Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Historian's Tour - Pittsburgh to ? - The Official Thread

I apologize for going back and forth over this GAP/C & O tour and the route, but I pretty much have it narrowed down to the schedule below. I'll be camping aside from the first night - I'm being hosted by a Bike Forums member - and the Meyersdale hostel. The 28 and 32 mile days are to allow for the bulk of the trail climbing and to relax as I ride through the most scenic part of the trail. (Lots of photos, folks!) The 60 mile day on Wednesday isn't as tough as it appears, since 23 consecutive miles of it is straight downhill at a 2 per cent grade. I'll take more care at RR crossings this time.

Friday, August 15 - Rental car to McKees Rocks
Saturday, Montour Trail to Dravo Cemetery Campground - 50 miles
Sunday, Boston to Connellsville River's Edge Campground - 40 miles
Monday, Connellsville to Confluence Overflow Campground - 28 miles
Tuesday Confluence to Meyersdale and its hostel- 32 miles
Wednesday Meyersdale to Paw Paw Campground, get Natbla his milkshake in Cumberland - 60 miles
Thursday Paw Paw to Williamsport, camp - 60 miles
Friday - Williamsport to Brunswick, camp - 41 miles
Saturday - Brunswick to first campground outside DC - 40 miles
Sunday - 20 miles to DC, and rental car home

However, if I feel ambitious, and want to avoid dealing with a second rental car, I can turn off the trail at Williamsport, in which case the schedule becomes:

Thursday - ride to Williamsport, MD, and camp near there. 45 or so miles.
Friday - Williamsport to Gettysburg, PA - 55 miles
Saturday - Gettysburg to Lancaster - 55 miles
Sunday - Lancaster to home - 45 miles.

With that thought in mind, here's the suggested route from Williamsport to Gettysburg:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...ort-Gettysburg

Unless there's some horrible traffic problem I don't know about, I'm comfortable dealing with the cars and their drivers here. What concerns me is the enormous climb (I estimate about 800 feet in three miles) about 30 miles in, and the even steeper descent on the other side. Look at the elevation profile. Is there any way around this?

Gettysburg to Lancaster seems easier - this is someone else's route:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...-Pa-55-mi-w-Q-

I can get home from Lancaster, if I survive the big hill outside Gettysburg.

Suggestions, comments, and offers on any or all of the above are welcome! Tom Stormcrowe has offered to update the thread with my progress, since I'm not going to be online while on tour. Unlike last time, it seems I'm going to miss most Bike Forums folks.

I am confident in your abilities, your going to kick this tour's butt!

Neil, first and foremost, when you solo tour, you need to look at it as an opportunity for "You" time. ;) It's a chance to completely decompress. :D Personally, I love it.....I like the not being chained to another agenda other than my own.

Have fun, and keep in touch so I can update for you. Remember.....pack LIGHTER! Keep the center of gravity low on the trailer, and the load balanced.

By thew way, those links just go to the BIkely index page.

Neil, first and foremost, when you solo tour, you need to look at it as an opportunity for "You" time. ;) It's a chance to completely decompress. :D Personally, I love it.....I like the not being chained to another agenda other than my own.

Have fun, and keep in touch so I can update for you. Remember.....pack LIGHTER! Keep the center of gravity low on the trailer, and the load balanced.

By thew way, those links just go to the BIkely index page.

Try these:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Williamsport-Gettysburg

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/DAY-TWO-of-3-or-4-day-tour-Gettysburg-to-Lancaster-Pa-55-mi-w-Q-

http://www.badongo.com/file/10715380

This won't get you around the Big hill over Blue Mountain, but it'll shave the day down to 40 odd miles. ;)

It's a printable PDF Routesheet and map.

Neil, first and foremost, when you solo tour, you need to look at it as an opportunity for "You" time. ;) It's a chance to completely decompress. :D Personally, I love it.....I like the not being chained to another agenda other than my own.

Have fun, and keep in touch so I can update for you. Remember.....pack LIGHTER! Keep the center of gravity low on the trailer, and the load balanced.


Will do, although I do have an agenda - I need to be back home by Sunday evening so I can work the next day. My boss asked as a special favor I come back uninjured. I'll try.

