Tom Stormcrowe
08-29-08, 09:31 AM
Neil, how about a little background on this canal boat?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2801908721_0de969943d.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2801908721_0de969943d.jpg?v=0
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Historian's Tour - Pittsburgh to ? - The Official Thread
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Neil_B
08-29-08, 09:36 AM
You are an overcomer and I'm sure your have greater determination after this adventure. Your pictures are fantastic. The new camera has such clarity and beautiful color. The close-up at mile 0 is outstanding.
Congratulations , Don
Folks, Don was the fellow who shuttled me around the unfinished portions of the Montour Trail. Here's my overloaded trailer in the back of his truck. It's the last time any of my gear was clean. :) Also, I sent some things back home while in Cumberland.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2795677195_8052f0994e_b.jpg
Congratulations , Don
Folks, Don was the fellow who shuttled me around the unfinished portions of the Montour Trail. Here's my overloaded trailer in the back of his truck. It's the last time any of my gear was clean. :) Also, I sent some things back home while in Cumberland.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2795677195_8052f0994e_b.jpg
Neil_B
08-29-08, 09:42 AM
Neil, how about a little background on this canal boat?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2801908721_0de969943d.jpg?v=0
The Charles F. Mercer at Great Falls, one of two canal boats the NPS maintains. (The other is in Georgetown.) If I weren't pressed for time and had mechanical problems on my mind, I might have toured the boat, or taken a ride. I also skipped touring the Great Falls Tavern. My friend Judy was right, the C & O is worth its own week long tour.
More information here:
http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/publicboatrides.htm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2801908721_0de969943d.jpg?v=0
The Charles F. Mercer at Great Falls, one of two canal boats the NPS maintains. (The other is in Georgetown.) If I weren't pressed for time and had mechanical problems on my mind, I might have toured the boat, or taken a ride. I also skipped touring the Great Falls Tavern. My friend Judy was right, the C & O is worth its own week long tour.
More information here:
http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/publicboatrides.htm
Neil_B
08-29-08, 10:01 AM
Two great resources for tour planning:
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/
http://gaptrail.org/index.cfm
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/
http://gaptrail.org/index.cfm
Neil_B
08-30-08, 04:55 AM
Two great resources for tour planning:
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/
http://gaptrail.org/index.cfm
Other sources I've consulted:
Yahoo Groups for the GAP, Montour Trail, and C & O Canal
Linking Up, a pamphlet by Mary Shaw and Roy Weil that disucsses the basics of trip planning, and includes lists of phone numbers and addresses for B & Bs, campgrounds, bike shops and outfitters, places to eat, etc.
The Great Allegheny Passage Companion by Bill Metzger, although it's a little out of date since it was published before the extension of the GAP to Cumberland, provides a wealth of detail on the history of the trail and trail towns from Washington's travels in the 1750s through the railroad days to today. I was fortunate to meet the author on tour:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2796650610_3472088cac_b.jpg
(Aside from Mr. Metzger, the only other trail 'personality' I met was Manyard Sembower, the caretaker of the Sembower Visitor Center on the trail in Rockwood. The town named the visitor center for him as a show of respect - Mr. Sembower is 100 years old and still active in promoting the trail. But I digress....)
Mike High's C & O Canal Companion was also an interesting book.
Finally, many posters here provided me with a lot of information, not least of all "jagraham". Judy, thanks again.
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/
http://gaptrail.org/index.cfm
Other sources I've consulted:
Yahoo Groups for the GAP, Montour Trail, and C & O Canal
Linking Up, a pamphlet by Mary Shaw and Roy Weil that disucsses the basics of trip planning, and includes lists of phone numbers and addresses for B & Bs, campgrounds, bike shops and outfitters, places to eat, etc.
The Great Allegheny Passage Companion by Bill Metzger, although it's a little out of date since it was published before the extension of the GAP to Cumberland, provides a wealth of detail on the history of the trail and trail towns from Washington's travels in the 1750s through the railroad days to today. I was fortunate to meet the author on tour:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2796650610_3472088cac_b.jpg
(Aside from Mr. Metzger, the only other trail 'personality' I met was Manyard Sembower, the caretaker of the Sembower Visitor Center on the trail in Rockwood. The town named the visitor center for him as a show of respect - Mr. Sembower is 100 years old and still active in promoting the trail. But I digress....)
Mike High's C & O Canal Companion was also an interesting book.
Finally, many posters here provided me with a lot of information, not least of all "jagraham". Judy, thanks again.
Neil_B
08-30-08, 05:07 AM
Aside from broken spokes, a worn-out chain, scratches on my left arm from brushing against the side of the Ohiopyle High Bridge, and a couple of near wipeouts on the trail and the private toll bridge, my main problem was keeping stuff on the trailer. The first incident was crossing the bridge from Confluence back to the trail - due to my poor strapping, my sleeping bag fell off. I made it several hundred feet before I noticed it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2804892349_ec5eee572b_b.jpg
Later, on the C & O, a bungie broke and I lost my bag again. This time I needed to ride back three miles looking for it. Later a cord came loose and the bag with my clothes came off, but that required only a couple of hundred feet of retracking. And on the final day, to dry my camp towel I secured it under one of the straps, but I obviously didn't secure it too well, since I lost it.
