Messages

16

General Discussion / Re: Thoughts/ideas for March tours in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia?

« on: December 07, 2015, 04:16:16 pm »

from Seattle  take the Mukilteo Clinton Ferry to Whdbey Island, ride the island north then take the San Juan ferry and tour the islands.
If you have time,  take the ferry to Victoria BC, another ferry takes you to Port Angeles from where you can return to Seattle.

You could also take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria,( you can take you bike on the boat)  tour Victoria then the San Juan Islands, then Whidbey and return to Seattle.

17

Urban Cycling / Re: Cat Carriers

« on: April 08, 2015, 07:55:28 pm »

Topeak makes a couple of rear carrier mount baskets ( one plastic, one metal )  that a number of people use  for dogs that may work.
REI carries them.

18

General Discussion / Re: Charging iphone for maps while touring

« on: April 02, 2015, 08:55:39 pm »

Goal Zero solar charger.  I used one on a 3 week hike in the Sierras.
Lightweight and Great for charging a phone

19

General Discussion / Re: Beginner out and back camping in NW?

« on: February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 pm »

Try the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.  From Plummer Idaho past Wallace to Mullan...  over 70 miles one way,  following the river and the lake...   Flat, great scenery and nice places to stop, eat, and sight see.  One of the premier rail trails in the USA
friendsofcdatrails.org/CdA_Trail/index.html

20

Routes / Re: Seattle

« on: February 07, 2013, 04:57:55 pm »

Elliott Bay Bicycles is one block north of Pike Place Market.
There is a nearly off road bike trail from Downtown Seattle to Issaquah,  It follows I-90. Some on a bike trail, some on roads with good shoulders.
A longer option but dead flat and maybe more scenic is to follow the Burke Gillman - Sammamish - East Lake Sammamish Trails
from Seattle to Issaquah.   About 40 miles all on converted rail road lines. From Issaquah you can ride I-90 to North Bend or detour to Fall City, Snoqualmie. There is a off road ride, the Iron Horse Trail that extends from North Bend to the Columbia River. It is gravel but Ok for fat tired touring bikes. If there is construction on I-90 in the pass area when you are crossing, they offer a free bike shuttle thru the construction area.  There is a Hostel in downtown Seattle. Hotels get less expensive as you leave downtown. 

21

Routes / Re: route suggestions for a beginner

« on: July 23, 2012, 03:06:47 pm »

From Washington  DC to Pittsburgh or vice versa on the C&O Canal Trail and Great Allegheny Passage.
400 + miles of history, scenery, great camping, wonderful people and almost all, car free.. 

22

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle shop Seattle

« on: June 12, 2012, 03:50:51 pm »

REI...  they will box it for you if you want and their Fedex rate for shipping is excellent.

23

Gear Talk / Re: Front rack

« on: August 03, 2011, 04:11:55 pm »

i have a cdale T800 and went with the Tubus front rack.  Did a fully loaded tour down the pacific coast and was very happy with it.  I used Ortlieb bags but the tubus would probably work well with any bag.

24

General Discussion / Re: Shipping a bike through REI

« on: August 05, 2010, 04:08:52 pm »

check with your local REI.  Mine (Redmond, WA) and the REI at my destination (Pittsburgh, PA) both ship bikes and for the least expensive rate I've ever seen,   $60. each way if you box it yourself.  They will also box it for you for a fee.. 

25

General Discussion / Re: Any ideas for an environmentally friendly bike trail pavement?

« on: August 05, 2010, 04:00:48 pm »

check out the Great Allegheny Passage Trail from Pittsburgh, PA  and the Montour Trail Connector.  They use crushed limestone...  It quickly settles and becomes a fine, smooth hardpacked surface. 

26

Classifieds / WTB: Touring bike

« on: July 08, 2008, 01:31:50 pm »

Take a look at the REI Novara Randonee touring bike.
It lists for $979. and is consistently rated as one of the best touring bikes available.

27

Classifieds / MT Bike Frame

« on: October 07, 2005, 08:40:53 pm »

For Sale. Mountain Bike Frame. Brand New High End Custom Builder. Seattle's Ti Cycles Skookum Full Suspension Frame. Size Small.  Won in a Contest. Retail $1280.00  Make Offer. ernieg@computech.com

28

Gear Talk / Dry Feet

« on: October 13, 2008, 03:07:37 pm »

Go to your local grocery store and pick up some of the plastic bags that are usually available in the fruit and vegetable dept. Put these over your shoes if it's raining and don't worry about clipping into your pedals, it is no problem.  A roll of scotch or masking tape can be used to wrap around the instep or ankle area if you are worried about fit. Your feet will stay warm and the only moisture you will experience is from condensation.

29

Gear Talk / Tandem Roof Top Rack

« on: September 02, 2008, 01:06:22 pm »

I got a front fork mount, attached it to a 2 x 8 piece of wood and that is how I carry our tandem in the back of our van. Use a 4  x 4 or other piece of wood under the mount to give you some height so the crankset rings and chain don't hit the carpet. I also recommend the ATOC if you want to go roof mount.

30

Gear Talk / Camelback stopper

« on: July 14, 2008, 04:13:43 pm »

Olive oil or if you prefer, Canola oil..