Packing list:

Bike (d'oh!)
Trailer
standard repair items for bike and trailer

Clothing:
two bib shorts
two compression shirts
two jerseys
three pairs socks
one swimsuit
one pair running shorts
one pair shorts
one pair boxer shorts
one cotton t shirt
one synthetic t shirt - if I go swimming somewhere I want this. And anyone who looks at me wants me to have it.
one pair Sette Rival II bike shoes
one pair Crocs
arch supports
helmet with light
handkerchief

campsite:
tent
sleep pad
possibly a sleeping bag - it's going to be the middle of August, I might leave this out and save three pounds.
I'm not taking a stove - food is easy enough to find on tour, and I'm not fussy about eating food 'hot'. I can skip a pot for the same reason.

Electronics:
cell phone
faux-pod and earbuds
camera
chargers

personal items:
sunscreen
bug spray
book
medicine/vitamins/first aid stuff
list of emergency numbers
reservation information for car rentals
bathroom tissue

And lastly, determination. I have to bring that. I can't pick it up somewhere, I have to bring it.

I am confident in your abilities, your going to kick this tour's butt!

I'm passing south of Harrisburg if I decide to attempt the road ride home; care to ride with me?

If you don't take a sleeping bag, take a sleepsack Fleece. You can get one at Walmart, and you'll appreciate having some covering if it gets down into the low 60's. It'll only weigh a pound or so. ;) (It also adds another layer between you and the ground.)

If you don't take a sleeping bag, take a sleepsack Fleece. You can get one at Walmart, and you'll appreciate having some covering if it gets down into the low 60's. It'll only weigh a pound or so. ;) (It also adds another layer between you and the ground.)

Tom and Neil -

The lows are forecast to be only in the mid-50s in the Laurel Highlands for the next 10 days. A fleece sleepsack would be the minimum I'd take.

Judy

All I have to say is that I'm jealous. With the amount of stress in my life right now, I'd trade a small fortune for the ability to forget the world for a whole week. So I'll live vicariously through you.. enjoy the trip!

And three years ago, if I would have told you that you were going to make such a trip solo - would you have believed me? :)

Sounds like you are ready for a fabulous trip! About that hill - don't build it up too big in your mind. Just get into the lowest gear and keep spinning. Take a break when you need it (take some scenery shots ;0)). Just remember to keep your head up and relax while climbing. It will help with your breathing. Have a blast, bro!

Sounds like a great adventure Neil. Have fun and be safe!

Sounds like you are ready for a fabulous trip! About that hill - don't build it up too big in your mind. Just get into the lowest gear and keep spinning. Take a break when you need it (take some scenery shots ;0)). Just remember to keep your head up and relax while climbing. It will help with your breathing. Have a blast, bro!

It's not the uphill I'm concerned about. It's the downhill, and riding it with a loaded trailer in traffic, that has me concerned.

Downhill is fun! Just relax, don't tighten up, keep your trailers load center of gravity low, and you won't have an issue.

Downhill is fun! Just relax, don't tighten up, keep your trailers load center of gravity low, and you won't have an issue.

I had an issue on the last tour. I had the trailer begin the death wobble on the first day. I don't like to travel much above 20 MPH; Blue Mountain drops 800 feet over two-three miles.

It's not the uphill I'm concerned about. It's the downhill, and riding it with a loaded trailer in traffic, that has me concerned.

An alternate route, 15 miles longer, but with lesser grades. I ride to Chambersburg and then follow PA's S Bike Route.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Williamsport-to-Biglerville

I'm envious. I so can't wait to do something like this.

I've actually got a flexible goal for next fall and a several day solo tour. Gonna do some overnighters to get some experience and learn about gear and how to pack.

Best of luck Neil, and if you get the chance get some updates in. Have I mentioned I'm envious of your riding areas lately?

Well, I can understand that......a wobble isn't fun under even the best of circumstances. The main thing is to have fun, after all. The best suggestion I'd have then would be to drop the hill easy and watch for brake fade or rim overheat. If necessary, stop for a cooldown of the rims a time or two.


I had an issue on the last tour. I had the trailer begin the death wobble on the first day. I don't like to travel much above 20 MPH; Blue Mountain drops 800 feet over two-three miles.

I'm passing south of Harrisburg if I decide to attempt the road ride home; care to ride with me?

Sounds like a hoot and I wish I could attend but I will be out of town that weekend for my parents anniversary :(

Stop worrying and go kick it's arse! You can do it! Enjoy the journey!

