Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 21, 2023, 12:32:02 pm »

And a harmonica.
(To fix your spirit when it gets low.)

LOL!

2

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 21, 2023, 10:34:47 am »

Murphys law: Once I got a flat in rural Sweden. As I was inflating the tube, the pump head simply cracked and became useless. That pump had been in service maybe 10 times after purchase. All this happened at 7 am on a Sunday morning. I had to wait until 8 am before I started to walk and start ringing door bells on the farms close by asking for a pump. After a while I got lucky because I found a family who had a handicapped family member in a wheel chair where they used the pump for inflating the wheel chair tires. After 100km I arrived in Linköping where I could buy a new pump.

Thanks for sharing this. That is a good thing to keep in mind!

3

Routes / Re: Feedback on planned route (Oregon to Virginia) appreciated! WA/MT/ID especially

« on: March 19, 2023, 11:01:52 am »

Because your route file on RWGPS is so huge, it takes a long time to load.
Especially on weekends when RWGPS has heavy usage.
It would make it easier for folks to help if you chopped it into sections.

Hi - here's the Oregon through Montana segment since that is mostly what I'm concerned about: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42277186. I haven't actually noticed any issues opening the larger route but that's good to know. I'm working on starting to break up the route for the segment by segment blow.

4

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 16, 2023, 05:09:55 pm »

CO2 is great for a flat on short rides ,when you are back to the house that same day.  I use it.  When I get home I deflate and inflate the tire once or twice with a floor pump to purge the CO2 from the tube.

+1

If I don't replace the CO2 with air when I get home, the tire goes soft much faster.

The only reason is because I have historically had troubles getting tires to seat sometimes with smaller pump.

Get a different pump. I've never, ever had this problem, I've never known anybody else who has had this problem, and I've never heard of this problem. Anybody else here had this problem? Or maybe the problem is a tire/rim incompatibility.

This, however, was on a road wheel set running much higher pressures so it may not be as much of a concern here.

5

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 16, 2023, 02:15:34 pm »

If you have a pump the CO2 cartridges and inflator are redundant.  Besides, have you ever noticed how quickly a tire loses pressure after being inflated with CO2? That's because CO2 is soluble in the butyl rubber that tube are made of.  It literally diffuses through the rubber to the lower pressure of the atmosphere. You'll need the pump to keep the tire properly inflated, so why take the extra load.

CO2 is great for a flat on short rides ,when you are back to the house that same day.  I use it.  When I get home I deflate and inflate the tire once or twice with a floor pump to purge the CO2 from the tube.

The only reason is because I have historically had troubles getting tires to seat sometimes with smaller pumps. Sometimes the extra pressure from the CO2 cartridges helps and then it can be inflated with the pump.

6

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 15, 2023, 11:25:42 am »

Hi - I'm preparing for a transcon starting in May and just wanted to gather opinions on the tools/parts most needed for emergency situations. I've got some basics covered - couple tubes, CO2 inflator, spare tire, pump, tire levers. What else would you have for those situations you might need to make a quick field repair? I know I need a good multi-tool and I'd love any feedback on ones you love. I'm wondering if I need a chain tool, spare links, etc. What else?

Thank you in advance!

I'm preparing for my trip stating June 1st. My tool list sounds similar to yours. Two tubes (although I'm running tubeless), tire levers, pump. A good multi tool - can't go wrong with Park Tools, try and get one with a chain breaker on the tool. I also run disc brakes so I'll be packing a spare set of pads too.
If you have your bike serviced a couple of weeks before the trip you should break a chain, but maybe it's a good shout having a spare quick-link.

Awesome! Which direction are you heading? I'm leaving a few weeks earlier than you maybe we'll cross paths lol. Although I am staying a bit higher than unusual.

I have a brand new bike so really I shouldn't have chain issues. That said - sh*t happens and if it does I don't want to be caught with my pants down lol. So I definitely think having a few extra links/rivets is handy considering they weigh almost nothing. I'll probably just make a little kit with things like that, some extra screws, cleat bolts, etc. Largely I expect the issues to be tires.

