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 bfinan0
 
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
 |  |  | UE bike roadtrip
< on 2/12/2010 8:07 PM >
|  | | | I've had the idea for the last few months of trying to go on a car-free equivalent of the UE roadtrips many of you have done, spending a week or so biking across the state, exploring whatever is along the road and sleeping in state campsites or the abandonments themselves, then when I get as far as I have time for, taking a greyhound bus home, leaving the bike wherever i finish and posting it for sale on craigslist. Has anyone out there done something like this before? I would probably be going during the last week of classes or finals week (late April), along NY routes 47, 104 and 3 from Rochester to Plattsburg.
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WarBird69
     
Location: Eastern TN
Gender: Male
Atomic Bird of War
| | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 1 on 2/12/2010 8:45 PM >
| | | | How do you expect to get the cash for your bike once you sell it? Not many people are dumb enough to "buy" a bike off the internet when the seller says "yeah just pick it up off the corner, I left it there". And Craigslist isn't exactly the place to be handing out your PayPal/bank info..
Otherwise the idea isn't horrible, just don't expect to get anything for your bike.
Seeing as I'm not a bike rider, someone else would have to chime in on how far someone could expect to travel per day, factoring in food/rest stops and the likes. I would think you'd need to be in pretty darn good shape though.
When twilight draws near, when you are pushed to the very limits of your soul, when it seems that all you have left are the dead remnants of the fabric of your life:
-- BELIEVE |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 2 on 2/12/2010 8:50 PM >
| | | | Posted by WarBird69
Not many people are dumb enough to "buy" a bike off the internet when the seller says "yeah just pick it up off the corner, I left it there". And Craigslist isn't exactly the place to be handing out your PayPal/bank info..
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I wouldn't necessarily even "sell" it, just get rid of it, so I stand corrected on that one. I was thinking of doing something payment-optional, like giving them a phone number to contact me, i give them the combination for the bike lock, and if they want to pay the $75 or whatever i "sell" it for they could send me a check once they already had the bike in their possession but I wouldn't go after them if they didn't.
I guess it's something of a hippie solution, 90% chance i wouldn't ever see the money but you never know...
Seeing as I'm not a bike rider, someone else would have to chime in on how far someone could expect to travel per day, factoring in food/rest stops and the likes. I would think you'd need to be in pretty darn good shape though.
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I was thinking 25-27 miles a day for a total of 12 days; realistically, i would probably have to bail well before that and get a bus back from Fulton or Watertown, missing most of the explorable stuff anyway...
[last edit 2/12/2010 9:01 PM by bfinan0 - edited 2 times]
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Oryx
Location: Who knows
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| | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 3 on 2/12/2010 10:23 PM >
| | | | That's over 5 hours by car. I don't even want to think about how long it will take to go by bike. Cute idea, but I don't see it happening.
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 4 on 2/13/2010 1:03 AM >
| | | | Posted by Oryx
That's over 5 hours by car. I don't even want to think about how long it will take to go by bike. Cute idea, but I don't see it happening.
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It would take a week and a half, probably. Although there wouldn't be anything worth seeing for the first 3 or 4 days, so maybe I could get someone to give me a ride to a further east starting point.
Total length of NY route 3 = 245.1 miles from west to east
Reasonable bike speed = 7 1/2 mph
Assume 5 hours / day spent moving (a low estimate i know) = 37.5 miles/day
245.1 / 37.5 = 6.6, so if it were possible to start from Fulton instead of Rochester this could mathematically be done in a week.
[last edit 2/13/2010 1:18 AM by bfinan0 - edited 1 times]
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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 # 5 on 2/13/2010 1:14 AM >
| | | | Just get a free or cheap bike and outfit it with runflat tubes (all tubes sold at walmart are runflat). We have a "swap shop" at our local dump where people who don't want things can drop them off for free; we have three or four free bikes from there.
I've done all day bike rides in the summer of 07 when I didn't have my drivers license because the DMV takes five fucking months to set an exam date, and I didn't have my laptop or any reason to stay home. I spent my summer biking around town and up to 50 mile round trip bike rides and then hiking around various places.
