Messages

226

Gear Talk / Re: The Best Touring Bikes/Frames (and other parts, as well)

« on: December 05, 2009, 02:42:42 pm »

Not sure what the availability is in the USA but Dawes make very good touring bike with a good range.

In terms of panniers, have a look at Carradice.   They produce a great range of kit, panniers, bar bags saddle bags etc.   And they're totally different from the usual  Ortleib, Arkel etc.

And if they're good enough for Josie Dew...

Best of luck with the new venture.   

227

General Discussion / Re: Ireland: Tripping to the land of "Eire". All advice welcome. Thanks

« on: December 05, 2009, 02:24:40 pm »

Well, having been born and brought up in that glorious island - I can offer some advice.

You will enjoy yourself.   You will get wet, inside and out    If you start in Dublin, head out into the Wicklow mountains, OK, they're not really mountains by the standard of the Rockies, but plenty of hills to explore.   Then, if you fancy something a little more relaxing, head to the coast and follow that down towards Wicklow town.   

You will find that there's plenty of lovely places to visit inland, Kilkenny is well worth a trip, there's quite a spectacular castle there.  On to Wexford and around the coast to Waterford, another pleasant town.   Follow the coast to Youghal and Dungarvan.   Oh! and there's a really nice beach at Clonea, just east of Dungarvan.

I also recommend a trip to Clonmel and a ride through the Comeraghs.   I could go on, but you've probably got the picture by now.

A chap called Edward Enfield has written a very good book about a cycle tour around Ireland, you can probably get a copy from Amazon.

Slainte!

228

Routes / Re: Southern Tier weather

« on: December 04, 2009, 02:18:47 pm »

Thanks for the information, I've passed through that part of the world before but always later in the year when it was a lot hotter.   I'm not too worried about cold, heat is what gets me.   

Enjoy your ride.

Peter

229

Routes / Re: Southern Tier weather

« on: November 30, 2009, 03:51:31 pm »

Thank you sir!   It sounds as if I should delay until March.   I was thinking it might be nice to escape the tail end of winter over here.

Peter

230

Routes / Southern Tier weather

« on: November 30, 2009, 07:35:41 am »

Greetings from a wet and rainy England.   I'm going to ride a mix of Southern Tier, Great Rivers and Transam early next year.   The plan is to take the Southern Tier from San Diego as far as Louisiana, then head north up the Great River route before picking up the Transam and heading for the east coast.

I'm thinking of starting from San Diego in early February.   The site advises fall to late spring, am I going too early?   What sort of weather can I expect at the start?

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Cheers

Peter

231

General Discussion / Re: NEED ADVICE FROM SEASONED/CRAFTY VETERANS

« on: November 27, 2009, 05:34:14 pm »

Well, one of my golden rules is "To increase speed, add lightness", an old saw from a motorcycle tuner of great renown back in the 50s.   I find that a good breakfast helps to get the day off to a good start.   Porridge is light to carry and easy to cook and is a great source of carbs.   Add in fruit or whatever to make it tastier.   For an evening meal, pasta is a good start.   I cook the pasta then mix in a packet sauce (light and easy to carry) then add in whatever else is to hand, mince, smoked fish - anything.   High carb and protein value, tasty and only uses one pot

Don't underestimate the amount of food you're going to need either, carry plenty.   I treat one of my panniers as the kitchen and carry everything ready for easy access.   With something like a jet boil cooker, it's easy to stop and heat up a tin of soup or something similar, very quickly.

Have fun.