algorithm0

I am fairly new around these parts. I posted a few times in the last few months, but I have never introduced myself. So yeah, I am a student at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. I will (hopefully) finish my undergrad in Computer Science and Mathematics in spring of '06. My 2004 Giant Cypress has been making the mile commute to campus and back each day for the past year. No flats since I installed Tuffy's, *knock on wood*.

I'm a coffee addict, information addict, outdoors addict, vegetarian, novice cyclist, backpacker, computer programmer, network engineer, food (network) addict, and independent music addict. The list could go on for ever... I am basically very passionate about most everything I do.

I hope to make new friends and acquaintances here at bikeforums. Don't be afraid to pm me to talk about whatever.

king koeller

Algorithm0...
welcome to this great treasure trove of useful infomation and enjoyible tid bits of cycling fun and friendship.
WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW YOU.
GOOD LUCK!

chalkdusty

Hello, algorithm0!

I'm across the river in southern MO. Have you found any good trails in southern IL? I've been on the trail from Alton to Pierre Marquette State Park and on the Tunnel Hill Trail. Have you found any others that are suitable for road bikes or hybrids?

chalkdusty

algorithm0

I road a 20 mile day out on Tunnel Hill Trail last fall. We were all on hybrids, so we didn't go as far as a road bike might do in a couple hours. But I love that trail. You are out off the roads and away from cars and the annoyances of urban life. If you are ever down near Tunnel Hill, you should check out Cache River Nature Area. It has to be one of the most breath-taking parks in Illinois.

I wish I could recommend some other trails in the area, but I have only been riding for a year now, and i'm not too familiar with what the area has to offer.

chalkdusty

algorithm0,

I was on my hybrid when I rode the Tunnel Hill Trail. Glad for the wider tires. Some of the crushed limestone was a little loose/sandy. I did think the trail was very nice though. Will remember to bring a light for the tunnel. Got a very disoriented feeling about half way through, and then I started thinking about snakes.... in the dark, dark tunnel.

Does Cache River have a cycling trail? I've ordered and just received some cycling maps from IL. Looking forward to coming across the river to ride. At this point, I prefer trails (the motorists here have put me off roadway). St. Joe State Park in MO has a paved bike route - 11 miles plus a couple of spurs. It's nice. If you ever get over this way, bring your bike.

chalkdusty

firexbrat

heh, me too! vegetarian, sysadmin, music and computer junkie... let's not even talk about the coffee...

also, glad to hear someone has had success with tuffy's. i have a few friends (messengers who ride hard and fast all day long) that say a tuffy wears out your tube where the tuffy's seam is. one friend was geting a flat a week with them in. I was considering putting them on til I heard that. Now maybe I will have to try them and bring some spares.

edp773

Hello algorithm0. Welcome to the forum. I had SIU as one of my final choices, but went with WIU because of their Information Management courses. My goal is to get re-educated enough for a good sit down job. Some would call it a mid-life crisis, but the education is necessary for my job preferences. My bike is also a 2004 Giant Cypress. Commuting is too far, so I hit the trails after class or work-study.

Have fun and ride long.

PERFORM Pedaling
UNTIL LacticAcid = pain
END PERFORM

algorithm0

Okay, funny story: When I did Tunnel Hill Trail, I was with my folks. My mom was wearing dark sun glasses and when she went into the tunnel she forgot that she had glasses on and she couldn't see anything. She started freaking out and wandering back and forth. The she screamed stop! I can't see anything! Then I responded: TAKE OFF YOUR SUNGLASSES SILLY! We are still laughing about that to this day.

Cache River doesn't have bike trails, but I'm not sure about their rules regarding bikes. From the area office there are several miles (~4) of gravel road/path, most of them are closed to cars, and I'm sure you could get away with riding a hybrid on them, though a mountain bike would be better. And of course, you could dismount and hike the dirt/grass trails down to the pond and swamp area. This is what you're in for: https://notquitegenius.hyperpalindrom...heron-pond.jpg

algorithm0

Good to see there are other folks that have feakish habits like me
I took the advice of people on bikeforums and one of my local bikesperts. I sanded down the edges of the tuffy's and also ran them over the flame of a lighter to slightly melt/soften the ends. No matter what, the tuffys are definitely saving me time. I live in a college town and commute down the glass-filled college party zone twice a day. I ended up with several flats per month this spring, and that required me to walk my bike home over a mile each time. And I don't have time for that. The $12 pair of tuffys have saved me from doing that since I put them in.