If you don't ride a lot now, start, because your legs won't be able to take it. It's one thing to say "I'll just take off", and then you end up in a ditch with your legs seized up
(Well that was at the end of the summer from biking in +100* F weather and getting severally dehydrated, muscle\experience wasn't an issue then. Hydration is very important.)
[last edit 2/13/2010 1:15 AM by \/adder - edited 1 times]
"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 # 6 on 2/13/2010 1:20 AM >
| | | |
(Well that was at the end of the summer from biking in +100* F weather and getting severally dehydrated, muscle\experience wasn't an issue then. Hydration is very important.)
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That was part of the reason I was thinking April; in that part of the state it should be 40-70 during the day and 15-45 at night at the end of the month, so cold enough not to be hot, but warm enough that any snow that falls wouldn't stick.
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 7 on 2/13/2010 4:10 AM >
| | | | So it may or may not be reasonable, is the consensus? I know I would need to practice to get up to 37 miles a day, but it is definitely still more possible for me than any alternative I could come up with, since it is far too long of a distance to walk and I don't expect to have a car in the foreseeable future.
Another question, for someone who might have experience in this kind of thing; what would you do if you're 150 miles in, 20 miles from any non-abandoned towns, and you have a mechanical failure? Is it worth the weight and room in a backpack to carry spare parts, or do I just hope nothing breaks in the middle of nowhere?
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metawaffle
King of Puns
Location: Brisbane!
Gender: Male
Purveyor of Fine Lampshades
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 8 on 2/13/2010 4:14 AM >
| | | | UE biking is great, but weight is everything. Don't take anything you can live without.
http://www.longexposure.net |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 9 on 2/13/2010 4:20 AM >
| | | | Posted by metawaffle
UE biking is great, but weight is everything. Don't take anything you can live without.
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That was what I was thinking too; that it would probably be best to get any supplies/food/water i would need on a daily basis instead of carrying any substantial mass (just make sure to do research so i don't end up hungry and 15 miles from the nearest source of food, for not having gotten enough at the last stop)
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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 # 10 on 2/13/2010 5:09 AM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
So it may or may not be reasonable, is the consensus?
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Very Reasonable.
Posted by bfinan0
I know I would need to practice to get up to 37 miles a day, but it is definitely still more possible for me than any alternative I could come up with, since it is far too long of a distance to walk and I don't expect to have a car in the foreseeable future.
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Well the average speed of most bicycle riders is ~15MPH, so riding two hours a day isn't really too much, but that depends on terrain. I live in a very hilly area, hilliest part in CT in fact. I'd try and plan your route to be a circular one (so you make one big loop but don't double back) adding as much downhill as possible and offers a constant change in scenery.
Posted by bfinan0
Another question, for someone who might have experience in this kind of thing; what would you do if you're 150 miles in, 20 miles from any non-abandoned towns, and you have a mechanical failure?
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Depends on the mechanical failure, time of day, etc. Walking 20 miles, terrain dependent, will take between 5 and 15 hours, you probably don't want to walk at night either. There's only five major things that can go wrong with a bike one is preventable: tires, (run flats), the other are: The Steering Column (My bike's steering column pops out/turns given enough force ... probably why it ended up at the dump in the first place, but I can turn it back), brakes (pretty much fucked), gears (also pretty much fucked), chain (replaceable).
Posted by bfinan0Is it worth the weight and room in a backpack to carry spare parts, or do I just hope nothing breaks in the middle of nowhere?
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I would say carry a spare chain and learn how to put it on/off, also carry allen wrenches for tightening up anything that turns loose during your trip. Those should add minimal weight and those'd be the essentials I'd take. Also a good map, maybe even a topo map if you can find a nice combo topo/streetmap. Carry a cell phone, keep it turned off to save battery power and ziplock bagged to water proof it in case of emergencies. I'd also suggest a multitool, and a lightweight point and shoot camera with a 4GB SD Card, you can pick up spare batteries as you need them. You can duct tape a tripod to your bike frame to keep the weight down or even get a bag that attaches to the bike and keep most of your stuff there. Speaking of tape, bring a small roll of duct tape and one of those pocket canisters of wd-40, and hey if you need to start a camp fire, wd-40 works well even on wet tinder; I'd bring a few disposable bic lighters too.
