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Search: Posts Made By: PurpleK
Showing results 1 to 50 of 489
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Forum: Touring
04-04-11, 07:57 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 2,104
Posted By PurpleK

Had you been capable of paying attention, you may...

Had you been capable of paying attention, you may have noticed my response was to simplygib stating his opinion of news reports and state department travel warnings being overblown and insinuating a...
Forum: Touring
04-01-11, 11:42 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 2,104
Posted By PurpleK

You're right. I've always been interested in...

You're right. I've always been interested in Libya. I don't know anyone there that has had a bad experience, though there are probably some people that have had to dodge a few rockets. Just their...
Forum: Touring
04-01-11, 07:56 AM
Replies: 56
Views: 15,065
Posted By PurpleK

I still like the Bianchi Volpe for this. The...

I still like the Bianchi Volpe for this. The frame is not as robust as a full-on touring bike, but is ample enough for light touring. It is one of the more useful general purpose bikes I've ever...
Forum: Touring
03-28-11, 01:29 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 2,104
Posted By PurpleK

Is there a listing anywhere of the missing...

Is there a listing anywhere of the missing tourists? I used to have a good Estonian friend who did a lot of international bike touring.
Forum: Touring
03-24-11, 08:46 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 1,528
Posted By PurpleK

I'm in complete agreement. It would be super to...

I'm in complete agreement. It would be super to roll a bike on/off and not have to deal with the boxing or packing necessary with flying or shipping. I would even begin selecting some tour locales...
Forum: Touring
03-23-11, 01:42 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 1,892
Posted By PurpleK

I'm in North Carolina, so not on your route. But...

I'm in North Carolina, so not on your route. But I am a southerner and here is my stab at answering your questions.
Forum: Touring
03-23-11, 08:04 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 1,528
Posted By PurpleK

Actually, Amtrak trains 73, 74, 75 and 76 provide...

Actually, Amtrak trains 73, 74, 75 and 76 provide bicycle service at all stops in NC, not just the ones with baggage service. That is because these trains are owned and operated by the North...
Forum: Touring
02-22-11, 11:26 AM
Replies: 23
Views: 3,570
Posted By PurpleK

I have a nearly identical setup to what you are...

I have a nearly identical setup to what you are planning, except I have the P099 front bags instead of the P100.
I've found these offer plenty of room for my tours. In fact, I rarely ever use my...
Forum: Touring
02-10-11, 12:10 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 5,295
Posted By PurpleK

I use the H-100. It has a separate small pocket...

I use the H-100. It has a separate small pocket inside the large main compartment, a large zippered outside front pocket and two slide pockets on the side. It's very stable and has a quick release....
Forum: Touring
02-07-11, 01:26 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 2,488
Posted By PurpleK

+1 . I fully appreciated the article was...

+1 .

I fully appreciated the article was an attempt at humor, satire, irony or what have you. I simply didn't think it was good at any of them.
Forum: Touring
02-07-11, 12:59 PM
Replies: 30
Views: 3,291
Posted By PurpleK

I love my Bianchi Volpe for multi purpose roles. ...

I love my Bianchi Volpe for multi purpose roles. It's been a grocery hauler and doubles as my tourer when riding through Europe. One of the nice features of the recent Volpe's has been the flat...
Forum: Touring
02-03-11, 12:48 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 1,956
Posted By PurpleK

I've used clipless pedals with Shimano Mtn shoes...

I've used clipless pedals with Shimano Mtn shoes in the USA, but in Europe use toe clips with a Lake cycling shoe (the model name I can't recall. Wish I could because I would love to have another...
Forum: Touring
02-03-11, 12:38 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 2,488
Posted By PurpleK

Well, that was a few minutes of my life I'll...

Well, that was a few minutes of my life I'll never get back. So awful I gave up after Step 8.
Forum: Touring
02-01-11, 09:28 AM
Replies: 37
Views: 2,465
Posted By PurpleK

Well, I feel better now. I was feeling guilty...

Well, I feel better now. I was feeling guilty about not riding my tourer much except when on a tourer. Apparently I'm not the only one.
I have several bikes in my garage which allows me to...
Forum: Touring
01-06-11, 08:31 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 8,837
Posted By PurpleK

My daily commuter is a Masi Speciale CX, which...

My daily commuter is a Masi Speciale CX, which has the same frame as the Randonneur. I've had it a year this month. Getting used to it was slow going at first, but with a few modifications I've...
Forum: Touring
01-05-11, 08:50 AM
Replies: 75
Views: 5,351
Posted By PurpleK

Interesting you should put it that way. I have...

Interesting you should put it that way. I have friends that worked in the news media. Often when someone turned 100 years old or was the last remaining WWI vet or something, my friends would...
Forum: Touring
01-04-11, 01:04 PM
Replies: 75
Views: 5,351
Posted By PurpleK

When I was in my teens, I played a lot....and I...

