bicycle touring's topics - tribe.net

Come race with us!

2008-06-20T22:47:48Z

www. quakecityrumble. bravehost. com

QUAKE CITY RUMBLE V
July 3rd-6th 2008
San Francisco

QCR FREE HOUSING
If you are coming and you need a FREE place to stay with SAFE BICYCLE PARKING! Then send me your info and I will add you to the list!
If you have room to put up people and their rides please send me your info as well! Please include how many you can house, your name, email, phone # and address....I am the only person with this info for the QCR, and it will never be made public!
You can email me: anitathrill@gmail.com

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Bay 2 Belden 4 Gemini

2008-05-28T05:42:14Z

Anyone up for a ride to belden?? Loud music big campout party 6/13-6/15. uhm did i mention its FREEEE!!!! muahaha

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Seattle to Portland - ideas and suggestions?

2008-05-27T01:46:58Z

I want to do a short, quick ride from Seattle down to Porland in June. I'm trying to decide which route. The Pacific Coast route seems a bit out of the way (ie, it might take me 6 days rather than the 3 or 4 I have available). There is a popular 200-mile STP (Seattle to Portland) bike ride every summer, and I was thinking of taking that route. It pretty much follows I-5, but I don't know if its a scenic ride or not. I'm hoping some folks here have ridden one or both and can give me some ideas or suggestions. I'll be leaving Seattle on June 2nd.

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

Flying/bus'ing with a stove

2008-05-16T20:52:47Z

I'm in the planning stages of a tour from Chicago to Florida. The idea is to ride a bus or take a flight to Chicago and then ride home to North Florida. When I tour locally, I bring my old and trusty Seva 123 stove and a bottle of unleaded. I'm wondering if, even when empty, I'll be able to get the stove and fuel bottle on a bus or plane as baggage. I figure that I can do a good job of cleaning them out (soap and water?) before packing and perhaps that will prevent the alarms from going off. Any ideas?

posted in bicycle touring - 6 replies

hWY 101 bike trip- garberville, ca to vancouver, BC- month of august

2008-04-24T05:35:05Z

to any and all takers

i'm biking up the 101 from the humboldt redwoods to vancouver in august. not really in a rush, just want to hit up all the concrete skateparks to skateboard/ film. meeting random peeps, taking in the sights, and evading the rat race.

hit me up if you're down

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

biking in the winter...

2008-03-30T18:11:28Z

I just moved to the midwest from the west coast, so i haven't been biking much in sub-freezing weather before. I'm having this weird thing on both my bicycles where my shifters keep freezing in place and i can't downshift. Both my chain lube and WD-40 haven't been helping.

Any bright ideas?

posted in bicycle touring - 8 replies

The best way to eat on a self-contained tour

2008-02-20T10:22:30Z

Back in the 70's I did a lot of long distance self-contained Bicycle Touring.
I used a 15 speed customised Raleigh Super Course TT,Bellweather grand touring Panniers,and a large handlebar bag,I carried essential clothing a sleeping bag and a small tent,My stove was a single burner Primus Butane unit,and my "food" was mostly that freeze-dried Mountaineering food in disposable containers that you just added Hot water to it and rehydrated it and ate it.
The food was "pretty awful" and I sure didn't look foreward to "mealtime". I am contemplating a Tour Across Canada From Vancouver BC to Ontario with my brother,he will be on an upright Trek Hybrid and I will be riding my Sun Recumbent,we will both have full custom fitted panniers and bags,sleeping bags and a North Face 2 person Mountaineering Tent and a small Butane Stove.We will be riding in some VERY rural sections,with sparsly spaced markets and other food outlets.
Can any readers tell me what they eat and how it is cooked on current long distance 100% self-contained Bicycle Tours?
Suggestions would be helpful
Thanks
Jake

posted in bicycle touring - 13 replies

I hate ALITALIA

2008-02-17T22:03:08Z

In december I flew Alitalia from Barcelona to San Francisco.

I had No checked baggage other than my bicycle which weighed 13kg, less than the 20 kg alloted for checked baggage. It was wrapped in plastic bags and compacted nicely, front wheel off, handlebars strapped to top tube, etc.

The STILL CHARGED ME 225 USD to fly my bike home - bastards.

the only other airline that charged me on my recent RTW bike trip was China Southern, on a flight from Beijing to Kashgar. But the cost then was like, 20 USD.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

cycling mongolia?

2008-02-17T21:07:03Z

has anyone here done it before?
i'm planning to ride from Tuva to Ulan Bataar - starting about a year from this spring. looking for advice.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Latin America Exploration

2007-11-18T18:22:37Z

I´m currently in southern Mexico, early in a period of exploring Latin America on my bike. Always interested in sharing a bit of time and travel with other bicycle travelers. Get in touch if interested. More info on my profile. Scot

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

New bikepacking tribe

2007-11-01T18:39:37Z

I recently started a new tribe specifically for bikepacking: put your backpacking gear on your mountain bike, peddle away into the great outdoors.

If this sort of thing interests you drop on by:
http://tribes.tribe.net/bikepacking

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Touring with my dog...

2007-10-01T20:03:03Z

Hey, I'm new! Thinking of touring when I'm done with school. I want to get one of those kid trailers and bring my dog and all my belongings in that. I know she'll love it, but I'm a bit worried about the feasibility of this (weight, safety, etc...). I haven't toured before, but I commute to work and ride a lot and am planning on doing a few overnighters for practice. Any thoughts?

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

Bicycle camping in the Mojave

2007-09-27T07:20:40Z

I've done some backpacking in the Mojave, but with the new rack on my mountain bike I'm now looking to extend my range and considering a bicycle camping trip next.

Anyone here interested in joining such a wacky adventure?

I'm thinking just three days/two nights for starters, to keep water weight down to something manageable. I have a few routes in mind, but am open to suggestions. I have an interest in petroglyphs, and would be especially keen to include known sites in such a trip.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Zines, Zines, Zines about Bicycle Touring?

2007-09-12T02:12:42Z

I am making a zine about how to bicycle tour, based largely on my experiences bicycling the Pacific Coast earlier this summer and I hope to find other zines about bicycle touring and bicycles in general. Do you know of any?

Thanks!

-mr turtle

posted in bicycle touring - 6 replies

Cali. Routes

2007-09-07T01:57:19Z

I have looked at a couple of routes to take down to Santa Cruz from oakland and would like some advice if possible. Most people take highway 1. I heard that a part of it before Half Moon Bay there is no shoulder? Also I have heard of taking skyline, but it doesn't go all the way through. If I took that to highway 9, would that be possible? Any good alternative routes, preferably scenic and low traffic! thanks, Whitneye

posted in bicycle touring - 8 replies

Nothing to wear?

2007-08-30T07:03:14Z

Hi, I'm studying design at London College of Fashion. I have been cycling in London for over 7 years now and have always been frustrated by the clothing available to women - either it's too girlie, too impractical or too sporty/masculine. So I've decided to base my final collection on clothing for female cyclists. I don't mean high performance gear - rather commuter gear that is both functional, comfortable, intelligent, adaptable and looks good so can be worn on the road and at work/socially ( e.g. a 'little black dress/short', for instace). I'd appreciate any thoughts/ suggestions. I have a questionnaire which I'd appreciate your feedback on - I've pasted the questions below. Please send your completed questionnaire to me at vanessasmuts@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!

