Bicycle Touring Shop Blog

The RIGHT Place to Tour?

Mon, 26 Feb 2011 12:18:42 GMT

The first thought that comes to my mind when considering where to tour is; so many places, so little time. There are a lot of great places to ride but when planning a tour, a self assessment of individual abilities, wants and needs is the place to start.

As I mentioned before, John and I are both experienced cycle tourists and are reasonably fit. A 50 mile daily average is challenging enough while avoiding prolonged suffering. Mountains do not scare us and we both love to camp but agree that a motel at the end of a cold and rainy day is a wonderful thing. We are both financially comfortable but frugal. We prefer to have showers each night but missing a shower every now and again is OK. We try to avoid heavy traffic and enjoy riding on scenic tertiary roads. We tour fully self contained including basic cooking supplies but believe that local cafes are God's gift to cyclists. We'd prefer to ride in an area that is unfamiliar to us and at a time of year conducive to warm, dry, weather. So, when I boil all of this information above into defining the "perfect" tour, I get:

1) Overall length of approx. 700 miles (14 riding days X 50 miles/day)
2) Riding on remote roads in a scenic, unfamiliar area.
3) Mix of mountains and flatlands.
4) Western US.
5) Camping approx. 90% of the time.
6) Equipped to do basic cooking but will be eating out when circumstances allow.
7) Mid June through late September.
8) Daily budget of approx. $50/person or $700 for the trip excluding transportation.

At this time we are considering two options; Astoria, OR to home (Santa Cruz, CA) or Eugene, OR to Missoula, MT. Coincidentally both are approx. the same distance (720 miles) and follow routes established by Adventure Cycling, so are well researched, described and documented. I have actually ridden the route to Missoula twice, but that was 30 years ago and I remember it to be an amazing stretch of road.

The Pacific Coast route is appealing for many reasons. One that is not obvious, but important, is that since we essentially ride home, if we fall behind schedule we simply call a family member who will pick us up and schlep us home. This allows us some flexibility; a very important but often underappreciated commodity or tour.

On our last tour we planned to ride three weeks, with two full days off of the bike. We had to be home by a certain date so were forced to keep on schedule with very little discretionary time. As it turned out we burned an extra day traveling to Jasper and ended up never having a full day off. It would have been much better if we had built more flexibility into the schedule in case of bad weather, fatigue, bike problems or a new beer discovery. We did, in fact, discover Blue Moon with orange slices in Montana, but managed to control our enthusiasm. So, on this next tour we are lowering our daily target mileage from 60 to 50, knowing that some days we will ride 0 and on others go 80.

I cannot emphasize this concept enough. Remember that touring is supposed to be fun and full of discovery. If you are fortunate enough, for example, to make new friends at a café and they invite you to go rafting the next day, try to build time into your schedule to take advantage of it. This happened to me in Missouri once and I still consider it one of the best times I have had on tour, and I didn't ride that day!

The Pacific Coast route is also very scenic and stays off of major roads. The terrain is rolling with few sustained climbs. It also has many services along the way so finding food, lodging or a new rear derailleur is not difficult.

Our other alternative, Eugene to Missoula, has many sustained climbs. If I remember correctly the ones over McKenzie Pass, Lolo Pass and White Bird Hill all climb over 2,000 ft. It's an inland ride that will be much warmer than the coastal route. It will also be more remote with fewer services. The biggest difference, though, it that it ends 1,000 miles from home in Missoula. This eliminates most of the flexibility that makes the coastal route so appealing.

A Cure for the Winter Blues

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:18:42 GMT

I'm not a big fan of January. The holidays are over, the weather is not conducive to cycling, and the length of day precludes after work rides. I tend to get a little depressed during this time of year, mainly due to the reasons above but also because I'm an outdoor person and get very little of it in early winter. I live on the central California coast and do acknowledge that many of you have it much worse (Fargo, ND comes to mind) but I reserve the right to complain. So, what's a cycling addict to do during the dark time of the year to snap out of the winter doldrums? Plan a summer tour, that's what!

If you're like me half the fun is in planning the trip. Questions like where to go, for how long and with whom are the first things I like to tackle.

I started my planning a few weeks ago by emailing my touring partner in crime John. We last toured together in 2009 when we rode from Jasper, Alberta to Jackson Hole, WY. This incredible 1,500 mile ride hits 6 national parks including Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Glacier and the Iceland Parkway in Alberta. We took a little over 3 weeks to complete the trip and had an awesome time. We also learned a few things about our touring style that we will address on this year's tour. More about that later.

John is a stay at home dad so was eager to get back on the road again. We're both strong cyclists and are comfortable with a tour duration of 2+ weeks (this helps keep our spouses happy). We would like to stay fairly local (western US) and do not want to burn up a lot of time and money getting to and from our touring destination. So now that I know who I will tour with and how long we can be away from home, the next decision is where to go.

