Tag Archives: bicycle touring

Front Fenders Are Back!

When I bought my trike, I got fenders for it.  Living in Southern California, I found fenders on the trike unnecessary.  It hardly ever rained, and when it did, I did not ride. So shortly after The Pacific Coast Tour, I removed the fenders and I’ve been happy ever since.

Until Florida that is.  Here is Florida it rains.  A lot.  Pretty much every day.  It usually only rains for a few minutes, although it has rained for a few entire days this summer.   If I ride regularly, I will get caught in a rain storm occasionally.  If if I’m not stuck in the rain itself, the water stays on the roads and trails for hours after, so I am always riding through puddles and mud.

So today I dug through the garage, found the fenders and put them back on.  When out for a quick 25 miles.  No problems.  They rattle a little, and one of the bolts came loose part way through the ride.   I tightened everything up and added some Locktite when I got home.  I don’t really like the way they look though – but I’ll probably get used to that.

I’ll keep them on through my tour to St. Augustine, then I decide again if I want to keep them on.

So what do all you folks think?  Fenders, or no?

St. Augustine Equipment List

I’m starting to complete the equipment list for this ride.  Even though this is a relatively short ride, there seems like a lot of stuff to drag along.   I need to decide what I really need.  Where is it all going to fit on the bike?

Continue reading St. Augustine Equipment List

The St. Augustine Plan Starts to Come Together

I’ve Got A Plan!

Well, at least I have a little more clarity on the plan to ride to St. Augustine.   I’ve studied up on the route, and I know where the campgrounds are located.    I have put together a tentative plan for my ride north.  6 days should do it, without too much stress, and no horribly long days.

Continue reading The St. Augustine Plan Starts to Come Together

The Recumbent Gourmet Heads To St. Augustine

You heard it here first!  The Recumbent Gourmet is heading to St. Augustine.  Mike will pack up his trike and ride the approximately 350 miles from Lakewood Ranch to St.Augustine.  Nancy will meet him there, and they will spend a few days of fun and sun together in the United State’s oldest city.

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Second Stop: Solvang, California to Scottsdale, Arizona 687 miles

As we continued our journey across the US, we decided to go to Scottsdale, Arizona.  First of all we have been to Scottsdale before and loved staying there. There were a couple of compelling reasons for us to go back:

  • There is a great bike trail called the Indian Bend Wash Trail
  • Mike loves Posh, an improvisational restaurant we discovered the last time we were in Scottsdale

Continue reading Second Stop: Solvang, California to Scottsdale, Arizona 687 miles

Day 25: Carmel to Monterey (and return)

Tuesday May 1, 2012, 32 miles (51 km)
Total so far: 499 miles (803 km)

Today’s ride takes us from the little village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, to Monterey, including part of the famed 17 Mile Drive. Cars pay a fee of $9.75 for the privilege of cruising this scenic route, but on bicycles we roll in for free!

Continue reading Day 25: Carmel to Monterey (and return)

Day 23 & 24: Mendocino to Carmel to Palo Alto and Then Back to Carmel

Sunday April 29, 2012

Today is a turning point of sorts. Today, we pack up the car and we head south from Mendocino. For this first time on this trip, we are turning back the way we came. Away from the new and unknown and toward home. Away from the spirit of adventure and romance, and back toward reality.

Continue reading Day 23 & 24: Mendocino to Carmel to Palo Alto and Then Back to Carmel

Day 22: Mendocino

Saturday April 28, 2012, 22 miles (35 km)
Total so far: 467 miles (752 km)

Today’s plan is to ride the old logging haul road that run parallel to the Big River for about 8 miles from the beach in Mendocino. It’s only a mile or so from our hotel, so we head out right after breakfast.On the way to the beach we make a quick stop at a turnout on Highway 1 that affords a great view of the beach and the surrounding coastline.

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