Messages

1

Routes / Re: Nova Scotia Route Advice

« on: July 21, 2012, 03:59:16 pm »

I'm looking at Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick areas as well as eastern Maine for a late summer bike camping trip, and I am wondering how your journey turned out? If you find time, please post some remarks here about your favorite spots, and things you might avoid next time.

Cheers,

T

2

Routes / Re: Seattle to San Francisco Aug/Sept

« on: June 30, 2009, 11:20:32 am »

I confirmed that many CA state parks have h/b sites. I spoke to a ranger in a park that is known to be full all summer, and he assured me that h/b users would not be turned away, since it is so easy to accommodate a cyclist with a tent -- he said they typically open another section, if need be, for h/b use.

Oregon has a map "Oregon Coast Bike Route" that locates h/b campgrounds and non-h/b campgrounds that fall along the coastal roads. It can be found at ODOT, here:  http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/maps.shtml#ODOT_Bicycle_Maps

3

General Discussion / Re: airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: June 25, 2009, 10:14:14 pm »

Wow -- thanks for the photos, really shows how much room you have to work with in a standard box!  Tomorrow I am going to work on several packing sessions with different approaches in the square box I own (26"x26"x10") and see what I can come up with, but I think I can make this work. 

I will try to take some photos as I go, in case I discover anything that would be useful to someone else using the box size I have.

4

General Discussion / Re: airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: June 25, 2009, 11:47:39 am »

Thanks - I am thinking a box for 2nd checked item, then wouldn't have to lug it around (my flights to/from home are not from same airport). And then maybe that box can hold the racks, fenders and possibly pair of nested panniers with clothing/tent stuffed in as cushion, might just work out. Would carry on 2nd set of nested panniers. This is definitely a new experience. LOL

5

General Discussion / Re: airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: June 24, 2009, 02:20:08 pm »

I'm sure you've checked already, but take a look at the allowed baggage dimensions...

Thanks for reply. My bike has couplers, so the boxs is within the standard 62 inch limit (I did check my airline). The weight limit is one I will have to watch; and why I figure clothing goes in the bike box and heavy stuff in the other smaller bags.
But -- are you saying that you have a bike that comes apart and you end up boxing in a full size single bike box, in order to get it all into one check-on piece of luggage?

Does anyone use a duffel bag and pack panniers and fenders into that as second checked bag? I will also look into shipping costs, but dread the idea...

6

General Discussion / airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: June 24, 2009, 12:47:59 pm »

Consider this a "newbie" question.

I have a bicycle that will fit in an airline size suitcase, and I know I can cram my shoes and a certain amount of clothing around it.  But I am baffled now about how people carry their racks, fenders, and 4 panniers (presumably filled with tent, bag, and remainder of clothing and tools) to get to the destination of choice (for a long self-supported tour).

Please offer some advice on this.

Also spent considerable amount of time searching for insurance (mostly for the bike)... no longer a homeowner, so how is this possible?

Thanks!

7

General Discussion / Re: Cycling and camping in bear country ? !

« on: June 24, 2009, 12:40:54 pm »

Bear Bells? details?

8

Routes / Re: Seattle to San Francisco Aug/Sept

« on: June 22, 2009, 04:25:16 pm »

How will I know a "hiker-biker" site when I see one?  (probably sounds silly... but I don't know!)

9

Routes / Re: Florida Route

« on: June 21, 2009, 08:28:06 pm »

I suggest going online to the local Bike Club in Ft Myers
www.caloosariders.com
and posting the question on their blog/post page (you will have to sign in)...

some of the members there do extensive rides through the state, and since most of them Ride to the Ride, they would likely know!

10

Routes / Re: Seattle to San Francisco Aug/Sept

« on: June 21, 2009, 08:25:24 pm »

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Somehow I had my notifications turned off, and I've been offline recently, readying for major exam.

Will definitely be using the lower gears, and keeping my weight down so think that I will survive the hills.  Will enjoy the downhill anyway!

Very sad to hear about possible park closings... and I hear that the parks are going to be full this summer due to economizing of summertime vacation plans. Ironic. Will have to look at alternatives, since I am not planning an extravagant budget for the trip.

Coffee. MUST have coffee. Will resist the olive oil, for now.
3 weeks to go! Maybe I will see some of you out there.

Cheers!

11

Routes / Re: Seattle to San Francisco Aug/Sept

« on: June 01, 2009, 02:19:42 pm »

It's been so long ago, I nearly forgot -- I have a set of heavy duty touring wheels with the 34-11 cassette stowed in my closet, just need to make the switch; they are practically new, since I never got to take the long haul with them!

Valygrl, You seem to have a lot of experience with longer self-supported tours, do you have a packing list to share? I have read the ones on AC 'how to' and a few others, but curious what you have found useful and desirable to take along as a girl going solo.

Thanks for the inspiration -- and thanks to Forum folks, for restoring my username!

12

Gear Talk / Re: Co-motion Americano vs Norwester Tour

« on: June 01, 2009, 01:08:23 pm »

I am wondering the same thing... maybe depending on road conditions. My Norwester is fitted with pretty decent wheels (heavy duty) and low gears, but I have to admit I haven't been on the 1000-mile tour ... yet!  

You might read this OLD post (from when I was searching for the answer to "which bike" question)...
I hope this link works for you. 
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=2942.0

13

Classifieds / Small touring bike wanted

« on: April 27, 2005, 01:58:44 pm »

Sorry Annie,
My friend's Mom is having a hard time giving up on her biking and her bike! She's 79 in years, but 17 in spirit, and is enjoying the wonders of new drugs... so she has decided to keep her bike after all. Good luck to you!

14

Classifieds / Small touring bike wanted

« on: April 26, 2005, 02:15:17 pm »

Annie,

My friend's mother is ready to sell her bike - she is very petite - and it's set up for touring. She did several cross-country trips. I just saw them 2 weeks ago. She lives in Florida, but was going to let my friend take the bike to sell it - he lives in Pennsylvania.

I will ask him about it and post again here w/ info. Don't know what the price would be.

15

Gear Talk / Comotion Norwester

« on: July 29, 2006, 12:25:23 pm »

I took delivery of my Norwester early 2005. It's a fabulous bike - I highly recommend it.

I have used mine for limited loaded touring (overnight weekend camping trips, with 30# of gear in panniers) as well as extensive club rides and training. I've put about 3500 miles on her.

I started out with ultegra 10spd, but switched to 9spd so that I obtain lower gear ratios, to handle mountains with a load - - I will be missing those ultegra shifters though!

Good luck!