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How crazy is this, exactly? 4000 mile ultralight unsupported trip.

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How crazy is this, exactly? 4000 mile ultralight unsupported trip.

Old 04-01-15, 10:11 PM
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How crazy is this, exactly? 4000 mile ultralight unsupported trip.

I'm planning a ~4000 mile unsupported and ultralight trip from Michigan, across the upper midwest, through ND, Montana, to the Pacific coast, and probably down to the Bay area CA. I'm giving myself about 8 weeks (originally I was saying 6 weeks....). Starting mid June.

I'm young, and feel like I can handle just about anything, but I want a reality check here..... becoming dead along the way would be pretty silly.

So here's a rundown on my equipment and general strategies. I'm trying to go as light as possible. Total rolling weight below 200 lbs for sure (I'm 160).

1) Bike. A 1980s steel race bike (20 lbs). No eyelets for racks, 25mm Marathon tires on there.

2) Bags. I'm working on designing 2 bags that will carry almost all my stuff. One large ultralight dry bag attached to the saddle with custom made straps. Another dry bag attached inside the handlebars with more custom made straps. I'll have a small bag on my lower back for items I'll want easy access to. I will also have 3 bottle cages, a frame pump, maybe some random items strapped onto the fork and/or chainstays.

3) Sleeping. Ultralight Hennessy hammock. This is the most worrisome part for me -- a large portion of the trip will be through super remote farmlands with no trees/cover. I've been messing with rigging the hammock to a rigid object on one side (phone pole, fence post) and my bike on the other side, staked to the ground. (See here: https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/75...ock-stand.html). It actually works. Not ideal, but it does work. Mainly, I'm kind of scared of sleeping close to the roadside completely exposed with no cover -- especially for so many nights in a row. Anyone have any words of wisdom here? Should I be afraid to camp close to people's houses? Is someone going to murder me in my sleep? (I write this as I'm hearing gunfire down the street here in detroit, HA!)

4) Water/Food. I'm going to use my steripen for my water needs (some chlorine tabs as backup). There should be enough water along that route if I'm vigilant. For cooking I have an alcohol stove I made out of a catfood tin (look up supercat stove). I will be carrying only the highest calorie:weight ratio foods I can possibly find. Peanut butter FTW. I will also make use of wild fruits and other gifts of nature (and man, hehe).

5) Rain. ??? Not really sure about my rain plan yet. I can either bring full raingear and ride through it, or just immediately set up shelter and wait it out. Don't think there's going to be any way to avoid riding in at least some mild to moderate rain though.

6) Repairs I'll be equipped to fix flats, crudely true a wheel (maybe replace a spoke), make adjustments. If something really serious goes wrong with the bike, and I'm 100 mi from nowhere, that could be mean the end.... seems quite unlikely.

7) Route planning. Open to suggestions on this one!


So yea, I know it's a bit crazy, but that's my idea of fun. I'm planning the hell out of this, down to the last detail, and I'll be doing a couple of short test runs beforehand to make sure everything is in order.

Anyone else do something like this and can share some wisdom? Especially when it comes to route suggestions... so many nasty roads out there.

Last edited by Randybb; 04-01-15 at 10:17 PM.
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Old 04-01-15, 10:31 PM
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What is the closest tour you have done to this one?
Your experience on past tours should tell you if this is crazy or not. If this is exponentially lighter/longer/faster than any of your previous tours you might be getting into the crazy zone.
200lbs rolling weight -160 rider -20 bike - 4 waterbottles (3x22oz) leaves 16lbs for bags, straps, tools, shoes, clothing, shelter,spares, food, stove fuel, hygene needs.
I'm no ultralight expert but this sounds ambitious. Again without any knowledge of your past exploits it's hard to say. But I wish you great times if you do it.
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Old 04-01-15, 10:32 PM
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Sounds perfectly doable, but ambitious.....it depends on your fitness and experience and you know best about those.