Name:

Age:

Occupation:

City of residence:

When did you first learn to ride a bike?

When did you take up cycling again?

Do you cycle to work/ train station/ for fun/ fitness/ other?

What are the main advantages of cycling for you?
E.g. cost/ convenience/ environmental / journey time/ fitness/ enjoyment/ other

What is the main deterrent to cycling for you?
Road safety/ weather/ expense/comfort/ practicality' crime/ confidence/ fitness

Do you cycle all year round?

How often do you cycle?

How far do you cycle on an average journey?
1 mile/ 2 miles/ 3 miles/ 4 miles/ more

What kind of bike do you ride?
Hybrid or city bike/ racer or touring bike/ mountain bike/ fold-up bike/ fixed gear/ mens/ ladies/ old-fashioned roadster

Describe your bike.
E.g. colour, brand, saddle, accessories, age, name (?!) etc.

Where did you purchase your bike?

How much have you spent on your bike, including accessories (approximate)?

Is it important how you look on your bike?

Do you care what you wear when you cycle, or does comfort come first?

Describe what you wear when you cycle?

Are you comfortable when you cycle?

Do you own any specialist clothing items?
Rainproof jacket/ gloves,/cycle shoes/ bag/ trousers/ shorts/ vest etc. Please detail.

If so, where did you purchase these items?
Internet/ sports store/ cycle shop/dept store/ other

Do you notice what other cyclists are wearing?

Do you struggle to find suitable clothes for cycling?

What would be your ideal outfit for cycling?

What do you wear at work?
Smart/ casual – describe what you're wearing at work today

If your bike had a puncture, would you
Fix it yourself/ take it to the nearest bike shop/ get your boy/girlfriend/husband/wife/friend to repair it

That's it!

Thank you.

Vanessa

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Cool bike touring link: www.tour.tk

2007-08-22T16:53:16Z

I rode from Gilgit to Islamabad with these guys. Sonya and Aldrik are taking 5 years out to cycle around the world :)

They have a great website with really good information on gear and stuff as well as specifics on routes they rode.

Check it out!

www.tour.tk

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Help selecting panniers.

2007-08-10T23:50:50Z

Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheap, yet reliable set of panniers?

I definitely don't want to be spending 200 dollars on a single bag.

posted in bicycle touring - 24 replies

The Pink Panther rides across America

2007-08-03T02:07:04Z

Episode 19 of the TallyCast (a podcast for North Florida) is an interview with Lucinda Chandler, a woman who did a solo Southern Tier tour on a hot pink recumbent trike this past spring. The show notes are at http://www.tallycast.com. Click on the title of Episode 19 to listen to the podcast or do the RSS thing by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tallycast. Of course, we're also in iTunes.

Ride your bike!
Davie

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Kiwi Chef and Dutch girlfriend are travelling Holland, France and Spain on bikes, Any advice.

2007-07-29T02:00:06Z

We are going over for her grandparents 60 wedding anniversary and catch up with whanau and then we want to see if we can cycle to Paris and watch the all blacks open a giant can of whip ass in the world rugby cup if we are lucky and then because Grytsje is able to work I thought that since being a chef of 20 years and my training was french and english proffessional cookery that I might be able to sneak a job in a kitchen even though I wont be legal. Any advice with accommadation, routes, rules or just handy info. We have travelled their before but just by train. Whats the deal on getting a picking job with grapes in sept or oct in either france, spain or italy as we would love to see if we can make it down that far in the 2 and a half months we will have before we fly back home to NZ where we are from. We will be moving to live in Perth, Australia at the end of this year to settle down permanently if anyone wants to pop in or crash at our place from the beginning of next year. Also, I am keen on spinning and mixing tunes of the old school house nature(and new stuff), plus spearfishing and compound hunting with bows is also a couple of my favourite things to do in my spare time, and organic gardening and permaculture. Would love any response from like minded individuals. He Kono Ra.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Touring Colorado/Wyoming/Utah this summer

2007-07-26T03:30:53Z

hi! i just bought a train ticket to Colorado for August. My idea is to ride around there and then go to Wyoming, then down to Utah and take a train back home in early September.

I'm looking for people to train with in the bay area in June and July. Also looking for any comments or advice on this trip. I plan on camping and keeping costs low, getting good panniers, and lightweight tent and that's about it. Any guides you recommend? Tips on keeping it cheap?

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

Colorado to the Grand Canyon in October

2007-07-26T02:00:44Z

I have from September 28 to October 25 to do anything I want. I'm hoping to do a tour down to the Grand Canyon and bike the rim. Some bike touring friends of mine said this is the absolute best time to do it. But I need a biking buddy. If you or anyone you know is interested, please let me know. Or if you have any tips or suggestions if you've done this ride before, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!!

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Biking to S. America

2007-07-19T14:47:55Z

I am planning a bike trip to S. America starting in S. California in December - does anyone have an suggestions, has anyone done anything like this before?

posted in bicycle touring - 8 replies

Cycling around the US

2007-07-19T02:42:38Z

I am starting a trip around the US on August 1st from Key West. My plans are to head along the coast to North Carolina. Vsit some friends then head over to Minneapolis in September. I will hold up there for the winter. Then continue on around April.

If anyone has suggestions on campgrounds our roads to take please email me (drifterboy@hotmail.com) also if you want to join me on any of the trip.

Thanks in advance Preston

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

I want to do a Bike tour but really need some HELP

2007-07-11T00:34:45Z

hey guys

I am Kengi. I recently put my business on hold todo some what now has become life changing things. I do homeless outreach, mainly on my bike. The person who let me use her bike to do the morning outreach and some in the afternoon, has taken the use of her bike away. No real reason other then fact she just wanted to try to hurt me and my organization.

Anyway I want to do a bike tour next summer as a way to raise awareness for homeless issues here in this state and across the nation. I want to ride from Santa Monica to San Francisco. Each night I want to feed homeless people and talk to people about homeless rights. Once I get to SF I want to have a HUGE Do Something Saturday~that empowers people event there is the city.

If there is anyone who would like to help me map a a tour plan and help with getting this going I would like to here from you. Please email me.

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

cross canadia

2007-06-27T18:25:50Z

i am inspired to ride across canada .. never done anything like this before .. seeking reflections on possible journey time and any random advices ..

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

Florida Keys Bike Tour - May 2007

2007-05-25T13:15:07Z

I can't describe how cool this trip was... so I won't even try. Basically, we flew into Key West Florida after having our bikes and gear shipped there, spent one night drinking then hit the road for four days, touring from Key West to Key Largo and back via the Overseas Highway. We averaged about 60 miles per day, camped at Bahia Honda Key and John Pennekamp State Park, then spent two days and nights drinking, shopping and eating along with all the other freaks and tourists. Here's a photo album that tells the whole story : http://www.imagestation.com/2910996/3916736758

posted in bicycle touring - 6 replies

Portland to SF

2007-05-22T19:42:02Z

Hey everyone!

My boyfriend and I are starting out of a bicycle tour from Portland to HWY 101 to San Francisco starting June 9th. Have any of you have done the ride before? Any advice? This is our first time.

