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Search: Posts Made By: acantor
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Forum: Touring
06-04-23, 06:25 PM
Replies: 116
Views: 9,087
Posted By acantor

I think people were posing the same question when...

I think people were posing the same question when I joined this forum 20 years ago. The questions were different, but the context isn't too different:

"Where do I find five-speed cassettes for the...
Forum: Touring
06-03-23, 10:33 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,861
Posted By acantor

I also have an 1985 Miyata 1000, which I last...

I also have an 1985 Miyata 1000, which I last toured on 20 years ago. My sense at the time was that its ride was becoming "tired," and aware of the evolution of bike technologies, I decided the time...
Forum: Touring
04-18-20, 01:54 PM
Replies: 86
Views: 11,675
Posted By acantor

Your schedule is too ambitious. There are...

Your schedule is too ambitious. There are excessive cycling days and insufficient time to rest or deal with the unexpected. And I am reasonably confident the unexpected will happen! It might be...
Forum: Touring
04-16-20, 07:32 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 3,076
Posted By acantor

Used stuff... maybe. I sold a 25-year-old front...

Used stuff... maybe. I sold a 25-year-old front carrier to someone on Craigslist. I had only used it once, maybe twice. The new owner got a stellar piece of equipment for a modest sum. A good deal....
Forum: Touring
04-05-20, 09:09 AM
Replies: 53
Views: 8,661
Posted By acantor

I've had three Brooks B17 saddles on two...

I've had three Brooks B17 saddles on two different touring bikes. All were comfortable from the start. There was no break-in period.

My first B17 was put into position by a professional bike...
Forum: Touring
04-04-20, 09:24 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 2,102
Posted By acantor

Early autumn (September and October) can be an...

Early autumn (September and October) can be an awesome time to tour in that region. Daytime temperatures can be crisp and it rains more often, but it's my favourite season to be on a bicycle.

It...
Forum: Touring
03-27-20, 07:36 PM
Replies: 53
Views: 8,661
Posted By acantor

I've ridden exclusively with three different B17s...

I've ridden exclusively with three different B17s for about 10 years, and all have been significantly more comfortable than other saddles with cut-outs that I used before that. And there were many. I...
Forum: Touring
03-22-20, 03:16 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,918
Posted By acantor

For my first 10 or 15 years of touring, my bikes...

For my first 10 or 15 years of touring, my bikes always had doubles, and although I didn't realize it at the time, the gearing was never low enough for significant hills.

When I finally upgraded...
Forum: Touring
03-18-20, 03:02 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,889
Posted By acantor

My imperfect solution is to wrap a kerchief...

My imperfect solution is to wrap a kerchief around my head that protects my neck, top of the head, and forehead. Then I use less sunblock north of my eyes.
Forum: Touring
03-17-20, 07:13 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,889
Posted By acantor

On my first multi-day tour, in addition to...

On my first multi-day tour, in addition to getting a sunburn, I discovered the energy-sapping effects of over-exposure to the sun. After a few days on the road, my skin actually hurt, and I was...
Forum: Touring
03-06-20, 08:25 PM
Replies: 83
Views: 9,180
Posted By acantor

My French is a mash-up of "le parler parisien"...

My French is a mash-up of "le parler parisien" (the French we were supposed to be learning in school) as spoken by my high school teachers (who were mostly from Morocco and Algeria), joual (the...
Forum: Touring
03-01-20, 09:52 PM
Replies: 83
Views: 9,180
Posted By acantor

My ability to communicate in French is basic, but...

My ability to communicate in French is basic, but it's enough to get by. And I always enjoy the chance to build my French skills.

The first time I cycled in France, I got lost again and again...
Forum: Touring
02-22-20, 10:00 AM
Replies: 83
Views: 9,180
Posted By acantor

Having a few phrases on the tip of one's tongue...

Having a few phrases on the tip of one's tongue is not the same as knowing a language.

There are no substitutes for time and effort when trying to learn a new language. There is a whole lot of...
Forum: Touring
01-24-20, 04:06 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,152
Posted By acantor

There are World War 1 memorials in many areas of...

There are World War 1 memorials in many areas of France. While cycling through Alsace, I happened upon a cemetery for German soldiers who died during WW1.
01-03-20, 07:26 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 1,569
Posted By acantor

I used clips for about 15 years. There were only...

I used clips for about 15 years. There were only two or three times I couldn't unclip in time, which resulted in falls, never with serious injury. (Bike gloves prevented scrapes on my hands.) Most of...
Forum: Touring
12-15-19, 09:28 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 8,055
Posted By acantor

I've seen many people touring on bikes with flat...

I've seen many people touring on bikes with flat bars, and I confess I don't get it. When I'm riding hours every day, I want postural variety, and riding positions are fewer with flat bars than with...
Forum: Touring
11-26-19, 10:17 AM
Replies: 40
Views: 8,672
Posted By acantor

If something were to happen to my "new" touring...

