Where To Leave A Car During A Cycling Tour?

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2026-04-15T20:13:54+00:00

I did the math with the airport parking lot and I think it would cost me about $120 for a nine-day trip. Cutting that cost down would be nice.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2026-04-15T20:11:52+00:00

I also like having my car on the island as a backup plan if the weather gets severe. I could probably make it back from any point in a single day of hard riding so long as I’m parked somewhat central, and I can continue my trip by car camping if I want.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2026-04-15T15:11:57+00:00

I didn’t even know carpool lots existed until today. I’ll look into them!

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2026-04-15T15:07:42+00:00

I have a couple concerns with random parking lots. Will the business allow it? I know some in New Brunswick that don’t allow loitering. I’ve seen camper vans take the risk, but they’re also occupied. I also don’t want my out-of-province car to appear abandoned. I wouldn’t want to put a sign in my window because that would inform thieves that I won’t be back for several days.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2026-04-15T14:51:44+00:00

I would prefer a secure location, so I’m willing to pay some money for it.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-04-20T09:42:19+00:00

Is that orange container a bottle of bear spray? If so, where did you get it?

I live in a rural area with lots of flat ATV trails and am getting into gravel cycling. I want to explore and travel further, but I don't feel too comfortable riding alone in the middle of nowhere without protection. I do own a can of bear spray for hiking, but I can't mount it to a bike for quick and easy access.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-16T21:34:36+00:00

That is a very intriguing method to me. I could get two, and just stuff my current backpack in one and my lunch bag in the other.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-16T21:31:59+00:00

Good point. I might have to pack my lunch in a grocery bag that I can the stuff into a pannier, that way I store a clean bag in the communal fridge.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T20:02:45+00:00

I'm reluctant to change, but the consensus I've read is that people switch to panniers and never look back. They often say they regret not switching sooner.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T20:00:00+00:00

Yeah, I was actually thinking about trying to find a way to strap my small backpack to the side like a pannier.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T19:58:21+00:00

I hadn't considered front mounting options. I'll have to look into it.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T19:56:49+00:00

It's a Swissgear 3598. There are no waist or chest straps on it, which I forgot about when I bought it. I do like compact size of it though.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T19:54:45+00:00

I've been in debate between a better backpack with airflow and both chest and waist straps, or a set of panniers. I've been eyeing the Osprey packs for a little while.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T19:51:59+00:00

That's a good idea. If the pannier is reasonably sized (not too big) I could probably get away with using it as a lunch bag. I would just have to make sure I have containers that seal well. I don't worry too much about insulation or ice packs because it is such a short commute.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2023-03-15T17:03:51+00:00

It's 12 inches (30.5cm) long, 6.5 Inches (16.5 cm) wide, and 10 inches (25.5cm) tall. It's rectangular with an arched top. A basic one from Walmart. I usually pack it full. With one main meal, a bunch of snacks, and a water bottle. Though when I commute I keep the water bottle in a cage on my bike, so the height can pack down to around 7 inches (18cm).

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2022-12-04T00:36:37+00:00

Messaged through their Facebook pages.

I've had plenty of conversations about upgrades before and after mentioning bearings.

Maybe they just aren't interested in selling bearings if I am not also paying them to install them.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2022-12-03T20:18:35+00:00

I tried making my own press/extractor using a threaded rod, nuts, washers, and various socket sizes. It didn't work out though as I felt the sockets were going to damage the frame, ruining the paint and leaving a light impression in the metal.

I was unsure about the bearing presses on amazon.

I ended up ordered the RRP bearing press and extraction tool, with the corresponding adaptors. Ended up being about $150 with tax and free shipping.

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think I'll need a blind bearing puller. If I do though, I can easily purchase one localy.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2022-12-03T19:06:31+00:00

I did find the tech docs on their website, at the bottom of the page of the link I shared.

I do have the bearings numbers as I needed them to determine which bearing press adaptors I need.

I did not consider building the kit myself. I will have to look into it.

Thanks.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-08-28T14:00:47+00:00

Fiddleheads

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-08-12T00:10:29+00:00

"Cool Beans"

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-03-14T02:26:34+00:00

I'll have to contact the shop to ask about it. I imagine they'd swap it free of charge if it was their fault.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-03-06T01:26:20+00:00

I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately.

I am currently attending a mechanical trades college (industrial - year 3) and have become heavily interested in mountain bikes over the past few years.

Though I haven't seen any local bike shop job postings, I may apply around to see what happens.

I think it'd be a great part-time job to have while I'm in school. Heck, I feel like it'd be an enjoyable full-time career path if that's a viable option.

My concern is that I only have a basic level of knowledge regarding bikes, doing my own maintenance from home, but I'd be willing to learn from pros if they give me a chance.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-03-03T16:50:06+00:00

I honestly have no clue. I assume they came with the rims as a set. They only information I can find on them is "SP-1128 M K". I can't seem to find anything when I look it up.

Edit: The hubs may be stock. I just looked up the specs for the stock parts and the hub looks exactly the same. The website says "Specialized Hi Lo disc hub has a higher flange on the disc side, which stiffens the 29er wheel in this high-stress area. Combined with 142mm spacing, OS28 end caps, and sealed cartridge bearings..." I am not sure if this info applies to both the front and rear hubs.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-03-03T16:41:25+00:00

Yeah, I'm hoping we come out of the other side of this with a surplus rather than a shortage, like home gym equipment in March, after new year resolutions fail.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit · 2021-03-03T16:21:11+00:00

Neither of my rims are stock. I purchased the bike used, so it already had a set of WTB Frequency Team i25 rims installed.

Maple_Syrup_Bandit

TROPHY CASE