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

What's your favorite day ride?

2007-05-21T14:35:56Z

I just returned from one of my favorite late afternoon jaunts from my place in Fort Bragg to Westport along Hwy 1. The sensation is second to none; the Cypress, Redwood, Eucalyptus, the lush green grasses, the wildflowers, the infinite expanse of sparkling ocean with the constantly changing light majestically streaming through the clouds, the bluffs, the spray of the surf, the air. Westport (population 400) has a general store with a few places to sit on the wooden deck - a perfect place to have a snack. If I'm in a bad mood, this ride always fixes it.

Anybody else have a favorite ride that they'd like to share?

posted in bicycle touring - 14 replies

My bike tour in a day

2007-05-10T16:54:03Z

This past weekend was the 600k I needed to qualify to ride PBP in August. I have finished an entire series (200k, 300k, 400k & 600k) the past three years and all of my 600k's were out of Santa Rosa on the same course. So I was excited to try a different course and this one was an odd duck as it started at 8:00 pm Friday night. Most start early Saturday morning so you ride all day, ride all night, then finish around noon or early afternoon. I get a bit tired just before the sun comes up on a typical 600k but once the sun is up I get a second wind and do not have any problems staying awake to the finish. But being that this will start at 8 pm I am sure it will require me to ride into a second night for a substantial amount of riding. I figure I will have 75-100 miles to go at sunset.

The 600k started out like a race. I believe there were about 130 riders and being a Davis brevet the average speed will be ramped up a bit. The first 30ish miles are flat and it seemed like we had favorable winds no matter how we weaved out of town. There were 4 tandems pulling up front and after the first mile thru a residential area we were flying along at 20-25 MPH heading toward Cardiac Hill. Being that it is completely flat until the hill you had to make a decision to hang on and potentially get worked or drop off and end up WAY back. Come the hill everything will break up but beforehand you had 30 miles of flat.

After 10 miles of flat out flying I decided I would drop off as it dawned on me I had 365 miles to go. A second group of about 7 came by about 10 minutes latter and I jumped in as we hauled butt out to the hill. Once at the hill everyone rode at their own pace and the first control was shortly after the decent of the other side at a school.

At the first control I had some warm food and decided I should bundle up as it was getting cold fast. The volunteers were fantastic which I am not used to. Most of the non-Davis brevets are receipt controls where you hit a Safeway for something to eat and save the receipt to prove you were there. Being a manned control I probably hung around too long and after adding layer of clothes the fast riders I had come in with were gone. I was just about to head out alone when it dawned on me that I should see if anyone else was ready to go. This is where I met and rode with John from The Sunset on his Ti Independent Fabrication.

From the school we rode toward Calistoga and Control 2. It was about 35 uneventful miles except John being much bigger than me would get away from me on every downhill then I would track him down on the uphills.

We pulled in then took off out of Calistoga, Control 2, still together headed the 70+ miles toward Ukiah and Control 3. Again being dark and fairly flat it was uneventful until we got near Hwy 101 south of Cloverdale. We had about 7-10 miles of blustery headwind that got our attention. We pulled into Cloverdale (mile 110) and found a nice minimart open with hot coffee at about 4 am. From here we were off toward Hopland but not before hitting the three mile hill up Hwy 128. On any Santa Rosa brevet we would take the flat Hwy 101 route but this morning we were headed up Hwy 128 toward Mountain House. I have found that the only road name I dislike more than anything with "Mountain" in it is anything with "Grade" in it. "Hill" is OK, "Mountain" is still OK, but I have yet to meet a road with "Grade" in it that I look forward to at 4am. Well we manage to make it up Hwy 128 and as John and I are decending Mountain House the sun comes up and starts to warm us up. I had on a LS "wolly" type undershirt, a LS jersey, a LS thicker jersey and a windbreaker and was comfortably cold. If I had been missing any of the four items I would have been very uncomfortable during the early morning riding.

As we hit the flat section with about 15 miles to go I lost John behind me. Since the sun had been up for a while I continued on and figured I would see him shortly after I arrived.

At the beginning of the ride you could leave a "Drop Bag" and the organizers would take it out to what I thought was the turn around point at mile 189. But it was waiting for me at the hotel in Ukiah at mile 144. I didn't have much in there but thought I could get rid of things if it had been warm at night. But being that we still had about 45 miles until the turn around it was a big benefit to be able to leave a bunch of your gear at this hotel and ride out and back the 90 miles that much lighter. So I stripped everything I did not need off the bike and took off for Boonville and the 21 miles beyond. I am now riding alone similar to most of my brevets this year. I used to not like riding alone but now it does no bother me at all. In order to get to Boonville you have to climb the toughest climb of the day. It was getting hot and the climb was 4 miles with very little let up and the "Truck on Cheese" sings showed *% and 10% grades for the entire 4 miles. At the top you ride 3 miles of flat before decending 7 miles back down to Hwy 128 again. On many of the roads we are riding there are mile markers. I like to make a point of remembering the mile marker of noteworthy points along the way. The mile maker at the top of the 4 mile hill was marker 10 and it was marker 7 just as you headed down the other side. This way I would know where I was on the way home in relation to the top of the return hills.

Once down the 7 mile hill it was west toward Boonville a mile away then an additional 21 miles toward the Mendocino coast. Most of this route seemed like it was slightly downhill but there was a headwind to slow us down. Just after Boonville I passed another rider then slowed down to see if he wanted to sit in behind me. I was headed that way anyways and it is no more work to ride solo than it is to help out another rider. I introduced myself to Marty and we wondered down the road. Whenever I introduce myself it is always "Willy from Pacifica" and I always ask where others are from. Well Marty from Oakland and I worked our way west but somehow I got ahead of Marty only to be sucked up by him and a couple others about a mile from the turnaround. We again hang around the control too long and when I turn around Marty and the others have taken off. No biggie as I get on my bike and head back east. The last 3-5 miles before this turnaround it was slightly downhill so now I am heading slightly uphill back to Boonville. But with the wind at my back I am making much better time then the way out there. I see Marty and his group ahead of me but rather than chase him I decide to stop and put on my MP3 player and enjoy some tunes. This 20 mile section goes by very fast and the next thing I know I am back in Boonville getting ready for the 7 mile climb. I grab a coke at the store and am bummed as I pass all the people enjoying themselves at the Beer Festival. Man would I love to have a nice cold beer right then but I am sure one would knock me out.

Although it may seem like a 7 mile hill is worse than a 4 mile hill it is actually much easier since it is less steep since it gets you up to the same height. I make my way up the hill and am counting down the mile markers looking to find mile maker 7 again. Then it is flat to Mile marker 10 then a great 4 mile decent and a flat 5-6 miles back to the hotel.

Back at the hotel I grab all my stuff and put it back on the bike. I hit Safeway for a Mocha Frappichino in the Mega size and have them throw in a couple extra shots. After the initial brain freeze I down that and then find Marty is ready to go so we head out together. I am very familiar with this section as I was on these exact road the week before on the Santa Rosa 400k. It is about 35 miles to the next control in Cloverdale and the first 20 are flat and thru vineyards. It is about 4 pm and as Marty and I are riding along we are trying to determine if we should find a place to take a nap. We decided we didn’t want to take a nap before Mountain House road as it would be no fun to wake up and have to tackle a 8 mile rolling climb so we pass on the nap. But if we had to nap the only place we saw was between row in the vineyards. It looked very comfy and beat the pokey weeds on the side of the road.