The only other item I lost aside from the camp towel was the key to my cable lock. I only used it once on the trip, and I probably didn't need it there anyway.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2804892349_ec5eee572b_b.jpg
Later, on the C & O, a bungie broke and I lost my bag again. This time I needed to ride back three miles looking for it. Later a cord came loose and the bag with my clothes came off, but that required only a couple of hundred feet of retracking. And on the final day, to dry my camp towel I secured it under one of the straps, but I obviously didn't secure it too well, since I lost it.
The only other item I lost aside from the camp towel was the key to my cable lock. I only used it once on the trip, and I probably didn't need it there anyway.
Feathers
08-30-08, 05:33 AM
Sweet pictures! Congratulations on the ride.
Now you can concentrate on the Bucks County Covered Bridges like last year.
Now you can concentrate on the Bucks County Covered Bridges like last year.
Neil_B
08-30-08, 08:27 PM
Sweet pictures! Congratulations on the ride.
Now you can concentrate on the Bucks County Covered Bridges like last year.
I've got the Scenic Schuylkill Century (I'm riding the metric, since the century route rides through my backyard), Bike Philly, and MS City to Shore before then. Plus I'm sure I'll squeeze another weekend tour or three in there.
Now you can concentrate on the Bucks County Covered Bridges like last year.
I've got the Scenic Schuylkill Century (I'm riding the metric, since the century route rides through my backyard), Bike Philly, and MS City to Shore before then. Plus I'm sure I'll squeeze another weekend tour or three in there.
Neil_B
08-30-08, 08:39 PM
Kayaker stranded on one of the rocks in the whitewater rapids at Ohiopyle.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2805616768_39ce039924_o.jpg
Here's the scene at a 'normal' setting, from the Ohiopyle High Bridge:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2804768945_7cfe76eae4_b.jpg
PA Department of Natural Resources on whitewater boating at Ohiopyle. BTW, "Yough" is pronounced "Yawk":
The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rubber rafts, kayaks and closed-deck canoes may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels.
The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River.
The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire. The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges and swift currents.
All whitewater boaters on the Youghiogheny must learn to recognize natural dangers and understand that injury and death are a possibility when boating the Lower Youghiogheny.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2805616768_39ce039924_o.jpg
Here's the scene at a 'normal' setting, from the Ohiopyle High Bridge:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2804768945_7cfe76eae4_b.jpg
PA Department of Natural Resources on whitewater boating at Ohiopyle. BTW, "Yough" is pronounced "Yawk":
The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rubber rafts, kayaks and closed-deck canoes may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels.
The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River.
The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire. The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges and swift currents.
All whitewater boaters on the Youghiogheny must learn to recognize natural dangers and understand that injury and death are a possibility when boating the Lower Youghiogheny.
Neil_B
08-31-08, 12:06 AM
My final thoughts on the tour:
1. First of all, it was a hell of a ride. Three years ago, I was unable to walk more than a city block without being winded. Last week, over nine days I rode 384 miles, from north of Pittsburgh to Washington DC, and pulling a heavy trailer to boot.
2. I didn't lose that much conditioning over my forced time off the bike. Yes, I'd lost some, but the fact I could ride back to back metric centuries on tour, again pulling a trailer, shows I didn't lose that much. Then again, I structured the tour as best I could to allow me to ride into shape, with shorter mileage days as I climbed the Eastern Continental Divide. Aside from a sore butt, sore legs, and three days with some minor knee pain (first and last day, and the ride into Cumberland when I pushed big gears at 18MPH to meet Natbla for lunch), I was OK physically.
3. My trip planning worked out well, aside from my decision to spend a whole day in Cumberland. That meant slighting the C & O Canal Towpath in favor of the GAP and Cumberland. And while I enjoyed spending a day in Cumberland, I think I'll just pass through the Queen City next time, and devote more time to the other Potomac towns, such as Harper's Ferry.
4. Eating out all the time adds up. I'll bring the stove and cookware on future trips.
5. I still overpack. While three pairs of bib shorts I might have been able to justify, three t shirts and three pairs of boxers were overkill.
6. I should invest in lighter/smaller gear. Camping with "dcullen" in Confluence underlined this point. I literally dropped my tent poles when he showed me his ultralight sleeping bag, weight 1.5 pounds. (My bag weighs over five pounds.) His bivy-style tent is also a lot lighter than mine.
7. While I am capable of riding on tour by myself, I prefer to ride with others. One reason is because it helps take my mind off of the inherent discomfort I deal with whenever I ride. Another reason is it's helpful to have another person around in case there's a problem. But mainly it's because, as a person who lived all his life obese, I felt very isolated from others. Exercise, and cycling, is a way for me to break that isolation. All riding alone did for me was make me very talkative when I did meet someone along the way. By the time I neared DC, I was half-talking to myself while riding. In retrospect, that's a trifle disturbing.
