Messages

1

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / which GPS map for US ?

« on: January 15, 2023, 03:52:07 am »

Dear All,

for my plans for a bicycle tour through the US this year, I am currently wondering which map I should use for my Garmin GPSMAP device.
Garmin offers the US Cycle Map as well as the TopoActive North America - both based on openstreetmap data, similar price and apparently same coverage.
I tried to call Garmin, but the only person I could reach did not know either of the maps...

Does anyone know what the differences are (if there are any at all) ?

Thanks a lot !

2

General Discussion / Re: Grizzlies in Yellowstone and Glacier

« on: December 31, 2022, 11:02:50 am »

Hi Jamawani,

thanks a lot for all the good suggestions and advice. Based upon that I will probably invest in a new pair of panniers, as I used mine also heavily for grocery shopping.
I was thinking of something like the box in the picture - should still be portable on a bike and apparently you do not have to hang it. My plan involves part of Idaho and then Oregon, but I have no plans to travel into the outback.

Have a nice 2023 !

3

General Discussion / Re: Grizzlies in Yellowstone and Glacier

« on: December 30, 2022, 01:20:12 pm »

Thank you for the prompt answer ! 

4

General Discussion / Re: Grizzlies in Yellowstone and Glacier

« on: December 30, 2022, 10:07:43 am »

On the bike, our front panniers contain our food, cooking stuff, and toiletries.

Ok, this thread is already slightly older and the last post 6 months ago. But still thank you for all the wonderful advice and suggestions which I will heed in another six months.

I am just wondering KF8MO: So you place your front panniers a couple of 100 ft from your tent - so if a bear smells it, it will take away the front panniers ? Or do you always have the possibility to hang them ?
I am considering obtaining a bearvault for the food during my tour, but the cooking stuff (plates, cup) probably do not fit in there - but I would not want to sacrifice some of my panniers (although having the choice between the panniers and myself, it seems rather obvious which one to take).

Thanks a lot for all the advice and suggestions, they are really helpful for someone from a bear-free country  !

5

Connecting ACA Routes / East Coast Greenway as alternative to ACA NYC-Chicago ?

« on: December 26, 2022, 03:28:44 am »

Dear All,

I am a german cyclist and I plan to start a slightly longer tour in New York City beginning of May. My original plan was to take the Philadelphia alternate of the ACA NYC-Chicago route and start a detour in York to Washington D.C.. Now I am wondering whether it might be a good idea instead to follow the east coast greenway from New York to Washington. Are there any recommendations ? Should I better stick to the ACA route via New Jersey ? Thanks a lot for any thoughts or comments !

6

Urban Cycling / Re: cyclist friendly hotel near JFK ?

« on: June 06, 2022, 12:30:12 pm »

Thanks a lot for the advice !

NY is just another big city....

This is just the reason why I do not want to cycle directly into Manhatten after arriving ... 

My plan was to follow the ACA route to Chicago via the (southern) Philadelphia alternative - maybe putting in a few extra days and including Washington DC. So, a lot of thanks for the travel-advice, but I suppose I will take the ferry to Highlands. Or would your route suggestion also be valid for the Philadelphia alternative ?

I will certainly look into the REI in Manhatten (I know it is dangerous, but I think I will be able to control it ...  ) - I had thought of the one on Long Island in the vicinity of the Jamaica station.

Karsten

7

Urban Cycling / Re: cyclist friendly hotel near JFK ?

« on: June 03, 2022, 11:42:39 am »

Thanks a lot for the hints !

I was thinking of a box, and my original idea was assembly at the airport and then taking the airport-train. Meanwhile I read that keeping it boxed might simplify taking it into the hotel.

As I will still have to take care about some equipment after arrival (most of all fuel for the stove), I thought of staying 1 or 2 days. Also I am not sure whether it would be a good idea (in the mentioned condition) to ride directly into New York - although when I do it finally, I will take the Brooklyn Bridge for sure, after all that is one of the reasons to start in New York !

8

Urban Cycling / cyclist friendly hotel near JFK ?

« on: June 02, 2022, 01:41:11 pm »

Dear All, I am new to this forum, so I hope I will "behave" in the right manner:
I am planning a longer cycling tour through the US next year which I want to start in New York. Would anyone here be aware of a bicycle/cyclist friendly hotel near JFK airport for the first 1 or 2 nights in the US ?
After an 8-hour flight from Europe combined with a 6-hour jetlag, I suppose I will want to get directly to a hotel close by the airport.
So would anyone by chance know of a friendly hotel where I could accommodate also safely a bicycle (does not have to be in the hotel-room - if it is allowed in the lobby I am fine ). Thanks a lot for any recommendations !

Actually I would have a similar question about Chicago  - only there it is without jetlag and without 8hour-flight. If I ever make it to Chicago.