One note. If you see a snake on the road ahead of you be sure to speed up. As I passed the sunning snake it woke up and took a stab at Marty. Luckily it was slow and small and since he was stretched out across the middle of the road I am sure he would soon be dead.

We pulled into Cloverdale about 6 pm and since the hotel room beds were empty we decided we should take a nap. I was thinking 90-120 minutes but Marty was going for 45 minutes. Well the 45 minutes flew by and we were soon rolling out of the control after a couple bowls of fantastic stew. We got about 3 miles and hit the Starbucks. I grabed a mega gigantic Mocha Latee with an extra shot and threw in a bit of ice to cool it down. Let me tell you if you guzzle a 30 oz latee it will hit you right there. About a mile down the road I thought I would throw up but was able to hang in there. While at Starbucks I grabbed a Double Shot can of Expresso for the road. At Starbucks we picked up Lee from Winters and Art from the South Bay and I led them thru this section toward Calistoga again. Again uneventful except we also picked up Ken and Reid along the way. Before Calistoga I was having a hard time staying awake. I have never had to ride into a second night and it was catching up to me. If we were climbing a hill I had something to concentrate on but we were just sort of meandering along and I could not keep my eyes open. If I was driving a car there is no doubt I would have pulled over a long time ago. Ken was having the same problem so we all stopped and I laid down for 15 minutes with my eyes closed. Sometimes you are not as tired as you think but it is just your eyelids are hard to keep open. After 15 minutes and downing my can of Expresso we continued on. We hit a decent hill right after Lake Hennesey so I took off like a bat out of hell to get to the top so I could lay down for a while and wait for the crew. I have to tell you out there you can see millions of stars. All of my 600k's have been out in this area and I am always amazed at how clear it is and how many stars you can see out in the middle of nowhere.

After the cool decent we manage to make it to the final control back at the school. There are bodies everywhere and eventually I just laid down with a jersey for my pillow. I am awakened about 45 minutes later by Marty saying he was heading out with some others. Well I need more sleep so wish him luck and pull the newfound covers over my eyes. Lee also decides to stay so now I know I have a partner for the final 35 miles. And since he is "Lee from Winters" I know I will not have to pay attention to the route sheet either. We only stay for about 30 more minutes then head out just after 5am now on a Sunday. We have about 4 miles to warm up before hitting the final noteworthy hill which is this side of Cardiac. I have been up this hill about half dozen times and if I remember correctly this is the easier side. Once up we get the nice smooth ride down and head toward Winters. But not before seeing a very large tree on fire. And it was not really on fire but looked like it was buring from within. It was actually kind of cool and a few minutes later the fired trucks flew by us.

Once in Winters we start the maze back to Davis. The Davis area is very flat and has lots of farmland. The only way to get anywhere is to ride 3 miles down one road then turn for another 3 miles then turn for another 3 miles as you zigzag thru the area. Luckily it seemed like we either had a tailwind or a sidewind and the wind was blowing quite hard. With about 12 miles to go we hit the final control which was a minimart. Once we left there we finally had to pay for all the wind benefits and hit a couple section of brutal headwind. Being that we only had a few miles to go I couldn't get to upset or bummed out. Rather I put my head down and pushed thru to the final turn on Mace Rd. We still had about 3-4 miles on Mace road and being completely flat you could see the mace Rd overpass that got us over Hwy 80 and the finish just on the other side. Well you could see it for 15 minutes and it finally got closer to me. Up the final hill and we rolled into the park and ride at about 37 hours.

37 hours is much slower than my slowest 600k but I probably slept for 3 of those hours and since I rode thru two nights it was about right for me. Riding at night is a bit slower than riding in daylight as you cannot see as far ahead and I need to check my route sheet more often. This year I planned to slow down a bit and try to make my rides more controlled rather than to see how fast I can go. This is my last chance to work out any bugs before PBP.

This was the first 600k of the four I have done where I did not have any stomach issues from either eating too much or not enough. I am trying out a new seat and I am happy to report it is a huge improvement over my Brooks. My butt was still a little sore but not as bad as on previous rides. Plus, I think some of the discomfort was due to riding a 400k a week earlier. The new seat is the Sella An Atomica which to look at it looks like a Brooks with a slice cut along the top. One thing I would have to say is in comparison to the brooks it is like sitting on a couch whereas the Brooks is like sitting on a park bench. So even thou my butt was a bit sore it was much easer to sit back down on the comfy seat after standing and I could sit longer once down. I have a 600k planned for the end of the month so that should really fill in the blanks.

Willy in Pacifica

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Cool bicycle shipping container for bike and BOB trailer and Airline link

2007-05-05T07:18:17Z

Just saw this:

http://www.wandertec.com/index.html?main=products.html

website with info on flying your bicycle, enjoy:

http://www.bikeaccess.net/bikeaccess/Airlines.cfm

Did you know Air France charges 150 euros?? Check before you buy!

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Knee Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, and Saddle Position

2007-04-04T20:34:46Z

Two part question:

I've been having knee pain, just above the patella on only my left leg. I know my left leg is also a little shorter than my right. What does this indicate as far a saddle position (too high/low, too forward/back)? What have you done to remedy a leg discrepancy that doesnt cost $$$? I've had this pain going fairly short distances on flat terrain (under 30miles) unloaded.

posted in bicycle touring - 10 replies

road of bones

2007-04-04T14:51:46Z

what would you need to know to do this on a bike?

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

Adios

2007-03-24T20:39:31Z

Hi all just a note to say so long...I'm going to cancel my tribe account ...it's been fun for a while but it's getting to the point where I can't go to the tribe pages I've joined without having some ovscene photo showing over a members name...just don't want to be forced to view such obscene nosense...so Adios...

Sincerely
Saltheart

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

your opinions, please

2007-03-24T07:13:02Z

what are your feelings on the panniers vs. trailor debate? I've only ever been on supported tours and therefore have little basis for comparison. i'd like soon to go on a self-supported tour and need some feedback. I'd like to take my own bike, and as it's a lightweight aluminum bike, a trailor might be my best option (though my bike does have braze-ons on the seatstays for a rack). The bike is a stock 2005 Giant OCR 2. I'm saving for a touring bike but will not be able to buy one before my next trip. Cheers

posted in bicycle touring - 16 replies

Has anyone done Vietnam?

2007-03-21T15:54:08Z

Hello,
I'm new to this tribe.
I'm really wanting to tour Vietnam.....most photo's I've seen on live have all been on mountain bikes....do you know if road bikes are possible?
Is it better to take your own bike or buy one there? I say take your own but a friend is saying buy them there?????
Thanks!
wendee

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

Warm Showers List

2007-03-16T23:21:10Z

The Warm Showers List is an internet service connecting touring cyclists with people who offer a place to sleep (from space to pitch a tent in the back yard to a nice room and bed). Usually a warm shower is included, and sometimes laundry, a meal, etc. Sometimes the traveling cyclist(s) will provide a meal for the host(s). I've been a member for almost 5 years and have enjoyed hosting traveling cyclists as well as staying with nice and interesting people when I'm touring - and a hot shower is great after being on the road for a while. WSL is world wide. I've only used it here in the US. Take a look: www.warmshowers.org.