7

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 14, 2023, 10:03:59 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

l understand.  I was just trying to (poorly it seems) point out the advantages of a pump.  His sentence "so I will keep the CO2 cartridges as they are easy to carry and my experience with some of the smaller pumps (I got the Lezyne Micro Drive Floor Pump) has been sometimes it's hard to get the tire to properly seat without enough pressure (or it just takes an extremely long time.)" made me think he was torn over using a pump or only the cartridges as the sentence was construed as to he is not a fan of pumps even though he also said he was definitely taking a pump.  I apologize for my confusion.

No need to apologize. I apologize for the ambiguity! I have no reservation about using pumps. I'd actually prefer it. I've just had experience that sometimes a small pump is hard to get a tire to seat properly so I figure I'd keep the CO2 on hand for that purpose but my go-to is absolutely the pump.

8

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 14, 2023, 08:57:22 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

But definitely carry a pump that can generate sufficient pressure. There are many of them and there’s no reason to carry a pump that can’t do the job.

I see no downside to carrying a patch kit and a tire boot.

I think the pump I got is a good middle ground between I know I'll work a bit, but it can generate the pressure and is both schrader and presta compatible. https://ride.lezyne.com/collections/mechanical-products/products/1-mp-mfdr-v204hv (with gauge)

Thanks! I will definitely have a pump! I have one spare tire already - I'll mull over if it's worth carrying that over a patch kit. Good point on the mail delivery!

Patch kits are basically for tubes, not tires.  A tire patch is the "patch kit" for tires.  Carry both as it can really suck to be a long way from a shop with tires and/or tubes. I have used a tire patch once, but I was so glad I had the tire patch as a long slit was in the sidewall which really allowed the tube to expand through the tire.  I carry two tubes as I do not like patching tubes but carry them as my flat record in one day is 4 I think. 

At minimum, I carry 2 tubes OR 1 tube and 1 patch kit.  I always have a tire patch as they are light, compact, and require no maintenance.  You should carry the adequate number of cartridges plus 1 if you do not take a pump. You are much more likely to use 2 tubes in one day than a hypercracker or even a spare tire. Plus a pump is good for rescuing (which I have done a few times) those who use cartridges  .

Mail delivery is great but probably at least one day's delay (probably 2-3) plus the expense of next day air.  While Mail is great as a pre-planned resupply and as a backup, I would not want it as my primary method.

Aha good call! My plan is to have two tubes - but I'll definitely procure a patch kit for both tube and tire. I get it now. Many thanks!

9

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 14, 2023, 07:23:48 pm »

I know people like their CO2 cartridges, but while you can run out of cartridges, you can't run out of pump air if you're carrying a pump.  (Written by a person who had five flats one day.  Had to patch tubes, but I had plenty of air.  Some of the air might have turned blue by the end of the day...)  I was saved by a spare tire, but today I'd take a lightweight tire that might go 3-4 days while I was looking for a replacement at a bike shop or, more likely a post office up ahead.  Mail order and General Delivery together work really well; good bike shops can be a bit sparse on the road.

Thanks! I will definitely have a pump! I have one spare tire already - I'll mull over if it's worth carrying that over a patch kit. Good point on the mail delivery!

10

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 14, 2023, 05:59:54 pm »

Ditto John's reply except I would strongly encourage you to take a pump.  If you have multiple flats before you can  buy new cartridges in the middle of Timbuktu you are SOL and basically have to hitch a ride.  Cartridges are nice around the home base.

Tailwinds, John

Everybody draws the line some place different. Some items are more likely to be needed, but too heavy or bulky to consider (e.g., a spare wheel). I rule those out. Some items are less likely to be needed, but very easy to carry (e.g., spare cables). I take those. Other items are in between (e.g., a spare tire).

I would take what you have already mentioned (except for the CO2, which you can't take on a plane and aren't necessary if you have a pump). I might also consider spare spokes with nipples, a hypercracker, a couple of spare master links, a patch kit, tire boots, chain lube, spare brake pads, spare nuts and bolts for racks and cages, a presta/schrader adaptor, spare cleat bolts, electrical tape, duct tape, zip ties. Since you are already planning to take a multitool, get one with a chain tool included.