You will have to think carefully about your gear and might go over the 200lbs weight once you include water, food etc. You might think about just using a couple of Sea to Sumit compression sacks to carry your gear

Last edited by nun; 04-01-15 at 10:36 PM.
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Old 04-01-15, 10:53 PM
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For long long days on the bike, I'd want a more easy going geometry plus fatter-softer tires than an 80s racing bike will provide. Especially if you find yourself on gravel/rough roads, which could easily happen. A few pounds of extra bike could make things much easier on you.... much easier than having to finesse a twitchy race bike 8 hours a day, for days on end.

Years ago I rode a 3800 mile Oregon to Maine tour. We werent planning to hit dirt, but we did.
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Old 04-01-15, 11:41 PM
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It is doable but are you sure all your gear will fit in just a handlebar and seat bag? Clothes (rain gear is a must), sleeping bag, hammock, sleeping pad, cooking gear, toiletries, tools, misc? or are you just going completely minimalist with 1 set of clothing and no cooking gear?
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Old 04-01-15, 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Bicycle365
What is the closest tour you have done to this one?
Your experience on past tours should tell you if this is crazy or not. If this is exponentially lighter/longer/faster than any of your previous tours you might be getting into the crazy zone.
200lbs rolling weight -160 rider -20 bike - 4 waterbottles (3x22oz) leaves 16lbs for bags, straps, tools, shoes, clothing, shelter,spares, food, stove fuel, hygene needs.
I'm no ultralight expert but this sounds ambitious. Again without any knowledge of your past exploits it's hard to say. But I wish you great times if you do it.
The longest bike tour I've done was 4 days 3 nights, and it was heavy with panniers. 60 miles/day. I ride my bike a lot though, try to get in 20 miles/day average, will probably start ramping that up. I'm mainly a backpacker. Reason I want to do this trip is it might be my last chance do so something like this for a loooong time, so it feels like now or never.

You're probably right about keeping under 200 lbs. It's kind of an arbitrary number, but it's something to shoot for. I want to try and get as close to 200 as possible.

Originally Posted by dgodave
For long long days on the bike, I'd want a more easy going geometry plus fatter-softer tires than an 80s racing bike will provide. Especially if you find yourself on gravel/rough roads, which could easily happen. A few pounds of extra bike could make things much easier on you.... much easier than having to finesse a twitchy race bike 8 hours a day, for days on end.

Years ago I rode a 3800 mile Oregon to Maine tour. We werent planning to hit dirt, but we did.
What made you end up on dirt roads? Was the alternative a busy highway or something? How did you plan your route?

I feel really comfortable on this bike, I do weekly 50+ mile fast group rides on it without very much discomfort. I'm planning on taking a much easier pace during a long trip (10-12 mph vs. 16-20 mph). I like a quick handling bike. I will probably adjust a the stem/saddle to make it less aggressive though.

Originally Posted by shibbyman23
It is doable but are you sure all your gear will fit in just a handlebar and seat bag? Clothes (rain gear is a must), sleeping bag, hammock, sleeping pad, cooking gear, toiletries, tools, misc? or are you just going completely minimalist with 1 set of clothing and no cooking gear?
We shall see... I'm still acquiring some items and putting things together, but soon I'll have everything and see how much space it takes up. sleeping bag is the largest, the hammock is suprisingly tiny, no sleeping pad. i don't plan on doing much cooking, but my stove is super tiny and i just need a bit of alcohol fuel for it. tools are tiny. some dr bronners soap for everything. clothing is an unknown still. as few items as possible. rain gear i'm still working on....

Originally Posted by nun
Sounds perfectly doable, but ambitious.....it depends on your fitness and experience and you know best about those.

You will have to think carefully about your gear and might go over the 200lbs weight once you include water, food etc. You might think about just using a couple of Sea to Sumit compression sacks to carry your gear
I'm thinking of using a simple fold top dry bag for the saddle bag, since the length doesn't matter too much. It'll be suspended above my rear wheel. for the handlebar bag, I might go with a compression sack to ensure it fits inside the bars.

