Messages

2326

Gear Talk / Re: Sleeping Pad Issue

« on: October 25, 2009, 04:12:11 pm »

I strongly prefer blow-up pads to self-inflating ones. You can get more than double the thickness (which is infinitely more comfortable for old bones) for less cost and no more weight.

I suggest that if you are almost passing out from inflating it that maybe you are trying to inflate it too rapidly. Consider taking a break or two. Sometimes I will half inflate it, work on putting up the tent for a while, and then finish inflating. As Pete says, it's usually no big deal to inflate--a price I gladly pay for the extra comfort.

2327

General Discussion / Re: Newbie with a dream

« on: October 22, 2009, 10:59:49 pm »

So maybe the Trek 520 isn't for you.

But there are many, many other good touring bikes out there. Check here for a list with specs.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=558172

2328

General Discussion / Re: Newbie with a dream

« on: October 21, 2009, 03:13:56 pm »

It's hard to know what to say since we have no idea what you already know and have and what you don't know and have. Start with Bicycle Touring 101 and then come back with any specific questions:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/biketouring101.cfm

2329

Routes / Re: Riding on Interstates

« on: October 07, 2009, 03:31:13 pm »

In Colorado, you can bicycle on Interstate 70 in most places. Exceptsions are for a few miles east of Grand Junction (use the bike path around the tunnels), for 17 miles east of Glenwood Springs (use the bike path through Glenwood Canyon), for 21 miles over Vail Pass (great bike path available), for 11 miles under Loveland Pass (you must cycle over the pass on US6), for five miles above Georgetown (use the frontage road), for 10 miles east of Idaho Springs (use US40 up Floyd Hill), and for 25 miles through the Denver metro area.

Bicycling is prohibited on most of Interstate 25 from Denver north to the Wyoming border (except for one 3-mile stretch and one 11-mile stretch). Once you get out of the Denver metro area, bicycles are allowed on I-25 south to the New Mexico border, except for 12 miles through Colorado Spings and for 8 miles through Pueblo.

Bicycles are allowed on Interstate 76 to the Nebraska border once you get out of the Denver metro area.

Even when allowed, however, bicycling on interstates is generally unpleasant. The most common reasons to do it is if you are desperate to avoid hills and afraid of shoulderless roads, or when there is just no other alternative.

2330

Routes / Re: How often are printed maps updated?

« on: October 07, 2009, 12:36:47 pm »

On this page:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/faq.cfm

it says that maps are updated approximately every 1.5 to two years. They also recommend that you wait until close to your trip to order the maps to get the most recent copies. And of course, you should always print the addenda for your set immediately before leaving.

But I have the same question as you about the schedule for planned updates. As far as I know, ACA has never published such a schedule, but I sure would like it if they would, for exactly the reason you mention.

2331

Gear Talk / Re: Marathon tires. Schwalbe. Tires. Wheels.

« on: October 07, 2009, 12:27:47 pm »

I think there may be some confusion here. When people talk about Marathon tires, they are almost always talking about Schwalbe Marathon tires. Although it's possible that somebody else makes a tire also called Marathon, I somehow doubt it. It's also possible that Schwalbe Marathon tires are made in India (even though Schwalbe is a German company).

Also note that Schwalbe makes dozens of different tires across a wide range. In my opinion, Schwalbe is a very good tire manufacturer, but that doesn't mean that every tire they make is suitable for all purposes.

Also note that Schwalbe makes a dozen different tires that carry the "Marathon" name. Schwalbe Marathon is a family of tires (only one of which is simply called the "Schwalbe Marathon", which is the low end of the Marthon family).

There is no "best" tire. The most important thing is to buy a tire that is suitable for your intended use. And there are many, many possible intended usages.

2332

General Discussion / Re: ACA Maps are Way Small.

« on: September 18, 2009, 05:32:52 pm »

I like to sit down the night before a ride and copy down the road names of each turn on a piece of 3.5x5.5 paper which I then insert in the map pocket over the directions on the ACA maps. If the route would be really complicated, I could include the mileage also.

My printing can be as large as my old eyes need it to be.

That's exactly what I do as well.