Originally Posted by
Big Lew
One thing I've learned since retiring and having extra time to do things is that our brains relish the new adventures
but they're not necessarily in sync with our aging bodies. Up until I had cancer issues I was in excellent shape,
especially my legs, and believe that had I not had the issues they still would be in great shape to tackle riding with
the equivalent of another person's weight. During all my tours, I always used gearing rather then push too hard.
I relate it to the commercial trucks I drove with very heavy loads...having proper gears and using them gets the job
done without undue stress on the motor or drive train. One situation I think I would have problems with is when stopping
on a steep hill with all that weight. Trying to hold everything stopped and in control while attempting to get off or on
would be challenging, even potentially hurtful, and very likely turn the air around me blue, lol! It's sometimes hard to do
with just a normal loaded touring bike. Nope, it's best I go find someone to care for the dog, thanks.
Heck, I'd forgotten that that was you, who drove trucks. Can't keep track of who is who without a real face sometimes, well for me anyway. I remember your comments on truck drivers being professional, which I've always felt too for the vast majority, and personally I've always put myself in their shoes slash seat, in situations where we meet. As you know, most car drivers haven't a fricken clue that a loaded truck doesn't behave like a sportscar, and either do a lot of mirror less cyclists.
Ya, I've always made the connection between riding loaded and semis in terms of gears and drive train, both of us slow to accelerate, slow to slow down.
In my past two Latin American trips, I found truckers exceedingly courteous and professional overall, despite the challenging road conditions at times, and always did my best to make things easier for them with proper communication or a wave, and simply taking to the grass when the situation was better for all.