OK, It's Not Cross Country, But....

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02-02-08, 08:15 AM

#26

MnD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by The Historian

The biggest problem we have is getting to Pittsburgh. My car will not take a bike rack, and we probably can't get both bikes in the back seat of my Neilmobile. Besides, where would I park it in Pittsburgh for a week, and how would I get back to it? Amtrak's Philadelphia to Pittsburgh service doesn't have checked baggage, so we can't get the bikes on board. Flying is a possibility, but then we need to check our tents, clothes, bikes, etc. I'm not going to travel via Greyhound, or trust them with my bike. So we are probably going to have to rent a car with a bike rack and I'll drive across PA. Any suggestions for a better way to get to the 'burgh are welcome.

Rental is probably the way to go...Thrifty has great one-way rates from PHL to PIT for a minivan or SUV...no bike rack required and your stuff will all be locked inside. Have fun on the ride.

02-02-08, 10:00 AM

#27

TrekDen

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I'd enjoy seeing you again, and if Neil F. can avoid repeating his stunt from Lancaster, I'm sure he'd enjoy meeting you again too. And I'm looking forward to seeing Pittsburgh again.

Ahh yes, no Evel Knievel stuff this time out. I'd enoy seeing the two of you again as well. If I'm able, I'd like to ride along a while on the first stage of the tour.

Quote:

Do they still have those little sandwiches with the cole slaw and fries in the middle?

Yes they do at Primanti Bros., which has several locations. I love those things!

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02-02-08, 10:22 AM

#28

Tom Stormcrowe

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MnD

Rental is probably the way to go...Thrifty has great one-way rates from PHL to PIT for a minivan or SUV...no bike rack required and your stuff will all be locked inside. Have fun on the ride.

Here's an idea.....see if U-Haul has any vehicles that need to be transferred to DC....you may be able to even get PAID to do the transfer if they need them badly enough and worse case, it'll just cost you fuel $$

I've done that before, and it's a pretty good gig.

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02-02-08, 12:09 PM

#29

East Hill

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Quote:

Originally Posted by neilfein

We already had one BFer offer to put us up, but we'd be happy to meet up with non-serial-killer-type folks along the way. Just sayin'...

Just watch for all the women who want to make your life difficult if you know what I mean if you've read throught the Touring forum

.

Anagram Neils

.

East Hill

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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...

02-24-08, 06:21 AM

#30

Neil_B

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Quote:

Originally Posted by East Hill

Just watch for all the women who want to make your life difficult if you know what I mean if you've read through the Touring forum

.

Anagram Neils

.

East Hill

Yes, I saw the extended discussion about male touring cyclists being harassed by sex-starved women. Neil F. is married, so all he needs to do is flash the ring. As for me, I'm carrying a two-person tent.

03-27-08, 07:55 AM

#31

Neil_B

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MnD

Rental is probably the way to go...Thrifty has great one-way rates from PHL to PIT for a minivan or SUV...no bike rack required and your stuff will all be locked inside. Have fun on the ride.

Yes, it looks like I can get a one-way rental of a SUV for about 150 bucks. I'm picking up Neil F. the day before we leave so I have less driving to do in one day. (Neil F. doesn't drive.)

03-27-08, 07:57 AM

#32

Neil_B

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Quote:

Originally Posted by The Historian

...it's a start.

My big tour in 2008 isn't going to be cross country, but instead, as training for riding across the US in 2009, I'm going to travel the Pittsburgh to Washington DC trail route the first week in June. The current plan is to drive out to Pittsburgh with Neil F. on Saturday, begin riding Sunday morning, and arrive in the nation's capital the following Saturday. We will camp as needed, with the occasional break in a hotel or a kind person's home.

At the moment I'm 20 or so pounds over my summer weight, 40 some pounds from my goal weight, have never gone on a tour longer than four days, still don't know much about riding a bike, and have never been camping. And now I want to ride nearly 350 miles in seven days and camp:

My motivation is back!

Oh, and Neil F. has a very special link in his signature line about the ride. We've decided to use the ride for a good cause.

03-27-08, 09:50 AM

#33

bautieri

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Quote:

Originally Posted by neilfein

bautieri, those bed rolls look like the bomb, but they're expensive! I figured around $20 for something like that.

Man did this thread happen over a weekend? Looks like I got some replying to do:

Yes, they are rather salty in price but the question you have to ask yourself is "what is my back worth"? Don't get me wrong, they certainly do help alot but you wont wake up and think you spent the night at the Hilton. You can always get an egg crate one and try camping out in the backyard for a week. If it works out for you then great.

I've done my share of camping and backpacking and found that besides your back you really need to take care of your feet. Good hiking boots and hiking socks are vital. Make sure when you guys stop during the day to take your boots and socks off so your feet can dry up.

Bau

03-27-08, 09:56 AM

#34

bautieri

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Stormcrowe

Bear Spray.......it works well!

Yeah, it probably does but I don't want to test it out.

Best bet with bears is to take a proactive approach to it. Attach a bell to your handlebars so it makes some noise. Black Bears generally avoid people and if they hear you coming they'll be long gone. Don't panic and act like prey if you see one. Stand your ground, make yourself look as big as possible, and make a lot of noise. This advice should not be taken as gospel, try not to get mauled.

Bau