8. Natbla is a hell of a guy. After I persuaded myself to end the tour in Cumberland, he insisted on planting a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. I began to question my own decision. And after I hit the trail, I knew he had been right all along - I did want to finish this tour in DC. He's a hundred times the cyclist I'll ever be, but he never reminded me of the fact, either consciously or unconsciously. Thank you, Nathan.
9. When I decided to end the tour in Cumberland, my reasons were all fine ones - I'd accomplished what I set out to do, which was convince myself I knew how to ride a bike to a minimal degree at least, and I knew how to tour. I could have been perfectly happy ending in Cumberland. It's a pretty town, I could have ridden locally, perhaps had another lunch with Natbla, camped nearby, and called it a trip. But once I realized I could ride, I realized riding to DC would be a lot more fun that taking the train up to Frostburg and riding down the hill again.
10. That said, I've been forced to reconsider the possibility of my riding cross country in 2009, or indeed ever. Riding 384 miles on trails isn't the same as riding 3800 miles on roads. Also, the long tour taught me I have serious problems with my bike fit on long rides. By the end of the trip, I couldn't remain in the saddle more than a couple of miles without having to dismount. It could have been merely the bumpy towpath messing with me, but even on paved roads I need to dismount at least every three-five miles or so because of pain in my upper and lower back. I might need to switch to a recumbent.
1. First of all, it was a hell of a ride. Three years ago, I was unable to walk more than a city block without being winded. Last week, over nine days I rode 384 miles, from north of Pittsburgh to Washington DC, and pulling a heavy trailer to boot.
2. I didn't lose that much conditioning over my forced time off the bike. Yes, I'd lost some, but the fact I could ride back to back metric centuries on tour, again pulling a trailer, shows I didn't lose that much. Then again, I structured the tour as best I could to allow me to ride into shape, with shorter mileage days as I climbed the Eastern Continental Divide. Aside from a sore butt, sore legs, and three days with some minor knee pain (first and last day, and the ride into Cumberland when I pushed big gears at 18MPH to meet Natbla for lunch), I was OK physically.
3. My trip planning worked out well, aside from my decision to spend a whole day in Cumberland. That meant slighting the C & O Canal Towpath in favor of the GAP and Cumberland. And while I enjoyed spending a day in Cumberland, I think I'll just pass through the Queen City next time, and devote more time to the other Potomac towns, such as Harper's Ferry.
4. Eating out all the time adds up. I'll bring the stove and cookware on future trips.
5. I still overpack. While three pairs of bib shorts I might have been able to justify, three t shirts and three pairs of boxers were overkill.
6. I should invest in lighter/smaller gear. Camping with "dcullen" in Confluence underlined this point. I literally dropped my tent poles when he showed me his ultralight sleeping bag, weight 1.5 pounds. (My bag weighs over five pounds.) His bivy-style tent is also a lot lighter than mine.
7. While I am capable of riding on tour by myself, I prefer to ride with others. One reason is because it helps take my mind off of the inherent discomfort I deal with whenever I ride. Another reason is it's helpful to have another person around in case there's a problem. But mainly it's because, as a person who lived all his life obese, I felt very isolated from others. Exercise, and cycling, is a way for me to break that isolation. All riding alone did for me was make me very talkative when I did meet someone along the way. By the time I neared DC, I was half-talking to myself while riding. In retrospect, that's a trifle disturbing.
8. Natbla is a hell of a guy. After I persuaded myself to end the tour in Cumberland, he insisted on planting a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. I began to question my own decision. And after I hit the trail, I knew he had been right all along - I did want to finish this tour in DC. He's a hundred times the cyclist I'll ever be, but he never reminded me of the fact, either consciously or unconsciously. Thank you, Nathan.
9. When I decided to end the tour in Cumberland, my reasons were all fine ones - I'd accomplished what I set out to do, which was convince myself I knew how to ride a bike to a minimal degree at least, and I knew how to tour. I could have been perfectly happy ending in Cumberland. It's a pretty town, I could have ridden locally, perhaps had another lunch with Natbla, camped nearby, and called it a trip. But once I realized I could ride, I realized riding to DC would be a lot more fun that taking the train up to Frostburg and riding down the hill again.
10. That said, I've been forced to reconsider the possibility of my riding cross country in 2009, or indeed ever. Riding 384 miles on trails isn't the same as riding 3800 miles on roads. Also, the long tour taught me I have serious problems with my bike fit on long rides. By the end of the trip, I couldn't remain in the saddle more than a couple of miles without having to dismount. It could have been merely the bumpy towpath messing with me, but even on paved roads I need to dismount at least every three-five miles or so because of pain in my upper and lower back. I might need to switch to a recumbent.
txvintage
08-31-08, 05:50 AM
Neil,
There are some side effects from your tour that you may not be aware of. I do not know you personally, only from your postings here on the forums, of which I have only been a member for about 4 months. I found myself more than a little emotionally invested in the success of your tour. I have no explanation for it, and honestly, I don't need one.
It meant a lot to me to see you succeed, both for myself and for you. I can tell you that I don't think I am alone in this either. Your progress and efforts are inspirational to some of us, whether they were meant to be or not, I thank you for having the drive to give it a go, I applaud you for having the drive to finish.