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Cumberland. this time lets skip the drama of crack rib ;-)

BTW I think the trailer will be less wobbly if it has lower center of gravity, is properly connected this time, and if you relax when going downhill fast. Use your leg against the top tube to deal with the wobble and let the bike ride it out. You'll be fine.

Neil, Have a blast and be carefull. Take lots of pics for those of us who can't go.

Tom and Neil -

The lows are forecast to be only in the mid-50s in the Laurel Highlands for the next 10 days. A fleece sleepsack would be the minimum I'd take.

Judy

OK, sleeping bag is back in.

Neil, Have a blast and be carefull. Take lots of pics for those of us who can't go.

I'll try. I'm shopping for a new camera this weekend.

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Cumberland. this time lets skip the drama of crack rib ;-)

BTW I think the trailer will be less wobbly if it has lower center of gravity, is properly connected this time, and if you relax when going downhill fast. Use your leg against the top tube to deal with the wobble and let the bike ride it out. You'll be fine.

I will keep your good advice in mind, and I look forward to buying you your well-deserved malted at Queen City Creamery.

I am considerably better prepared for this tour than the last one, with the exception of physical conditioning. Unfortunately there's no choice about the 50 mile first day - no campgrounds between the trailhead and Dravo. Once past there, my schedule is flexible, at least to the point I need to be home by Sunday. There are numerous places to stay along the trails.

Once off the trail, I'm planning overnights in or near Gettysburg or Biglerville (on the PA Bike S Route), and Lancaster. I'll consult the Warm Showers list and see if anyone will host me, or let me camp in their yard.

I'm envious. I so can't wait to do something like this.

I've actually got a flexible goal for next fall and a several day solo tour. Gonna do some overnighters to get some experience and learn about gear and how to pack.

Best of luck Neil, and if you get the chance get some updates in. Have I mentioned I'm envious of your riding areas lately?

No, you haven't. And I hate to bring it up, but you will probably get more envious when I tell you that, despite the economy, trail construction out here is still going on:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/chester/nabes/20080724_Trail_linking_historic_sites_a_step_closer.html

I am confident in your abilities, your going to kick this tour's butt!

This tour is already kicking mine. My bike is in the shop now with a broken spoke. I get it back Saturday, which means I lose another day of riding. Also I've lost some of my confidence - I can't get a broken spoke on the trail or on the road, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Carry a fiberspoke, just in case, Neil. That way, if you even pop a spoke on the drive side, you can place the fiber spoke into place and make it in to a shop. ;)

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fiberfix.htm

Nice tutorial there on how to use them.


This tour is already kicking mine. My bike is in the shop now with a broken spoke. I get it back Saturday, which means I lose another day of riding. Also I've lost some of my confidence - I can't get a broken spoke on the trail or on the road, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

This tour is already kicking mine. My bike is in the shop now with a broken spoke. I get it back Saturday, which means I lose another day of riding. Also I've lost some of my confidence - I can't get a broken spoke on the trail or on the road, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

On my tours I would carry a few extra long straight gauge spokes and cut them to size using using the "z-bend" trick (you can see a photo on post #7 of this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=239070)). Works like a charm, you don't need to worry about what length spoke you need, and old wheels are a perfect donor as a source of free spare spokes (just as long as they're longer than the longest spoke you need on your bike).

This tour is already kicking mine. My bike is in the shop now with a broken spoke. I get it back Saturday, which means I lose another day of riding. Also I've lost some of my confidence - I can't get a broken spoke on the trail or on the road, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Bike shops near the Passage/C&O:

West Newton
Connellsville
Ohiopyle (not bike shops, but I got a spoke replaced at one of the bike rental shops)
Rockwood
Frostburg
Cumberland
Hancock
Williamsport
* * * *
Shepardstown
Harper's Ferry
Rockville (not ON the C&O, but most will help if you send an SOS)
Georgetown
Leesburg
* * * *
Gettysburg
York/Hanover area

Get a couple of spokes and take them with you. The Kevlar Fiberfix spokes are good too. If you run into mechanical problems, call a repair shop. George, the former owner of C&O Bicycles in Hancock came out 60+ miles to deliver a trailer (yes, I paid him for the delivery) the evening my old one "exploded". You're a resourceful guy, and it's not wilderness out there (although sometimes it seems to be). If you ask, you will find help.

