Messages

76

General Discussion / To have and have not - spare tyres when touring?

« on: May 27, 2010, 04:15:40 am »

Another day, another dilemma.  I have a new spare tyre sitting here -Continental Travel Contact, like the tyres I already have on the bike and which are relatively new.  The spare was picked up in Germany by my partner at my request.  I know they come in a foldable version, and did specify that, but she's not sure now if it is, although she says she thinks it was folded when she got it.  OK, she had other things on her mind, and the question exactly why she unfolded it remains moot for the sake of the relationship.  So, what's the consensus on taking along a spare on a two month road trip in the US?  More weight more bulk, or more peace of mind?  These particular tyres are supposed to have some degree of Kevlar protection and I've never had a flat or blow-out so far even in the heat and on rough surfaces of SE Asia - fingers crossed.  And anyway, how would I know if this tyre I hold before me is in fact a foldable tyre, and if I should decide to take it, how do I actually go about folding it - assuming it is capable of being folded?  They tend to wriggle quite a bit and I'd hate to destroy a good tyre in the process.  Of course, I could buy a ready folded new tyre as a spare in the US but I am trying to keep within budget.

77

General Discussion / Re: Bike security when touring in the USA

« on: May 24, 2010, 05:08:25 am »

I thought of that too.  Maybe one can think too much on this topic and become utterly paranoid.  But not a whole lot to do about panniers and camping equipment every time you stop, unless, as you say, you always keep your bike in sight.  Last year I traveled in Europe with my partner and one of us stayed with the bikes when we went into a supermarket or whatever.  On your own it's harder.  I'm thinking of not taking my hard-case handlebar bag along this time - too bulky and clunks a lot on bumpy surfaces as well as blocking my view of the road.  Think I'd prefer a soft handlebar bag, something you could easily sling over your shoulder without standing out so much.  Don't fancy always wearing a money belt or fannypack when riding.  Would need to have somewhere handy to stash my cheapo plastic camera too.

78

General Discussion / Re: Bike security when touring in the USA

« on: May 21, 2010, 11:21:57 pm »

Thanks.  I'll take along both cable locks and maybe see about a bike alarm.  I sure don't need any extra weight.

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General Discussion / Bike security when touring in the USA

« on: May 20, 2010, 11:11:27 pm »

So, I now know what to wear when it's wet and more or less where I want to go, but now I'm wondering about how to keep my bike from being stolen.  From what I already know as well as what I've read more recently online here and elsewhere - most recently under REI bike lock consumer reports - there's no ultimate solution.  Most locks tested fail one way or another, even expensive U locks, which apparently can sometimes be picked with a ball-point pen or broken open with a car jack!  Bike thieves carry car jacks!!??  Guess I've been living in dream land too long.  Bike theft is of course common around the world, but it seems some are more adept and professional about it than others.  Around here, a good cable lock usually suffices.  Not many people have any need of bolt cutters and no one except a garage mechanic would have a jack.  Maybe not even them.  Anyway, my bikes are too big for the average SE Asian, who don't like riding bikes anyway.
So what to do, especially on a long ride in the US where weight is the significant factor?  I have what I was told in Germany was a bolt-cutter proof metal-link flexible cable type lock which is way heavy enough.  It's made by Abus. Haven't seen any like it on sale elsewhere, at least not on the REI site.  Now I'm thinking of getting a Kryiptonite U lock as well which will add to my weight a fair bit more.  Other than that I can only think of trying to keep my bike within sight and/or making sure I attach it to an unmoveable object - although a U lock won't go round a tree very well - or sleeping with my bike partly under my tent as a pillow!  Not very comfortable.  Any other suggestions?

 

80

General Discussion / Re: ACA maps availability?

« on: May 18, 2010, 10:13:51 pm »

Thanks.  I'll check it out.

81

General Discussion / ACA maps availability?