On a separate note, have you considered trying a dedicated touring bike? The geometry and ride are quite different than other frames. I have found that I can ride much further and in much more comfort since acquiring mine. They are designed for long hours in the saddle, and the geometry is really easy on the body. I have had three back surgeries and have minimal, if any, discomfort with my back after riding mine. What discomfort there is can be best explained as just being a bit sore from conditioning, and not related to previous medical issues.
If you find a solution to knee discomfort let me know. I'm bone on bone in my left knee, and like you, prone to intermittent periods of pain. It doesn't seem to have a pattern, and it doesn't last, but when it's there it is very real and huge hurdle to ride through.
There are some side effects from your tour that you may not be aware of. I do not know you personally, only from your postings here on the forums, of which I have only been a member for about 4 months. I found myself more than a little emotionally invested in the success of your tour. I have no explanation for it, and honestly, I don't need one.
It meant a lot to me to see you succeed, both for myself and for you. I can tell you that I don't think I am alone in this either. Your progress and efforts are inspirational to some of us, whether they were meant to be or not, I thank you for having the drive to give it a go, I applaud you for having the drive to finish.
On a separate note, have you considered trying a dedicated touring bike? The geometry and ride are quite different than other frames. I have found that I can ride much further and in much more comfort since acquiring mine. They are designed for long hours in the saddle, and the geometry is really easy on the body. I have had three back surgeries and have minimal, if any, discomfort with my back after riding mine. What discomfort there is can be best explained as just being a bit sore from conditioning, and not related to previous medical issues.
If you find a solution to knee discomfort let me know. I'm bone on bone in my left knee, and like you, prone to intermittent periods of pain. It doesn't seem to have a pattern, and it doesn't last, but when it's there it is very real and huge hurdle to ride through.
Neil_B
08-31-08, 06:58 AM
Neil,
There are some side effects from your tour that you may not be aware of. I do not know you personally, only from your postings here on the forums, of which I have only been a member for about 4 months. I found myself more than a little emotionally invested in the success of your tour. I have no explanation for it, and honestly, I don't need one.
It meant a lot to me to see you succeed, both for myself and for you. I can tell you that I don't think I am alone in this either. Your progress and efforts are inspirational to some of us, whether they were meant to be or not, I thank you for having the drive to give it a go, I applaud you for having the drive to finish.
On a separate note, have you considered trying a dedicated touring bike? The geometry and ride are quite different than other frames. I have found that I can ride much further and in much more comfort since acquiring mine. They are designed for long hours in the saddle, and the geometry is really easy on the body. I have had three back surgeries and have minimal, if any, discomfort with my back after riding mine. What discomfort there is can be best explained as just being a bit sore from conditioning, and not related to previous medical issues.
If you find a solution to knee discomfort let me know. I'm bone on bone in my left knee, and like you, prone to intermittent periods of pain. It doesn't seem to have a pattern, and it doesn't last, but when it's there it is very real and huge hurdle to ride through.
Hi txvintage,
A dedicated touring bike is a possibility, but I'm not sure it will cure what ails me. I hate to mention it yet again, because it sounds like whining, but I have structural problems that are difficult to address. I'm attempting to train myself to sit 'square' in the saddle - I tend to sit 'cockeyed', my left taking more room on the saddle than my right. Perhaps it's a subconscious attempt to balance better, since my spine (and head) lean to the left, or an attempt to assist my left leg, which doesn't extend fully. Also I'm clumsy, and despite numerous tries, I still can't mount a bike properly, which means I'm starting seated from an upright position. To get there, I sit on the saddle and balance the bike before starting. Since I almost always mount from the right - longer leg - my left glute gets to bear most of my body weight. The poor fellow took a beating this tour.
The knee pain was relatively minor - simply pushing things too hard, and rest and Ibuprofen fixed it.
Thanks once again for the kind words about my tour, txvintage. Perhaps we will ride together one day.
There are some side effects from your tour that you may not be aware of. I do not know you personally, only from your postings here on the forums, of which I have only been a member for about 4 months. I found myself more than a little emotionally invested in the success of your tour. I have no explanation for it, and honestly, I don't need one.
It meant a lot to me to see you succeed, both for myself and for you. I can tell you that I don't think I am alone in this either. Your progress and efforts are inspirational to some of us, whether they were meant to be or not, I thank you for having the drive to give it a go, I applaud you for having the drive to finish.
On a separate note, have you considered trying a dedicated touring bike? The geometry and ride are quite different than other frames. I have found that I can ride much further and in much more comfort since acquiring mine. They are designed for long hours in the saddle, and the geometry is really easy on the body. I have had three back surgeries and have minimal, if any, discomfort with my back after riding mine. What discomfort there is can be best explained as just being a bit sore from conditioning, and not related to previous medical issues.
If you find a solution to knee discomfort let me know. I'm bone on bone in my left knee, and like you, prone to intermittent periods of pain. It doesn't seem to have a pattern, and it doesn't last, but when it's there it is very real and huge hurdle to ride through.
