Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Warm tour ideas (US)

« on: March 07, 2021, 09:56:22 pm »

I do what I call the SoCal loop. Starting in San Diego, north along the I-15 corridor (friendly side roads) to Corona. Take the Santa Ana River Trail to San Bernardino. From there you take the google map route to the Pacific Electric Trail to Azuza. Ride the San Gabriel River Trail west to Long Beach. South through Huntington down the coast back to San Diego. Not strenuous by any means, and can be done in a week or less. The SGR Trail near Azuza is spectacular.

2

General Discussion / Re: Advice for Newbies about the Weather.

« on: March 06, 2021, 10:47:54 pm »

I’m starting a criss-cross tour from SoCal to the Northeast in 3 weeks. I’m planning to be in hotels when I can see the weather patterns becoming an issue, but am also taking what just happened in Texas as the worst this winter is going to bring our way. Statistically I should be right, but if not, it will simply be dealt with like every thing else on a tour. How many of us remember the perfect days out there anyway? It’s always the brutal days that stand out in our minds. (and as horror story badges of honor. Lol) All part of the adventure I’d say...

3

General Discussion / Re: Getting to your start with all your stuff

« on: February 13, 2021, 12:46:02 am »

My next trip will be from my home in San Diego to Scarborough ME. My wife will ship my hardcase to my friend there. I’ll ship the bike home and then visit some family in VA. Hopefully UPS will lose it, so I can justify a new purchase. Lol

4

General Discussion / Re: Rain Jacket? Yes. Rain pants?

« on: February 01, 2021, 07:32:58 pm »

Thanks guys! I’m amazed at the wealth of touring knowledge on this site. I’ve gone back 6 years worth of posts during the last couple of months and have picked up some awesome tips. Much appreciated!

5

General Discussion / Re: Getting to your start with all your stuff

« on: January 31, 2021, 12:32:25 pm »

this is an option: pack your bike in a hard case, fly to your destination. Besides the bike, You can fit a lot of other items in your bike case as well. Bring a separate suitcase for remaining gear. Spend the first night in an airport hotel because they can shuttle you and your stuff. Call ahead to your final destination hotel. Also a airport shuttle hotel. Talk to the manager and tell them what you’re doing and ask if they’ll hold your bike case for you until you arrive. I usually reserve two nights so I can spend the 2nd day packing up. Put the suitcase inside the bike case, call UPS and have them pick up up and deliver the case to your destination hotel. If you’re doing a round trip, ask the hotel manager to store the case. I always offer to pay for storage, but they’ve always refused. I’ve never been turned down doing this. Of course, you need to use a moderate to upscale hotel chain. No fleabags. Kind of expensive, but to me, ease of setup and protecting my bike from damage during transit is paramount...

6

General Discussion / Rain Jacket? Yes. Rain pants?

« on: January 31, 2021, 12:45:14 am »

I’m doing my first cross country tour this spring. I usually do short tours, but now that I’m retired, it’s time to go big. Do most experienced bike tourists pack rain pants? When folks ask me what I do if it rains, I tell them, ‘I get wet’ . Haha