On 31/10/2008, at 7:59 AM, Jon Louis Mann wrote: > The first time I did a bike tour, in 1987, I decided at the last > minute to go do s bikr tour, so I went to REI, bought their new 21 > speed Novara hybrid, and took it to LAX. Air New Zealand was kind > enough not to charge for oversize baggage since the bike was in the > box. > > When I arrived in Auckland I took a bus to the Penny Farthing bike > shop where the owner helped me assemble it. At first i had no idea > how to use the gears and had terrible cramps, but I hung in there, > ate lots of Kiwi fruit and ended up in the best shape since I was in > the Navy. > > We have a facility in Santa Monica called Bikerowave, where they > provide tools and assistance to build your own bike. I'll start > with a 49 or 50 cm aluminum frame and probably go with three gears > and onebrake. I have a long torso and relatively short arms and > legs, so I'll add a short stem to accommodates my 31 inch arms. I > plan to get the same kind of handle bars as on a messenger bike. I > thought about getting a quick release rear hub with a low and medium > gear ratio, but I want to be able to freewheel down those hills. > > I plan to travel as light as possible with a bivouac sac, > lightweight sleeping bag, thermorest, an anorak for when it rains, > cargo shorts and vest with lots of pockets for my ipod, torch, > bicycle tool, spoke wrench, tube repair kit, mirror, and various > items. i haven't decided what i will bring for Internet access.
Interesting. I don't have time to respond right now 'cause I'm just about to hop on my own iron horse to head to work (a mere 7 miles...) but I've got a few comments and suggestions. I'll respond tonight or tomorrow! How long are you planning to be touring? 'cause packing for a two week tour is very different from packing for 10 months on the road! Charlie Who Has Spent Ten Months On The Road Maru _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
