Messages

451

General Discussion / Hip Bursitis

« on: March 11, 2008, 11:24:22 pm »

Ditto to the professional fit. Do it. Get someone who doesn't just use the jig but looks at your body and how it sits on the bike. You won't be sorry you spent the money!

452

General Discussion / Shipping the bike when trip is over!

« on: March 03, 2008, 10:59:14 pm »

DHL is often cheaper than either FedEx or UPS or the airlines. Also check out http://www.sportsexpress.com/BikeShipping/ and http://www.shipbikes.com/.

453

General Discussion / Communication from the road

« on: February 23, 2008, 08:39:35 pm »

I had pretty good luck with Verizon on the NT a couple of years ago while others with me didn't. Not total coverage by any means but better than the others.

454

General Discussion / Travel on Sheldon

« on: February 05, 2008, 11:31:13 pm »

Travel on.

455

General Discussion / Single Riders on Tours

« on: January 27, 2008, 10:51:01 pm »

On my one ACA ride, none of us (all 14) knew each other beforehand, though many of us were married. On local/state supported rides most, but by no means all people came with someone to ride with.

456

General Discussion / Magazines That Offer Bicycle Reviews

« on: January 27, 2008, 10:47:17 pm »

BICYCLING MAGAZINE treats us like a curiosity at best and routinely shows their ignorance about touring.

457

General Discussion / Tire width recommendations

« on: January 06, 2008, 12:46:50 am »

The Waterford T-14 Adventure Cycle is a fantastic bike. Congratulations on a great choice. This frame is already relaxed abit, so narrow tires, which would normally make the ride a little harsher, on this bike may not feel harsh. Wider tires though will absorb bumps better which on a long ride is important. You are a heavy rider which along with the weight of the gear negates any gain you may get with narrower tires. Beefier tires with your weight will protect your rims too. Have a great tour!

458

General Discussion / Thanks ACA and this Forum!

« on: December 05, 2007, 12:00:31 am »

Glad you both had great trips this year. As a starting point for your Oregon planning I invite you to see three routes I'm refining for a two week trip next summer. You can see them at http://www.routeslip.com/ a mapping site for cyclists. Look in Eugene for routes named "Eugene-Crater Lake Loop," Eugene-Crater Lake-Bend-Sisters--Salem Loop," "Oregon 2008 version 1."

459

General Discussion / Getting in shape

« on: November 28, 2007, 11:11:20 pm »

Most experts believe that training starts with aerobic conditioning. There are many programs and books written about it generally around using HEART RATE MONITORS. Chris Carmichael, Edmund Burke, Fred Matheny, to name just three authors. Libraries have these and/or others. Matheny's books are out of print but are available electonically at www.roadbikerider.com. (Lots of great information for free via their weekly email and much more for a fee at the "premium" site) You can also do ONLINE COACHING coaching with businesses such as Carmichael's CTS (he was Lance Armstrong's coach). Bicycling Magazine also always has training tips and in their online version.

460

General Discussion / Pacific coast

« on: November 09, 2007, 10:55:00 pm »

The "Oregon Bicycling Guide" is indeed great and is found at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/maps.shtml.
There are also several books in a series, e.g., Bicycling The Backroads of Northwest Oregon, by The Mountaineers and found at http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/.

Advise bringing your own bike unless you have time to shop AND test ride it LOADED for several days before heading south.

Read, read, read, the How To Department here at the Adventure Cycling site for LOTS of information about touring.

Why would you NOT want to start your ride in Seattle, one of the most beautiful cities on earth?

Have a great tour!

461

General Discussion / Is there a good all-in-one clothes/body wash?

« on: November 03, 2007, 09:11:38 pm »

"I use this as a soap, shampoo, wash my clothes, etc.. I do carry toothpaste though.. "
But it's nice to know we can use it on our teeth in a pinch though! ( I have and once is enough)

462

General Discussion / Is there a good all-in-one clothes/body wash?

« on: October 30, 2007, 09:11:20 pm »

Ah but which flavor? I usually tour/camp with peppermint but have just discovered almond. Love the stuff for over 30 years.

463

General Discussion / leg cramps

« on: September 19, 2007, 10:20:23 pm »

Actually Janie, especially for older cyclists like dreitman and myself, stretching cold muscles can cause more problems than not stretching. The current wisdom is to warm up the muscles by riding carefully before stretching, so most of us stretch after the ride.

464

General Discussion / Whadya mean, dead last AGAIN!?

« on: August 26, 2007, 07:10:56 pm »

Check out roadbikerider.com. Coach Fred Matheny has a great ebook for training, racing and touring.

465

General Discussion / Hurting Feet

« on: July 06, 2007, 09:38:18 pm »

My feet started hurting last summer while riding and then off the bike. A podiatrist diagnosed it as Morton's neuroma, or pinched nerve. Orthotics and wider shoes, including cycling shoes have helped. Not sure if that is what you have but seeing a podiatrist may be indicated for you. Lake makes shoes in wide sizes among a couple of others.
Good luck.