Posts by Dana Barrett11

If you start from the train station in Skrad, you just head a bit of a way down and then take a turn onto this gorgeous—but seriously challenging—trail that involves a ton of uphill hiking through the Devil's Throat.

As for any kind of practical loop or organized GPZ routing? I honestly don't know a thing about that.

The main thing would be finding a way to link the Devil's Throat with those swing sets and the trail leading up to Maple Peak.
I haven't personally made the trip yet, but I heard they’ve supposedly expanded and renovated the whole area recently.

Look, it’s definitely easier and faster once you get going, but honestly? You don't need this massive mental, nutritional, or physical overhaul before you even start. Just dive in. You'll pick up the rest along the way—(if you want the real deep dives, go ask those experts on X... though they mostly hang out there anyway)
The real issues are the boredom—everything feels so repetitive and flat day after day—the time commitment, and the risk of someone swiping your bike when you pull up to work.
Take it for a spin next weekend and see how it actually feels. If anything hurts—besides your butt—you're doing something wrong.
Don't just mash the pedals like a maniac; focus on keeping that smooth, centrifugal rotation.
31 miles is nothing more than a number.

Whatever you end up finding, just make sure you check if it’s actually built right—look for those official safety stamps or any standard EU certifications.

http://www.aevon-trailers.com/2009/?p=20&lang=en
Now, this isn't exactly budget-friendly, but the build quality is seriously solid.
It won't tip over on you, and it even has a shock absorber specifically designed for mountain biking.
The only thing is, it might be a bit too narrow if your dog prefers napping on its side.
(It's a total product of our globalized world—designed by a guy in France, living in Bavaria, with frames coming out of Taiwan)

Look, I wasn't actually planning on buying it myself—I just wanted casualgardener13 to take a look at it and maybe grab some gear for the kids.
Maybe there's a better deal out there somewhere.

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Anyway, I definitely agree that it gets pretty stressful unless you're off the main roads or sticking to the bike paths.
As for hauling stuff... I'm not so sure. More space just means more things to lug around.

Do you think they might have child trailers available for order?
What’s the actual difference there?

Is this happening over in Canada?

analogseal72 said:It feels like I'm looking for something that isn't a complete piece of junk—unlike the absolute wreck I’m currently driving.
Check out this link to the product page—I think it’s exactly what we were talking about earlier! http://www.lopuh-alfa.com/index.html?k...product&id=87

I have the exact same ones—the Author ones—and honestly, for the price, I’m pretty happy with them. Sure, they might leak here and there, but everything stays tucked away in bags, and I make sure to treat them with waterproofing spray and use a thin tarp liner. After about five years, they start to show some wear and tear, but if I can't find something better out there, I'll just end up buying the same ones again.

Ferrino teamed up with Leona to drop this three-tier storage unit—it's going for about 90 bucks.
I just stumbled upon this Ferrino bike bag online—seriously, take a look at this thing. It looks like exactly what I need for my weekend rides around the city. Honestly, if you're tired of stuffing your gear into a backpack that leaves you sweating through your shirt, this might be the perfect fix. It’s sleek, looks pretty rugged, and seems like it would hold everything from my tools to a light jacket without looking bulky. I'm leaning towards picking one up for my next trip out toward the suburbs. What do you guys think? Is it worth the investment?
They just look way too wide at the bottom—honestly. Maybe they should’ve been "trimmed" down a bit so the heel doesn't keep catching on everything.

Ortlieb gear is basically the gold standard for serious globetrotters—it’s built so tough that even a tsunami couldn't squeeze its way inside. I’ve personally grown really attached to their pocket and compartment setup, too; it’s a total game-changer compared to those flimsy, single-compartment bags everyone else uses. Plus, my stuff has never once come out smelling funky because the seal is so tight—it keeps the water out, which obviously means it keeps the air out, too. When it comes to packing, hauling, or just crashing at a hostel, I swear by that inverted "U" shape—it just makes everything so much more practical.

Nathan Anderson44 said:How is it even possible for the wind to literally blow away someone weighing nearly 220 pounds?

Seriously, how does the wind have enough power to tear an entire semi-truck apart? And I'm not talking about some crazy storm you see on the Discovery Channel—I'm talking about our local Midwestern gale.

Honestly, your bike looks more suited for commuting through downtown San Francisco than for some long-distance, soul-crushing ride. But hey—if jadetiger962 can pull it off, I guess electricotter9 can too. (Though, if I'm being honest, his Harry looks a little bit "lighter" for that kind of stuff.)
Don't bother giving me advice. You just have to find your own way. Just sit, ride, and write whenever you get a chance.

For a rack, maybe one of these... curved ones might work?
http://largoscooters.com/accessories...kqrracklrg.jpg
http://bicyclewarehouse.com/merchant...ge/RK7506B.jpg

Honestly, you should try to keep your tent, sleeping bag, and pad as small and lightweight as possible. Borrow some gear or just buy something—even if it’s the cheapest option available. Before you head out, just wipe it down at home with some disinfectant, then grab some kind of (semi)silicone balm, kind of like Labello. I know for a fact REI used to carry it.
Wild camping is an option, sure, but only if you absolutely have to. Just make sure you get well off the road—find some shade and stay out of the direct sun. Also, watch out for standing water so the mosquitoes don't eat you alive. And please, make sure you aren't trespassing on private property or hunting grounds!
Personally, I avoid wild camping whenever I can because I need a shower and a real restroom every single day. There is nothing like running water to clean you up, refresh you, and help you unwind. Plus, I can wash my clothes and let them dry while I'm driving. If I crawl into a sleeping bag feeling gross, it basically turns into one giant, stinky sock.
I’m with you on preferring the hammock... sleeping pads always feel way too thin to me.

electricotter9
No offense intended, but at first glance, the only bike worse than yours for a long trip might be a BMX. But hey, if the crew says it’s doable—don't let them get to you and good luck. Try riding some hills 31 miles near your place first to see how it actually feels. A few steep climbs and boom—you've burned a thousand calories!

Follow Me Down - Skunk Anansie
Follow Me Down - Skunk Anansie
Jeanne - Air ft Françoise Hardy

It’s simple, straightforward, a bit dusty, but honestly? It’s so charming.
Just two cars and two actors—but man, it still makes for a great movie.
I don't really have any fancy arguments here—it's just one of my all-time favorites.