Last edited by Randybb; 04-02-15 at 12:14 AM.
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Old 04-01-15, 11:55 PM
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Why do it on a bike that's not even remotely designed for it?
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Old 04-02-15, 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by willydstyle
Why do it on a bike that's not even remotely designed for it?
the wheel wasn't originally designed for bicycles, but just look at it now...

i'm imagining it's like the difference between schlepping across the country in a cargo van, and cruisin' with the top down in my miata.
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Old 04-02-15, 12:30 AM
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Longest tour was 4 days and 60 miles/per. Currently averaging 150mi/wk.
This one is 56 days , at 12mph if you ride 7 days a wk (not recommended) you will be doing over 70mi/day, if you take 1 day off the bike a week you will be doing over 83mi/day. That is between 6 and 7 hours in the saddle every day. 50 miles in "fast group" (less than 4 hours) once a week is (in my opinion) not even close to preparation for the proposed schedule. I am not questioning your fitness or abilities but I would like to see more saddle time to aclimatize to that aspect of it as well has having at minimum, 3 day stretches of consecutive 90 mile days.
I'm not going to comment any more on this so I'll just say that the trip is NOT crazy, the logistics of weight and gear is, let's call it "challenging". The preparations for these 2 months in the saddle, minimal is being kind.
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Old 04-02-15, 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Bicycle365
Longest tour was 4 days and 60 miles/per. Currently averaging 150mi/wk.
This one is 56 days , at 12mph if you ride 7 days a wk (not recommended) you will be doing over 70mi/day, if you take 1 day off the bike a week you will be doing over 83mi/day. That is between 6 and 7 hours in the saddle every day. 50 miles in "fast group" (less than 4 hours) once a week is (in my opinion) not even close to preparation for the proposed schedule. I am not questioning your fitness or abilities but I would like to see more saddle time to aclimatize to that aspect of it as well has having at minimum, 3 day stretches of consecutive 90 mile days.
I'm not going to comment any more on this so I'll just say that the trip is NOT crazy, the logistics of weight and gear is, let's call it "challenging". The preparations for these 2 months in the saddle, minimal is being kind.
cool, this is the kind of thing i need to hear.

to my advantage, I can probably expand this to 4 months if I need to, so I can definitely slow the pace if need be. I really have no clue how such a large amount of low intensity activity is going to affect my body. sore butt is probably going to be the biggest challenge to overcome. and the mental thing...

i plan on ramping up my training with the goal of being able to do two centuries on consecutive days before i start the trip.

Last edited by Randybb; 04-02-15 at 12:56 AM.
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Old 04-02-15, 01:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Randybb
cool, this is the kind of thing i need to hear.

to my advantage, I can probably expand this to 4 months if I need to, so I can definitely slow the pace if need be. I really have no clue how such a large amount of low intensity activity is going to affect my body. sore butt is probably going to be the biggest challenge to overcome. and the mental thing...

i plan on ramping up my training with the goal of being able to do two centuries on consecutive days before i start the trip.
Even 3 months would allow you vastly more time to enjoy the tour. Racers usually take 40-50 days to do the 4300 mile TransAm route, that's doing centuries and then some everyday.
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Old 04-02-15, 02:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Randybb

i'm imagining it's like the difference between schlepping across the country in a cargo van, and cruisin' with the top down in my miata.
You might have that right if you are counting on driving the miata for 3 months and the roof is stuck permanently down.

The idea of going light and long is reasonable, not even exciting, it has been done thousands of time. I get worried when I hear people who seem so jazzed about it they seem headed towards bad decisions. You need proven stuff, and not just stuff someone else has made work, but stuff you know works. So for instance an Hennesey hammock you don't know how you are going to pitch in regions without trees, is basically a really badly designed bivy tarp deal. If I got stuck out in the rain in that for a week or so, it would not be fun.

Small bags are fine, they used to be the norm. Some old lady through hiked th appalachian trail, in several directions and she carried all her stuff in a handle bag. But there are advantages to solid racks that will stop you stuf swaying, getting into your wheels, whatever. A simple rear rack that can fit on any bike is so much more sensible.

I would avoid houses unless you ask or are invited. I don't think you are going to get shot, but it is always better if only you know where you are, unless you are invited.