Thank you both! All of these suggestions make sense to me. I don't have to worry about a plane so I will keep the CO2 cartridges as they are easy to carry and my experience with some of the smaller pumps (I got the Lezyne Micro Drive Floor Pump) has been sometimes it's hard to get the tire to properly seat without enough pressure (or it just takes an extremely long time.) Everything else makes sense to me.

One other note that may help is generally speaking, with the exception of the first couple of weeks (John Nettles I think you have seen this already) I'm basically only looking at 80-90 mile intervals and in between I should be *mostly* in places I can pickup parts or get repair services should I need them. I'm looking mainly at what is it I would need to limp along 80-90, maybe 100 miles if I ran into an issue.

Appreciate you!

11

General Discussion / Must have spare parts/tools

« on: March 14, 2023, 02:14:54 pm »

Hi - I'm preparing for a transcon starting in May and just wanted to gather opinions on the tools/parts most needed for emergency situations. I've got some basics covered - couple tubes, CO2 inflator, spare tire, pump, tire levers. What else would you have for those situations you might need to make a quick field repair? I know I need a good multi-tool and I'd love any feedback on ones you love. I'm wondering if I need a chain tool, spare links, etc. What else?

Thank you in advance!

12

Routes / Re: Feedback on planned route (Oregon to Virginia) appreciated! WA/MT/ID especially

« on: March 12, 2023, 08:42:07 pm »

Are you planning 100 mi. per day - 30 days for the trip?
Will you be doing any camping or all motel / warmshowers?

You need to be real careful about any off-pavement in the West.
Esp. anything at higher elevation. It will just be too early.
I've had snow drifts, bridges out, and major muck
on forest roads in mid June - - let alone mid May.
It's usually doable - but you may get 20 miles in.
Plus you bike, panniers, chain, and rings will be covered in mud.
I'd keep the unpaved segments to lower elevation.

Idaho -
The Route of the Hiawathas is spectacular, but the tunnel doesn't open until May 26.
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is paved and has some remote sections well away from roads.
The section east of Enaville runs right next to I-90 and is kinda meh.
I have always preferred to use Thompson Pass to Thompson Falls -
(then Hwy 200 to Missoula. Frequent lodging / restaurant options.)
Old River Road runs along the north side of the Coeur d'Alene River.
Rough pavement, some dirt, very little traffic.
Food/lodging in the old mining town of Murray.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27589247

Montana -
Please don't do Potomac to Bearmouth via Garnet ghost town.
This year it won't be bikeable until mid June. Or later.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/garnet-recreation-management-area
Skalkaho Pass is also likely to be very iffy in mid May.

https://www.bigskyfishing.com/scenic-drives/skalkaho-highway.php#:~:text=Highway%20usually%20fully%20opens%20sometime,road%20is%20used%20for%20snowmobiling.

If you want to do some unpaved - I would rec Rock Creek Road - lower elevation.
From I-90 east of Missoula to Hwy 1 south of Phillipsburg. Hwy 1 is sweet.
All pavement from Missoula - Hwy 200 to Hwy 141 to Hwy 271 to Drummond.
Than Hwy 1 to Anaconda. Back roads with some dirt to aboid I-90 into Butte.
Butte is the most amazing city in the West. Seen better days, but - -
Some awesome pubs in Uptown - sadly the M&M burned a few years ago.
There's a temporary M&M until the old one is rebuilt.
Be careful, Butte is not for Sunday School teachers - esp. late at night.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27592371

Pic - M&M Club 1939-1940

Ok got it. I adjusted my map based on your feedback. Couple of questions if you don't mind:

1) I changed WA to ID totally to go through Pullman/Palouse and cutover to Enaville. Seems to make a lot more sense than going up, dipping and then back up again. I can go to Spi

2) Can you confirm I have the section between Enaville and Thompson Falls right, and then from Thompson Falls down to Missoula? I mean that looks to be pretty much 200 to 93 just want to make sure that's ok to ride.

