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 bfinan0
 
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
 |  |  | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 40 on 2/16/2010 5:04 PM >
|  | | | Posted by mr.v
Even lightweight pup tents are pretty heavy. Those 5-8 pounds are going to be a bitch. What a lot of people I know do is just bring a small/medium sized poly tarp and some thin cord.(a groundcloth is a good idea) Enough to make decent shelter but not overdoing it. It's less work and you'd save yourself a few pounds along the way.
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I was debating whether to bring shelter at all, or to use lean-tos and abandonments; as I mentioned in an earlier post, it seems like it would save weight in both clothing and shelter, to sleep during the warmest part of the day, and move at night and in the morning. (sleep 3-11pm or so probably)
As for the food, I might make a small alcohol stove (Instructables) to cook, unless you are planning to go all-out with Cliff bars or something between rest stops.
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I would have to research the exact distance/hours between each possible food stop, but my goal was to cook, and carry, as little food as could be done.
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 41 on 2/16/2010 5:05 PM >
| | | | Also, thanks everyone for the discussion; I figured the extent of it would probably be "get a car so you don't have to do this" but so far every single comment has been constructive, and I think I'm getting somewhat closer to a substantive plan.
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mr.v
Location: Rhode Island
Gender: Male
"Man cannot separate means and enlightenment"
| |  | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 42 on 2/16/2010 5:20 PM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
I was debating whether to bring shelter at all, or to use lean-tos and abandonments; as I mentioned in an earlier post, it seems like it would save weight in both clothing and shelter, to sleep during the warmest part of the day, and move at night and in the morning. (sleep 3-11pm or so probably)
I would have to research the exact distance/hours between each possible food stop, but my goal was to cook, and carry, as little food as could be done.
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Even if you're not planning on it, it'd probably be a good idea anyway? I mean, you never know what'll happen. It's going to be muddy/rainy as shit in April. Better to deal with the extra pound and be prepared than to be stuck out in torrential downpours with only some pine branches over you.
I know. But biking is going to be hard freaking work and I think you'll want something more than power bars at the end of the day. Those stoves weigh a couple ounces and all you need is a bottle of isopropyl and a lighter to use them. I mean, even bringing a box of Cream of Wheat or something would be worth it.
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 43 on 2/16/2010 5:34 PM >
| | | | Posted by mr.v
Even if you're not planning on it, it'd probably be a good idea anyway? I mean, you never know what'll happen. It's going to be muddy/rainy as shit in April. Better to deal with the extra pound and be prepared than to be stuck out in torrential downpours with only some pine branches over you.
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You're probably right...it's a matter of ideas vs. practicality.
I know. But biking is going to be hard freaking work and I think you'll want something more than power bars at the end of the day. Those stoves weigh a couple ounces and all you need is a bottle of isopropyl and a lighter to use them. I mean, even bringing a box of Cream of Wheat or something would be worth it.
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I guess that's one disadvantage to sleeping during the day; I'd get up at 11pm and it might be 8 hours before anywhere with food even opens...so would I lose whatever advantage I would have gained from that, on the weight of additional food for the night?
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mortimer
  
Location: teronno
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 44 on 2/16/2010 6:55 PM >
| | | | If your bike is cheap enough that you're going to abandon it at the end, it might not survive as long as you'd like it too, and even if it does, you're going to be in misery by halfway through the second day. Unless you are very knowledgeable about the bargains you might luck into with 20 year old touring bikes, you're generally going to have an equal ratio between investment and comfort. For a bargain touring bike, find an early 90s steel (aka chromoly) name brand mountain bike (Trek or Specialized). Something you can attach both fenders and a rack to.
Then get bike bags. The third most painful thing you can deal with on a long bike trip (after a crappy bike and poor clothing choice) is wearing a backpack. There's a reason long distance cyclists carry huge loads on the bike and not on themselves.
If you want to test any of this advice, and also because you should really be doing so a couple times a week in preparation, go for a ride a bit further than you expect to cover in a day. I can't remember what you said - 30something miles? Ride for 40 with half the weight you're expecting to carry.
Also, since your trip is in the spring, get good rain gear. A fast way to make bad bike, clothing and luggage choices into horrible choices is to add water, but in decent rain gear you'll be rolling along like it was a sunny day in July.
Good sites I learned from a few years ago when I started cycle touring:
Read everything you can on this site, he's been doing this for decades: http://www.kenkife.../touring/index.htm
There's lots of info here, including a few journals by people who made poor gear choices, but mostly by people who at least sort of know what they're doing: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/
yep. |
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mr.v
Location: Rhode Island
Gender: Male
"Man cannot separate means and enlightenment"
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 45 on 2/16/2010 6:57 PM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
I guess that's one disadvantage to sleeping during the day; I'd get up at 11pm and it might be 8 hours before anywhere with food even opens...so would I lose whatever advantage I would have gained from that, on the weight of additional food for the night?