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

Need a buddy to tour the world with

2007-03-15T21:19:41Z

I'm in the process of planning a trip around most of the world and I've decided to do most of it by bike. I'm thinking Central/South
America, New Zealand, parts of Africa and parts of Europe. I'd like to spend some time as a WOOFer (Willing Worker on Organic Farm)
and really taking to to absorb cultures and meeting locals- no rushing, racing, etc.

I'm looking for 1 maybe 2 chill people to ride with on some or all of the trip.

I'm not even close to having set plans but I'm thinking of getting warmed up with a trip through Colo. and then down the coast of Cali for
some good fall rides around Sept and Oct.

Any tips, suggestions of places to go or interested buddies?

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

Spring tour - deserts, canyons, hot springs

2007-03-05T17:55:06Z

I'm now cycling south on Hwy 395. I'll be spending the next few weeks in California including hot springs near Mamoth Lakes, the Saline Valley, and Death Valley. Then on to Grand Canyon and the canyons of souther Utah. Will be happy to meet others along the way and share some of the trip. I'll be posting to my blog (see my profile, first post today).

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

West Coast, from Portland to Anchorage, or vis versa

2007-03-04T23:35:54Z

what would the infrastructure be like, and what the distance between towns would be

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

Weird Pain! Help!

2007-02-18T07:18:28Z

While riding (after 20-30 min.) I get this SEARING pain in between my shoulders.
WTF?!?
Is some sort of bicycle maladjustment doing this to me?
Any ideas whatsoever?

posted in bicycle touring - 14 replies

Missadventure's long long bicycle tour!

2007-02-18T01:29:51Z

Well I have finally decided to do it. Fly into Beijing, visit Mongolia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Slovenia, Croatia, and Tunisia - as much of it by bicycle as practicable :)

I'll be out there for six months starting this summer.

Is it possible to mail myself some stuff like sunscreen and whatnot along the way if I don't know where I will be or exactly when I will be there??

Should be fun, I'll be posting to my blog along the way.

posted in bicycle touring - 8 replies

Going-to-the-Sun Highway/suggestions

2007-02-06T20:49:09Z

Any suggestions on a route that starts in Whitefish, incorporates Going-to-the-Sun Highway, and lands me in Havre about 10 days later?

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Spring bicycle tour: desert, canyons, hot springs

2007-02-04T23:28:41Z

I'm planning a bicycle tour from late February through mid or late April. Please let me know if you'd like to join for some part of the trip. I'll be riding my Bike Friday Pocket Llama with fat tires, that are suitable for rough off-road riding, though they have a fairly smooth tread that is also good on pavement. I'll probably camp most of the time, stay with Warm Showers List hosts occasionally, and maybe stay in a hostel or motel a few times.

At this point I expect to start the trip by bussing to Truckee, California around February 22-25. I'll visit friends and family in that area and then ride south. I'll probably stop at Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport and then continue down to the many hot springs near Mamoth Lakes. I'll spend some time there and then ride back north to Lee Vining to join friends for some ski touring on March 10-12. Then it will be back south on 395 to Lone Pine (visiting a hot spring or two along the way) and going a bit east to the Saline Valley (NW part of Death Valley National Park) for a few days at the hot springs there. Then on through Death Valley, east across the southern end of Nevada and the NW corner of Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park. I expect to spend at least a week and probably more exploring the Grand Canyon area, by bike and hiking, before heading on to southern Utah for visits to Zion and Bryce National Parks. This is a very flexible and open trip, so there may well be some other places as well (possibly monument valley area? canyonlands?).

I'll probably catch a bus back home to north central Washington state sometime in April . . . depending.

Anyone who wants to join for more than a short bit will need to be in fairly good shape and comfortable with self-contained bike touring.

Send me a message if you're interested.

Scot

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Bike Friday Sat'R Day

2007-02-02T05:47:17Z

I'm a traveler and frequently wish that I had my bike with me. Unfortunately for me, I'm addicted to the low and slow recumbent lifestyle. I've recently come across a very interesting folding recumbent from Bike Friday. It's called the Sat'R Day and can fold up and, according tot he developer, fit into an airline legal suitcase, which upon reaching the destination, can turn into an OK but not exceptional, bike trailer.

I've very interested in hearing from someone who has ridden one of these.

posted in bicycle touring - 4 replies

bicycle commuting

2007-01-16T22:33:07Z

I started a tribe specifically for those who use their bike as a primary source of transportation even when not touring. If you ride your bike to work, please check it out. Logan http://tribes.tribe.net/bike2work

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Is Touring Safer While Schools are Operating?

2007-01-04T01:11:28Z

I'm planning my first tour, down the west coast starting in Port Townsend, WA going home to Eugene, OR. If all goes well, I will continue to northern Cali. Here's my issue, I've heard from a friend that the roads are safer (there is less traffic) before and after summer break. This may be so, but would it be worth giving up the beautiful summer weather? Has anyone done 101 during summer break and during school (spring or fall). Did you notice enough of a difference in traffic that it increased your enjoyment of the ride? Thanks!!

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Heading down to Mexico...

2006-12-24T08:18:08Z

a couple of friends of mine are biking down to mexico, and possibly further. I think it sounds like a really awesome trip, so I thought I'd share their blog:

http://www.spokenthread.blogspot.com/

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

Touring Trip

2006-12-15T23:05:02Z

Hi!

I am looking to do a biking trip in Turkey, Morroco, Greece or Central America with an organized tour group- although I am open to going with a less formal group.

Any suggestions?

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

anyone interested?

2006-12-08T17:36:23Z

Is anyone in here interested in getting together and roaming the US for a year? Staying at free campgrounds in National Forest, no agendas just roaming where and when we chose as a group. Visiting communities to learn skills, making connections to like minded, building a database of contacts of like minded. I am ready is anyone else interested. I have two bikes. I have a considerable amount of gear. I have a little stash of cash and other resources to bring to the effort. Anyone got anything to add? Anyone willing and able to drop all and go? Lets set a start date and a location. I'm ready who else is.

posted in bicycle touring - 6 replies

self-sealing inner tubes

2006-12-06T05:18:11Z

Has anyone tried using these?

Do they really work?

posted in bicycle touring - 16 replies

Biking in Florida area

2006-12-04T21:33:11Z

Anyone interested maybe really doing some biking, I am living in Delray area. If anyone knows some places, it would be cool to join. Group biking activities, I miss that, people did that in Europe all the time. But I love the US :)

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Thinking of taking my bike to Hawaii

2006-11-29T19:50:45Z

I have free tickets anywhere SW airlines flies: and they fly to Hilo Hawaii!!! Yay!

So I wanst to take my bike because I am tall and it has taken a fair amont of adjustment to get my bike comfortable for me (particlarly as I am long of leg, but longer through the torso), and also because I like my bike.

Anyone taken their bike to Hawaii? any advice on shipping? Biked on the big Island? and places you would go back too?

Also training for the trip. Right now I bike ten miles (unladen) everyday. How many miles/per day should I plab on getting up to before I leave?

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

First tour advice?

