williamsport on my way to Philadelphia recently and didn't think it was too bad.   Just had to watch where I was going.  Not nearly as nice as the GAP but I thought it OK with more than ample primitive campsites.  I did enjoy the "forest" feel of it as well.  The old locks were an added bonus.  The Western Maryland Rail Trail was a nice "detour" as well.