When I was in my teens, I played a lot....and I mean a lot.....of tennis. For years I played nearly every night and every weekend year round (unless the court was covered in ice). Team tennis,...
Forum: Touring
01-03-11, 08:56 AM
Replies: 23
Views: 1,436
Posted By PurpleK

-Predominantly rural, with evenings spent in...

-Predominantly rural, with evenings spent in small urban areas like villages or towns large enough to have a few restaurants.
-Flatish, with some rolling topography to keep things interesting and...
Forum: Touring
01-03-11, 08:40 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 980
Posted By PurpleK

Easy choice. Belgium and Luxembourg, with an...

Easy choice.
Belgium and Luxembourg, with an emphasis on the Ardennes region. Beautiful ride, lots of history, good roads, friendly people, great food along the way. Eventually finished up with a...
Forum: Touring
12-23-10, 08:56 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 735
Posted By PurpleK

+1 on Miles From Nowhere, by Barbara Savage. ...

+1 on Miles From Nowhere, by Barbara Savage. It's a classic.

Another good one is Changing Gears, by Jane Schnell. She writes of her journey around the perimeter of the USA. Unfortunately, it...
Forum: Touring
12-16-10, 09:39 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 1,540
Posted By PurpleK

Two tents. Definitely. Of course, I'm also the...

Two tents. Definitely.
Of course, I'm also the guy that doesn't want to share a hotel room with another guy.

Between this thread and Nancysv thread about rider separation, I've learned I'm...
Forum: Touring
12-16-10, 09:28 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 1,094
Posted By PurpleK

Most of my tours are solo, so it isn't an issue. ...

Most of my tours are solo, so it isn't an issue.

But I take a few tours with buddies. I don't consider myself a fast rider, but I like to maintain a steady, uninterrupted pace and finish the day...
Forum: Touring
12-13-10, 09:42 AM
Replies: 96
Views: 3,688
Posted By PurpleK

I'm fleshing out several ideas, but it will be in...

I'm fleshing out several ideas, but it will be in Europe regardless.

My dad was a US combat infantryman during World War II. He landed at Normandy and fought across northern France, Belgium,...
Forum: Touring
12-10-10, 03:26 PM
Replies: 47
Views: 3,174
Posted By PurpleK

I'm another fan of the free standing tent. One...

I'm another fan of the free standing tent. One of the benefits is the ease of changing locations if you have to move. Once I arrived at a campground as a heavy rain began. After waiting under a...
Forum: Touring
11-09-10, 03:34 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 752
Posted By PurpleK

+1 on the Champion Flyer. Have one each of my...

+1 on the Champion Flyer. Have one each of my touring bikes now. The springs are firm enough to avoid bouncing, but flexible enough to absorb road shock. BRILLIANT!
Forum: Touring
10-12-10, 08:27 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 863
Posted By PurpleK

Like the rest, my approach varies between trains,...

Like the rest, my approach varies between trains, planes, driving, etc. depending on the situation.

For longer domestic distances, my preferred method logistically is to FedEx my boxed bike ahead...
Forum: Touring
10-08-10, 02:44 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 672
Posted By PurpleK

I've toured just about all of NC from...

I've toured just about all of NC from Winston-Salem east, with a little bit of riding in some of the more westerly areas. For me, it is almost impossible to call one area a favorite as I like so...
Forum: Touring
09-24-10, 07:32 AM
Replies: 62
Views: 4,440
Posted By PurpleK

Mother of God.....Am I in physics class?

Mother of God.....Am I in physics class?
Forum: Touring
09-22-10, 02:32 PM
Replies: 62
Views: 4,440
Posted By PurpleK

I've used them all, spd most of the time. My...

I've used them all, spd most of the time. My bike is currently outfitted with the same Shimano pedal Machka suggested, a combination of spd on one side and a flat platform on the other. Next week,...
Forum: Touring
09-16-10, 08:51 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 2,316
Posted By PurpleK

When checking in, I simply state I have an...

When checking in, I simply state I have an expensive bicycle and need a place to put it. In just about every case, the staff told me I can take it to my room. One historic upscale hotel offered to...
Forum: Touring
08-15-10, 12:22 PM
Replies: 45
Views: 2,865
Posted By PurpleK

It depends. On those days when I have a good...

It depends. On those days when I have a good stiff tailwind, exceptional scenery and feelin' invincible, the ride is everything.
On those days when I've got a stiff headwind throwing raindrops in...
Forum: Touring
08-11-10, 08:40 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 888
Posted By PurpleK

Seems like the touring guys are like "run what...

Seems like the touring guys are like "run what you got" the point is to get out on the road and have a good time. - I like free

Yeah, we're a pretty easy bunch that likes to have a good time.
...
Forum: Touring
08-11-10, 07:43 AM
Replies: 31
Views: 7,755
Posted By PurpleK

I have a little tan and white toy basset hound...