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I dunno, I guess it depends on how far apart the rest stops are. You wouldn't have too much to eat when you got up, again, unless you carried a box or two of granola/power bars with you. Then when you got into civilization in the morning you could eat real meals. I mean you're still going to bed at three. But if it could be a day or two between rest stops, I would bring the stove.
I guess then the only issue is, do you mind eating cold food when it can be as cold as 15 out?
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 46 on 2/16/2010 8:50 PM >
| | | | Posted by mortimer
find an early 90s steel (aka chromoly) name brand mountain bike (Trek or Specialized). Something you can attach both fenders and a rack to.
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Did that; got a 1997/98 GT that sold for $475 in its time for $85, i'm using it for the semester anyway so i'm willing to lose $85 to abandon it at the end.
Then get bike bags. The third most painful thing you can deal with on a long bike trip (after a crappy bike and poor clothing choice) is wearing a backpack. There's a reason long distance cyclists carry huge loads on the bike and not on themselves.
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I figured this, but was hoping to avoid the trouble and expense.
If you want to test any of this advice, and also because you should really be doing so a couple times a week in preparation, go for a ride a bit further than you expect to cover in a day. I can't remember what you said - 30something miles? Ride for 40 with half the weight you're expecting to carry.
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Right now it's still a snowy mess, but once things warm up to 35-40F and the bike trails melt, I'll start. The farthest I've gone before is 28m, which took me just under 3 hours if i remember correctly. Seeing as I have 5 times that per day if I need it, I'm not too worried about distance
Also, since your trip is in the spring, get good rain gear. A fast way to make bad bike, clothing and luggage choices into horrible choices is to add water, but in decent rain gear you'll be rolling along like it was a sunny day in July.
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Again, I already have done this; I'm expecting it will probably be kind of miserable anyway but if nothing else the rain will help with overheating issues/reduce hydration needs.
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\/adder
 
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 47 on 2/16/2010 11:18 PM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
Again, I already have done this; I'm expecting it will probably be kind of miserable anyway but if nothing else the rain will help with overheating issues/reduce hydration needs.
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Maybe, maybe not. Humidity fucks you up bad.
I'd rather work in the hot kitchen when it's 100*F outside with a dry heat than in 85*F with "oppressive" humidity.
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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DevilC
Location: Washington, District of Corruption
Gender: Male
I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their views.
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 48 on 2/17/2010 12:34 AM >
| | | | This man is wise.
Posted by mortimer
If your bike is cheap enough that you're going to abandon it at the end, it might not survive as long as you'd like it too, and even if it does, you're going to be in misery by halfway through the second day. Unless you are very knowledgeable about the bargains you might luck into with 20 year old touring bikes, you're generally going to have an equal ratio between investment and comfort. For a bargain touring bike, find an early 90s steel (aka chromoly) name brand mountain bike (Trek or Specialized). Something you can attach both fenders and a rack to.
Then get bike bags. The third most painful thing you can deal with on a long bike trip (after a crappy bike and poor clothing choice) is wearing a backpack. There's a reason long distance cyclists carry huge loads on the bike and not on themselves.
If you want to test any of this advice, and also because you should really be doing so a couple times a week in preparation, go for a ride a bit further than you expect to cover in a day. I can't remember what you said - 30something miles? Ride for 40 with half the weight you're expecting to carry.
Also, since your trip is in the spring, get good rain gear. A fast way to make bad bike, clothing and luggage choices into horrible choices is to add water, but in decent rain gear you'll be rolling along like it was a sunny day in July.
Good sites I learned from a few years ago when I started cycle touring:
Read everything you can on this site, he's been doing this for decades: http://www.kenkife.../touring/index.htm
There's lots of info here, including a few journals by people who made poor gear choices, but mostly by people who at least sort of know what they're doing: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/
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Science flies you to the Moon. Religion flies you into tall buildings. |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 49 on 2/17/2010 1:09 AM >
| | | | Posted by TheVicariousVadder
Maybe, maybe not. Humidity fucks you up bad.
I'd rather work in the hot kitchen when it's 100*F outside with a dry heat than in 85*F with "oppressive" humidity.