You pretty much want to limit yourself to small but essential items you know you will want and use.
"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 # 11 on 2/13/2010 5:53 AM >
| | | | Posted by TheVicariousVadder
Well the average speed of most bicycle riders is ~15MPH, so riding two hours a day isn't really too much, but that depends on terrain.
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Route 3 is, for most of its length in the Adirondacks, which means lots of abandonment but also lots of elevation...that's why i went with half speed
There's only five major things that can go wrong with a bike one is preventable: tires, (run flats), the other are: The Steering Column (My bike's steering column pops out/turns given enough force ... probably why it ended up at the dump in the first place, but I can turn it back), brakes (pretty much fucked), gears (also pretty much fucked), chain (replaceable).
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I agree with this, except that losing brakes is a rather minor problem.
Those should add minimal weight and those'd be the essentials I'd take. Also a good map, maybe even a topo map if you can find a nice combo topo/streetmap.
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Navigation for this trip is rather easy, seeing as I am literally exploring the length of Route 3: follow the big signs with the 3 on them...
You can duct tape a tripod to your bike frame to keep the weight down
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I'm an engineering student and I don't see how a duct-taped tripod weighs any less than a tripod anywhere else.
It seems like you know what you're doing; looks like I have a plan for my exploring grand finale; last week of classes I'm going to do this as long as nothing else stops me.
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makman
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
I live alone with a criminal
| | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 12 on 2/13/2010 6:11 AM >
| | | | So, presumably, you'd want the basics of camping:
-Tent (small as possible)
-Sleeping bag
-Food (or pay for food on the way)
-Flashlight
-Fire-making tools (just a lighter, probably)
-At least one change of clothes
And you'd want some bike basics:
-A small kit for basic mechanical things*
-A spare wheel tube and/or a patching kit.
And some UE basics, depending on what you plan to hit on the way:
-Camera
-Flashlight
Even minimizing, that's a fair deal to bike long distances with. Doable, but difficult.
*I was up in the Adirondacks once back when I biked more and my seat got loose somehow. I had to go back over about 5 miles standing on my pedals because my seat was swiveling freely on all axis. Woulda killed for a small wrench.
Be careful, not safe.
"Urbex- so much fun that it should be illegal." |
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WarBird69
Location: Eastern TN
Gender: Male
Atomic Bird of War
| | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 13 on 2/13/2010 6:15 AM >
| | | | Posted by bfinan0
I'm an engineering student and I don't see how a duct-taped tripod weighs any less than a tripod anywhere else.
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Because an item attached to the bike frame is not carried on your person, thus the reduction in weight being carried on your person (asuming backpack is being worn) will reduce fatigue, thus potentially extending your mileage per day.
And to think, I have a medical degree and pretty much suck with anything engineering related.
When twilight draws near, when you are pushed to the very limits of your soul, when it seems that all you have left are the dead remnants of the fabric of your life:
-- BELIEVE |
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seicer
 
Location: New York
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 14 on 2/13/2010 6:18 AM >
| | | | You are looking at considerable terrain there. Given that you don't bike regularly, you are going to find that biking on the road with traffic is a lot different than biking to class or to your neighbors. The terrain is pretty hilly in that area, and carrying just essentials on your rear/front pack is going to be enough. I've done multi-day rides on my roadie and I only bring a camera with one lens and a tripod attached to the top of the pack, and I'm looking at about 30 lb. of gear there.
I know how to pack compact because I go backpacking, but the essentials you'll want is a very lightweight tent that packs well, a sleeping back, a MSR stove (propane), a UV filter for water (very light and compact), some dehydrated food, and clothes for biking and exploring. You'll want a three cycling shorts at a minimum unless you want to reuse the shorts day after day (or wash them and let them dry).