Hi txvintage,
A dedicated touring bike is a possibility, but I'm not sure it will cure what ails me. I hate to mention it yet again, because it sounds like whining, but I have structural problems that are difficult to address. I'm attempting to train myself to sit 'square' in the saddle - I tend to sit 'cockeyed', my left taking more room on the saddle than my right. Perhaps it's a subconscious attempt to balance better, since my spine (and head) lean to the left, or an attempt to assist my left leg, which doesn't extend fully. Also I'm clumsy, and despite numerous tries, I still can't mount a bike properly, which means I'm starting seated from an upright position. To get there, I sit on the saddle and balance the bike before starting. Since I almost always mount from the right - longer leg - my left glute gets to bear most of my body weight. The poor fellow took a beating this tour.
The knee pain was relatively minor - simply pushing things too hard, and rest and Ibuprofen fixed it.
Thanks once again for the kind words about my tour, txvintage. Perhaps we will ride together one day.
txvintage
08-31-08, 07:31 AM
Neil,
I'm aware of your structural issues from previous posts. I agree that there probably isn't a fix out there in a new bike. That being said, I would still encourage you try a touring specific bike. The geometry and gearing make for a much more comfy ride and your body takes less abuse thanks to the long wheel base, heavy duty rims, wide tires, and riding position. I haven't even touched my road bike since getting mine.
It would be a pleasure and an honor to someday ride with you. Perhaps we'll get lucky and one day one of us wil be the others area and can share some miles. I've a ways to go to be able to match your mileage for more than one day though, and that might be a stretch at this time. It gets better every day though.
I'm aware of your structural issues from previous posts. I agree that there probably isn't a fix out there in a new bike. That being said, I would still encourage you try a touring specific bike. The geometry and gearing make for a much more comfy ride and your body takes less abuse thanks to the long wheel base, heavy duty rims, wide tires, and riding position. I haven't even touched my road bike since getting mine.
It would be a pleasure and an honor to someday ride with you. Perhaps we'll get lucky and one day one of us wil be the others area and can share some miles. I've a ways to go to be able to match your mileage for more than one day though, and that might be a stretch at this time. It gets better every day though.
Air
08-31-08, 06:26 PM
Congrats Neil - huge, huge accomplishment!
I'll second the idea of a touring bike - though the one time I sat in a bent I was ready to just fall asleep in it. I felt like I was cheating it was that comfortable.
I'll second the idea of a touring bike - though the one time I sat in a bent I was ready to just fall asleep in it. I felt like I was cheating it was that comfortable.
Neil_B
08-31-08, 07:11 PM
Since someone on Foo just called me a stud, here's the many faces of The Historian on tour:
Here I am at Imperial, on the Montour Trail, near Pittsburgh's airport.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2795627899_3c0315c4f1_b.jpg
Self portrait at the Allegheny Trail Hostel in Meyersdale, PA. 7:00 AM.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
Lunch at The Crabby Pig in Cumberland, MD, with Bike Forums poster "Natbla":
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2796710686_3ff3e84687_b.jpg
Saying goodbye to Daisy the Mule in Cumberland before heading down the C & O to DC, 185 miles distant.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2795874311_ebe1f377ae_b.jpg
Another early morning shot.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2796715188_d7f017701f_b.jpg
Just before the final day's ride - 42 miles to Milepost 0, and another 4 miles to Union Station to pick up my rental car. I'm very grubby, since I'd arrived at the campsite after a 63 mile day, set up camp before darkness, and found there was no water.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2802411200_c3245f14ac_b.jpg
Here I am at Imperial, on the Montour Trail, near Pittsburgh's airport.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2795627899_3c0315c4f1_b.jpg
Self portrait at the Allegheny Trail Hostel in Meyersdale, PA. 7:00 AM.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
Lunch at The Crabby Pig in Cumberland, MD, with Bike Forums poster "Natbla":
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2796710686_3ff3e84687_b.jpg
Saying goodbye to Daisy the Mule in Cumberland before heading down the C & O to DC, 185 miles distant.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2795874311_ebe1f377ae_b.jpg
Another early morning shot.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2796715188_d7f017701f_b.jpg
Just before the final day's ride - 42 miles to Milepost 0, and another 4 miles to Union Station to pick up my rental car. I'm very grubby, since I'd arrived at the campsite after a 63 mile day, set up camp before darkness, and found there was no water.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2802411200_c3245f14ac_b.jpg
Wogster
08-31-08, 07:44 PM
Hey Historian, one thing to do, when taking a digital image of yourself in a mirror is to use flip horizontal, which is similar to putting a slide in backwards, or printing a negative upside down, so that it appears as others would see you, rather then as you would see yourself, like this:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/wogsterphoto/Personal/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
I know The Gimp puts this under Image->Transform Tools->Flip Horizontal. Not sure about Photoshop, but it has a similar option. If you are serious about digital Photography, you can spend a small fortune on Photoshop or download The GIMP for free....
Edit, also, check to see what is behind you, 99% of people, always forget to check..... Good idea to clean the mirror as well.....
