Recent Posts

1

International / Re: Chile - Lakes and Volcanoes Region

« Last post by scottlnelson on Today at 08:58:06 am »

Just an update - I am booked for this trip through Puelo Adventures (in November):

http://www.pueloadventure.cl/lake-and-fjords-7-days/

Crazy cheap - $750 (plus a $150 single upcharge) for 6 nights lodging (with breakfast), bike and pannier rental, route planning and maps, and transportation to/from the airport.  Should be a nice adventure!

I am heading to South Dakota the week of July 4th for a five day self-supported ride on the Mickelson Trail (with side rides to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park).  I planned this trip mainly as international options were limited, but the more I research about it and the towns where I am staying, I think this will a lot of fun!  I have never been to SD/Black Hills before.

Thanks!

Scott

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General Discussion / Re: How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« Last post by ray b on Today at 12:48:36 am »

I was last on Skyline Drive a couple of years ago. Some locals might have more fine-tuned thoughts and recommendations.

My initial response tou your question is that this is not for cyclists who do not like climbing or who are easily intimidated by motorized traffic. There is quite a bit of climbing and during peak season,  such as when leaf peepers are peeping, one might get tired of pulling off the road to let the line of cars by. I should note that for the most part there is no shoulder.

Although speed limit said low, there are a few blind curves and hills that might create some tension for a novice.

That ssid, if you are not pressed for time, it's a beautiful ride, and should present no issues for someone with low gears and a liitle patience.

I should note, the Drive has been part of  has been part of guided tours, and I believe the NPS maintains a list. Those groups might be the best source of information and recommendations. I know Lizard Head has included the park in the past.

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General Discussion / How difficult is Skyline Drive?

« Last post by KathyE on June 17, 2021, 11:31:18 pm »

Is Skyline Drive a good option for a novice? How many miles per day would be realistic? Or is it dependent more on lodging? Has anyone done some or all of it and have any recommendations? Wow - I just realized I asked a lot of questions, didn't I?

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General Discussion / Re: Getting to your start with all your stuff

« Last post by TCS on June 17, 2021, 10:37:06 pm »

Greyhound...Cross country it is not the way to go....If Greyhound is the best the USA provides for transcontinental bus service, it speaks poorly for the country.

AFAIK, Greyhound is the only ~transcontinental~ bus service in the USA.  But seriously, if one is going all the way between the oceans, put a pencil to paper and figure how much will be spent on several days' food for bus (or rail) travel, and take another look for cheap air flights. 

BTW, air, train and intercity bus travel modes:  guess which of these got no zilch nada dedicated pandemic disruption assistance money from the American government?  Now guess which one serves the most American communities?  Aaaand finally guess which one creates the least greenhouse gas per passenger mile?  Hint:  it's the one that Adventure Cycling has no partnerships or programs with and doesn't promote.

But anyhoo Greyhound is not as good as bus service gets in the USA.  (That would be Vonlane.     )  Things are still unsettled because of the pandemic (it's not like the government helped bus companies out, remember) but as things vector to normal, here's an idea.  If your bicycle adventures are in the Seattle-San Diego-Phoenix-Salt Lake tetragon or in the Boston-Miami-San Antonio triangle, check out FlixBus.  They're a fairly recent entrant to the US intercity bus scene from Germany.  Yeah, they're experimenting with battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses to become greener in the future, but the exciting thing for cycle tourists right now is many of their buses have bike racks.  Yeah, actual bike racks.  They'll haul your bike and you don't even have to box it.  You reserve a spot for your bike when you buy your ticket.  Unlike Amtrak, you can put your bike on or get it off anywhere they stop.  If demand is there, FlixBus says in the future they could haul bikes on a rack plus up to 5 unboxed bikes in the luggage hold.

Another option.  Options are good.  Check it out.  It might work for you.

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Rocky Mountain / Re: Missoula Lodging

« Last post by peterborowski on June 17, 2021, 07:56:39 pm »

Thanks!  Yes, they will indeed!  You can pick up during their normal business hours and use their courtyard to re-assemble!  Good to know! 

6

Routes / Re: Lake Superior

« Last post by jamawani on June 17, 2021, 02:17:04 pm »

It was way back in 1989 when I rode the south shore of Lake Superior.
A North Carolina boy who had never been that far north before.
I camped a few nights at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
I had spent many days at the seashore looking out to the horizon,
but I was utterly unprepared for a lake so immense.
And a sunset that reflected every color in creation
from the lake's turquoise, mineral-rich waters.

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Rocky Mountain / Re: Missoula Lodging

« Last post by HikeBikeCook on June 17, 2021, 01:23:22 pm »

Will ACA receive it and hold it for you?

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General Discussion / Re: In need of a few hints for NT route and food

« Last post by jwrushman on June 16, 2021, 09:01:20 pm »

"...many of the more populated towns (e.g., Chester, Harlem, Malta, Glasgow) have decent grocery stores.."

Unfortunately for those towns, the NT has been rerouted to roads further south.  But they do have decent grocery stores.  I especially enjoyed staying at pianist Philip Aaberg's home in Chester. 

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Rocky Mountain / Missoula Lodging

« Last post by peterborowski on June 16, 2021, 03:13:34 pm »

Can anyone recommend a particularly bike-friendly hotel in Missoula?  I'm shipping a bike to town and it may arrive a day or two before I do.  Looking for a sympathetic, safe destination where it will be secure until I arrive.  Thanks!

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General Discussion / Re: In need of a few hints for NT route and food

« Last post by BikeliciousBabe on June 16, 2021, 02:33:41 pm »

Where are your planned overnights? In MT, many of the more populated towns (e.g., Chester, Harlem, Malta, Glasgow) have decent grocery stores. You can browse and see what they have. Same with the larger places in ND.