Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: TOURING AFTER COVID

« on: February 01, 2021, 03:28:19 pm »

there are many e bikes and many choices for touring. you will be able to fine several to fit your needs.
  several friends had to go to e bikes due to health issues . many come with racks and fenders and you can buy an
extra battery which will give a 100+ mile range. consider the class of bike and the riding you will be doing.
Class 3 bikes are illegal on many trails

2

General Discussion / Re: Acting as a support SUV

« on: June 14, 2019, 02:00:10 pm »

Walkie Talkies could be a low cost option in areas with no cell coverage.
Have a great trip and consider books on tape for those quiet times on the road....  .....

3

Routes / Re: Looking for Route Recommendations for April

« on: March 26, 2019, 04:12:50 pm »

The Pacific Coast,  Washington, Oregon, California may meet your requirements

4

General Discussion / Re: Summer Cycling California Pacific Coast Trail

« on: February 19, 2019, 07:28:34 pm »

My wife and I did Seattle to Santa Barbara in 2 sections.  One year Seattle to Crescent City and another year, Crescent to Santa Barbara.
We had no issues on the Calif section (none in WA or Oregon either) Traffic, especially logging trucks, were very considerate, waited and gave up plenty of room.
Even on Leggett Pass, they waited until they could pass safely.  I found the Ca section to be hillier and harder but the scenery and riding made it all worthwhile.
Campgrounds are not as nice in CA as they are in Oregon but, few states have camps as nice as OR. We stayed at a hotel north of Sausalito so we could hit the
Bridge earlier in the day. We walked across the Bridge with our bikes. It was awesome. People watching, and a view to die for, It was a rush. I didn't want it to end.
I loved each state and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Each had things that make you want to go back and ride again. If you did WA and OR, you will not have a problem in CA.  Enjoy the adventure and check out the Montara Lighthouse south of San Fran.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Fork material on Cannondale Touring Bikes

« on: February 19, 2019, 07:10:49 pm »

I have one.  the fork is steel

6

General Discussion / Re: Pacific coast route paper maps vs Pacific coast route digital GPX

« on: April 16, 2018, 04:05:32 pm »

order or pick up a copy (available at all info centers )  the free Oregon state guide to the bike route.
It is excellent

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Programs/TDD%20Documents/oregon-coast-bike-route-map.pdf

7

General Discussion / Re: Aussies cycling SF to LA re Big Sur

« on: July 31, 2017, 08:14:36 pm »

this may help with the bridge bypass and perhaps finding a room.
The pedestrian bypass is open to all and a shuttle service has begun.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/26/how-to-get-to-cut-off-big-sur-new-shuttle-service-park-reopens/

8

General Discussion / Re: On Pacific Coast.. to stay in San Fan or keep moving?

« on: July 21, 2017, 03:24:11 pm »

Check the youth hostel at the Montara Lighthouse
south of the city (after the Devils Slide)
You can't beat the views.

9

Classifieds / For Sale SIDI Dominator 5 shoes

« on: July 13, 2017, 04:18:17 pm »

New, never worn, still in the box,  Sidi Dominator 5,  Recessed cleat shoes. Size 42.5
They have 2 velcro straps and 1 ratcheting strap.
I have these in a different size.  Best cycling shoes I have ever had.
Comfortable on and off the bike. Good for hiking/walking and excellent power transfer.
I am in the Seattle WA area.
$180.

10

Gear Talk / Re: Question, Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus and Back-Roller Classics Rear Panniers

« on: May 10, 2017, 03:49:00 pm »

I have both and I like the bike packer for ease of entry and I like the outside pocket.
The bike packer has a slightly larger capacity due to the lid / top cover which expands to cover the load.
I use them for touring and I use the bike packer for commuting. I ride in the Seattle rain and have never had
anything get wet in the bike packer. (I carry a laptop so thats paramount) The back roller is waterproof, almost submersible since
it seals with the roller. Both are great but for me and ease of use, the bike packer is a little larger and the one I use daily

11

Routes / Re: Seattle to Anacortes--First time touring

« on: September 13, 2016, 08:21:37 pm »

If you are not opposed to taking a bus for a part of your journey,
Put your bike on the bus and take the bus to Mukilteo or Lynnwood.
Highway 525 is busy but has shoulders or bike lanes. Whidbey is
very hilly but the side roads on the east and west of the main road
are lightly traveled and the scenery is spectacular.
 Whidbey has some of the best scenery and best riding I've found.
A fee map of the island is available at the ferry terminal or from any real estate office.
Ft Ebby and Deception Pass have great camping. 

12

General Discussion / Re: SPD Cleats-SH51 Versus SH56?

« on: August 02, 2016, 08:26:50 pm »

I've used SH 51 single release for decades and tht's the only one I've used.
I ride mainly on the road with some single track. I want to know exactly how my
shoe will release. I do not want my foot to release when I pull up or move in any direction other
than heel out. No issues with SH 51 but,  I have never tried the multi release and don't intend to.

13

Routes / Re: Central Coast ride - advice on where to stay in the area

« on: July 27, 2016, 04:44:19 pm »

if you are still planning,  the Hostel at the Montara Lighthouse just south of San Fran has good accommodations and a great location and view.
There is another hostel just south at another lighthouse also.

14

Gear Talk / Re: Wheels without spokes?

« on: April 04, 2016, 03:55:38 pm »

you can find on the internet people who are trying to perfect a wheel without spokes but I have not seen one
cost effective or in use for the general public.  Get a good strong touring wheel and you will be OK. Go to
Adventure Cyclings Cycle Source and buy the fiber temporary spoke kit. It can easily be installed on the road and will
get your wheel back in true with little effort.   I used one on the rear wheel of my tandem when I broke a spoke
doing a loaded tour in Oregon. It got me thru the tour and I ran with it until I got home and could get to a shop to
have it repaired. I carry one on every tour.

15

Gear Talk / Re: Mirrors

« on: March 24, 2016, 04:24:50 pm »

Many opinions as you can see by the responses to your post.
I have used a helmet mirror for over 20 years.
Took about a day to get used to it then, no problems., 
They do not shake or vibrate.  The closer a mirror is to your eye,
the larger the field of view you have. So, a 1 inch helmet mirror gives
you a larger field of view than a car rear view mirror.
By slightly moving your head, you can also sweep and gain an over 90
degree view. I daily commute year around in Seattle traffic and a mirror is
one of my most valuable cycle accessories.