Recent Posts

1

Food Talk / Re: Best Foods for Training

« Last post by cyclistdave on July 24, 2017, 02:57:38 pm »

A midday shake of protein, milk, frozen fruit and this stuff I bought on Amazon called "brain octane oil" does wonders for me in stopping carb cravings while keeping energy up on a low carb lifestyle (trying to lose weight, here).

2

Urban Cycling / Re: commuting by bike

« Last post by cyclistdave on July 24, 2017, 02:54:10 pm »

haha. We've kept this thread going for 9 friggin years.

Just wanted to share that I've started riding my bike to the coffee shop 10 miles up the road. I'll sit and work from the laptop for 4 hours and then bug out and bike home before their lunch rush starts.

I've got to watch the heat right now on the way home, but it is a pretty painless way for me to get my mileage in.

Plus the riding helps me recharge the creative juices in the brain.

Not sure if it is the antidote to coffee, but it sure enhances it.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Fatbike...for touring or just trails, gravel, commuting etc??

« Last post by cyclistdave on July 24, 2017, 02:42:25 pm »

Even though I am a fan of fat bikes, I wouldn't want to do a long tour on it. The tires are extremely sluggish on gravel and asphalt (my opinion), and if you do end up with a ruined tire, it's gonna be a pain to make sure you find a shop that can fix it. 

That said, there has gotta be less chance of broken spokes with that wheel width to carry the load.

How are you liking the pugs?

4

Routes / Re: Another way to cope with dogs

« Last post by cyclistdave on July 24, 2017, 02:30:58 pm »

Had to outsprint one while bonked this weekend.

Never a fun experience. I just want to ride.

5

International / Re: Touring in The Netherlands

« Last post by Galloper on July 24, 2017, 02:08:47 pm »

I've ridden the route from Ijmuiden to The Hague.   It was a very pleasant ride, it passes through the dunes around Zandvoort and follows the coast most of the way.   You're right to be wary of headwinds, the prevailing winds tend to be Westerly or South Westerly which could leave you riding into a headwind, but if the weather is kind, it will be a very enjoyable day.

6

ACA Mobile Route Apps / Re: Turn by turn directions

« Last post by jsieber on July 24, 2017, 11:52:42 am »

Both the mobile apps and the digital data packages use GPX track files. They do not provide a cue sheet with turn by turn directions. As you mentioned, you can use a third party app such as RideWithGPS to create turn by turn directions if you prefer to not follow the track on the map.

7

ACA Mobile Route Apps / Turn by turn directions

« Last post by jvalenzi on July 24, 2017, 07:29:03 am »

I've just downloaded the app and some Chicago to New York segments.  I haven't used the app on the road yet, but from what I can tell, it doesn't look like this app provides turn by turn directions.  Is that correct?  If so that is a major oversight. I'll need to pay for and download the data again and import it into RideWithGPS

8

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle Dynamo Charger

« Last post by John Nettles on July 24, 2017, 06:49:02 am »

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

Head game? What head game?

In the morning I plug my powerbank in and ride. I don't think about it again until I stop for the night.

Then I charge any device that needs it from the powerbank.

Or if mains power is available I connect my devices to a 5-port charger and top all of them up.

Exactly.  Only head game might be wishing it would charge faster but that is like wishing the wind would always be a tailwind, the roads are always downhill and newly paved, each campground has a nice level comfy shaded tent area with electrical, and dogs only want to play fetch with you.  If those are head games, I guess I am guilty.

9

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle Dynamo Charger

« Last post by RonK on July 24, 2017, 03:36:36 am »

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

Head game? What head game?

In the morning I plug my powerbank in and ride. I don't think about it again until I stop for the night.

Then I charge any device that needs it from the powerbank.

Or if mains power is available I connect my devices to a 5-port charger and top all of them up.

10

General Discussion / Re: 2017 General weather forecast: North America?

« Last post by cyclistdave on July 24, 2017, 12:29:04 am »

turns out the midwest is having EXTREME heat. Local cyclists bonking right and left.

Be careful. Go slow. Stay hydrated.