Check out this guys gear, cheap, very tested, very light. It isn't so much that his choices are so fabulous, but short of a recent change he has spent thousands of nights out in that gear, and he knows and looks forward to it. He isn't just rolling the dice and setting off into multiple unknowns. (Not sure about detroit but if you live in a nice part. Try and get out and do some stealth camping, or yard camping. If you can't handle it at home, why would it get better out of the comfort zone.) I started you on page three so you can see his rig.

Thru-Cycling the TransAmerica Trail, Ray Jardine
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Old 04-02-15, 03:51 AM
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Hammock - if you have the snake skins for your Hennessy, you can just wrap it around your bike frame. Saves some space in your bags. There's a BF member (@nun? @staehpj1? I forget who it was) who used to do that and posted a photo.

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Old 04-02-15, 04:45 AM
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Sounds like a great trip and at least you won't have to worry about someone taking your bike without you realizing it when you are asleep,

Two things come to mind: what are the wheels and rims you will be using? You're probably going to be a bit north of 200 lbs when all is said and done and that may be a bit tough on your wheels. This is could be a major mechanical and a major drag so it is something to pay attention to.

The other is why are you relying on treating your own water for this trip. Potable water is pretty easy to find in the States and frankly municipalities do a better job of cleaning water than you can with a few pills. Plus you'll need a lot of water for this trip.

For a route, you could do worse than piece together a few adventure cyclists route. They have paper maps and a forum where you can post any questions you have.

Are you planning on using a gps? Recharging can be an issue though.
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Old 04-02-15, 05:30 AM
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The only thing I would change, as others have mentioned, are the tires. Those 25mm tires are going to give you one rough ride for hours on end day after day. Other than that - GO.
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Old 04-02-15, 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Randybb
What made you end up on dirt roads? Was the alternative a busy highway or something? How did you plan your route?

I feel really comfortable on this bike, I do weekly 50+ mile fast group rides on it without very much discomfort. I'm planning on taking a much easier pace during a long trip (10-12 mph vs. 16-20 mph). I like a quick handling bike. I will probably adjust a the stem/saddle to make it less aggressive though.
.....
We had planned to go through Boise ID, but en route we discovered we could skip a lot of urban/suburban miles by taking 35 miles of dirt road through the mountains. Was lovely and well worth it. Glad we had low gears and fatter tires (32mm, probly).

We still averaged 95 mi a day, every day. This was still 'road' touring, for sure.

I could actually see credit card touring on my '90 Lemond Maillot Jaune. Its built to his "grand tour" geometry. More relaxed and forgiving than the "criterium" geometry that was all the rage in the 80s.

Also, dont forget a lock. Not a giant u-lock, but at least something so you can duck into a store or a cafe with some peace of mind.
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Old 04-02-15, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Randybb

I'm thinking of using a simple fold top dry bag for the saddle bag, since the length doesn't matter too much. It'll be suspended above my rear wheel. for the handlebar bag, I might go with a compression sack to ensure it fits inside the bars.
It's useful to have the compression straps on both bags so you can firm up the bag and contents for strapping to the bike. If the contents are loose they move around while you ride and it makes it impossible to firmly strap the bag to the bike. Invest in some eVent Sea to Summit bags like these, they will keep your gear dry and let you compress it into a solid mass for strapping to the bike.

eVent Compression Dry Sack | Sea to Summit
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Old 04-02-15, 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by MassiveD
You need proven stuff, and not just stuff someone else has made work, but stuff you know works. So for instance an Hennesey hammock you don't know how you are going to pitch in regions without trees, is basically a really badly designed bivy tarp deal. If I got stuck out in the rain in that for a week or so, it would not be fun.
Definitely test stuff out before you go......although even if things don't work out you can always learn from the experience.....take a cell phone so you can call someone in an emergency.

