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

[Tri Girl]

Thanks, everyone! We did have a good time- despite the challenges!!!

I talked to my friend last night.
She went ahead and bought a $150 Tubus rear rack that has a carrying capacity of 80 lbs, fits on her rear skewer (since she has no eyelets) and will NOT break down. She said a month ago she would NEVER have spent that much, but after breaking down in the middle of nowhere, she doesn't mind spending the money and has learned her lesson- you get what you pay for.
Her last rack was aluminum, cost $11 and was held onto the frame with padded p-clamps (which was a good idea, but it just couldn't handle the weight- and one of the rubber deals fell out and scratched her beautiful racing frame to the bare metal).

The fact that she's still comitted after that fateful introduction to touring has me psyched!!! I can't wait to do it again!!!

[moderncyclista]

Thanks, everyone! We did have a good time- despite the challenges!!!

I talked to my friend last night.
She went ahead and bought a $150 Tubus rear rack that has a carrying capacity of 80 lbs, fits on her rear skewer (since she has no eyelets) and will NOT break down. She said a month ago she would NEVER have spent that much, but after breaking down in the middle of nowhere, she doesn't mind spending the money and has learned her lesson- you get what you pay for.
Her last rack was aluminum, cost $11 and was held onto the frame with padded p-clamps (which was a good idea, but it just couldn't handle the weight- and one of the rubber deals fell out and scratched her beautiful racing frame to the bare metal).

The fact that she's still comitted after that fateful introduction to touring has me psyched!!! I can't wait to do it again!!!

Oh, I have been there.

My factory Trek's Bontrager rack broke with 20 lbs on it. (Rated for 50lbs.) the damage was intense. (The rack fell onto the wheel while I was biking effectively clamping the wheel at high speed. I still have scars on my left elbow from where I went down. )

Everything was fixed and replaced for free by Trek. My next rack purchase will definitely be welded steel. Steel forever. In my bicycles and in my racks.

[Tri Girl]

I still have scars on my left elbow from where I went down. )

HOLY COW!!!!!

Hers just rubbed against the tire for about 2 miles. I noticed I kept dropping her and thought "what is wrong with her." She finally stopped and realized it was rubbing. The tire had rubbed the medal totally smooth and flattened it out where it had been rounded. I'm glad it didn't make her tire explode- or worse- what happened to YOU! Eek!!! So sorry that happened to you. Crazy!!


Oh- and I *LOVE*the Jim Malusa quote in your signature!