Messages

1

Routes / Re: What's a good first tour?

« on: July 13, 2021, 10:07:39 am »

This is all such good information.  I think I prefer to ride on my own but being able to meet up with familiar faces in the evenings would be awesome. Especially since camping alone is still one of my things to get over. I don't yet know how many miles I  would do on average but some of it depends on how hilly it is that day.

I'll check out Crazy Guy on A Bike. So far during my training I've found that meeting others has been one of the best parts and look forward to that continuing.

I hadn't considered getting to the start and riding back. Interesting concept.

I am finishing gathering the rest of what I need and hope to start within 2 weeks - or less if I can.

Is using Ride with GPS enough for navigation or should I buy something like the Garmin Edge?

2

Routes / What's a good first tour?

« on: July 12, 2021, 11:25:43 pm »

I have my new Trek 520 and now trying to decide where to go for my first tour. I don't have any time constraints and just want to ride until I decide to stop, if that's even a thing.

I'm in MD so plan to start from there. I have been doing a lot of the C&O and GAP, including some overnights, for preparation. I thought about the Eastern Express Route but read that it should be started by early June. Am i too late?

I'm looking for suggestions please.

Kathy

3

General Discussion / Re: How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« on: June 25, 2021, 11:14:36 pm »

The ACA trip sounds great and I will look for it next year. Thanks for the information.

4

General Discussion / Re: Transitioning from road bike to touring bike

« on: June 20, 2021, 08:46:05 pm »

For what it's worth, the original poster has not been active since May 5th so your feedback, as good as it is, may not be getting to them. 

5

General Discussion / Re: List of reasons why you should not cycle the Transam bicycle route.

« on: June 19, 2021, 07:45:27 pm »

You can't get permission from your parole officer to leave the area?

6

General Discussion / Re: How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« on: June 19, 2021, 03:48:51 pm »

I appreciate all of the feedback. I think this might be something better to plan for in the future, or perhaps camp and do an up and back on one of the less hilly sections. I know it's a beautiful area to bike, hike, or even drive and will keep it in mind when I think I can make it up the hills without stopping too much. Thank you!

7

General Discussion / Re: How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« on: June 19, 2021, 12:38:42 am »

Luckily I've got plenty of time but you bring up some good points. I might look into guided tours, especially if they are supported. I think I should consider this when the weather is cooler, too. I don't mind hills but climbing sounds like a challenge.

Kathy

8

General Discussion / How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« on: June 17, 2021, 11:31:18 pm »

Is Skyline Drive a good option for a novice? How many miles per day would be realistic? Or is it dependent more on lodging? Has anyone done some or all of it and have any recommendations? Wow - I just realized I asked a lot of questions, didn't I?

9

General Discussion / Re: How do you deal with back pain and shoulders pain Sleeping on a Sleeping pad on

« on: June 16, 2021, 12:25:03 am »

I see your point staehpj1, it is an old thread. But some useful information still came out of it. The OP doesn't care and will ever see it but newer folks like me will. And that cot idea looks mighty tempting.

10

General Discussion / Re: Backpacking vs Bike Touring

« on: June 13, 2021, 09:19:41 pm »

So much good information. The mindset in bikepacking is similar to backpacking with trying to stay as light as weight as possible. I was planning on bringing several days of food but now realize I don't have to do that. Great advice. I just ordered a compression bag for my sleeping bag so that will help. I bought "Ultralight Bike Touring and Bikepacking: The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Cycling Adventures" and have begun reading it. My plans on camping last night were thwarted when I was the only one at the campsite (not comfortable with that yet). I understand the issue with bringing too much. Right now I'm using my car as a holding area and safety net but know I will need to break loose from it eventually.

I did get into a minor collision yesterday when the rider in front of me veered right and then made a sharp left in front of me. Nobody was seriously hurt but it was my first, and hopefully only, bike accident. 

 

11

General Discussion / Re: Backpacking vs Bike Touring

« on: June 12, 2021, 10:43:03 am »

Thank you for all the responses!

I don't feel so overwhelmed now but I think I need to start small and expand from there. I'm going to camp tonight with only a basic load of things like camping gear, rain gear, water and biking necessities. I was lucky enough to get one of the last Trek 520's still available (after much searching) and I'm still getting used to the new bike. I'll start off with old panniers but I'm sure will want to upgrade at some point.

With respect to backpacking, I started off in May with plans to do a thru-hike on the AT but my knees did not like cooperate. I'm hoping biking will be much kinder to me.

12

General Discussion / Backpacking vs Bike Touring

« on: June 12, 2021, 12:31:27 am »

Hi everyone,

I'm transitioning from backpacking to bike touring and I'm already having space issues. I started with my camping gear and I seem to have had more room in my 60L backpack than I do in my panniers and I don't know if this is normal. Are there better options other than what I use for backpacking? 

Big Agnes Tiger Wall Ultra Light Bikepack 2 Person tent
EE Convert sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow

The sleeping bag and pad especially seem to take a lot of room.


Kathy
Retired
Novice bike tourer
Sending positive vibes to 'A'