You need to have a way to carry extra water. 2x water bottles is ok most days, but there will be ones where you need a few extra liters.
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Old 04-02-15, 09:09 AM
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hammock comments

I am a lightweight touring cyclist who hammocks. Do you have much hammock experience? Have you soaked up all the knowledge available on HammockForums? If you are using a sleeping bag in your hammock and no sleeping pad in the hammock, your back will get very cold from about 60 degrees and below. You have options. At your size, I would recommend a Grand Trunk Nano 7. Ditch the caribeener suspension and go to whoopie slings and toggles on a marlin spike hitch. Get a down bag with a zip-open foot box. Get the long version of such a bag. Then, you can pull the hammock through the sleeping bag, so that the bag is on top of the hammock on top and below the hammock on the bottom. This way, you do not compress the down beneath you and you will not get cold-butt/back syndrome, which you WILL get from 60 degrees and downward if you put the bag in the hammock without a thick closed cell foam pad. Using a double-layer hammock makes it easier to securely hold a foam pad that has been cut down to your required size. The BIAS Weight Weenie hammock is a good choice if you order the double layer option. It is longer and wider than the Nano7 and allows for a very comfortable diagonal lay, if that is important to you. Most Nano7 owners, myself included, cannot get a diagonal lay in that small rig, but you can easily get super diagonal in a Bias Weight Weenie. If you do not carry a pad, you must realize that on such a long tour, you will end up having to go to the ground some nights, and without a pad, you will suffer. I recently switched from a section of cut-down closed cell foam pad to a Klymit Inertia x-light inflatable pad. They are just 6 ounces. They are designed to be used inside a down bag. The cut-outs in the pad allow the down to loft into the cut outs so that you retain warmth underneath you. This pad works in the bag while in the hammock or in the bag while on the ground. If on the ground, you will need a ground cloth under your bag, though. I assume you are using a tarp over the hammock. I suggest a cuben fiber hammock-specific tarp. Expensive. but crazy light weight and strong. Check zpacks.com for their cuben tarp with doors. $300. 8 ounces. I do not suggest a catenary cut tarp, since a cat-cut gives you fewer pitching options, especially if you must go to the ground. Sounds expensive? It is the cost of a couple of nights in a motel, which you wll pay for if you get caught out with the wrong, cheap equipment. If you bring a small sheet of tyvek as a ground cloth, you can put your bag on the ground if you are in a tree-less area and rig up the tarp creatively from whatever you can find to tie to. There are many creative ways to pitch tarps. Google for some good tutorials.

As others have said, your bike is not very versatile if you encounter lousy road surfaces or unpaved surfaces. If you can find a vintage sports-touring frame, you can probably fit a 32mm tire up front and a 35 in the back if using 700c wheels as a retrofit to vintage 27 inch wheels. You will suffer if your bike is not comfortable on less-than-perfect roads, and for all the time that you will be in the saddle, do not set yourself up to suffer.

I can set out for a week's solo self-supported camping tour with about 20 pounds of weight including pannier weight and all gear, including titanium bicycle tools and necessary spares. Be prepared for breaking a drive side rear spoke. Get a hypercracker so you can remove your cassette in the field to replace a drive side spoke. Fiber-fix will not cut it if you are in the middle of nowhere and have a long distance to the next bike shop. Your vintage bike probably has a freewheel rather than a cassette/free hub, which makes field repair potentially trickier and tool weight heavier. I would make sure to be on 700c wheels with a modern rear hub.

Final thought. Knowing that on a trip of the length you propose a few things will go wrong, prepare yourself as best you can, and when something goes wrong, chant the mantra, Party On. Consider any unplanned disaster a learning experience and an adventure that will make for good stories later. Party on.
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Old 04-02-15, 09:16 AM
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I think your plan is doable but you'll be living on the edge.

I agree with others:
  • Your bicycle's wheels could be a weak spot.
  • I would recommend 28-32mm tires for a little more comfort.
  • I think your mileage is realistic, but would allot more time, if possible, for comfort and enjoyment.

EDIT: My underlying sentiment is you're good to go. Don't overthink and --> ENJOY!

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Old 04-02-15, 09:26 AM
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recent featured trip on crazy guy. This was a credit card tour, but incredibly grueling. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=332006&v=P8

Im only up to day 29, so don't know how it ended. Its interesting to read though, how long days effected his writing, and how he carried extra water in the deserts.