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Yes, but I'm talking more about 45°F and raining; I'd be surprised if it got +65 on the entire trip, so heat indices aren't a factor (in fact, the heat index formula works in reverse, higher humidities feel colder, below 58°)
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\/adder
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 50 on 2/17/2010 1:13 AM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
Yes, but I'm talking more about 45°F and raining; I'd be surprised if it got +65 on the entire trip, so heat indices aren't a factor (in fact, the heat index formula works in reverse, higher humidities feel colder, below 58°)
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I did not realize this, though it explains a lot.
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 51 on 2/17/2010 1:17 AM >
| | | | Posted by TheVicariousVadder
I did not realize this, though it explains a lot.
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As an example, 33°F and foggy/100+ humidity has a humiture (not called heat index when it works in this direction) of -11 (not -11F, just a numerical constant -11). Then say maybe there's a wind of 15mph, and thus a windchill of 23F; add in the humiture constant, and you get an apparent temperature of +12°F. This is part of the reason hypothermia is more common above the freezing point than below it: the moisture in the air is in liquid form, and takes heat away from the body.
At temperatures closer to +58F, this effect diminishes, such that 58 feels the same regardless of humidity, and above 58°, humidity increases the apparent temperature.
[last edit 2/17/2010 1:19 AM by bfinan0 - edited 1 times]
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 52 on 2/17/2010 1:54 AM >
| | | | Posted by mortimer
, but in decent rain gear you'll be rolling along like it was a sunny day in July.
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I think my biggest problem will be overheating, so cold and rain would probably work to my advantage more than warm and sunny would anyway. The only problem with rain would be finding shelter to sleep in; especially since I'd like to save the weight of a tent/tarp if possible, I was thinking of even leaving behind the sleeping bag (although it quickly dawned on me that that would be profoundly stupid, even if I could go 10 more miles a day for it)
[last edit 2/17/2010 1:57 AM by bfinan0 - edited 1 times]
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heinrick
Location: Cascadia
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 53 on 2/17/2010 2:19 AM >
| | | | In rural areas, I've had great luck offering an afternoon of work for farmers in exchange for the night's room and board. After breakfast, back on the bike for another 30+ miles.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heinrick05/ |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 54 on 2/17/2010 2:31 AM >
| | | | Posted by heinrick
In rural areas, I've had great luck offering an afternoon of work for farmers in exchange for the night's room and board. After breakfast, back on the bike for another 30+ miles.
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That's an interesting idea, except that (1) it's not really farm land, and (2) I'm not sure I would have the time for that, going during finals week and having to get home in time for exams.
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KingKong
Location: Pittsburgh PA / Rochester NY
Gender: Male
Insert artistic / badass sounding phrase here.
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 55 on 2/17/2010 4:01 AM >
| | | | I've been doing actual mountain biking (as in the actual mountains and woods, jumping creeks, trees & deer type shit) for 11 years now. It is a huge part of my life that I am very passionate about, so I'd like to help you if I can.
First off, with bikes, you get what you pay for. I would really not suggest taking a K-mart bike on such a long and particularly demanding trek for many reasons. Their components are really built mostly for riding the neighborhood after dinner instead of cross country (or in this case- state) rides, and when something breaks, you may find that k-mart bikes are rather temperamental to work on. Example- cheaper bikes require a variety of box wrenches, screw drivers and specialty tools for maintainance whereas higher end bikes are designed so that you could almost completely strip one down and rebuild it with just a set of allen wrenches and screwdrivers.
That being said, I would suggest getting a mid price range touring bike. I understand that you just want to go with a cheap bike that you can ditch afterwards, but it sounds to me like it'll be a great idea for the first 5 miles until you start dragging ass on a heavy, creaking bike. And with most mid range bikes, the wheels have quick releases on them, so you can even break it down afterwards and put it in the storage bay of the greyhound and take it home with you.
No matter what bike you get, there are several things that you NEED to have with you on a long ride. Good mini pumps are worth their weight in gold, as are spare tubes and tire levers. I wouldn't bother with a patch kit because they just dont work that great. There have been times when I have gotten a flat in deep woods- about 30 miles from any civilization. I carry a spare tube in my camelback for this reason. Also, gloves will keep your hands comfy and road-rash free. Well worth it. And dare I recomend a helmet. People may call you a pussy, but any rider who is worth their salt has a story about how their grey matter was saved by one, myself included.
I'd love to help if you have any questions. I'm a Rochester native myself, so if your bike needs a tuneup, let me know.