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/wogsterphoto/Personal/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
I know The Gimp puts this under Image->Transform Tools->Flip Horizontal. Not sure about Photoshop, but it has a similar option. If you are serious about digital Photography, you can spend a small fortune on Photoshop or download The GIMP for free....
Edit, also, check to see what is behind you, 99% of people, always forget to check..... Good idea to clean the mirror as well.....
dbikingman
08-31-08, 09:44 PM
Neil, like Txvintage I became intrigued with your tour. And there was even drama at the end, like in a good movie. I'm glad it was success for you. The only downside I see, for me personally, is now I want to do my own tour. Many here have inspired me to ride and lose weight, gotten me to ride on days when I would otherwise have sat around, and made me realize my limitations are minor to what they have overcome. All without them realizing it. If (or when) I do a tour it will be because I was first motivated and inspired by your trip. I will say thanks now for giving me a goal, because while I am tolling under the load of a tour I will probably use your name in vain;)
Neil_B
08-31-08, 09:48 PM
Hey Historian, one thing to do, when taking a digital image of yourself in a mirror is to use flip horizontal, which is similar to putting a slide in backwards, or printing a negative upside down, so that it appears as others would see you, rather then as you would see yourself, like this:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/wogsterphoto/Personal/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
I know The Gimp puts this under Image->Transform Tools->Flip Horizontal. Not sure about Photoshop, but it has a similar option. If you are serious about digital Photography, you can spend a small fortune on Photoshop or download The GIMP for free....
Edit, also, check to see what is behind you, 99% of people, always forget to check..... Good idea to clean the mirror as well.....
I sort of liked it the other way. It's a change seeing me lean to the other side. :)
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r269/wogsterphoto/Personal/2795828767_99559309cc_b.jpg
I know The Gimp puts this under Image->Transform Tools->Flip Horizontal. Not sure about Photoshop, but it has a similar option. If you are serious about digital Photography, you can spend a small fortune on Photoshop or download The GIMP for free....
Edit, also, check to see what is behind you, 99% of people, always forget to check..... Good idea to clean the mirror as well.....
I sort of liked it the other way. It's a change seeing me lean to the other side. :)
Neil_B
08-31-08, 10:02 PM
Neil, like Txvintage I became intrigued with your tour. And there was even drama at the end, like in a good movie. I'm glad it was success for you. The only downside I see, for me personally, is now I want to do my own tour. Many here have inspired me to ride and lose weight, gotten me to ride on days when I would otherwise have sat around, and made me realize my limitations are minor to what they have overcome. All without them realizing it. If (or when) I do a tour it will be because I was first motivated and inspired by your trip. I will say thanks now for giving me a goal, because while I am tolling under the load of a tour I will probably use your name in vain;)
Oh come on, touring is fun. Even a tour that ended badly, like my first attempt at Pittsburgh/DC, had a lot of fun to it. I'm sure your tour, whatever and whenever it is, will be glorious. And I hope we all hear about it.
As for the obstacles in my tour, while they were real, I thought it would entertain the forum to let you folks know about them. As you pointed out, it became a better story for having the protagonist - ME! - overcome problems. Nothing is as boring as an account of a tour in which everything goes smoothly. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm hardly shy. :)
Oh come on, touring is fun. Even a tour that ended badly, like my first attempt at Pittsburgh/DC, had a lot of fun to it. I'm sure your tour, whatever and whenever it is, will be glorious. And I hope we all hear about it.
As for the obstacles in my tour, while they were real, I thought it would entertain the forum to let you folks know about them. As you pointed out, it became a better story for having the protagonist - ME! - overcome problems. Nothing is as boring as an account of a tour in which everything goes smoothly. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm hardly shy. :)
Neil_B
08-31-08, 10:05 PM
Neil,
I'm aware of your structural issues from previous posts. I agree that there probably isn't a fix out there in a new bike. That being said, I would still encourage you try a touring specific bike. The geometry and gearing make for a much more comfy ride and your body takes less abuse thanks to the long wheel base, heavy duty rims, wide tires, and riding position. I haven't even touched my road bike since getting mine.
It would be a pleasure and an honor to someday ride with you. Perhaps we'll get lucky and one day one of us wil be the others area and can share some miles. I've a ways to go to be able to match your mileage for more than one day though, and that might be a stretch at this time. It gets better every day though.
Well, when I get a legacy from a rich uncle, perhaps I'll spend some time down in Texas. Now to find a rich uncle......
I'm aware of your structural issues from previous posts. I agree that there probably isn't a fix out there in a new bike. That being said, I would still encourage you try a touring specific bike. The geometry and gearing make for a much more comfy ride and your body takes less abuse thanks to the long wheel base, heavy duty rims, wide tires, and riding position. I haven't even touched my road bike since getting mine.
It would be a pleasure and an honor to someday ride with you. Perhaps we'll get lucky and one day one of us wil be the others area and can share some miles. I've a ways to go to be able to match your mileage for more than one day though, and that might be a stretch at this time. It gets better every day though.
Well, when I get a legacy from a rich uncle, perhaps I'll spend some time down in Texas. Now to find a rich uncle......