Happy trails. I leave in two days, and still haven't packed and tested out the trailer. I've done very little riding this year and am a little apprehensive myself. I will be fine, and so will you. Have fun. :thumb:

Judy

This tour is already kicking mine. My bike is in the shop now with a broken spoke. I get it back Saturday, which means I lose another day of riding. Also I've lost some of my confidence - I can't get a broken spoke on the trail or on the road, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Damage was worse than I thought. There were two broken spokes on a wheel with only a bit more than 400 miles on it. The brakes were in bad shape too, and I need new pads and cables. I have Roark back for the weekend, and then he goes back on Monday for the brake work. My shop knows about my tour and they promise I can pick Roark up Wednesday. They gave me the bike for the weekend so I can ride a little and put some miles on the wheel - if there's a greater problem, I want it to show up now rather than a roadside in Western PA.

All this trouble has me debating taking the Navigator instead. My concern is that I'm going to hurt myself, and more specifically my knees, riding a cruiser bike 350 miles in seven days. Also, taking the Navigator means not riding across PA - I'd never climb Blue Mountain on it.

I still wonder if 'the fates' are against me doing this tour. I crashed on the first one, I'm having mechanical problems before I even start the second.....

Oh, I have a new camera. I'll try out my Kodak Easyshare 12MP tomorrow. This of course means I need to ride somewhere scenic so I can take photos to share with y'all.

Neil, the bike gods are being kind.....they let you find the problems BEFORE you got out on the tour. ;) It'll go well for you.

Neil, that's harsh my good man :(. Wheel problems are my nemesis, and my hope is that yours are now over. Whatever it is, remember that you've beat larger challenges, and will continue to beat them. Mechanicals are a pain, but as long as mental is there, it all works out in the end.

Since Neil's doing the tour solo this time, I think all the mechanical gremlins from last time are on him alone, alas. Tom's right, better to find them now than on the trail.

Since Neil's doing the tour solo this time, I think all the mechanical gremlins from last time are on him alone, alas. Tom's right, better to find them now than on the trail.

Not quite the same tour, since I'm starting (McKees Rocks) and possibly ending (Kimberton) in a different location, and my riding schedule is different. But yes, much the same. I hope to avoid my rear rack falling off or having my front eyelets drilled out. And another fractured rib too. :)

Since Neil's doing the tour solo this time, I think all the mechanical gremlins from last time are on him alone, alas. Tom's right, better to find them now than on the trail.

While on the subject, it appears the Great Allegheny Passage won't be finished by the time Pittsburgh celebrates 250 years October 1. The Allegheny Trail Alliance secured rights from 27 of 28 property-holders over the nine mile stretch of land needed to complete the trail, but the holdout - Kennywood, owner of the Sandcastle water park - is extremely bike-unfriendly, and won't let the trail come through their parking lot and site. Cyclists are protesting by printing t shirts with the word "Kennywoodn't".

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08223/903020-155.stm

Neil and I, and our escorts, rode through the park, ahem, despite the no-bike signs. Neils on Wheels always did its own thing.

Carry a fiberspoke, just in case, Neil. That way, if you even pop a spoke on the drive side, you can place the fiber spoke into place and make it in to a shop. ;)

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fiberfix.htm

Nice tutorial there on how to use them.

They work good. Rode 60 miles on this one.
One rider told me of a trip to Mexico where the lead rider used his for two weeks.


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/TempSpoke.jpg

I am confident in your abilities, your going to kick this tour's butt!

Map of the first day's riding, courtesy the Montour Trail website. This portion wasn't on the ride Neil F. and I did in June:

http://www.montourtrail.org/maps/overview2.gif

The first day is 50 miles, from Coreapolis to Boston, PA, south of McKeesport. It's the same place Neil F. and I stopped last time. Unfortunately there's no camping or lodging on the Montour Trail, hence the long first day.

Days 2, 3, 4, from the "Trails From Rails" website:

http://www.trailsfromrails.com/images/pa_youghiogheny_river.gif

I'm camping at Adelaide, Confluence, and staying in the trail hostel in Meyersdale. This is basically the same schedule as last time, except with Neil F. we pushed on to Frostburg, MD instead of staying in Meyersdale. Going on to Frostburg was Neil's idea, and it was a good one.