2006-11-28T05:30:21Z

I'm planning my first tour for the summer of 07 early august late july. I am planning on camping along the way, 2 front and2 rear panniers on my trek. I don't think i will have an overburden bike, but I am slightly worried about the going. I am traveling solo and am going from just south of the chicagoland area to omaha Nebraska and back again.

I was wondering if anyone had an advice on gear, or traveling or basic tips of anykind. I havn't been riding much do to the weather but when i am able to I often ride 30-50 miles a day no problem. I know for a fact with the little training i've had i can go 15 mph for several hours without a problem. I feel after a spring on intense training i can go all day.

Thanks in advance.

posted in bicycle touring - 13 replies

bike tour with guitar

2006-11-15T21:54:13Z

I'm leaving portland maine this week on my bicycle with a guitar strapped on my bob trailer. Destination isn't 100% clear, but south seems to make the most sense right now! Any other biker's out there ever traveled with a guitar??

http://someguyonabike.com

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Otesha's cycling and presenting tours seek volunteers

2006-11-11T18:39:25Z

The Otesha Project is a youth-run Canadian non-profit organization that uses theatre to mobilize young people to create local and global change through their daily consumer choices. The philosophy of the organization is that we must be the change we want to see in the world. Otesha means "reason to dream" in Ki-Swahili, and was started by two young women who, while on a university trip to Kenya felt the need to make a positive difference, and show others how easy it is to do, as well!

The Otesha Project is organizing five bicycle tours next summer that will travel regions of Canada to bring hope and empowerment to thousands of people, inspiring them to take action for a more sustainable future - socially and environmentally. Travelling by the most sustainable means possible, Otesha teams give humourous and uplifitng presentations, and are models of living lightly, being joyful, and showing how doing good feels good!

If you want to learn more about this movement, or would like to volunteer on a tour, check out www.otesha.ca

peace and pedals
Sho

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Denver weekend trip

2006-10-30T04:58:17Z

Can any of you Denver-area bikers suggest a moderate week-end trip -- out on Saturday, overnight at a B&B, then back Sunday. I'm fairlynew to hills/mountains and altitude, but I've been going most weekends on day trips -- from North Denver (Potter Highlands) to Red Rocks, down to Parker, the long way 'round to Golden (via the Arvada/Blunn resevoir in the pouring rain), etc. -- so I feel I could do at least 70 miles, probably a little more. I ride an old Miyata Triplecross, which is a bit heavy, but good for loads (though I'm going light on this trip).

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Bought a New (Used) Recumbent

2006-10-20T21:36:26Z

This is the first recumbent I've owned. I commuted to work all week on it, and I love it. Trouble is, that it's just whetting my appetite for a good touring bent - maybe next year!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/89892855@N00/152336963/

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

What to do With Used Tubes!?

2006-10-20T21:26:11Z

I have a ton of used bicycle tubes that i dont exactly want to trash! any body have any ideas?

posted in bicycle touring - 24 replies

For some reason, I feel like smoking some Canadian weed. Anyone else have that craving? I wonder why.

2006-10-15T12:10:00Z

Douchebag!

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

a simple notice: I LOVE YoU ALL.

2006-10-14T06:59:12Z

Thankyou all for biking. My cycle touring experiences have had profoundly joyfull and strengthening effects upon my being. .. on every level. It is so very great to realize that there are many of us. .. spinning the gears. .. .SHIFTing C H A N G E upon this beautiful mama EartH.

KEEP UP the GOOD WORK!!!

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

A stump jumper?

2006-10-14T06:58:58Z

I putt new 28" rims on my 05 stump jumper (front and rear shocks) am considering a ride from LA to SF. Does this seem like a bad Idea?

I've been training/commuting for this past couple of weeks. The only real problem I notice is that my toes and fingers get numb and I can hardly sit down. ouch.

Any good saddle suggestions?

posted in bicycle touring - 15 replies

Cyclist dies in accident on cross-country trip.

2006-10-14T06:58:46Z

http://www.washingtonbureau.typepad.com/bikeblog/

Details are sketchy, but a cyclist riding a Ryan Vanguard on the ACA coast-to-coast was killed in an accident on Sunday. A poster on the =crazyguyonabike= site said that the guy who was killed was a member of the WELL community, and likely from the bay area.

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

QUEBEC CITY canada - FREE LODGING - Guys age 18 to 27 - Backpackers

2006-10-14T06:58:33Z

QUEBEC CITY canada
FREE ACCOMMODATIONS for BACKPACKERS
GUYS age 18 to 28
straight, bisexual or gay,
who cares if we get along nicely!

------------------

QUEBEC CITY gets so many backpackers,
the 2 youth hostels very often have NO VACANCY!

So you, backpackers from the world,
GUYS, age 18 to 28,
are sure to find with me confortable,
clean, friendly lodging.

COME for a few days, a weekend or just for an overnite stay.

REST your bag, freshen up, lay back, relax and enjoy!
It's cool here!
Shower, bath,
fresh bed and all the services.

No curfew!!

Laundry, good meals prepared together, swim pool, sundeck, air condition, tennis.

I'll show you this beautful historic city,
you'll know more in 2 days than 10 days by yourself!

Quebec City is unique!
The only city in North America part of the World Heritage by UNESCO.

French is spoken here but most speak English also.

Great outdoors at 20 minutes.
Near university campus (55,000 students).
Lots of festivals year-round.

WELCOME BACKPACKERS, TOURISTS, STUDENTS,
GUYS age 18 to 28!

I am also a budget traveller, backpacker,
it's cool and fun!

I EXPECT YOU TO BE like me,
GUYS neat looks, honest,
laid back, fun and open-minded,

able to assume your personal expenses. No drugs.

Save my infos in your bag.
Call ahead or on arrival!
No matter what time, early or very late!

You will be free to go to town by yourself or with me.

This invitation is a SINCERE FRIENDLY GESTURE
to allow you a more affordable, more fun stay!
My way of returning the warm invitations I got
while backpacking!

BARGAIN:
STAYING WITH ME means A SAVING
OF ABOUT $60 A DAY

SHOW UP SOON, guys!
Keep it up nice till you're ready to come!

People here speak French but most also speak
English and some Spanish.

I expect mature, neat looking, congenial,
fun guys age 18 to 28 from around the world!
I host many cool backpackers a year already!

Unfortunately it is not as easy for me to host a girl, I am sorry!
Call I may offer alternative accommodations

Good travels! Bon voyage!

PIERRE, Quebec City

EMAIL: sakado25@ gmail. com
=======================

www.regiondequebec.com
www.quebecplus.ca
www.montrealplus.ca
www.montreal2006.org
www.bonjourquebec.com
www.allostop.com
www.orleansexpress.com
www.fugues.com
www.squirt.org
www.ulaval.ca

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Bicycling to Bohemian Grove

2006-10-14T06:58:04Z

I'm forming a small posse to head up to the Russian River area for the weekend of July 22nd. That's the weekend that the elite men of Bohemian Grove arrive to do some luxury camping. There's a demonstration in Monte Rio on Saturday that I'll attend.

But if you just want to come along for the ride, that's cool too.