I Almost forgot!

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:18:42 GMT

I was out on a group ride yesterday with the usual group of characters. We choose to ride north out of Santa Cruz along the Pacific coast to enjoy an extraordinarily fine mid November day. Temp. was in the upper 70s, there was not a cloud in the sky and the wind was calm. We warmed up for 12 miles and then stopped for an espresso in Davenport. As we made the turn onto Swanton road and began to climb the paced picked up and the suffering began. By the time we turned south for home my legs were screaming with lactic acid and I was on the verge of getting dropped.

As gaps opened up in the pace line guys started attacking off the front to make it very clear who was in the best late season form. I hung on like grim death. It was ugly, and painful and brought on the usual fantasies of drinking beer on a couch while watching Sunday football; always a close second choice to suffering.

As I sucked the wheel in front of me I checked my mirror and noticed that we had dropped Paul. Really dropped him. As in over the horizon. It's bad form in my book to finish a ride without regrouping so I announced as I sat up that I was going to soft pedal until Paul caught up. To my surprise the peloton slowed too and soon Paul was back with us. The last several miles were very enjoyable as we rode easily along the water and basked in the weather, the scenery and each other's company.

I always love the way my body and head feel right after a ride but the post ride euphoria yesterday was especially intense. It didn't dawn on me until later that those last miles made the difference. They were more like touring than a group ride. I was able to ride a comfortable pace and take full advantage of the surroundings without even breathing hard, much less pushing to my lactic threshold. I felt as though I could have ridden forever.

I didn't tour this year as it was payback time for the month on the road last year without my wife. As such I had almost forgotten how great touring can feel. It's a very special combination of adventure, travel, companionship and physical activity that takes me to places, both literally and figuratively, that I cannot get to by any other means. I didn't know how much I was missing it.

To all you Weight Weenies

Tue, 07 Aug 2010 10:18:42 GMT

I know who you are. I see you every day on the road. You're the guy with the Ti racks and the radial spoked front wheel. You lose the tent in favor of a simple 2 lb tarp. You pack dehydrated food and a 1 oz bottle of soap on a 4 week tour. Your bath towel is actually a wash cloth. You are a weight weenie.

I will be the first to admit it; I used to be caught up in the game. I would spend the extra $75 for the titanium cassette, would stress about each ounce that I added to my bike and equipment, would shorten the handle on my toothbrush to save a few grams. Forgive me my sins, but I was a weight weenie too.

I didn't see it as a problem but rather a challenge. I would take the same advice I offer in the touring article "What to Bring" and gather all the "essential" touring equipment in a pile and throw half on it aside as unnecessary. Very brutal, but refreshingly simple and effective!

And why not? Weight is the cyclist's enemy. A few pounds can make a big difference in how easily you climb that hill or how much energy you have after a long day in the saddle. Right?

Well, fast forward to two or three weeks into my typical tour and guess what has happened? I have a five pound jar of crunchy peanut butter in my right rear pannier, a folding beach chair strapped to the top of the rack, and a 300 page hardback book in my handlebar bag. I don't feel the extra weight and, frankly, don't care. What happened?

What happens is that you soon learn that a few pounds don't make a significant difference over the course of a day; especially when compared to the joy of an unlimited supply of the butter of the gods and a comfortable seat at the campsite. After all, touring is not all about getting there. Rather, it is a process, a lifestyle, that begs you to slow down and enjoy the whole experience, not just that you were the first in your group to finish for the day. It is precisely those aspects of touring that appeal to so many of us.

So next time you find yourself relegating the French press to the "not essential" pile, think twice. It may weigh a pound and take up a lot of room but imagine how that awesome cup of coffee each morning will set the stage for a great day on the road. And if you still worry about that extra pound I recommend that you stay away from the Twinkies for awhile.

Choosing the "Right" Pannier

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:53:40 GMT

Hey guys, today's blog entry is pretty long but we're convinced you'll enjoy it all the same. Today we're talking about panniers and the variables that will influence your buying decision.

As with any decision, an informed one is best. The hard part is knowing the right questions to ask. When deciding which panniers to buy you not only need to know which questions to ask but how to weigh the importance and relevance of each. Consider the following when making this important decision.

1. Application – What are you planning to carry in them? Are they for a tour or for commuting? Consider what you are going to carry and make sure that it will fit inside.

2. Ruggedness – How hard are you going to use them? Off road, extended tour or back and forth from the grocery store? Choose a set that is up to the task. Study the attachment method carefully as that is the most common point of failure.

3. Budget – How much do you want to spend? Rear panniers are priced between $50 and $250/pair. Spending more increases most of the attributes listed here. The sweet price point is approx. $150. For this amount of money you get a very well designed waterproof pannier that will likely outlast you.