The area from Connellsville to Cumberland, MD is the most scenic part of the GAP, so I'm taking my time on it. Confluence is like something out of a Norman Rockwell illustration, so it's worth spending time in. Plus the deep fried cheesecake at the Lucky Dog Cafe sounds interesting.

Map of the first day's riding, courtesy the Montour Trail website. This portion wasn't on the ride Neil F. and I did in June:

Enjoy; I wish we had had time to do this bit.

I seem to recall from pass challenges that all goes quite well on the second attempts, I would expect this to be the same. Have a great time, I'll be checking for the update posts and taking notes.

Enjoy; I wish we had had time to do this bit.

Riding it would have required an extra day or scrapping riding from downtown Pittsburgh.

Any comments on my itinerary? Your suggestions are welcome.

Bike shops near the Passage/C&O:

West Newton
Connellsville
Ohiopyle (not bike shops, but I got a spoke replaced at one of the bike rental shops)
Rockwood
Frostburg
Cumberland
Hancock
Williamsport
* * * *
Shepardstown
Harper's Ferry
Rockville (not ON the C&O, but most will help if you send an SOS)
Georgetown
Leesburg
* * * *
Gettysburg
York/Hanover area

Get a couple of spokes and take them with you. The Kevlar Fiberfix spokes are good too. If you run into mechanical problems, call a repair shop. George, the former owner of C&O Bicycles in Hancock came out 60+ miles to deliver a trailer (yes, I paid him for the delivery) the evening my old one "exploded". You're a resourceful guy, and it's not wilderness out there (although sometimes it seems to be). If you ask, you will find help.

Happy trails. I leave in two days, and still haven't packed and tested out the trailer. I've done very little riding this year and am a little apprehensive myself. I will be fine, and so will you. Have fun. :thumb:

Judy

According to the Trailbook, Confluence now has a bike shop too.

Judy, you are an experienced tourer, and a very stubborn woman. I'm sure you will do OK. Sorry I'm going to miss you this trip.

I'd love to see a tour expanded into Va and Md to take in the major battlefields of the Civil. The trip looks like an interesting one. Trail climbing? .. You are using a touring bike.

I'd love to see a tour expanded into Va and Md to take in the major battlefields of the Civil. The trip looks like an interesting one. Trail climbing? .. You are using a touring bike.

On the previous tour I met the author of just such a book, Kurt Detwiler. His book on Civil War bike rides is out of print, but still available from Amazon resellers.

The C & O Canal Towpath passes Harper's Ferry, and a few miles away is Antietam, near Sharpsburg. A day's ride from the canal is Frederick, made famous by Whittier in his poem "Barbara Frieitche."

UP from the meadows rich with corn,
Clear in the cool September morn,

The clustered spires of Frederick stand
Green-walled by the hills of Maryland.

Round about them orchards sweep,
Apple and peach tree fruited deep...

The story of the old widow refusing to take down the American flag when Stonewall Jackson's troops come through town may be apocryphal, but it makes compelling drama:

Up the street came the rebel tread,
Stonewall Jackson riding ahead.

Under his slouched hat left and right
He glanced: the old flag met his sight.

"Halt!"—the dust-brown ranks stood fast,
"Fire!"—out blazed the rifle-blast.

It shivered the window, pane and sash;
It rent the banner with seam and gash.

Quick, as it fell, from the broken staff
Dame Barbara snatched the silken scarf;

She leaned far out on the window-sill,
And shook it forth with a royal will.

"Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,
But spare your country's flag," she said.

I'm using a Trek 7.5 fx with a trailer. Here's me at Fort Frederick, which is just off the C & O Canal Towpath and a mile or so from the Western Maryland Rail Trail:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2569967211_2f5edcb20b_b.jpg

I'd love to visit Antietam again - I was injured last time, having fractured a rib, and I could barely stand the final day of the tour, so the trip had limited value for me. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or strength to tour there and make it to DC on time, if I don't turn off at Williamsport. From my car trip to Antietam - thanks to Judy for putting up with me while we ran SAG for Neil F. All photos taken from the passenger seat:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2586646665_4e56599194_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2587485390_a9373e1a6f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2586650539_2d2bf7ccd2_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2587483394_cea5a1a7d3_b.jpg