We're leaving Thursday, 7/20 from SF. We'll camp that night and roll into Guerneville, Monte Rio, Cazadero on Friday.

bicyclingisbeautiful@yahoo.com for more info on our departure

see you at critical mass on friday
Rachel

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

tire pressure on trails

2006-10-14T06:57:44Z

I'm taking my bike when I go traveling this summer. the tires are 26X 2.00 and are mostly for street but can be used on trails too. The tire pressure on the side says 45-60 lbs. I keep it at about 60 on the road but when I take it on a trial should I drop the pressure down to 45 or maybe 50 lbs would be better? any thoughts on this? I will be carrying some weight when I hit the trails if that matters.

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

Raw Fitness

2006-10-14T06:57:32Z

Raw Fitness is a fitness forum for Raw Vegans and was created for the Raw Vegan that knows the importants of intergrating both active & raw lifestyles together. Also to provide Raw Vegans with the opportunity to develope their spiritual, personal growth and fitness related goals.

http://s12.invisionfree.com/FLF/index.php

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Touring with a Dog

2006-10-14T06:57:21Z

Devil's Slide on Highway 1 will be reopening, so we're planning a short tour from San Francisco to Big Sur (about 150 miles south). Our challenge is that one of us will be riding with a trailer, carrying a 60 lb dog.

We could really use some words of wisdom, advice, etc.

1. We're using a 100 lb rated In-Step steel frame cart. Is it safe enough to travel over a medium terrain for a week?
2. Has anyone toured with a dog or child using a similar trailer? Is there something better?
3. Has anyone toured this part of the Pacific Coast with a trailer? We would really appreciate hearing about your experience.

The dog is trained to ride in the trailer and has ridden full day trips to camp sites and back home. We're not so concerned about keeping him in the trailer as much as we're concerned that we have the right trailer for the job. We're also looking to those who know this route who might share their experiences or recommendations.

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

help refine this idea

2006-10-14T06:56:46Z

I have basically been living a nomadic lifestyle for sometime now. By that I mean I don't have a permenant residence. I don't own property and I sleep in the back of a store in which I work part time. My sister owns the store so I guess technically speaking I not nomadic. But I have thought often that interstates, highways, and other publically built and upkept roadways should be more travellar friendly. By that I mean since we all pay for these lanes that we should have a right to sleep temporarily on the side of them. It wouldn't really take that much to do this would it ? I mean what does a nomadic free roaming human need in this regard...a fire place, a shelter of somekind (small lean too, small screened gazzebo style of structure). Basically a small structure that would allow a travellor the chance to get out of the elements for an eight hr period. That's it, there could be maybe two of these pr mile of highway maybe even pr five miles. They could be solar as to be free energy. with that a person could have everything they need for a nights rest . The remainder of they're day would be spent away from these areas doing the things free rangeing humans would do, Hunt, gather, work, move live....we still pay our share of taxes. everytime we work, everytime we purchase, so why shouldn't we have a portion of those taxes used for this??

Thoughts on this sought.

Thanks
saltheart

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

One day ride through Upstate New York

2006-10-14T06:55:50Z

I did a one day, about 90 mile ride through Upstate New York. My goal was to ride between two Reservoirs and climb two mountain peaks. I had a great ride and did about 6000 feet of climbing. I traveled with my camera in a rear rack bag, then once I got home I created a PDF file highlighting the ride, check it out

www.doingitall.net/TwoReservoirsTwoMountains/Two%20Resorvoirs%20Two%20Mountains.pdf

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Minnesota biking partners? RAGBRAI a plus

2006-10-14T06:55:10Z

Hi there, I am looking for people who are interested in hitting the trails around Minnesota, like the Glacial Lakes Trail, the Munger Trail, the Cannon River Trail, etc.
I would be up for road biking too.
I just got back from RAGBRAI XXXIV and want to keep conditioning for other long rides.

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

bicycle touring in Japan?

2006-10-14T06:54:51Z

has anyone done this? I have started thinking of it recently and would like to discuss this with someone who has experience with cycling in Japan

phil

posted in bicycle touring - 11 replies

first Denver ride

2006-10-14T06:54:38Z

Finished my first "big" ride out here -- about 45 miles on a roundabout mostly-in-the-wrong direction-cause-I-can't-read-a-map trip to Golden-- which just about killed me. The bike trails are fantastic, but what are these things called "hills"? New Orleans and Sarasota didn't have such torture devices! And what happened to the air? I've lived most of my life at or below sea level, where the air is nice and thick and noxious with weighty odors.

Seriously, though, how long to get acclimated? I feel like I'm starting riding all over again.

That said, so far so good. We live about a 5 min ride from Confluence Park, where the three main trails meet (right next to the big REI -- funny how that works). The dogs are getting re-used to swimming in freshwater streams (though they call it a river) rather than the Gulf, but they'll deal.

Looking forward to getting into the biking community -- hopefully it's not going to be all super-macked out uber-racers, but some semi-serious fun riders.

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

Cape Cod Tour - Solo and Beautiful

2006-10-14T06:53:45Z

Hi kids,

Thank god I found this tribe - I am bustin' at the seams to share pics and shiite from my recent 7 day solo tour of the cape and islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

Being along with your gear on a bike for a week, with nothing to do but eat seafood and beach it, was truly blissful. Email me (junk mail addresses are fine!) so I can send you a link of my 500+ pictures of the tour. I am a newbie here and to touring, but this was the first in a very long line of bike tours to come. See some of my pics on my blog/profile, or join my friends network!~

cya,

tg

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

canadian curiosity : what is biking down through wash, oregon, and cali LiKe?

2006-10-14T06:53:28Z

i am thinking of biking down to seattle and area, from b.c.

thinking. . .must research firsT.

then. . .i may go down to the san fran area or something LiKe thaT.

: )

posted in bicycle touring - 12 replies

cycling group

2006-10-14T06:53:14Z

I bought a beautiful road bike wich is not very very pro but good enough for me!! I would love to go on long rides on weekends and curious how to join groups of there is such thing...Or looking for people who ride in moderate way and go far!!!
IS there such a thing???
Live in San Francisco....

posted in bicycle touring - 12 replies

How about a tour?

2006-10-14T06:53:02Z

Anybody wanting to go out and take a tour of a third-world country? I am looking for companions for a tour this winter. I don't really care about where, just that it is cheap and relatively safe, although cycling seems to be as safe as you'll get anywhere.

I recently returned from India and SE Asia with my bike and I'm ready to go again!!! Who's up for it???
cosmo

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Touring Books

2006-10-14T06:52:43Z

I'm an avid cyclist who's been day dreaming about touring. Does anyone have a recomended read for touring noobs? Is there some kinda touring bible out there? Thanks.

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

Anyone here tour China, Tibet or India?

2006-10-14T06:52:29Z

Considering a trip there. Any advice?

What would you bring for emergencies (bike repair wise) that I might not think of.

How were the roads? motorists? food?

Any advice appreciated,
thanks
m

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

Look for riding partners

2006-10-14T06:52:19Z

Hi,

I am seeking folks to riding with around the Bay Area. I am a fairly strong cyclist but not fast. I just want to get outdoors and have fun!

Drop me a line if you in San Francisco or East Bay and want to hit the road.

posted in bicycle touring - 16 replies

Touring bikes

2006-10-14T06:51:48Z

Hello, folks...