What kind of bike is it? I have done some five hundred to thousand milers on 80s road bikes, sometimes with very little weight, sometimes with four panniers. My body weight alone is more than your whole aimed for goal.
What you have planned is doable, but will take determination. .

On the hammock, really give it a go before you leave. I use a pad in mine, as it can get cold with air moving under you.
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Old 04-02-15, 09:37 AM
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Steripen is unreliable. (Glass breaks easily. Battery is unreliable. Battery life heavily impacted by temperature.)

Chemical or filter treatment is a much better option. Trust me on this - my family has gone through three Steripens. I want the tech to be reliable, but it just isn't.
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Old 04-02-15, 09:38 AM
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I have a DreamHammock myself - having progressed from a HH - and use a top-quilt and bottom-quilt combo. I haven't had to go to ground anywhere (I have not used it for bike-camping yet) but I would also recommend going to the sleeping-pad route. Certainly something I would recommend - also do a weekend bike-camping trip with your hammock to test it out and see what the pros/cons are. Such experience may help you down the road.
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Old 04-02-15, 09:39 AM
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So general question for everyone, since it's come up several times --- what specs do you think are required for a wheelset?

Originally Posted by MassiveD
You might have that right if you are counting on driving the miata for 3 months and the roof is stuck permanently down.

The idea of going light and long is reasonable, not even exciting, it has been done thousands of time. I get worried when I hear people who seem so jazzed about it they seem headed towards bad decisions. You need proven stuff, and not just stuff someone else has made work, but stuff you know works. So for instance an Hennesey hammock you don't know how you are going to pitch in regions without trees, is basically a really badly designed bivy tarp deal. If I got stuck out in the rain in that for a week or so, it would not be fun.

Small bags are fine, they used to be the norm. Some old lady through hiked th appalachian trail, in several directions and she carried all her stuff in a handle bag. But there are advantages to solid racks that will stop you stuf swaying, getting into your wheels, whatever. A simple rear rack that can fit on any bike is so much more sensible.

I would avoid houses unless you ask or are invited. I don't think you are going to get shot, but it is always better if only you know where you are, unless you are invited.

Check out this guys gear, cheap, very tested, very light. It isn't so much that his choices are so fabulous, but short of a recent change he has spent thousands of nights out in that gear, and he knows and looks forward to it. He isn't just rolling the dice and setting off into multiple unknowns. (Not sure about detroit but if you live in a nice part. Try and get out and do some stealth camping, or yard camping. If you can't handle it at home, why would it get better out of the comfort zone.) I started you on page three so you can see his rig.

Thru-Cycling the TransAmerica Trail, Ray Jardine
Thanks for that link, definitely will read through his stuff. I plan on doing a lot of home testing with my hammock. Lots of yard camping. I have used it for a couple years backpacking so I'm no novice, but the bicycle and the great plains add a new dimension. I certainly won't go out with equipment that I haven't put through its paces.

Originally Posted by Juha
Hammock - if you have the snake skins for your Hennessy, you can just wrap it around your bike frame. Saves some space in your bags. There's a BF member (@nun? @staehpj1? I forget who it was) who used to do that and posted a photo.

--J
That's a really cool idea! Didn't think of that. I'm going to try this tonight! I could also ride with it wrapped around my body.... ha!

Originally Posted by bikemig
Sounds like a great trip and at least you won't have to worry about someone taking your bike without you realizing it when you are asleep,

Two things come to mind: what are the wheels and rims you will be using? You're probably going to be a bit north of 200 lbs when all is said and done and that may be a bit tough on your wheels. This is could be a major mechanical and a major drag so it is something to pay attention to.

The other is why are you relying on treating your own water for this trip. Potable water is pretty easy to find in the States and frankly municipalities do a better job of cleaning water than you can with a few pills. Plus you'll need a lot of water for this trip.

For a route, you could do worse than piece together a few adventure cyclists route. They have paper maps and a forum where you can post any questions you have.