Wogster
08-31-08, 10:42 PM
Oh come on, touring is fun. Even a tour that ended badly, like my first attempt at Pittsburgh/DC, had a lot of fun to it. I'm sure your tour, whatever and whenever it is, will be glorious. And I hope we all hear about it.
As for the obstacles in my tour, while they were real, I thought it would entertain the forum to let you folks know about them. As you pointed out, it became a better story for having the protagonist - ME! - overcome problems. Nothing is as boring as an account of a tour in which everything goes smoothly. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm hardly shy. :)
I think a tour that started off, really, really well, where all the equipment works the way it should, the weather was perfect, everything was where it was supposed to be, all the campsites were perfect, the cue sheet and directions were bang on, would scare the crap out of me, because I would get nervous, as to when the other shoe was going to drop. On the other hand, when you get six flats the first day, and the camp ground lost your reservation, and is now completely filled up, it poured Himalayans and Poodles,all day, and the temps barely got out of the 50's even though hot and sunny was forecast, you forgot the %$#!&* matches, and got lost twice, you know the tour will probably end well.....
As for the obstacles in my tour, while they were real, I thought it would entertain the forum to let you folks know about them. As you pointed out, it became a better story for having the protagonist - ME! - overcome problems. Nothing is as boring as an account of a tour in which everything goes smoothly. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm hardly shy. :)
I think a tour that started off, really, really well, where all the equipment works the way it should, the weather was perfect, everything was where it was supposed to be, all the campsites were perfect, the cue sheet and directions were bang on, would scare the crap out of me, because I would get nervous, as to when the other shoe was going to drop. On the other hand, when you get six flats the first day, and the camp ground lost your reservation, and is now completely filled up, it poured Himalayans and Poodles,all day, and the temps barely got out of the 50's even though hot and sunny was forecast, you forgot the %$#!&* matches, and got lost twice, you know the tour will probably end well.....
Neil_B
09-03-08, 09:05 AM
Just an update on my rear wheel problem.
My shop is going to submit it as a warranty claim, but they want proof of purchase, if only because the manufacturer - Alex, I believe - wants it. I don't have a receipt. The shop I purchased from, Joyful Cycles in Edison, NJ, claims I've never been a customer, and anyway they need to handle any warranty claims. They promised to search for a record of my purchase again, and never got back to me or returned a subsequent phone call. (You don't need to be a weatherman so tell which way this wind is blowing, folks.)
My shop - please note it's a TREK dealer! - is going to go to bat for me and use a credit card record of the purchase. Cross our fingers this is going to be enough.
As for the trailer, I'm going to replace the QR mechanism with cotter pins, as has been suggested elsewhere on Bike Forums.
My shop is going to submit it as a warranty claim, but they want proof of purchase, if only because the manufacturer - Alex, I believe - wants it. I don't have a receipt. The shop I purchased from, Joyful Cycles in Edison, NJ, claims I've never been a customer, and anyway they need to handle any warranty claims. They promised to search for a record of my purchase again, and never got back to me or returned a subsequent phone call. (You don't need to be a weatherman so tell which way this wind is blowing, folks.)
My shop - please note it's a TREK dealer! - is going to go to bat for me and use a credit card record of the purchase. Cross our fingers this is going to be enough.
As for the trailer, I'm going to replace the QR mechanism with cotter pins, as has been suggested elsewhere on Bike Forums.
neilfein
09-03-08, 09:37 AM
Just an update on my rear wheel problem.
My shop is going to submit it as a warranty claim, but they want proof of purchase, if only because the manufacturer - Alex, I believe - wants it. I don't have a receipt. The shop I purchased from, Joyful Cycles in Edison, NJ, claims I've never been a customer, and anyway they need to handle any warranty claims. They promised to search for a record of my purchase again, and never got back to me or returned a subsequent phone call. (You don't need to be a weatherman so tell which way this wind is blowing, folks.)
My shop - please note it's a TREK dealer! - is going to go to bat for me and use a credit card record of the purchase. Cross our fingers this is going to be enough.
As for the trailer, I'm going to replace the QR mechanism with cotter pins, as has been suggested elsewhere on Bike Forums.
Joyful is terrible about returning phone calls. I'd either call every day until they take action, or insist they do it while on the phone. Having the credit card charge from their shop will help, if you can provide the exact date of purchase and the dollar amount.
My shop is going to submit it as a warranty claim, but they want proof of purchase, if only because the manufacturer - Alex, I believe - wants it. I don't have a receipt. The shop I purchased from, Joyful Cycles in Edison, NJ, claims I've never been a customer, and anyway they need to handle any warranty claims. They promised to search for a record of my purchase again, and never got back to me or returned a subsequent phone call. (You don't need to be a weatherman so tell which way this wind is blowing, folks.)
My shop - please note it's a TREK dealer! - is going to go to bat for me and use a credit card record of the purchase. Cross our fingers this is going to be enough.
As for the trailer, I'm going to replace the QR mechanism with cotter pins, as has been suggested elsewhere on Bike Forums.
Joyful is terrible about returning phone calls. I'd either call every day until they take action, or insist they do it while on the phone. Having the credit card charge from their shop will help, if you can provide the exact date of purchase and the dollar amount.
