Herb

Just back fron an 6 day 450 mile solo self contained bike tour of the Erie Canal. Early in the spring I ordered the New York Parks and Trails "Cycling the Erie Canal" The book gives helpful info and maps for biking the canal route. I decided to see if I could to the trip on my folding bike ; the idea being to avoid boxing, and shipping or having to baggage check the bike. I planned to camp, and motel along the way. Info gleaned from this forum was very helpful. I carried my "Too much stuff" on an Extrawheel trailer. It kept the weight ( 10 lbs. trailer, 20. lbs on each side. 50 in all) off the bike. The rig handled surprisingly well. It did start to feel a little unstable at about 25 mph. I was not going that fast that often, so not much of a problem. On the train the bike was not bagged. I used the canvas Dahon bag to disguise and carry the trailer and camping gear. It was a little cumbersom, but it worked. The bike is my MU P8 20" folder. Because the trailer is a 27" wheel I needed to take care in attatching to the 20" bike, so as not to drag the gear bags on the ground. I was able to consistantly ride at about 13 mph on the hard packed gravel. On pavement with an tail wind I was good for 15 - 17 mph. I sustained 20mph for a few miles while trying to out run a T-storm. The 8 speed gearing was adequate for most of the trip. I walked one steep hill. Longest day 91 Miles. 95 F. Normally I would't mow the lawn on aday like that. I mut be crazy!
All in all one might consider a folder for a long tour!
Herb

Lake_Tom

It is a sunny trail, I have heard. Congratulations on your trip & thanks for the report.

stokell

Herb,
Do you have any pictures posted anywhere? I'd like to know more. I want to do the Erie canal with my wife (she's definately a credit card tourer). Would that be a good tour? We live in Toronto, so accessing the Erie is simple from just west of Buffalo (I think?)

Herb

Stokel: Reading your journal on stealth camping, was part of the inspiration to try some camping along the Erie Canal. In fact I thought of many places where one could stealth camp during the trip. The trip would be quite amenable to credit card touring. The route is mostly flat, and easily done on my 8 speed Dahon Mu P8 folder. Wide touring tires would be best, mountain bike is probably overkill. Towns are about 10 miles apart, and there are many B&Bs. I did the trip early in the season to avoid crowds. You and your wife might want reservations during the tourist season. I am somewhat internet challenged, and try as I might, I have been unable to up load pictures. I'll keep trying and /or enlist the aid of a guru. You can get more complete info re accomodations by Googling Erie Canal Bike Trip. A most enjoyable trip!
Herb

Herb

After much stumbling about on my PC I have been able to upload some pictures.
I hope that I can remember how the next time

supersport

Seems like your rig works great. Looks like it was a really nice tour.