4. Capacity – How much room do you need? This is solely dependent on how you plan to use them. For self contained touring plan on at least 2,400 cubic inches. This can be had with a large rear pair. If you want to carry more, carry everything inside, and/or distribute the weigh more evenly, add a pair of front panniers. If they are for around town or commuting, consider all that you want to carry and size the bags appropriately – plus a little more just in case.

5. Ease of on/off – How easy are they to attach and remove? If these bags are going to stay on the bike day in and day out, this is not important. If, though, you will be removing them frequently, this is important. The Ortlieb QL1 and QL2 systems cannot be beat for ease. It is truly a one hand, 10 second operation.

6. Security – How well do they stay on once attached? The key here are the top hooks that attach to the top rack rail. The hooks must completely encircle the rail if it is to stay on in all terrain. Also, avoid bottom attachments systems that use a bungee or strap system. The bottom will pull away and rattle all day as you ride. Even if you are using the bags for light commuting I recommend that you do not skimp on the attachment system.

7. Heel clearance – Are they designed to maximize heel clearance? Heel clearance is the distance between the back of your heel and the front of the rear pannier when your foot is closest to the bag. Big feet or frames with tight rear triangles challenge heel clearance. All panniers can be positioned all the way back on the rack to increase clearance. Good bags are tapered at the bottom front to increase it.

8. Adjustability – Are they adjustable fore/aft and can they be leveled? Ortlieb has the QL1 and QL2 system that allows the bags to move forward and back relative to the attachment hooks. The QL2 system also allows the panniers to rotate so that you level them.

9. Closure – What method is used to open and close the compartments? Clamshell tops with buckles are the most common method but water can get inside unless the clamshell seals well. Ortlieb has a unique roll top closure on their classic line that not only seals out all the elements but allows the volume of the bag to be adjusted.

10. Attachment points – Are there hooks/rings to attach bungees/rope/lights? Not so important you say? Wrong! There will be times when you want to attach extra items to the top of the bags. Be sure there are a few of these attachment points on each bag.

11. Water resistance – How water repellant is the fabric and the closures? It’s very nice to have waterproof bags, but not essential. Most bags that are not waterproof have rain covers that work to keep most of the water and dirt off. RackTime bags come with these covers. Even with covers you will have to pack all of your things in plastic bags to ensure they stay dry. If you plan to ride where rain is possible any time of the year, I’d spend the money on waterproof bags. If you can avoid the rain there’s no need to spend the extra just to get waterproof.

12. Room dividers – Are there multiple compartments/pannier to organize your gear? This is a personal thing. I like one big cavernous compartment/bag. Some prefer multiple compartments and pockets to divide up their stuff. Keep in mind, though, that more compartments mean more seams to leak and zippers to break. If you pack thoughtfully you don’t need multiple pockets.

13. Daytime visibility – Does the color increase your daytime visibility to motorists? Dark bags are great looking and don’t show the dirt. Bright bags dramatically increase your visibility to cars. If you want bags that are bright and easily wipe completely clean, look at Ortlieb’s classic line that have the waterproof coating on the outside.

14. Nighttime visibility – Are there large reflectors to the sides and rear of the panniers? Even during dawn and dusk reflectors help. At a minimum get rear bags with large ones on the rear.

Conclusion: Buy panniers that exceed your needs. Cheap bags may look OK but they will not last, leak like a sieve and most do not attach securely or easily to the rack. If your budget is challenged, look at RackTime bags. They are designed by Ortlieb and use the same attachment hardware as most of the higher priced Ortlieb panniers. They are not waterproof, but definitely are a great deal. If, on the other hand, you can spend a little more, spring for Ortlieb. You will not be disappointed.

The Hypocritical Cyclist

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:02:42 GMT

I find myself in an odd situation; I advocate for cycling and cyclists, I own and run a web based touring/commuting equipment company and I also work fulltime in Silicon Valley . I love to ride and always have. I have completed several multi month tours, have been a daily bicycle commuter to work, and have routinely joined group rides multiple times each week. Yet now that I am fully immersed in a cycling based business, a decades old dream, and evangelize the use of the bicycle as a superior form of transportation, I no longer have the time to ride! And I didn’t even see it coming!

I assumed (fantasized) that when I took the leap into being a part of the cycling industry that my bike and I would be inseparable, that my trusty Soma Double Cross would greet me every day as I threw my leg over her for a trip to the grocery store or post office. This was supposed to simplify my life and focus it on the things that I am passionate about. How wrong I was.

I recall flying home from Vegas last year after attending my first InterBike trade show. I had a preliminary business plan in my head, suppliers lined up as a result of the show and was fully committed to making this change to improve my life and contribute to an industry that could use some help and direction. I had it all figured out – launch the website Jan. 1st, watch as the preseason orders pour in, quit my day job by June and slip into the comfort a serenity of shipping orders, growing the business and living my passion.