« on: May 16, 2010, 11:04:39 pm »

Have read of people ordering their ACA maps.  I'd somehow assumed they'd be on sale in bike shops/REI stores and would be able to pick up what I needed when l arrive in the US.  Is ordering the only way to get them? Seems likely as they have different prices for members/non members. If so, that might be tricky from SE Asia.

82

General Discussion / Re: Airlines and bikes

« on: May 11, 2010, 12:13:18 am »

Having checked on the internet, charging a flat fee for bikes on flights seems to be a fairly recent development internationally, but is by no means across-the-board.  Some do, some don't - not yet anyway.  With EVA in Bangkok it depends who you talk to.  I'm trying to get it in writing as they now say the only charges are for being overweight.  But I'm wondering if the Adventure Cycling Association has anything to say about this issue of falt fees for bikes on airlines?  Time for some advocacy perhaps?   A respected national cycling organisation like the ACA surely has some clout?  Letting it pass just makes it look like cyclists accept it.  

83

General Discussion / Airlines and bikes

« on: May 10, 2010, 03:32:09 am »

So, just as I was getting ready for my bike trip in the US this summer I've now been told by the airline I'm booked with that it will cost me an additional $300 each way just for my bike!!!!   This is not the first time I've flown with my bike and I've never been charged anything extra before except for being over weight.  The airline in question is EVA and that would add $600 to the already pricey $1,600 economy price.  Last year I flew with my bike on Emirates from Frankfurt via Dubai to Bangkok, then on Thai up to Laos.  On the Emirates flight I was allowed 25kg but was 10 kg over that with my other check-in bag and they never questioned it.  In Bangkok I had to pay for being overweight but that only came out at about $30 so was no big deal.  Never any charge or suggestion of it just for the bike.  So obviously this is purely at the whim of the airlines and how accomodating or otherwise they are to cyclists.  I don't expect much sympathy in my part of the world as only the poor or weird foreigners ride bikes here.   But the US seems worse - United and Delta especially.  Mass protests outside airline offices anyone?  But perhaps not in Bangkok right now.

84

Pacific Northwest / Re: Cycling from Olympic peninsula south on 101

« on: May 09, 2010, 09:54:49 pm »

3,000ft climbs sound very intimidating with around what I imagine will be something like a 30kg load.  So, I may not get all that far unless I lighten up.  Even then, my experience with hills in northern Laos gave me a pretty clear indication of my physical limitations.  I'll stay flexible but booking ahead for the train probably won't be possible until I'm actually at a station.  Thanks for that info.  But what about Greyhound?  Or are they worse now than when I last tried them about twenty years ago?

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Pacific Northwest / Re: Cycling from Olympic peninsula south on 101

« on: May 08, 2010, 02:35:34 am »

Thanks for the info.  As I sit here in the steamy heat of SE Asia thinking this trip through I keep coming up with other options.  Originally I just thought of cycling down from the Olymipic peninsula/Seattle area on 101 as far as I felt comfortable within about a 4 to 6 week period this summer.  I basically have about two months - August/September.  But then I have to get back up to Seattle for my return flight out.  Obviously, the further I go down south the further I have to cycle back up by whatever route, and I'd prefer that route to be as pleasant as possible.  However, it would be nice to just go down as far as I could - maybe even all the way to the Mex border - if I was certain I was able to return with my bike by some means other than pedalling - but not by air.  Apart from the hassle of airports I'm on a budget.  What about Greyhound buses?  Do they accomodate bicycles?  Or trains perhaps?  I know this isn't Europe, so they might be even more expensive than flying? And do they take bikes?  Either way I'd have to get a box for my bike I guess.  Any info on that idea would be greatly appreciated?     

