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Hiking & Biking

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    • Traffic Jam wrote:

      I’m making plans for the C&O in July. Can’t wait to start training, thinking about buying a trainer.
      Just so you know, the surface of the C+O isn't nearly as nice as the GAP. As long as you've got reasonably wide tires you'll be just fine. And if you're planning to camp along the way the official camping spots are only about 5 miles apart.
      Kathy and I have talked about doing the C+O together but we haven't decided when or if we'd bike or hike.
      It's good to have a goal, enjoy the ride TJ.

    • Since I can't ride right now, due to my foot problem, I've decided on a bicycle project. Kathy and I have an old tandem bike that we haven't used in years. We got it so we could ride with a blind friend, but she died years ago, and we haven't used it since. I plan to completely disassemble it, clean and inspect every part, strip the paint from the frame so I can inspect the frame, and then reassemble it with new parts where needed. It'll be fun to ride around together. :)

    • LIhikers wrote:

      Since I can't ride right now, due to my foot problem, I've decided on a bicycle project. Kathy and I have an old tandem bike that we haven't used in years. We got it so we could ride with a blind friend, but she died years ago, and we haven't used it since. I plan to completely disassemble it, clean and inspect every part, strip the paint from the frame so I can inspect the frame, and then reassemble it with new parts where needed. It'll be fun to ride around together. :)
      Sounds great! It helps to have multiple hobbies that you are passionate about and make you happy. If you’re sidelined with one, just throw your energy into another.
      Lost in the right direction.

    • My wife and I are visiting our son, and his wife, in Ohio. Today we rented bicycles and did a 36 mile ride on a local rail trail. The trail was pretty flat, making it easy but the bicycles were of a design that was very uncomfortable. The crank was too far forward making the bike hard to get off when stopped and hard to get going again. The brand was Electra and model Townie 7. Good enough for a trail side rental but nothing I'd ever buy.

    • LIhikers wrote:

      My wife and I are visiting our son, and his wife, in Ohio. Today we rented bicycles and did a 36 mile ride on a local rail trail. The trail was pretty flat, making it easy but the bicycles were of a design that was very uncomfortable. The crank was too far forward making the bike hard to get off when stopped and hard to get going again. The brand was Electra and model Townie 7. Good enough for a trail side rental but nothing I'd ever buy.
      That’s a lot of miles! Good for you.
      Lost in the right direction.

    • Kathy and I did something new over the last couple of days. We put panniers on our bicycles and loaded them up with the stuff we'd need for an overnighter at a local campground. It was only 14 miles to the park with the campground but the bikes handled differently. We got there late morning and spent the rest of the day lounging around. We were one of few tents as most people were in trailers and motorhomes with bright lights and noisy generators. Had a good night sleep despite the noise. Then this morning we packed back up and rode home. Even though google said it was 14 miles it took us twice as long to make the ride as google said it should.
      I think google doesn't account for traffic lights and traffic.

    • I rode an old bike this morning for a couple of hours because it has plain, flat pedals. It was quite different from my usual bicycle that is equipped with toe clips and straps. I definitely like the toe clips better for road riding. I've also decided not to go with clipless pedals as a couple of people have told me that you can expect to fall over a few times while you learn to disengage your feet from the pedals. Anybody here have thoughts on the subject of pedals for road riding ?

    • A few thoughts…

      I’ve been using clipless (why are they even called that when you ‘clip in’ and ‘clip out’?) for a long time and they are second nature now. They are more efficient than regular pedals or toe clips and make a person feel “one with the bike”… but it was very hard for me to learn. Like everything I do, I struggled with them and it took a long time to get comfortable. You are an experienced cyclist so may take to them much faster than I did. However, as we are both older folks, the risk of a fall and injury has serious consequences and shouldn’t be discounted. Given your cycling aspirations, I think it’s worth a try but err on the side of caution.

      When I started riding a bike as an overweight, out of shape adult, I was told to buy the clipless pedals and shoes. I could barely ride yet had to figure out how use them without killing myself. All I could think of was to ride around a big parking lot and practice with one bike shoe and one regular shoe. I practiced clipping in and unclipping and used the unclipped shoe as my safety net.

      I’m currently on the hunt for clipless sandals and may try to make my own. I think they’d be great for touring.
      Lost in the right direction.

    • Boy did I make a bone head move today while Kathy and I were out for a bicycle ride. For years I've been riding with toe clips and straps on the pedals. When I stop I leave my left foot on the pedal and pull my right foot out of the clip and strap and put it down on the ground. To make that easy I make the right strap loose enough that I can get my foot out easy. Well, we were about 8.5 miles into a 12 mile ride when we had to stop at a corner to let some traffic go by. I don't know why but I attempted to get my left foot off the pedal, instead of the right foot. Since I keep that strap tighter I didn't get my foot out in time and wound up falling onto my left side. I was able to get up and checked over me and the bicycle, no damage done. I sure did feel foolish laying on the road and looking up at my wife while she asked "are you OK ?" After I got up and checked myself over the answer was "I'm fine". No harm done, but I sure feel foolish.

    • LIhikers wrote:

      Boy did I make a bone head move today while Kathy and I were out for a bicycle ride. For years I've been riding with toe clips and straps on the pedals. When I stop I leave my left foot on the pedal and pull my right foot out of the clip and strap and put it down on the ground. To make that easy I make the right strap loose enough that I can get my foot out easy. Well, we were about 8.5 miles into a 12 mile ride when we had to stop at a corner to let some traffic go by. I don't know why but I attempted to get my left foot off the pedal, instead of the right foot. Since I keep that strap tighter I didn't get my foot out in time and wound up falling onto my left side. I was able to get up and checked over me and the bicycle, no damage done. I sure did feel foolish laying on the road and looking up at my wife while she asked "are you OK ?" After I got up and checked myself over the answer was "I'm fine". No harm done, but I sure feel foolish.
      Glad you are OK.
      Probably help you remember for the next time.
      The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage.
      Richard Ewell, CSA General

    • Traffic Jam wrote:

      One other thing….my pedals are flat on one side so I can wear regular shoes if I want.
      A caveat to the flat-on-one-side pedals.. they have a small profile and would not be comfortable for long rides. I only use them for short distances when it’s not worth donning my bike shoes. Like a spin around the neighborhood.

      Also, they require doing a blind flip with the toe of your shoe when you want to clip in. What I mean…usually my pedals will flip to flat side up so I have to flip them over with my toe when I want to clip in. It takes some practice to do this without glancing down at your feet.
      Lost in the right direction.

    • Spent a few days on the New River Trail…biked nearly 50 miles and had tons of fun. I got to use my Tenkara rod but alas, no bites.

      I’ve discovered the Greenbrier River Trail in WV and plan to bike it soon. Can’t wait! Has anyone done this trail?
      Images

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      Lost in the right direction.