Are you planning on using a gps? Recharging can be an issue though.
I have Ambrosio 19 extra super elite 36 spoke wheels. Somewhat worried, but also i've put a couple thousand miles on them, and smacked into some CRAZY potholes (i actually fractured my wrist on one last year...) without even throwing them out of true. The extra weight and extra mileage is a big unknown. What specs would you recommend for a wheelset?

I probably won't rely on purifying water, but I don't want to be stuck without that option.

I'm thinking about getting some AC maps. Have you done their routes before? Is it worth it? I'll have my smartphone with me, but that's not very reliable.

Originally Posted by nun
It's useful to have the compression straps on both bags so you can firm up the bag and contents for strapping to the bike. If the contents are loose they move around while you ride and it makes it impossible to firmly strap the bag to the bike. Invest in some eVent Sea to Summit bags like these, they will keep your gear dry and let you compress it into a solid mass for strapping to the bike.

eVent Compression Dry Sack | Sea to Summit
I'm designing my own strapping system for the bags that uses polyester webbing straps and aluminum hardware. In my experience, the plastic buckles and clips on bags like that ALWAYS break. Especially if used every day for months. I'll do a post on the strapping when I get it sewn up.

Originally Posted by nun
Definitely test stuff out before you go......although even if things don't work out you can always learn from the experience.....take a cell phone so you can call someone in an emergency.

You need to have a way to carry extra water. 2x water bottles is ok most days, but there will be ones where you need a few extra liters.
Yes, I plan on doing as much testing/practice as I can before I go. If I'm not feeling good about it, I won't go.

One of the most useful things I picked up a while back is using regular plastic water bottles for water, instead of cycling ones. They cost $1 at any gas station/convenience store. They are ultra light, and hold 1-1.5 liters (34-50 ounces), instead of 22 or 27 ounces. You can get squirt tops for them. They practically last forever.

Originally Posted by motorapido
I am a lightweight touring cyclist who hammocks. Do you have much hammock experience? Have you soaked up all the knowledge available on HammockForums? If you are using a sleeping bag in your hammock and no sleeping pad in the hammock, your back will get very cold from about 60 degrees and below. You have options. At your size, I would recommend a Grand Trunk Nano 7. Ditch the caribeener suspension and go to whoopie slings and toggles on a marlin spike hitch. Get a down bag with a zip-open foot box. Get the long version of such a bag. Then, you can pull the hammock through the sleeping bag, so that the bag is on top of the hammock on top and below the hammock on the bottom. This way, you do not compress the down beneath you and you will not get cold-butt/back syndrome, which you WILL get from 60 degrees and downward if you put the bag in the hammock without a thick closed cell foam pad. Using a double-layer hammock makes it easier to securely hold a foam pad that has been cut down to your required size. The BIAS Weight Weenie hammock is a good choice if you order the double layer option. It is longer and wider than the Nano7 and allows for a very comfortable diagonal lay, if that is important to you. Most Nano7 owners, myself included, cannot get a diagonal lay in that small rig, but you can easily get super diagonal in a Bias Weight Weenie. If you do not carry a pad, you must realize that on such a long tour, you will end up having to go to the ground some nights, and without a pad, you will suffer. I recently switched from a section of cut-down closed cell foam pad to a Klymit Inertia x-light inflatable pad. They are just 6 ounces. They are designed to be used inside a down bag. The cut-outs in the pad allow the down to loft into the cut outs so that you retain warmth underneath you. This pad works in the bag while in the hammock or in the bag while on the ground. If on the ground, you will need a ground cloth under your bag, though. I assume you are using a tarp over the hammock. I suggest a cuben fiber hammock-specific tarp. Expensive. but crazy light weight and strong. Check zpacks.com for their cuben tarp with doors. $300. 8 ounces. I do not suggest a catenary cut tarp, since a cat-cut gives you fewer pitching options, especially if you must go to the ground. Sounds expensive? It is the cost of a couple of nights in a motel, which you wll pay for if you get caught out with the wrong, cheap equipment. If you bring a small sheet of tyvek as a ground cloth, you can put your bag on the ground if you are in a tree-less area and rig up the tarp creatively from whatever you can find to tie to. There are many creative ways to pitch tarps. Google for some good tutorials.