Since you are going in April, I'd bring a wind proof jacket. I wear a North Face jacket that is Goretex lined and is very light and packs well, since most jackets are very bulky and inefficient. I'd bring some underlayers (don't wear while biking) at the least.
Between now and then, you should be out on the road biking every day or so. Eat small meals 5 to 6 times a day to increase your metabolism and increase your caloric intake. Push yourself on the hills. If you don't prepare now for your trip, you'll be exhausted after the first day.
[last edit 2/13/2010 6:18 AM by seicer - edited 1 times]
Abandoned |
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bfinan0
Location: Rochester, NY
Gender: Male
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 15 on 2/13/2010 6:29 AM >
| | | | Posted by makman[12]
So, presumably, you'd want the basics of camping:
-Tent (small as possible)
-Food (or pay for food on the way)
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Possibly evading the use of the tent was why I thought more research needed to go into using state campsites (lean-tos) and abandonments for sleeping in. Also, I planned on getting food as sequentially as possible, so as not to need to carry a large volume thereof.
Posted by WarBird69[13]
Because an item attached to the bike frame is not carried on your person, thus the reduction in weight being carried on your person (asuming backpack is being worn) will reduce fatigue, thus potentially extending your mileage per day.
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The engineering basis for this is a lot less solid than you would think: it is a transformation of stresses and forces, not a reduction, and the higher the center of mass, the faster one goes on the downhills and the more of a struggle it is going up. On flat ground, it doesn't matter where you put the mass as long as it's centered front to back.
Posted by seicer[/i][14]
you are going to find that biking on the road with traffic is a lot different than biking to class or to your neighbors.
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This is route 3; on a weekday in April there would be maybe one car every 5 minutes, at most, except in the cities of Fulton, Watertown and Plattsburgh; also, the 140 miles or so within the Adirondack Park has designated bike lanes as part of the North Country Trail. This is an average representation of what the 3 looks like except those cities, from Volney to Redford: http://maps.google...=12,48.57,,0,-0.36
If you don't prepare now for your trip, you'll be exhausted after the first day.
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That was why I originally came up with 27 miles a day, not my later 37 1/2 or the more typical 62 that I've seen for an "average" day of road biking.
[last edit 2/13/2010 6:37 AM by bfinan0 - edited 2 times]
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Steed
Location: Edmonton/Seoul
Gender: Male
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Race Traitor
| | | Re: UE bike roadtrip
<Reply # 16 on 2/13/2010 3:14 PM >
| | | | Oh god am I glad I don't have to deal with this guy in my region.
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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 # 17 on 2/14/2010 6:51 PM >
| | | | Why do you have to sell the bike at the end?
Maybe embark on a circular journey.
Are you an experienced rider? Can you reasonably do 30 miles/day?
Why not start small and see how it works out for you?
Maybe go West on Telegraph (31) till you come to Niagara.
Then maybe follow River and Lake Shore road South . .. then pick a point South to terminate and head your way back North East?
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 # 18 on 2/14/2010 8:03 PM >
| | | | Posted by DevilC
Why do you have to sell the bike at the end?
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If I abandoned the bike I would be able to get twice as far in a given amount of time.
Maybe embark on a circular journey.
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See above; that's why I wanted to dispose of the bike, so I wouldn't have to ride it all the way back too
Are you an experienced rider? Can you reasonably do 30 miles/day?
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With enough time, yes
[/quote]
Why not start small and see how it works out for you?
Maybe go West on Telegraph (31) till you come to Niagara.
Then maybe follow River and Lake Shore road South . .. then pick a point South to terminate and head your way back North East?
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First, how do you seem to be from, and know, damn near everywhere? Second, that's a longer distance than I was planning to begin with (135 miles each way = 270 > 243 miles one way out route 3)
[last edit 2/14/2010 8:26 PM by bfinan0 - edited 1 times]
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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 # 19 on 2/14/2010 8:25 PM >
| | | | I grew up on Lake Erie - I have family in Rochachacha.
I have been exploring abandonment since you were in potty training.
Posted by bfinan0
First, how do you seem to be from, and know, damn near everywhere? S
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Science flies you to the Moon. Religion flies you into tall buildings. |
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