Messages

1

Routes / Re: Southern Tier East to West in late Winter

« on: October 07, 2019, 11:33:01 am »

Hi,
We rode west to east leaving San Diego in early February. We thought our winds were favorable, but in meeting cyclists traveling east to west, they thought the same! In reality, I do think the odds are pretty even in either direction. You just have to get lucky to have more in your favor.

Do know though that on the west coast the winds tend to be northerly, depending on how far up you tend to go. Winds are the reason most folks ride north to south.

Good luck, you’ll love it!

2

General Discussion / Re: Touring Baja

« on: June 01, 2015, 10:32:26 pm »

We loved touring the Baja. Rode from L.A. to Cabo. Check out my journal for suggestions, etc. and feel free to ask questions. It's at www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/FA2015
But I won't be available for help in July and August, on another trip!

3

Routes / North Sea Cycle Route suggestions

« on: May 14, 2015, 10:12:08 am »

My husband and I will be cycling some of the North Sea Cycle Route in July and August. We will begin in Edinburgh, UK, and head south to the ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland, then continuing north on the route into Denmark, ending in Copenhagen. Has anyone ridden this route lately, especially the UK section? Any advice on the route, its markings, places to camp, etc?  Appreciate suggestions and advice, thanks!

4

Routes / Re: roads in south carolina

« on: January 25, 2015, 08:42:31 pm »

We rode the ACA Atlantic Coast route in 2012. (We are actually in Wilmington again right now, having only spent one night here on that trip. Now we are in a car but doing day rides.)

We rode from south to north through SC but did vary from the maps when we came into Charleston to visit family for a few days. And you are right, the roads in SC are as bad as they get. Of the 37 states I have ridden in I must say SC is the worst.

 It does sound like you may not have as much experience on busy roads as you will need. Once you get some, you won't feel like you are going to die, but you will be annoyed and angry, and scared at times.

If you want to read the experiences I had riding through the state, and the whole route (as far north as DC) check out my journal on CGOB at www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/FA2012
Good luck!

5

Gear Talk / Re: Best foot wear for touring?

« on: July 07, 2014, 08:30:42 pm »

For 3 long tours of over 2000 miles each, plus shorter ones, I have only worn and taken my Chaco sandals. I replaced my pedals so I could attach power grips. In cool weather I wear socks.  It's been fantastic.

6

Routes / Re: Southern Tier Questions

« on: February 08, 2014, 10:14:34 am »

Hi,
I realize the map might say 90 miles, but from my notes in my journal, it seems to be 78.  We camped just short of the observatory, due to circumstances you can read in the entry.  But it worked out perfectly anyway. You really don't want to camp behind the closed store at Kent; it's nasty. We ended up camping at the Lawrence Wood picnic area and it was great; that was 69 miles from Van Horn. But there are many places along the roadside, as Carla said, where you can pitch a tent.  You can check my journal for details, and for more Southern Tier info too, at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/myfinecycle.

Most people we met along the ST actually went on US 90 from Van Horn through Marfa to Alpine.  Just another thought. We really wanted to see the observatory.

It's a great ride either way, enjoy!
Marti

7

Routes / Re: Suggestions needed for favorite 7-day trip in US

« on: May 24, 2013, 05:31:31 pm »

We have done a lot of 7-9 days trips in the US, and I have to say my most favorite is the C&O and GAP trails; ridden together it's about a week to enjoy the trip. Great surface ( unless you get unlucky and it's really wet) and so much to see. Good camping, and free along the C&O . For slight downhill start in Pittsburgh and ride to DC. And they just finished the terminus in Pittsburgh which wasn't done when we rode last year. Spending a week off roads is amazing. Next best are the Oregon coast and riding around the northern half of Lake Michigan.

All of these are chronicled on my crazyguyonabike site, search for marti fine or myfinecycle. The trail ride is part of Finetastic Adventure 2012 ride. Enjoy!

8

Routes / Re: Route through or around Los Angeles.

« on: April 29, 2013, 05:39:56 pm »

The alternate route to going thru Camp Pendleton is to take the I-5; it is legal to bike on the interstate for that portion. It is very safe with a wide clean shoulder, but noisy of course. But it's only for a few miles.  We opted for the I this year since we had already ridden thru, which is a nice option.

9

Routes / Re: Route through or around Los Angeles.

« on: April 28, 2013, 05:27:20 pm »

Hi mike,
We have cycled twice from LA to San Diego, as well as cycling north from LA to Malibu. All of this is on the coast or beach . No reason to bus through. From Santa Monica south you will be on beach paths or roads right by the beach. We did find it easier to leave LA on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. The two times we went we cycled different routes to Long Beach, as well as different routes through San Diego. Also, once we went through Camp Pendleton and the other time we didn't. If you want to read my accounts of each and see the detailed maps, you can check the appropriate days (easily found) on my journals. Check crazyguyonabike.com for Finetastic Adventures 2011 and 2013. Let me know if you have any questions.
Marti

10

Classifieds / Re: For Sale: ACA Atlantic Coast 4-7

« on: April 05, 2013, 07:31:52 am »

Excellent. Paypal email is martifine@gmail.com. Include your shipping address and I will get them in the mail asap. Enjoy the ride.

11

Classifieds / Re: Wanted: ACA Atlantic Coast route maps, used

« on: April 02, 2013, 03:13:52 pm »

Hi!
I just posted yesterday that I have sections 4-7 to sell.  Section 4 is older and has notes written on it, the others are 2011 with a few notes but all in good shape. You would definitely need to check the addenda, ESP on #4. $15 for all four including shipping. Let me know if you want them, write me at martifine@gmail.com
Happy cycling!
Marti

12

Classifieds / Sold.For Sale: ACA Atlantic Coast 4-7

« on: April 01, 2013, 12:30:01 pm »

I have sections 4-7 of the Atlantic Coast maps to sell.  Section 4 is old and marked up, but 5, 6 and 7 are 2011 editions which I used last year. They do have a few notes written on them but are in good condition.  All of them for $15 including shipping to 48 states.

13

Classifieds / SOLD: Baja maps and camping book

« on: April 01, 2013, 12:24:09 pm »

SOLD

14

Classifieds / Re: For Sale: Baja maps and camping book

« on: April 01, 2013, 12:17:36 pm »

Hank, let me know if you got my personal message...Marti

15

Gear Talk / Re: No Stove

« on: March 30, 2013, 05:59:28 pm »

We have done 3 long tours, tho not the TA, without ever cooking.  We carry tortillas, peanut butter, Nutella, honey, bars, nuts, dried fruit, sardines. We eat most meals in diners or gas stations or street vendors or restaurants. It helps that we do not drink coffee. Everyone we have ever hooked up with when riding did cook. We love not having to carry all that stuff and spend the time and effort cooking. Our friends always love to read my journal and see what else we have eaten on a tortilla, like spam or Vienna sausages! Have fun!