We had thunderstorms all day yesterday, one so severe our power was out for several hours, so no riding. Instead I went to the gym and tried out the new camera for the tour. Here's why I didn't ride. Oaks, PA, about 5:30 PM:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2752194425_e828172e20_b.jpg

I'm still troubled with some graininess in some of my photos, even with a 12 MP camera. This shot of the former Oaks train station, for instance. Diagnosis, anyone? Perhaps too little light? Or too much? The flash did come on automatically:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2752158887_6e7c7bb585_b.jpg

Another shot that didn't quite come out is the former Phoenixville train station, now reopened as a caterer. Incidentally, this is one of two buildings in town with a tie-in to science fiction. In the Mercury Theater radio broadcast of War of the Worlds in 1938, after the Martians start destroying central New Jersey, trains between New York and Philadelphia have to be routed through Phoenixville and Allentown. The other building is the Colonial Theater, famous for the Blob attacking a bunch of screaming teenagers during a movie.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2753037278_5b0060852e_b.jpg

I had better luck once the rain stopped and some sun came out. From the cemetery at Zion Lutheran Church on Rt. 724, using the telephoto setting:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2753068768_2534179cf4_b.jpg

More to come - these things take forever to upload to Flickr.

Apprecaite the photos, Historian. Biking with a central purpose. I like the idea. Think I'll put that tour on my want to do list.

More photos testing my new camera for the tour. The skies began to clear a bit as I walked around the grounds of Zion Lutheran on Rt. 724:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2753094154_4af11bba72_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2752268501_bbb34bea30_b.jpg

A mile away on Rt. 23, sometimes called 'the ridge' by the locals, is Vincent UCC, built in 1733. The church is on some of the highest land in the township, and overlooks the French Creek valley:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2752278611_286bab95ae_b.jpg

I stood on a tree stump to take the photo. Now you can see why I need kneesavers on all my bikes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/2753122172_b7e28bcc08_b.jpg

The church and the cemetery:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2752294605_6722a4b927_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2753127116_4928bc8f04_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2752304057_dd06c29908_b.jpg

And the one big drawback to the area - Limerick Nuclear Generating Station:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2752279533_d30fa69288_b.jpg

More to come.....

No, you haven't. And I hate to bring it up, but you will probably get more envious when I tell you that, despite the economy, trail construction out here is still going on:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/chester/nabes/20080724_Trail_linking_historic_sites_a_step_closer.html

Sigh, the biggest thing happening here is a new tail/route that runs a few miles in to down town Dallas. Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

My kingdom for a bike lane, but at least I live in a more outward lying area of the Dallas area. It still has narrow lanes but visibility is generally good for rider and cager. I have found some nice rural roads and destinations that make a great day trip when it's not 110 degrees. By the time the heat breaks, I hope to have my racks and panniers and be off on weekend practice runs to regional state parks/lakes.

Don't let the bike gremlins get you down. It's much better to find issues now than on the road. At least your LBS is aware of your tour and is getting the chance to give everything a once over. If you hadn't had some problems, you might have elected to just load up and go. Could be worse!

Good Luck, and have a good time!:popcorn

Just a few more photos from my 'camera testing tour' yesterday. No riding because of rain and thunderstorms, but a lot of photography - 163 photos. Vincent UCC has a number of veteran's designations on the headstones, including this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2753145534_8c404081f8_b.jpg

The church overlooks the local Revolutionary War cemetery. I've posted photos of that before:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2752300935_1818f31b9b_b.jpg

As I mentioned in a previous post, the church was built in 1733. I doubt the stained glass is original, but it's attractive nevertheless. Neil F, this one's for you - I'd never seen the Mogen David done in stained glass before:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2752328893_7d84251558_b.jpg

Just up the road a quarter mile is another UCC church, St. Vincent's. It is a century older and much more interesting from a design standpoint. Also, the sign out front is much hipper than other local churches. I wonder if the pastor knows Reverend Lovejoy?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2753171978_cacb2e6652_b.jpg

St. Vincent doesn't have a steeple, but it does have a bell tower. In the nineteenth century people must have been able to hear it for miles.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2753172728_609560339b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2752360997_2bf4fb5704_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2752357631_77ab53e62f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2752350931_19ebb22bd1_b.jpg

And with that I went home. All these locations I photographed are bikable from my home, and if I did them all, it would have been about a 30 mile round trip.