If something were to happen to my "new" touring bike (which I bought 15 years ago), I would hesitate to substitute my "vintage" 1985 Miyata. My new bike is a better fit. I don't find the Miyata as...
Forum: Touring
11-03-19, 09:02 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 22,344
Posted By acantor

I've used insulated bottles, but I'm not sure...

I've used insulated bottles, but I'm not sure they make a noticeable difference. Although it's refreshing to drink cool water on a sweltering day, my guess is that physiologically, the human body...
Forum: Touring
10-23-19, 05:26 PM
Replies: 34
Views: 3,081
Posted By acantor

I'm guided by my appetite rather than a scale, so...

I'm guided by my appetite rather than a scale, so can't contribute any quantitative data to this discussion! I don't think I have ever counted calories.

But I definitely eat more while I am on a...
Forum: Touring
10-09-19, 09:26 PM
Replies: 46
Views: 6,375
Posted By acantor

Bicycle touring was not on my radar when, while...

Bicycle touring was not on my radar when, while hitchhiking near Big Sur (California) around 1978, I met a British Columbian couple at a campground. They were bicycle touring south along the coast of...
Forum: Touring
09-06-19, 07:29 AM
Replies: 48
Views: 6,079
Posted By acantor

Water-resistant panniers have served me nicely...

Water-resistant panniers have served me nicely for the kinds of touring I do: mostly day trips, an occasional weekend outing, and an infrequent one to two week tour.

I find water resistant...
Forum: Touring
08-26-19, 10:09 AM
Replies: 56
Views: 7,161
Posted By acantor

I've been cycletouring with brifters for 15...

I've been cycletouring with brifters for 15 years. My bike has fallen over a few times, and I've had a few minor spills.

So far, no problems with the brifters. I especially appreciate the quick...
Forum: Touring
08-13-19, 09:59 PM
Replies: 26
Views: 4,846
Posted By acantor

The situation may have changed since I did a bike...

The situation may have changed since I did a bike tour in northern Italy (and Ticino, the Italian-speaking canon in Switzerland) many years ago.

I didn't notice local folks doing long-distance...
Forum: Touring
07-25-19, 07:09 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,439
Posted By acantor

Yes, I biked the entire way to Kingston, but I...

Yes, I biked the entire way to Kingston, but I started at Rouge Hill (on one trip) and Oshawa (on the other trip).

I don't recall a problem getting around Darlington, although the route was...
Forum: Touring
07-24-19, 09:47 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,439
Posted By acantor

If the tires are in good shape and not too worn,...

If the tires are in good shape and not too worn, you should be fine for this relatively short trip. I've biked from Toronto to Kingston twice. The trip takes me four days, not counting extra time I...
Forum: Touring
07-21-19, 06:21 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 7,264
Posted By acantor

When I find myself needing to replace the drive...

When I find myself needing to replace the drive train on my bike -- which happens once or twice a decade -- I opt for smaller gears than I did the previous time. This evolution is, at least in part,...
Forum: Touring
06-17-19, 11:47 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 2,250
Posted By acantor

Touring during the shoulder seasons might be an...

Touring during the shoulder seasons might be an option. Using insulated cases, it's going to be harder to keep medication at the appropriate storage temperatures when you're cycling in extreme heat...
Forum: Touring
06-13-19, 12:17 PM
Replies: 57
Views: 12,882
Posted By acantor

Location, location, location! Are you...

Location, location, location!

Are you passing through New York City or Amsterdam? Use two, maybe three different theft deterrents.

Cycling through rural upstate New York or towns in central...
Forum: Touring
06-12-19, 06:25 PM
Replies: 48
Views: 6,947
Posted By acantor

I have toured in places that are extremely hot...

I have toured in places that are extremely hot and humid during the summer. Over the years, I have developed strategies that I think help me to prevent bonking -- at least not too much and not as...
Forum: Touring
06-06-19, 08:12 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 2,149
Posted By acantor

There is no need to haul tons of stuff. For...

There is no need to haul tons of stuff. For example, instead of carrying extra cycling clothes, you can wear them every day and wash them every evening. (That's what I do.) You will probably want...
Forum: Touring
06-04-19, 04:45 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 2,149
Posted By acantor

I have crossed the Alps on a touring bicycle...

I have crossed the Alps on a touring bicycle carrying 10 or 12 kg of gear, and I stayed at an inn, pension, or hotel every night. It's physically demanding to ride uphill all day at high altitudes....
Forum: Touring
06-01-19, 06:34 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,814
Posted By acantor

I think your decision to favour the lower gears...

I think your decision to favour the lower gears is a good one. When I am touring, I use super-low gears far more often than I use my highest gears. I rarely use my top two gears.

I have ridden...
Forum: Touring
05-06-19, 02:51 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 3,107
Posted By acantor

No need to carry all of your stuff, and there is...

No need to carry all of your stuff, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to avoid camping or take an organized tour. I've been bike touring for decades, and not once have I carried a sleeping bag...
Forum: Touring
04-22-19, 12:25 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 3,676
Posted By acantor

I have two touring bikes, one purchased 34 years...

