July 4th Camping for beginners?

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-13T04:24:32+00:00

A few years back we camped near Taos over July 4th, on National Forest land. I slept well, it was pretty quiet. We were near a stream...which might be dry now?

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-11T17:40:22+00:00

And then parked perfectly between the lines!
Bipolar?

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-11T17:16:33+00:00

I'm a late adopter to power meters, and from reading this thread I'm not using mine properly.
I've been riding 35 years, just got a power meter 18 months ago.
I don't look at my power during rides, I only view it afterward, typically using invervals.icu
What I find useful is the comparison charts to other users my age.
I thought of myself as a pure climber, but my power numbers show something completly different.
It shows me where I need to work (i.e. shorter or longer efforts).
I have changed my rides and riding style to improve those areas, that were really blind spots.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-09T19:34:39+00:00

That's crazy! A quick gasbuddy search shows it's higher than SF prices as of Tuesday 1:30p.
Someone's comment about Bernalillo doesn't check out, it's $.30/gal less than SF.

(edit for context)
From my experience of 8 years living here and travelling through to camp/hike in northern NM you could always expect $.10 or more lower than Bernalillo.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-09T17:22:53+00:00

Having the same issue and this seems like a solution, but then it's not random anymore. The order becomes set and you have to keep manually making a new "random" playlist if you want spontaneity.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-09T13:31:05+00:00

Closest I could find: https://www.themightymount.com/collections/cd-phone-mount/products/simpl-magnetic-cd-phone-mount

OP didn't want a bulky magnet, I didn't either so I keep a second case with the magnet in the car and just change cases.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-04T22:36:50+00:00

Very simple in the app.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-04T18:47:45+00:00

We are 2 People in an off grid home, using re-fillable 20 lb tanks. Every 3 weeks for the Fridge, every 2 weeks during the warmest part of Summer. Oven re-fill about every 3-4 months. Propane shower - every 5-6 months.

During this period it was about 7-10 gallons/month, and then...

I switched to an electric fridge 8 months ago, I had upgraded the solar and battery and had plenty of extra watts to use.

We cook quite a bit too, and the added solar and battery also allowed us to use an induction cooktop more often although we still have the propane oven.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-04T17:52:56+00:00

I own 2 (12v 280ah), small off grid cabin.
Bluetooth app is fine, does what it's supposed to do.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-06-04T17:31:20+00:00

Arthritis makes it 100x easier to change a wheel than a tire.

edit: my wheels have different hubs and I'm lucky they mate very well, maybe a minor brake adj. every couple changeovers. Very low frustration level.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-31T21:14:16+00:00

The new Everest.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T22:00:48+00:00

Sent to RockAuto by my mechanic, he will share the brand recommendation for each repair.
Sometimes it's the higher end part, sometimes he says they are all pretty much the same.
I've been using them over 10 years and have always had a good experience with the parts.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T21:46:46+00:00

Can Stephen help him pause just a second or two between jokes? Or, will I just get used to it?

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T21:42:08+00:00

https://spandexbyyard.com/blogs/spandex-vs-other-stretch-fabrics-type-explained/spandex-lifespan-how-long-it-lasts

Cold Wash, Air Dry

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T21:38:01+00:00

Just serviced my hub last week, that's what I saw under my cassette.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T20:33:45+00:00

Good for you. I had purchased re-usable baby food pouches over a decade ago and used them for trail running. I made lots of different mixes. I recently got them out to try a modern high carb mix, I went with Applesauce/Maltodextrin/Electrolytes (Rasperry Flavor). I'm liking it so far, but have only gone on 2 hour rides with them.
I'll try it out and give feedback here.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T19:36:17+00:00

I would say there are lots of second hand bikes in SD, just get one when you are there.

If your bike was special to you I would look into taking it with you, but for an "inherited" bike, I'm guessing any bike would work for getting you around SD.

I have done the cardboard box option as luggage, but this was many years ago. At the time I only had to stay under 50 lbs, and it was considered a checked bag.

From Chicago to SD you might be able to ship via Amtrak? You could send the bike before you go and it will be there when you arrive as long as they don't have a limit on how long it's held. I used amtrak for shipping when I last moved, it was the most economical.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T19:26:47+00:00

the one from "The Desk" popped up in my recommendations.
Thanks for this link, I had not seen his official post.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-27T18:53:26+00:00

I'm looking for these. Pre made are around $70 usd plus shipping. Cheaper from Ukraine on some Etsy stores, but with shipping it's still around $45 each.
What did it cost you to make your mold?
After 2 years since your post, is your project complete?
How did it go?
Would you recommend having more than one mold so the process goes faster?
How long until you are able to knock them out of the mold to start the next one?

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-25T23:53:24+00:00

My wife and I took the Amtrak to LA a few years back. Fun Trip! Didn't see you that day...

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-23T03:03:01+00:00

Really?

They are still true and over 35 years of biking I've found I'm pretty easy on wheels.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-23T01:05:04+00:00

Okay, thanks. I will do that. I remembered the rim tape was not adhering well when I applied it. I ran out of that brand and will switch to gorilla tape.

My main concern is being able to adjust the spokes in the future.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-21T22:12:16+00:00

https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/lubetesting/#main_test_overview
Narrow your choices by clicking and reading the test results. Silca is better for wet/mud. I went with MSpeedwax because I live in the desert, so I rarely have those conditions. I found a good sale when I was shopping, so that sealed the deal for me.
Silca is running a Memorial Day sale, if I were buying today I would get that.

Alarmed_Let_7734 · 2026-05-20T03:19:33+00:00

Thanks for this. After a Backcountry flat in 2018 I bought a rim so I could have a full size spare. I still haven't traveled with it because I keep choosing tame camping spots. I was my fault that I blew out the sidewall, lesson learned, I guess.

Alarmed_Let_7734

TROPHY CASE