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General Discussion / Re: Eating and spending on a two month biking spree

« on: May 08, 2010, 01:55:03 am »

Much of the above aside, I'm also trying to estimate the costs of a possible couple of months on the road in the Western USA - WA, OR and maybe CA too.  I don't live in the US so don't really have a feel for daily costs of living.  I'm not an idealist, a purist, or a hobo - well, my niece thinks I am but what does a Paris Hilton wannabe know?   However, as it happens I am a vegetarian - well, sort of as I do eat fish.  On this subject it might be worth checking out the website and/or book by the Scotsman cyclist Mark Beaumont - The Man Who Cycled the World.  He holds the world record for that and was a vegetarian until he hit the Middle East.  He was on a 6,000 calorie per day diet so had to adapt.  He also more recently did the Alaska to the bottom of South America route.  Not many vegetarians in S.America I'd guess, but he survived and even slept in bus shelters and by the side of the road too when he had to.
But I'm not trying to emulate him.  Don't have the muscles or sponsors anyway, so it's all self financed.  However, after the costs of my flight and buying the gear I'll need I'd like to keep my travelling expenses below $50 a day.  Does that sound do-able including perhaps a camp site with showers?  On that topic, how much do US campsites cost on average for cyclists.

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Pacific Northwest / Re: Cycling from Olympic peninsula south on 101

« on: May 08, 2010, 01:13:17 am »

Thanks.  I haven't got any maps of the region yet, and won't until I fly into Seattle, but a few people mention Highway 97 as a good inland option.  However, for someone who is unfamiliar with US terminology - I'm British and reside in Asia - what does the 'STP' in connection with highway 97 stand for?  Also, I know cycling is not allowed on freeways, just as it is on motorways in the UK and autobahns in Germany - and anyway what cyclist would want to mix with that? - but what does the designation 'highway' actually indicate.  Is it a matter of how many lanes, or just being a secondary road and maybe with a shoulder for cyclists?  Presumably I'll know one when I see it.

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General Discussion / Re: What to wear in the rain?

« on: May 08, 2010, 12:54:56 am »

Thanks very much for your replies.  They will help when I'm roaming around the REI store in Seattle picking out what I need - or think I need.  Looks like a lightweight breathable jacket is best.  Thanks again.

89

General Discussion / What to wear in the rain?

« on: May 05, 2010, 10:54:39 pm »

I'm new to this forum and am happy I found it.  Great info.  So, hope this query comes under the right topic heading.  I'm coming to Seattle this summer with the intention of cycling the Pacific Coast - or part of it at least.  Not sure how far I'll get, especially if it rains a lot, as it is known to do.  Mostly I intend to camp.  I know what the weather can be like as I was once a resident in Vancouver, Canada.  However, in terms of appropriate clothing I'm not well prepared - yet.  My old GoreTex hiking jacket is no longer what I'd call waterproof.  I was/am thinking of buying another Goretex more appropriate for long distance cycling, but then a jacket doesn't keep your legs and shorts dry.  Then I thought of the cheaper, and some might say better, option: a waterproof poncho.  I rode recently with a cheapo plastic one in a tropical downpour and it worked reasonably well if a bit messy and sweaty, but it can also be used as a bike cover - sort of.  Costs, utility and weight/bulk are all considerations.  Any thoughts/advice? 

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Pacific Northwest / Cycling from Olympic peninsula south on 101

« on: May 05, 2010, 05:46:28 am »

I'm planning to cycle this route - 101 - in August/September.  Not sure how far south I'll get, but would like to make it to northern Cal.  Then I'll need to get back up to Seattle, hopefully without having to backtrack.  Any alternative routes inland that aren't too hilly?  The new Sierra Cascades route is no doubt scenic, but is sure to be hellishly uphill.  This will be the first time I've cycled in the US, although I've done a fair bit in Europe and some in SE Asia where I'm based.  Hoping to camp most of the way and will buy maps, etc when I get there, but any specific tips would be appreciated.  For example, approx daily costs - camp sites, food,etc. Safety issues?  I guess the 101 has a fair amount of tourist traffic at that time.  Having once lived in Vancouver, Canada I'm aware of the likely weather.