3) Should I try to avoid staying in Butte?

4) After Butte, it looks like I'm hugging 90 pretty much. Should I try to take frontage road as much as I can but otherwise just get on 90? Some of the deviations RWGPS takes me on I don't love because I'm not confident they aren't private road. I know it's not necessarily exciting riding but I'm a little nervous with this particular section because I just don't know anything about it.

5) I adjust Oregon to stay south of the river to Hood River. My understand is that section of trail between Cascade Locks and Hood River may largely be done this year. If not I can just hop on the interstate between that section can't I? I'd rather just to that and not have to go through figuring out how to take the Hood River Bridge.

Thanks again for the help!

13

Routes / Re: Feedback on planned route (Oregon to Virginia) appreciated! WA/MT/ID especially

« on: March 12, 2023, 08:18:42 pm »

A couple of initial things…

1. The transition from the NorPac to Olympian trails is not as you’ve mapped it. About a mile or so west of the Saltese Trestle is the connector “path.” I see it’s now shown on the map. Used to be you could only see it using the satellite view.

2. The NorPac Trail east from Lookout Pass can be rough down to Taft. I had to skateboard and walk a few short sections climbing it in 2019.

3. Notice that there are a couple of sections of the Olympian Trail are walled off from “civilization” by the river. If you find the unpaved surface not to your liking, you can’t simply hop off.

4. I’m virtually certain that route you use east of Tarkio, MT, is part of the former Milwaukee Road right of way beyond the Tarkio Fishing Access Site and is a private road. The interstate is the option. Interchange 61 to 66.

5. When I tried to ride that unpaved section between Mead Ln. and Alberton, MT (in the opposite direction), I encountered an impenetrable fence. (The eastern portio was a trail.) That was in 2017. Maybe things have changed.

6. Why go way out of the way at Ninemile? Take the interstate. It’s a short segment and not bad.

7. For a cool, retro experience, book a room in the motor lodge portion of the Hotel Finlen in the historic section of town. Then walk here for a dinner treat:

http://casagrandassteakhouse.com/

That’s all for now.

Hi again,

Finally had a chance to look at this a little closer. I fixed the transition between North Pacific and Olympian so thanks for that! I see there is about a 10 mile section of off-road you're mainly talking about around Lookout Pass down to Taft. I'm not seeing any alternative though to this so I am guessing this is just a section I'm going to have to pretty much suck up anyway. Is my assessment right there? What's the biggest issue with it? Is it bad enough I need to think about interstate travel to avoid that section?

On the Tarkio to Alberton section: I think that was one of the sections I knew I'd probably need to be on the interstate. RWGPS won't let me map to the interstate though. Honestly my guess is I'm going to end up riding quite a bit of interstate in Montana.

Thanks!

14

Routes / Re: Feedback on planned route (Oregon to Virginia) appreciated! WA/MT/ID especially

« on: March 07, 2023, 07:34:44 am »

Are you planning 100 mi. per day - 30 days for the trip?
Will you be doing any camping or all motel / warmshowers?

You need to be real careful about any off-pavement in the West.
Esp. anything at higher elevation. It will just be too early.
I've had snow drifts, bridges out, and major muck
on forest roads in mid June - - let alone mid May.
It's usually doable - but you may get 20 miles in.
Plus you bike, panniers, chain, and rings will be covered in mud.
I'd keep the unpaved segments to lower elevation.

Idaho -
The Route of the Hiawathas is spectacular, but the tunnel doesn't open until May 26.
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is paved and has some remote sections well away from roads.
The section east of Enaville runs right next to I-90 and is kinda meh.
I have always preferred to use Thompson Pass to Thompson Falls -
(then Hwy 200 to Missoula. Frequent lodging / restaurant options.)
Old River Road runs along the north side of the Coeur d'Alene River.
Rough pavement, some dirt, very little traffic.
Food/lodging in the old mining town of Murray.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27589247

Montana -
Please don't do Potomac to Bearmouth via Garnet ghost town.
This year it won't be bikeable until mid June. Or later.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/garnet-recreation-management-area
Skalkaho Pass is also likely to be very iffy in mid May.

https://www.bigskyfishing.com/scenic-drives/skalkaho-highway.php#:~:text=Highway%20usually%20fully%20opens%20sometime,road%20is%20used%20for%20snowmobiling.