I have a little tan and white toy basset hound that travels with me everywhere. He can easily fit into a handlebar bag along with my other high value items. I got him because he looks a lot like my...
Forum: Touring
08-03-10, 09:49 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 870
Posted By PurpleK

A late 90's, early 2000's Volpe may be just up...

A late 90's, early 2000's Volpe may be just up your alley. Those older models offered mounts for low rider front racks in addition to the standard rear rack. I have a mid 90's model which I'm still...
Forum: Touring
08-03-10, 09:40 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 4,090
Posted By PurpleK

By Specialized Sirrus, I'm assuming you mean the...

By Specialized Sirrus, I'm assuming you mean the aluminum one with flat bars that first came out in the early 2000's. (Earlier Sirrus models were steel frame with drop bars.)
I commuted daily on...
Forum: Touring
07-27-10, 07:12 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 898
Posted By PurpleK

Love my flyer. I'm 170 and the springs don't...

Love my flyer. I'm 170 and the springs don't seem to have any mushiness at all.
I like it that my springs squeak. It lets me know they're working.
Forum: Touring
07-23-10, 06:58 AM
Replies: 54
Views: 6,105
Posted By PurpleK

92 miles north to south along the coast of North...

92 miles north to south along the coast of North Carolina. Fully loaded being two rear panniers and camping gear on top of the rear rack. Consistent strong tailwind which made pedalling on the...
Forum: Touring
07-23-10, 06:23 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 1,091
Posted By PurpleK

Great question and one that will get a variety of...

Great question and one that will get a variety of good responses.

I tour with two jerseys and pairs of shorts. By alternating outfits, I can usually get four days of riding in between washings. ...
Forum: Touring
07-21-10, 03:17 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 3,627
Posted By PurpleK

If you're traveling as light as you say, the...

If you're traveling as light as you say, the weight in panniers (or saddlebag) won't affect handling any more than the weight on your back in a backpack, but panniers would relieve you of the...
Forum: Touring
07-21-10, 12:19 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 3,627
Posted By PurpleK

Probably because the OP has ALSO said he has NO...

Probably because the OP has ALSO said he has NO experience touring, and those WITH experience touring with backpacks and found it problematic are offering suggestions which the OP will likely find...
Forum: Touring
07-19-10, 10:04 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 2,003
Posted By PurpleK

Unfortunately, Al, the USA is not well set up for...

Unfortunately, Al, the USA is not well set up for such practical solutions. That can be done in some locations, but there are many areas which receive no train or bus service at all. For those that...
Forum: Touring
07-19-10, 08:45 AM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,413
Posted By PurpleK

Probably not. Depends on your definition of...

Probably not. Depends on your definition of "packing extremely light" and what you mean by "modified pannier setup."

Most road bikes frames have shorter chainstays which result in heel strike on...
Forum: Touring
07-19-10, 07:59 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 2,003
Posted By PurpleK

I've used a couple of techniques. The most...

I've used a couple of techniques. The most common has been to drive the night before to where I'm going to start my tour and spend the night in a hotel there. Typically it's been an inexpensive...
Forum: Touring
06-29-10, 07:38 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,231
Posted By PurpleK

After years of never having a problem, I started...

After years of never having a problem, I started getting saddle sores regularly while on tours. I made three changes. I can't say with certainty if these changes are responsible individually or...
Forum: Touring
06-28-10, 08:13 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 779
Posted By PurpleK

Ardennes Tour Report

I recently returned from a solo tour in Europe, primarily in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg and thought I would share a brief summary of my experience should anyone here be...
Forum: Touring
06-28-10, 06:49 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 9,082
Posted By PurpleK

I got a Sirrus the first year they were produced...

I got a Sirrus the first year they were produced in the flat bar model and used it as my primary means of transportation for several years. I used it for commuting and running most of my errands. I...
Forum: Touring
06-21-10, 02:39 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,683
Posted By PurpleK

If someone has enough interest in me or my travel...

If someone has enough interest in me or my travel mode to stop and ask a question, I'm certainly going to be respectful enough to answer their question honestly. Like Erick L says, if they're...
Forum: Touring
06-21-10, 02:05 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 955
Posted By PurpleK

You can pull a wagon with a race horse. You can...

You can pull a wagon with a race horse. You can race with a clydesdale. They can both do the job, but neither will do it as well as the other bred specifically for that job.
Same with bikes. I...
Forum: Touring
05-10-10, 09:25 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 1,162
Posted By PurpleK

See below:

See below:
Forum: Touring
05-07-10, 09:50 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 1,365
Posted By PurpleK

For what it's worth, I was on a ride today with a...

For what it's worth, I was on a ride today with a manager of a local REI. I asked him about the status of the Randonee. He replied that he was expecting it to be discontinued after the 2010 model.
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