Expected daily mileage on hills

[DaveB]

Alfonso, I'm wearing regular cotton shorts with polyester boxers, I thought thight cycling shorts were not my style

Well, that's your problem right there.   

True cycling shorts aren't a fashion statement, they are VERY functional riding gear.   If the classic spandex shorts aren't your "style", get some MTB shorts.  They are pretty much standard cycling shorts with a loose, street-wear type short over them so they appear "normal" but have the proper padding and the seams are placed where they don't cause problems.   

[litespeed]

I just rode US9 up through New Jersey for the third time. On previous trips I was able to get over the Mullica River near New Gretna by scooting along the shoulder of the Garden State Parkway for the 2 1/2 miles where it is one with US9. Cops passed me both times and didn't stop me. But the last time they were rebuilding the bridge. I rode it but was lucky to survive (and not get a ticket or cause an accident) as barriers forced me alongside the traffic lanes. It was really stupid. I should have backtracked and detoured.

Anyway, plan on a detour there. It will probably cost you about 15+ miles but that bridge project will probably be going on for another year or two. It is truly impassable on a bicycle.

[geegee]

do you think passing NYC more west and generally staying off shore in NJ would be beneficial wind wise?

Between cycling the bland urban sprawl of New Jersey and going though NYC, I'd pick the NYC route any day. It's far more interesting, and Manhattan has become very bike-friendly in the last decade, quite impressive really. A car-free greenway almost completely goes around the island of Manhattan, and is continuous between the George Washington Bridge and Pier 11. If you need a place to stay, the HI Hostel on 891 Amsterdam Ave has a secure bike room where you can leave your bike if you wish to walk around the city (I would not leave a bike locked to a post anywhere in NYC)

As for the wind, suck it up for a day or two along the honky-tonk beaches, then head inland into the NJ Pine Barrens where it can be surprisingly remote that you'll have to stock up on food just in case you're caught hungry miles from the nearest town.

[litespeed]

If you go through New York City your best bet would be to take the the Sea Streak ferry from 35th St. (West side) pier or Pier 11 (down by Wall St.) to Atlantic Highlands in New Jersey. For fares and schedules go to: http://www.seastreak.com/faresandschedules.aspx

[alfonso]

Alfonso, I'm wearing regular cotton shorts with polyester boxers, I thought thight cycling shorts were not my style

Thanks DaveB for putting the case so well - Sorry Nic that I overlooked your response. I suggest that purpose-made cycling shorts, Spandex or MTB style, are essential for anything more than a casual ride round the park. Good luck with your project, Nic

[Nic]

Hey everyone, I rode again the same 53 miles today in 4 hours instead of the previous 5.5 hours with my friends lagging behind

So assuming I'm getting up at sun rise and having only small stops, I should be done with my daily mileage (60) for the day at 11 AM, leaving plenty of time to be bored lol.

I lift weights during the week but this endurance exercise and being outdoor is awesome and I feel great afterwards!

But I'm pissed now. Thanks to Quebec's bumpy roads, my wheels are a bit deformed now. It occured previously and the mechanics insisted I didn't need to change wheels, but just twist the metal bars inside the wheels to make it straight again. However it always comes back and deforms, it's a pain. Now it rubs on the brakes and the front wheel even stopps spinning after a few turns when I spin it in the air. I also had a flat yesterday and bought the tools to change it next time. Crappy bike...

I bought 43$ standard cycling shorts. However today I tried riding with thicker cotton boxers to see the difference, it was a bit better than the polyester thin ones. Thing is I'll have to wash the shorts often (no underwear) and it takes space to have 5 pairs...

I have a 1.5 inch self-inflating sleeping pad and tried sleeping on it in my apartment (on wooden floor). It was not so bad but I didn't sleep too well. Considering space and weight limitations and my back problems history I might change my plans to motels only, more mileage per day.

I might need metal shoes for the aggressive cars that get too close so I can kick and scratch their doors

Yeah if the Mullica River is still under repair I will cross it more west (Lower Bank Rd). That's a really swampy area

[Nic]

Finally got the Outdoor Research Aurora Bivy, hope it works out well!

[Nic]

I rode to Albany and "stealth" camped, but I have to stop here because my left knee is hurting.

Maybe I'll try again next year! Thanks for your advice

PS. Vermont is still very hilly around Middlebury . . .