Solo Touring

[channlluv]

It really does. Thank you.

I was at my daughter's middle school orientation this morning and as I was looking at the school calendar, I found myself thinking, "Hmm...October 16 is a holiday, long weekend, family road trip..."

Yeah, here we go. Woohoo!

Roxy

[Biketouringrook]

When I started with the notion of an independent toure, I first went on a couple of supported tours just to get the feel of the whole thind. I went on one tour in NY for 400 miles and 8 days with camping. Then went on a second one to the Florida Keys, wich was only 75 going, camped over night and cycled back 75 miles, but lost of fun, nice people and great entertainment.

As for the roads, this will be a great challenge for me. I have no geographical skills, at all. Nevertheless, I have a Garmin 605 GPS that I will load with North American maps, and I will get maps from Adventure Cycling.

I get such a rush talking about this. I wish for you all the goodness and best in making your decision.

[owlice]

How many pairs of bike shorts do you take with you, and how do you/do you wash them as you tour? (Trying to figure out what I should be doing for my little ride next month! )

[MomOnBike]

Channlluv -

That's the spirit! Just go.

DH & I noticed recently that we both had (the same!) two days off so we just tossed a few things in backpacks (we ride 'bents and hang the backpacks off our seat backs), tossed a coin as to direction, and took off to a nearby small town for a wonderful get-away. Historic (and cheap!) hotels and fried dill pickles anyone?

We had a blast. You will too. Go for it.

[bikerHen]

How many pairs of bike shorts do you take with you, and how do you/do you wash them as you tour? (Trying to figure out what I should be doing for my little ride next month! )

I took two shorts and two jerseys for my week long tour. The best tip I got about laundry, was to wear your bike clothes into the shower with you to wash everything at the same time. I refined this to the following technique when faced with coin operated showers. I use one coin at a time. Start with shorts off and pour soap on them, then get the shorts wet and scrub while rinsing myself with my jersey still on. When time runs out take off the rest of my clothes, soap them up and scrub. When rinse everything and me, with the next coin. When time runs out again, hang up the wet clothes and start scrubing me. Your technique my vary. We had a shower that cost 25 cents per minute and it was the shortest "minute" I ever spent. It took five quarters to get me and my clothes all clean.

Drying the clothes can be more of the issue. If you have good weather, just string up a clothes line to dry them. Don't forget to pack a clothes line and a couple of clothes pins. We had a couple of rainy mist days along the coast so nothing would completely dried overnight. You can A: Hang your clothes off your panniers or trailer to dry, attach well. My sister lost her favorite shirt. Or B: Stop at a laundromat when you pass through a town. Or C: Just wear wool because it doesn't have to be laundred as often. bikerHen

[owlice]

Thanks, bikerHen; I appreciate the info!!

[Tri Girl]

all this talk of touring is making me want to do an over-nighter again- SOON. No more vacation until December, but there's always the weekends...

Thanks for the re-inspiration, ladies. Of to my atlas and gazetteer...