Planning Ahead--Riding the Whole C&O Canal

[7rider]

Withm...Here's a good beach bike for you on the Eastern Shore: http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bik/527350339.html

[Kalidurga]

I ride the C&O on a 'cross bike (drop bars) with either 30c cyclocross tires or 32c semi-slicks that have just a little tread on the sides. Both do just fine, you really don't need to worry about having full-on mtb tires. The main thing is to have enough tread to handle any muddy or gravelly areas you may hit, and to have some cushioning for all the vibration.

Bar ends are definitely a good idea if you do flat bars, though. When I used to ride on my old mtb/hybrid, installing bar ends made a huge difference in increasing my comfort on the towpath.

[withm]

Withm...Here's a good beach bike for you on the Eastern Shore: http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bik/527350339.html

Wow - that's close enough to go and try it, but I'm wavering between the 17 and 20" frames, and well the WSD model is just a little too cute for me I'm afraid. But it's good to know that they are out there.

I felt kind of scrunched up on the regular Trek 7300 in the 17" frame, so tried a 20" in a slightly different model - where I was more stretched out. Seemed more comfortable, but I only rode each one about 5 miles or so. I was liking the 20"

But here's the killer: I got back on my road bike to go home, and there I was all scrunched up again, and now wondering if my frame is a smidge too small. So... the next day I went out and did about 24 miles or so, and raised the seat about 1/4 inch. All was well. But the next morning when I got up my lower back was in spasm and it was all I could do to get out of bed. When I got dresseed I could barely bend over to put my socks on. Copious amounts of Advil and 4 hours of sitting at work perfectly straight and I was fine, but what happened? Now maybe I should put the seat down again, but maybe move it back just a tad, or do something with the bars. Just when I think everything is perfect on my bike I go and mess it up.... lol.

[Zen]

Not all WSD bikes have little flowers on them. it may be just what you need.

And a definite yes to bar ends.

[Cyclesome]

Please keep me in the loop of your plans. Since I teach, Summer would be a better time for me, but Fall is not totally out of the question. I perfer B&B as well and have been considering the trip for some time. Good luck with your panning.

[seizethebay]

Hi all, just joined the forum and lo and behold the trip of my dreams is being discussed. Still have room? I too am a school person so summer works for me.

[Zen]

I guess I have to say this.

Most of us have been here a while and most of us have ridden together at least once.
Because of the nature of the trip we have to be careful who we share information with. No itinerary will be discussed on this forum.

Get to know us, let us get to know you. Ride with one or two of us over the summer. We (me anway) mainly want to know that you're really a female
I think we still have one or two spaces.

[seizethebay]

I appreciate the honest feedback. I have done a couple trips back in the younger day out west and after a week with one who did not fit in..... we were all ready to flatten her tires and leave her behind.
Maybe we can connect during the Goose ride. I am also doing the MS150 in June.
Right now my bike is in storage as I am in the process of moving. I am chomping at the bit as indoor spinning does not cut it. Come on Spring!

[Kalidurga]

We (me anway) mainly want to know that you're really a female

I seem to recall you looking for a man last summer. Are you sure you want to make this ride female-only?

And, y'know, you're running the risk of offending any trans-gender folks out there.









Sorry, couldn't resist

[Zen]

Well, yeah but I'm only looking for a man for about an hour or so

As for transgender, that's cool with me.
As long as the transgenderee ends up sans penis.

[7rider]

Geez.
Ya got me hummin' this now.

[Kalidurga]

Well, yeah but I'm only looking for a man for about an hour or so

If you can find a man who can last...




Sorry, I'm bored at work today My apologies for the thread drift, and to any of our forum gentlemen who may read this.

[HillSlugger]

Better watch this thread drift or it could get censored like the BJ thread

[Kalidurga]

Better watch this thread drift or it could get censored like the BJ thread

I missed that whole thing. All I saw was mention of a thread that had been deleted or something. Thanks for the warning!

[Zen]

we're lucky we can still call ourselves 'weenies".