Neil_B
09-03-08, 09:49 AM
Joyful is terrible about returning phone calls. I'd either call every day until they take action, or insist they do it while on the phone. Having the credit card charge from their shop will help, if you can provide the exact date of purchase and the dollar amount.
I don't need to deal with the added stress of their customer 'service' while I deal with the bad wheel they sold me.
I don't need to deal with the added stress of their customer 'service' while I deal with the bad wheel they sold me.
Neil_B
09-05-08, 09:12 AM
My shop is now handling the warranty problem on the wheel. Joyful in Edison NJ told me they didn't have proof I purchased the wheel there, but if I brought it to them they'd handle the warranty for me. Again, you don't need to be a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows.
My shop bent my damaged rear skewer back into shape, so once I get the right sized cotter pins for the trailer, I'm able to tour again.
My shop bent my damaged rear skewer back into shape, so once I get the right sized cotter pins for the trailer, I'm able to tour again.
Neil_B
09-07-08, 06:29 PM
It looks like I got in my tour just in time. Hanna ripped a 75 foot gap in the C & O Canal Towpath about milepost 12.5, just a little south of Great Falls. I don't know if this is the exact spot of the breech, but it's in this general area. To the right, off camera, is the Potomac.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2802769998_248460611f_b.jpg
It may be quite a while until the National Park Service fixes the towpath here. Fortunately, there's a relatively easy road detour already in place.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2802769998_248460611f_b.jpg
It may be quite a while until the National Park Service fixes the towpath here. Fortunately, there's a relatively easy road detour already in place.
Neil_B
10-12-08, 04:47 AM
My shop is now handling the warranty problem on the wheel. Joyful in Edison NJ told me they didn't have proof I purchased the wheel there, but if I brought it to them they'd handle the warranty for me. Again, you don't need to be a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows.
An update on my defective rear wheel. To remind folks, my 32 spoke rear wheel blew six spokes over a two and a half week period, including four spokes while on tour, with less than 500 miles on it. The wheel was an emergency replacement purchased at Joyful Cyclery in Edison, NJ, over 100 miles from my home. Not realizing I'd have a problem - I'd been assured the shop was good - I didn't keep or misplaced the receipt. (The only proof of purchase I have is a credit card statement showing a purchase at Joyful and the dollar amount.) Not wanting to travel 100 miles to get a wheel fixed and establish a relationship with such a bike shop, I brought it to my local shop for service.
There's nothing to label the wheel as a Bontrager/Trek product, so my shop first contacted Alex, the rim manufacturer, who denied the claim because I didn't have the original receipt and because "they don't warranty spokes." After further negotiation they tried calling Joyful, and spoke to the owner. Even though Joyful allegedly had no record of my purchase they knew that the wheel they sold me was a Bontrager product, and on their say-so my shop is sending it on to Trek for warranty service. Joyful allegedly demanded that I HAD to have the wheel replaced through them, which is nonsense. I expect to have a new rear wheel built shortly.
An update on my defective rear wheel. To remind folks, my 32 spoke rear wheel blew six spokes over a two and a half week period, including four spokes while on tour, with less than 500 miles on it. The wheel was an emergency replacement purchased at Joyful Cyclery in Edison, NJ, over 100 miles from my home. Not realizing I'd have a problem - I'd been assured the shop was good - I didn't keep or misplaced the receipt. (The only proof of purchase I have is a credit card statement showing a purchase at Joyful and the dollar amount.) Not wanting to travel 100 miles to get a wheel fixed and establish a relationship with such a bike shop, I brought it to my local shop for service.
There's nothing to label the wheel as a Bontrager/Trek product, so my shop first contacted Alex, the rim manufacturer, who denied the claim because I didn't have the original receipt and because "they don't warranty spokes." After further negotiation they tried calling Joyful, and spoke to the owner. Even though Joyful allegedly had no record of my purchase they knew that the wheel they sold me was a Bontrager product, and on their say-so my shop is sending it on to Trek for warranty service. Joyful allegedly demanded that I HAD to have the wheel replaced through them, which is nonsense. I expect to have a new rear wheel built shortly.
scrapmetal
10-12-08, 07:58 AM
It looks like I got in my tour just in time. Hanna ripped a 75 foot gap in the C & O Canal Towpath about milepost 12.5, just a little south of Great Falls. I don't know if this is the exact spot of the breech, but it's in this general area. To the right, off camera, is the Potomac.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2802769998_248460611f_b.jpg
It may be quite a while until the National Park Service fixes the towpath here. Fortunately, there's a relatively easy road detour already in place.
Nice area there, always liked Great Falls.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2802769998_248460611f_b.jpg
It may be quite a while until the National Park Service fixes the towpath here. Fortunately, there's a relatively easy road detour already in place.
Nice area there, always liked Great Falls.
Neil_B
08-17-11, 11:32 PM
Bumped. If only because it's an interesting story. :-)
Pachydermatous1
08-18-11, 03:12 PM
I agree. Just finished the whole read. Took me al day with work and all.