As others have said, your bike is not very versatile if you encounter lousy road surfaces or unpaved surfaces. If you can find a vintage sports-touring frame, you can probably fit a 32mm tire up front and a 35 in the back if using 700c wheels as a retrofit to vintage 27 inch wheels. You will suffer if your bike is not comfortable on less-than-perfect roads, and for all the time that you will be in the saddle, do not set yourself up to suffer.

I can set out for a week's solo self-supported camping tour with about 20 pounds of weight including pannier weight and all gear, including titanium bicycle tools and necessary spares. Be prepared for breaking a drive side rear spoke. Get a hypercracker so you can remove your cassette in the field to replace a drive side spoke. Fiber-fix will not cut it if you are in the middle of nowhere and have a long distance to the next bike shop. Your vintage bike probably has a freewheel rather than a cassette/free hub, which makes field repair potentially trickier and tool weight heavier. I would make sure to be on 700c wheels with a modern rear hub.

Final thought. Knowing that on a trip of the length you propose a few things will go wrong, prepare yourself as best you can, and when something goes wrong, chant the mantra, Party On. Consider any unplanned disaster a learning experience and an adventure that will make for good stories later. Party on.
So much useful stuff here, thanks. Yes, I'm quite experienced in the world of hammocks. I've used them for backpacking or a few years now, and 2 years ago switched to sleeping full time in a hammock at home. Bed free 4 lyfe!

I have a hennessy hyperlite hammock with a warbonnet edge hex tarp. total weight including rigging is about 2 lbs 6-8 oz. I currently use whoopie slings and a caribeaner, but I'm going to mess with a bunch of different stuff. i really don't think I can justify a few hundred bucks on the cuben tarp to shed just a few oz... you make a good point though.

You're definitely right about the cold butt problem, 60 F is about right for that issue. I was a bit optimistic about temperatures, just looked up the average summer lows for the upper Plains, and its in the mid to low 50s. I have a mountain hardwear synthetic 20F bag, with a double zipper. I will look at that Klymit Inertia x-light pad, it's probably a really good idea. Only $50 on amazon, I can handle that.

The bike has one of the oldest shimano freehubs (600). With this version, it's possible to use the bike's chain to remove the casette by twisting it, hooking it on the cogs and turning the rear wheel. a neat trick.

I might have more questions for you in the future. Party on.

Originally Posted by skimaxpower
Steripen is unreliable. (Glass breaks easily. Battery is unreliable. Battery life heavily impacted by temperature.)

Chemical or filter treatment is a much better option. Trust me on this - my family has gone through three Steripens. I want the tech to be reliable, but it just isn't.
I've used one for years on dozens of trips. Never broken the glass. Batteries are pretty easy to come by too. I'll have the chlorine tabs just in case though. The more options you have for water the better.

Last edited by Randybb; 04-02-15 at 10:26 AM.
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Old 04-02-15, 10:16 AM
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I think you should go for it. You might be pushing the mileage a bit but if you have the luxury of extending the length of the trip it doesn't really matter. A few thoughts:

For me, struggling to find a place to hang a hammock after 80-100 miles would be a real drag. And you will have long days like this since you may be forced to take a rest day now and then or go a shorter distance on a particular day because the next town is too far away. I think an ultralight tent gives you much more flexibility and less hassle.

I would want wider tires for comfort, safety, fewer flats, etc but many people have done cross country trips on 25s. How wide can you go? Even 28s would make a noticeable difference if your bike would accommodate those.

One downside to your packing method is accessing stuff during the day. Day after day this might become tiresome. I can think of three lightweight tourers who changed to panniers or other methods because of this frustration.

The link below is from a cross country cyclist, I believe with a Tri background who had similar mileage goals as well as a similar packing style. See his concluding section where he decides to use panniers and wider tires on his next trip.

Out the gate, going lightweight to Wash State: Day 65: Conclusions: Some of the things I learnt on the trip, a summary of statistics, and final costs

Have a great trip!
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