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 56 on 2/17/2010 4:44 AM >
| | | | Posted by KingKong
First off, with bikes...[insert lots of advice here]
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For what it's worth, I have one of these: http://bikepedia.c....aspx?ItemID=73122
No matter what bike you get, there are several things that you NEED to have with you on a long ride. Good mini pumps are worth their weight in gold, as are spare tubes and tire levers. I wouldn't bother with a patch kit because they just dont work that great. There have been times when I have gotten a flat in deep woods- about 30 miles from any civilization. I carry a spare tube in my camelback for this reason. Also, gloves will keep your hands comfy and road-rash free. Well worth it. And dare I recommend a helmet. People may call you a pussy, but any rider who is worth their salt has a story about how their grey matter was saved by one, myself included.
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All this makes sense, but what's a tire lever?
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mortimer
Location: teronno
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 57 on 2/17/2010 5:37 AM >
| | | | That's not all that bad a bike. In fact, if you throw it away at the end of your trip, I'm going to be pretty pissed.
Anyways, a tire lever (actually they should be sold in pairs or threes) is what you use to remove the tire from one edge of the rim when you need to change a flat. Yet another thing worth learning before leaving.
As for the cost of panniers vs. the physical cost of riding with a backpack, like I mentioned, take a few really long rides fully loaded, you'll be able to decide from that whether you want to spend the money or not. If you get racks and bags for the bike, or even if you just get a rack over the back wheel, a tent and sleeping bag are essential. The very fact that you're considering not bringing them has me inclined to advise you not to take this trip, but I believe that you have faith enough in your own wisdom that you probably won't listen to anything you don't want to hear anyways.
So a few more random tips based on other posts you've made in this thread: don't sleep in the day and ride at night. Riding at night in rural areas is a good way to get dead, particularly near the weekends, or whatever night passes for pub night in the area. Also, don't bring a spare chain, just get a multi-tool that includes a decent chain tool and learn how to use it. You can live without a couple links if one gives out on you, it's one bit of weight you can save on. Bring oil (the kind made for bicycles). Always carry at least one full meal more than you think you need. Sometimes you don't make it to the restaurant/store/whatever in time, and you'll thank yourself for having the extra calories. That's pretty much it for random advice, I'm going to go back to my dark little corner now and come back to see how it went in a few months. Don't forget to read those sites I posted, they contain more accurate information than you'll ever get from a bunch of know-it-alls on uer.
yep. |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 58 on 2/17/2010 5:54 AM >
| | | | Posted by mortimer
That's not all that bad a bike. In fact, if you throw it away at the end of your trip, I'm going to be pretty pissed.
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Well, as far as I can tell it would cost me at least $80 to get the bike home, if not more.
Anyways, a tire lever (actually they should be sold in pairs or threes) is what you use to remove the tire from one edge of the rim when you need to change a flat. Yet another thing worth learning before leaving.
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Alright, i was being stupid. After you mentioned a tire lever, I went out and gave a detailed look to my bike trying to find one, to see how it would fail that I'd need a spare.
As for the cost of panniers vs. the physical cost of riding with a backpack, like I mentioned, take a few really long rides fully loaded, you'll be able to decide from that whether you want to spend the money or not. If you get racks and bags for the bike, or even if you just get a rack over the back wheel, a tent and sleeping bag are essential. The very fact that you're considering not bringing them has me inclined to advise you not to take this trip
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Your advice itself seems contradictory here. If I didn't get the rack, the tent and sleeping bag are not essential? Or they still are essential, but so is the rack so I would be so directly set up for failure that it doesn't even matter anymore?
So a few more random tips based on other posts you've made in this thread: don't sleep in the day and ride at night. Riding at night in rural areas is a good way to get dead, particularly near the weekends, or whatever night passes for pub night in the area.
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That is true; (but with any luck, I'd be in the pub)
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splumer
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Gender: Male
| | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 59 on 2/17/2010 1:49 PM >
| | | | Posted by KingKong
And dare I recomend a helmet. People may call you a pussy, but any rider who is worth their salt has a story about how their grey matter was saved by one, myself included.
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I also recommend a helmet. I've had enough wipeouts that I'm a helmet devotee. I have a friend who wiped out helmet-less when he was 14 and hit his head. To this day he has seizures and cannot drive. I also saw a pic of someone in the Tour de France before helmets were required. His head was in one corner of the picture, his brain in another.
On my long trips, I used a daypack on my back for lighter, bulky items (like clothes), and it wasn't bad. I found it actually kept my back a little straighter than it might otherwise have been. I wouldn't do a full-size backpack, though: too top-heavy.
“We are not going to have the kind of cooperation we need if everyone insists on their own narrow version of reality. … the great divide in the world today … is between people who have the courage to listen and those who are convinced that they already know it all.”
-Madeline Albright |
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