I have two touring bikes, one purchased 34 years ago, other 16 years ago. Both are awesome for touring and commuting. But if I had to choose between the two, I would opt for the newer one. Now that...
Forum: Touring
03-24-19, 09:40 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 4,124
Posted By acantor

When I cycled over the Alps, I found it unnerving...

When I cycled over the Alps, I found it unnerving to ride through tunnels, even with flashing lights on. I waited for gaps in the traffic, and then rode as quickly as my legs would carry me.

That...
Forum: Touring
03-22-19, 04:56 PM
Replies: 49
Views: 7,784
Posted By acantor

I've come to view fenders in the same category as...

I've come to view fenders in the same category as lights, rear view mirrors, and fluorescent vests -- essential for touring. You never know when it is going to rain, and I am happy avoiding a muddy...
Forum: Touring
03-03-19, 10:52 PM
Replies: 90
Views: 10,277
Posted By acantor

I am in the mirror-as-indispensable-accessory...

I am in the mirror-as-indispensable-accessory camp. I feel safer when I've got one. I tried one or two helmet mounted models, but they didn't work for me. For many years now I have ridden with a...
Forum: Touring
02-28-19, 09:58 PM
Replies: 34
Views: 3,131
Posted By acantor

There are plenty of foods that will deliver...

There are plenty of foods that will deliver sufficient protein without meat: eggs and dairy products, as you suggest, but other sources include beans, lentils, tree nuts, peanuts, seeds, and whole...
Forum: Touring
02-27-19, 11:31 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 3,074
Posted By acantor

It could be cool and rainy in April. The weather...

It could be cool and rainy in April. The weather may be more pleasant if you were to wait until the beginning or middle of May.
Forum: Touring
02-27-19, 11:12 AM
Replies: 34
Views: 3,131
Posted By acantor

It's easy to overdo it on the first day of a...

It's easy to overdo it on the first day of a bicycle trip. I've made this mistake, as well. I try to limit my first day of a cycling tour to 4 to 5 hours.

I also have come to believe in the...
Forum: Touring
01-20-19, 11:38 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 4,126
Posted By acantor

While I am not an expert on Murphy's Law, my...

While I am not an expert on Murphy's Law, my understanding is that the law predicts that a fall will occur in a manner that maximizes damage to the most valued item a cyclist is carrying, or owns. I...
Forum: Touring
01-19-19, 12:15 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 4,126
Posted By acantor

My guess is that the likelihood of falling on one...

My guess is that the likelihood of falling on one side or the other is more luck than anything else. I don't fall often, but when I have taken a tumble, the circumstances were unique: Wiped out on a...
Forum: Touring
01-17-19, 09:34 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 3,080
Posted By acantor

I live a little above sea level, and flew to...

I live a little above sea level, and flew to Switzerland when I was 48 for a bike holiday. I began at about 400 metres, slowly headed uphill for a couple of days, and then began to ascend a 2100...
Forum: Touring
01-09-19, 09:17 AM
Replies: 167
Views: 24,387
Posted By acantor

I toured using toe clips for 15 years,...

I toured using toe clips for 15 years, double-sided pedals (platform/clipless) for 2 years, and clipless (SPD) pedals for 10 years.

Last year, I switched to platforms, and wear whatever shoes I...
Forum: Touring
01-06-19, 03:06 PM
Replies: 59
Views: 4,226
Posted By acantor

Before a multi-week bike tour to France, I spent...

Before a multi-week bike tour to France, I spent weeks reading about the areas I was heading to. I bought maps, studied them, and outlined a plan. I knew where I wanted to start, where I wanted to...
Forum: Touring
12-18-18, 11:31 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 2,126
Posted By acantor

Like you, I am not the most mechanically-inclined...

Like you, I am not the most mechanically-inclined person. Like you, I can fix a flat tire. I recently saw a YouTube video on how to remove the rear wheel, and that was tremendously helpful the last...
Forum: Touring
12-08-18, 03:18 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 3,765
Posted By acantor

Maybe there are two Southern Ontarios. The one...

Maybe there are two Southern Ontarios. The one you are referring to sounds like Holland!

The Southern Ontario I live in, although by no stretch of the imagination can be considered mountainous, is...
Forum: Touring
12-07-18, 10:09 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 3,765
Posted By acantor

The wheelbase geometry of the Nishiki looks more...

The wheelbase geometry of the Nishiki looks more tour-worthy than the Panasonic. The gearing on both appear to be on the high side, at least for me. (I prefer to have a wide range of super low gears,...
Forum: Touring
12-06-18, 08:08 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 2,085
Posted By acantor

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulle...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/1544x1024/gotthard_pass_descending__033723deb175e6fe385c352e936a2ddf1292223c.jpg

One of your dad's photos looks like he snapped it at almost...
Forum: Touring
09-22-18, 11:25 AM
Replies: 580
Views: 457,538
Posted By acantor

Touring lessons I am still learning!

1. It's easy to underestimate how much water you might need while touring. If you are planning on carrying one bottle, double that!

2. Carry enough food, and eat frequently. Your body will need...
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