If you want to do some unpaved - I would rec Rock Creek Road - lower elevation.
From I-90 east of Missoula to Hwy 1 south of Phillipsburg. Hwy 1 is sweet.
All pavement from Missoula - Hwy 200 to Hwy 141 to Hwy 271 to Drummond.
Than Hwy 1 to Anaconda. Back roads with some dirt to aboid I-90 into Butte.
Butte is the most amazing city in the West. Seen better days, but - -
Some awesome pubs in Uptown - sadly the M&M burned a few years ago.
There's a temporary M&M until the old one is rebuilt.
Be careful, Butte is not for Sunday School teachers - esp. late at night.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27592371

Pic - M&M Club 1939-1940

Morning - apologies for this delayed reply! I've been helping with setup / running a Marathon the past 5 days so life has been a little chaotic!

I am planning around 80-90 miles average - knowing some days will be longer, some shorter, etc. As for unpaved: I feel no need to do unpaved riding. As much as I can do on pavement is my preference. I am not planning to camp so my goal is to hit motels/hotels. Honestly I hadn't even considered warmshowers until you mentioned it! I will review some of your other feedback a little more carefully when I get back home tomorrow. If you have any suggestions based on this feedback please let me know! Like I said - that whole section between Spokane/Glendive is really all totally unfamiliar territory and I'm trying to do whatever I can to maximize my chances of getting across safely. If that means some less pretty sections, so be it. I can always come back. The way I figure it: it's this section that is most likely to make or break this trip. Once I'm through this I think it should be smoother sailing.

Thank you again!

15

Routes / Re: Feedback on planned route (Oregon to Virginia) appreciated! WA/MT/ID especially

« on: March 03, 2023, 08:17:38 am »

A couple of initial things…

1. The transition from the NorPac to Olympian trails is not as you’ve mapped it. About a mile or so west of the Saltese Trestle is the connector “path.” I see it’s now shown on the map. Used to be you could only see it using the satellite view.

2. The NorPac Trail east from Lookout Pass can be rough down to Taft. I had to skateboard and walk a few short sections climbing it in 2019.

3. Notice that there are a couple of sections of the Olympian Trail are walled off from “civilization” by the river. If you find the unpaved surface not to your liking, you can’t simply hop off.

4. I’m virtually certain that route you use east of Tarkio, MT, is part of the former Milwaukee Road right of way beyond the Tarkio Fishing Access Site and is a private road. The interstate is the option. Interchange 61 to 66.

5. When I tried to ride that unpaved section between Mead Ln. and Alberton, MT (in the opposite direction), I encountered an impenetrable fence. (The eastern portio was a trail.) That was in 2017. Maybe things have changed.

6. Why go way out of the way at Ninemile? Take the interstate. It’s a short segment and not bad.

7. For a cool, retro experience, book a room in the motor lodge portion of the Hotel Finlen in the historic section of town. Then walk here for a dinner treat:

http://casagrandassteakhouse.com/

That’s all for now.

Good morning and thank you for the feedback! So with respect to Montana - 100% of what you see is pretty much the product of Google/RWGPS routing. Frankly, I have no idea what is right or wrong so I know you made a lot of suggestions above which I'll review carefully, but if you have any others I'm open ears! I know there are some restricted sections and unpaved sections that I'm probably going to end up riding the interstate instead and that is ok with me. That is pretty much what MDT told me I should do anyhow. That section between Missoula and Butte it was trying to take me all kinds of funky ways so frankly I could use some help there. My biggest concern is through there it can get a bit sparse so I want to make sure I'm still near some hotel options / can get help if I break down or something. As much as reasonably possible anyhow.

And thank you for the hotel and restaurant recommendation that is FANTASTIC! Love that!