The overnight bike camping trip tried to happen, but didn't

[Tri Girl]

Thanks! The wind was demoralizing. I mean, we have wind all the time in OK, but 50 miles of it just sucked the life force out of me. Such is spring in OK. At some points we were pedaling as hard as we could and were only doing 6 mph on a FLAT road.

We were glad we weren't in any danger from the fires. My friend had tried putting a rack on her nice road bike for this trip- and since her bike doesn't have any braze-ons, she had to put the rack on with padded p-clamps. She found online directions and did it. The rack she bought on eBay was a piece of junk. The metal bent and it broke under the weight. If she'd gone with a better rack, I think it would have been fine. The p-clamps worked well, except that one rubbed the paint off her seatstay. She was cursing herself and wishing she'd just bought a child trailer instead (or a better rack). It was her first attempt at touring and she liked it, despite the mechanical issues. Live and learn.

OTOH- my Bianchi Eros that I built up a few months ago performed FLAWLESSLY while fully loaded. That thing is a tank and handled like a dream. I was very pleased in the gearing I chose and the components I put on it. I can't wait to take it out for a tour again! I found out my front tire has a huge gash in it, I'm assuming from walking on the gravel for 3 miles.
My DH frowns upon me traveling alone (he worries about my safety/vulnerability- much more than me) so I have to have someone to do things with. Otherwise I'd be out doing sub24 hour tours every other weekend.

[lph]

The campground was on FIRE? Helluva'n excuse to get picked up

I love zoos too..

[redrhodie]

The rack she bought on eBay was a piece of junk. The metal bent and it broke under the weight. If she'd gone with a better rack, I think it would have been fine.

When I got my rack, I asked my lbs guy how much weight it could take, and he said a basic rule of thumb is one dollar per lb.

I have a habit of thinking up bike movie plots, and a fire in the campground could be good.

[Tri Girl]

When I got my rack, I asked my lbs guy how much weight it could take, and he said a basic rule of thumb is one dollar per lb.

Then her rack could only hold about 11 lbs. No wonder it bent.

Fire in the campground. Stupid people. The news said it was someone who started a campfire. Even tho we are in the most severe drought we've had since the Dust Bowl of the 20's, there is a burn ban in 70 counties in the state, and there are signs all over the campground warning of no fires.
Again: stupid people!!!!

[oz rider]

Good try! Trips like that are the stuff of memories.

[Catrin]

I think you and your friend did an awesome job! 50 miles with that kind of wind!?! Both of you rock!

Glad you weren't in danger from the fires, and hope there isn't any real damage to your friend's bike...

[Desert Tortoise]

Great adventures make the best stories

[Dog]

Sounds like you have found a good friend to "tour" with considering she said she had fun despite the wind, mechanical problems and a fire. My husband feels the same as yours - he doesn't like me out there by myself either.