I just got the bug and started doing some distance, getting ready to venture from my home town (Sacramento) to the foothills, the delta, etc. Eventually I want to explore a lot of California, and eventually go interstate. I would really like to invest in a touring bike and grow used to it along with increasing my distance.
Do any of you have experiences or recommendations? I have read so many conflicting reports that I am not sure where to look anymore.

Thanks for your stories and advice, I am overjoyed to be part of this tribe!

posted in bicycle touring - 22 replies

Cycling around the US

2006-05-28T15:02:48Z

Hey everyone i am new to the tribe. Just heard about it yesterday. I am planning on circumnavigating the US some time in the next two years. Starting in Maine heading to Florida then over to San Diego then Heading up to Alaska after that returning to Maine Via Canada. My plans are to bring my surfboard and surf the coast lines. If any one can help me with trip info, places to stay, just about anything will help.

Thank you i look forward to your info

Preston

posted in bicycle touring - 5 replies

route from San Rafael (actually SF) to Glen Ellen?

2006-05-20T03:17:09Z

anybody ridden that way? Going to a yoga retreat this weekend and have decided to ride there...

thanks, db

posted in bicycle touring - 6 replies

Seeking training partner/group...

2006-05-19T22:46:40Z

I am a very athletic woman, but inexperienced road bicyclist. I just started training for a triathlon and would like a partner or group that would be willing to take on a green rider who wants to become intermediate/advanced quickly. I'm a very fast learner. Your advice is welcomed.

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies

New Tribe!

2006-05-14T22:07:05Z

BIKE PORN!!!!!

http://tribes.tribe.net/bicycleporn
please send me a private messege and i will add you. (but give me a moment to figure it out)

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Bikes At Work Trailer For Sale

2006-05-14T21:38:13Z

Bikes at Work Truss Trailer Model 64 for sale. Carries up to 300 lbs. and lengths up to 8'. Made to hold 4 18-gallon Rubbermaid containers in secure slots, containers stackable and kept in place with adjustable bungie cords. Containers not included. See more information about this trailer at:

http://bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/truss-bike-trailer/
http://bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/truss-bike-trailer/specifications.html

Excellent condition. Upgraded stainless bolts for hitch attachment.

List price $425, taking offers over $300.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Erie Canal, C&O canal

2006-05-13T14:28:13Z

Anybody done either of these? I'm thinking about it, and would love some first-person accounts.

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

where do people buy their bike...

2006-05-10T21:41:20Z

I need a bike, probably a hybrid...in San Francisco...
:(((
Any thoughts???

posted in bicycle touring - 2 replies

SF to Cazadero, need route advice

2006-05-07T03:47:12Z

Howdy folks,

I want to get from SF to Cazadero. Am thinking Hwy 1 to 116 but I don't know anything about Hwy 116. I'm new to this, but have already found myself stuck in the burbs w/o a plan b/c I banked on a hwy that was a freeway.

Any general advice on how to tell whether a Cali hwy is limited access (autos only)? Other thoughts welcome.

rk

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

Halifax NS to Troy NY for Alternative Education Conference

2006-04-24T22:27:01Z

Hey all,
My partner and I are planning to head out for a summer long ride and to start off are planning on biking from Halifax to Yarmouth along the eastern shore, taking the ferry from Yarmouth to Portland ME and biking from there to Troy, NY (just north of Albany). Has any one biked this? tips? routes? road conditions? etc...
This might be suited for another topic, but what kind of foods do y'all like to eat when you are on self contained tours to give you enough get up and go to get up and go. We don't eat meat and I have a wheat intolerance, so that throws a little excitement into the mix. The more ideas the better...

posted in bicycle touring - 1 reply

frame material

2006-04-12T03:29:10Z

Hi all,
I am bike shopping with an eye on this 5-day bike ride I'm doing in Israel next month. The ride is fully supported and I won't have to carry any bags other than my camelback. A few people have reocmmended I get a steel frame bike. What do you think? I am just under 5'2" and the guy at the bike shop I visited last night thought an aluminum frame would be fine. I tried one with a carbon forrk and one that also had carbon seatstays. I am new to road biking so it's hard to know what the ride should feel like. I do know that i want to be as comfortable as possible on a 5 day ride (going an average of 55 mi/day).
thanks,
Ilana

posted in bicycle touring - 10 replies

bootcamp

2006-03-31T22:37:23Z

bootcamps barrys bootcamp

posted in bicycle touring - 0 replies

Packing for a 2-3 day trip (see pic)

2006-03-31T03:22:42Z

I just posted a photo from my trip last fall. Maybe somebody will find it useful. This is what I pack, in two rear panniers, for a 2-3 day trip (probably longer, too, up to a week maybe.) I'm curious what other people would add to or delete from this. This trip was from SF up to Bolinas and back, just overnight, with camping at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Its been a few months, and the pic was snapped with a disposable camera, so I can't identify everything.

Here's the list, from left to right, bottom to top:
big green tarp underneath it all - it keeps my dry at night if needed
snack in plastic tubs (hummus and veggies) - this would get thrown away when empty
Cliff Bar on top of some napkins (?) or
Platypus water bottle
no idea what the pink is - maybe berry flavored Gatorade
pack towl underneath first aid stuff (REI brand, the waffled one seems to work better for me)
first aid and emergency stuff - first aid kit in yellow pouch
rope - 50 feet of light cord
waterproof match box
eye drops (anti allergy type)
baby powder (Burts Bees brand)
soap - Dr Bronners
sunscreen (SFP 15 or 30, safe for the face)
ziplock back to hold the soap and toiletries
moccasins (slippers)
convertable pants (for night)
bike shorts (2nd pair)
bike gloves
(now back to the left side, 2nd row)
tent - REI Bug Hut (lightweight, just mosquito net and poles - not waterproof) because i dont like swatting bugs
Thermarest pad
baggy of instant hummus mix (just add water, in the baggy) for second day snacking
compass
headlamp (instead of flashlight)
ziplock bag with something?
bike helmet
(third row!)
plastic cup containing 1/2 sponge and hand sanitizer (Purcel)
green bandana
misc stuff - tiny roll of ductape, small roll of toilet paper, cant identify the other stuff here
black zip up hoody
second bike jersey
spare pair of socks
(back row!)
sleeping bag in compression sack (the sack squeezes it down to take up less space)
cooking pot on top of its stuff sack; pot contains packet of oatmeal
solid-fuel stove (6 fuel tabs fit inside the fold-up stove)
citronella candle (for reading, "campfire" )
long sleeve thermal shirt, for nighttime
1 quart water bottle
notebook/sketchbook
bike with two rear panniers, small water bottle, Kryptonite lock, underseat bag with mini-pump, multitool and patchkit

Not shown:
I'm wearing cycling shoes, jersey, bike shorts and carrying my wallet, keys and map

the weather here in fall can be hot in the days and cold at night, and i've got enough gear to get me through anything except rain. if i expected rain i'd probally pack a bit differently. i was planning on stopping along the way to pick up food (sandwiches or soup, etc) so i'm only carrying snacks and some breakfast. (somewhere in all there are some tea packets.) there are plenty of stores along the route i'd chosen.

posted in bicycle touring - 3 replies