So, WTF happened? Cold, hard, reality.

Maybe you all already know this but starting a business from scratch is a full time gig. Building a web site takes 10X longer than expected. Working on the business after a very long day at the “real” job is sometimes simply not going to happen. Relationships have to take a back seat at times. Money flows by the bucket in the wrong direction. And sanity is questioned daily but, thankfully, progress is being made.

With the help of my very capable and patient son, my uber angelic wife and several months of work, the website went live a couple of weeks ago. We are getting decent traffic on the site but of course, expected more. The $$$$ full page color ad in Bicycle Times to help launch the site has, well, disappointed. But, this first blog is additional evidence to support the proclamation that I am now the owner of a bicycle touring/commuting equipment business! Now, if I could only find time to ride……

I have a lot to talk about and I hope you stick around to listen.

Oh, Stop It!

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:36:53 GMT

Is it just me? Does anyone else acknowledge the stupidity, the recklessness, the overt “in your face” attitude that this behavior projects? Do cyclists really expect to be to be granted the same respect as motorists if they don’t follow the same rules? Am I foolish enough to blog about this controversial topic and accept the nasty grams that otherwise intelligent folks will hurl my way? You betcha!

I ride occasionally with a group of friends; like minded guys whose company I enjoy and who’s cycling power and skills are top notch. All of these guys are north of 45 and are old enough to know better. So why do these guys, and everyone else I ride with, blow through stop signs without a second thought?

I know what you are thinking. Here’s some self righteous conformist loser spewing about cyclists violating the rules of the road. He just likes to rip ‘em a new one because he’s angry, not well endowed and a bitter old man. Well, you’d be wrong (about most of ‘em).

Here’s the way I see it. Cars are big, heavy, fast scary machines. In collisions between car and bike the car almost always wins. As cyclists, we strive to avoid these too close encounters because we are smart enough to recognize that getting run over is life limiting.

I am not suggesting that rolling through stop signs on a bicycle cannot be done safely. I recognize that bicycles have much less momentum than a car and, therefore, the danger is dramatically diminished. But I’m coming from a different direction with my objection.

Cars and bikes share the road. Mutual respect between cyclists and drivers is essential to make the relationship work. We (cyclists) demand that we are giving the same rights as cars, and rightfully so. Then why don’t some of us accept the fact that with rights come responsibilities? If we were allowed to roll through stop signs that cars have to stop for, don’t you think that it would engender resentment against cyclists? I think so.

Not that many drivers don’t already resent cyclists. You hear about it all the time; enraged motorist hits bicycle. If you put significant time in the saddle you’ve experienced it. You get pinched against a curb or someone cuts you off even though you know that they saw you. We all know that there are drivers out there that already believe that bicycles do not belong on the road and are not happy about it. Rolling through stop signs simply exacerbates this feeling and causes those drivers to act more aggressively towards cyclists; to you AND me.

So, in the interest of winning the respect of drivers and, as a result, increasing your odds of arriving at your destination unhurt, please stop.

Have a safe ride,
Craig

Greetings From the Owner

Thurs, 10 June 2010 23:07:33 GMT

Hello, my name is Craig, and I'm a bike-aholic.

There are no 12 step programs available to me. I know too many enablers who feed my obsession. I am doomed.

But I have accepted my fate and am, in fact, grateful to have something to be passionate about.

This is the first of many, many blogs that I intend to post. I have been around bicycles and bicyclists a long time and have some ideas and strong opinions that I'd like to share.

I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California with my wife and son. It's a wonderful place to live and ride and dream. One of my many long-term dreams was to work in the bicycle industry. Years ago I did a stint at Santa Cruz Bicycles that was fun, but not exactly what I wanted to do. My dream was to grow a bike related business holistically; one that would not only provide income but also allow me to help and educated folks about the virtues and possibilities that cycling presents. To that end I have teamed with my son to start an e-commerce store that not only provides equipment, but more importantly, offers information related to the how's, what's and whys of bicycle touring and commuting.

I'm not shy about sharing my opinions or discussing controversial topics. You can love me or hate me. I don't care as long as you read, contribute and learn along with me.

Have a safe ride,

Craig

Welcome to Bicycle Touring Shop

Wed, 26 May 2010 18:08:39 GMT

Hello and welcome to the Bicycle Touring Shop blog. The site just went live this week and we are excited to keep adding new content and keep this thing going! Grab a beer and stay awhile.

You can browse our many articles about touring or hit up our store. We invite you to compare our prices to the competition so you can see for yourself that we offer better value.

And most importantly, have fun.
-Craig, Owner