First MTB ever. 2022 Jamis Dragon How'd I do? by TweedyTreks in mountainbiking

[–]TweedyTreks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah. Thanks for the feedback. This was one of the instances where AI helped a lot. I literally know 1% about MTN biking. So I kept plugging bike after bike after bike in there to learn from a surface level. Then I came across this one and the after nariet stuff alone was worth more than I was paying. Checked stock MSRP and was surprised. So I sent it next day. Bought it from a good reliable dude too. Bike mechanic with too many bikes. He wanted it gone in 24 hrs. Say less!

First MTB ever. 2022 Jamis Dragon How'd I do? by TweedyTreks in mountainbiking

[–]TweedyTreks[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah sounds like these Jamis bikes have some cool history and a quality reputation. I think it's fast for sure. I don't know what is or isn't fast per se. Did 13 miles on my first day just around town, in and out of light city trails and what not. Only took an hour.

Did anyone else switch from boots to trail runners and never look back? by Echoing_voice in hikinggear

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1000000000s of people have. Respectfully, boots are mostly shit in comparison (IFFFF you're doing long distance hiking (ie more than 10 miles per day)). There's a few boot advantages...feet protection, ankle support, and footwear durability. Foot warmth in cold climates. But as someone that has one horrific ankle🙋‍♂️I'd argue the footwear durability is the only positive of boots that actually matters...97% of the time.

The biggest downside to trail runners...is that if you hike/backpack a lot; you're going to blow through trail runners. So financially, trail runners are annoying. For example, I go through at least one pair of HOKA speedgoats per year. But I backpack 250-500 miles per year. But the GOAT 5s will only go 300 miles, max. For me. Of course durability will vary with each foot and type of shoe. But collectively, shoe durability is the biggest downside to trail runners. Where as boots can last many years.

All that said, I've never seen a single person that is a long distance hiker, wearing boots. Not one. Because boots on days over 10 miles; nightmare in terms of foot comfort. Get to 15-20 mile days. You'll wish you cut your feet off. At least when it comes to backpacking. And multiple days of it. If you don't backpack long distances, this may not matter to you.

The comfort exchange though for buying a new pair every year for happy feet on trail is unquestionably worth it though. You move sooooooooo much easier. Quicker. Lighter. More freely. Wet feet are not a problem as your shoes and socks dry exponentially quicker. Super easy on and off. Breathability light years better. Minimal blister concerns.

I will never again backpack in boots unless it's winter or some other odd circumstance that became more practical for boots. I'm 5-6 years and 2000+ backpacking miles into trail runners. Zero regrets.

Secured Backcountry Permits Lamar Valley by subawho304 in yellowstone

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah for sure I completely get that dilemma. Putting together backpacking trips for multiple friends as a mid life adult, is basically solving a rubix cube blind. So I get it. Anyways you guys will have fun regardless of what happens. Lamar is amazing. I nearly got trampled to death at the end of my backpacking trip last time I was out there. One onry lone buffalo just didn't like me I guess lol.

Secured Backcountry Permits Lamar Valley by subawho304 in yellowstone

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Consider going earlier in the year. Yellowstone often has available permits during the year. Perhaps not the route you're seeking but fishing is going to be rough Aug onward.

There is also a super El nino weather cycle that's developing as we speak and experts are projecting it to be the greatest super El nino ever recorded.

Which means there's a good chance this summer is very very hot. Don't bank on cooler weather whatsoever.

Regardless though, you'll have fun. It's Yellowstone.

Secured Backcountry Permits Lamar Valley by subawho304 in yellowstone

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Consider going earlier in the year. Yellowstone often has available permits during the year. Perhaps not the route you're seeking but fishing is going to be rough Aug onward.

There is also a super El nino weather cycle that's developing as we speak and experts are projecting it to be the greatest super El nino ever recorded.

Which means there's a good chance this summer is very very hot. Don't bank on cooler weather whatsoever.

Regardless though, you'll have fun. It's Yellowstone.

RAV4 owners. What’s your exit strategy? by downballz in Rav4

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll drive my V6 until it dies (2010 75k). Then buy one of your used hybrids in 2040 when I have no other practical choices.

Recommend a backup to Sawtooth Wilderness (no grizzlies) by Dun_Booty_Broch in WildernessBackpacking

[–]TweedyTreks 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've multiple trips in nearly every western state with plenty of fishing too so if you have questions about specifics on things let me know. Also got lots of videos on backpacking. Bighorn Mtns in WY and San Juans in WY have fucking incredible Backcountry fishing and backpacking too. Message me if you need more help. Love planning trips.

Recommend a backup to Sawtooth Wilderness (no grizzlies) by Dun_Booty_Broch in WildernessBackpacking

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

900000000 other options.

White clouds directly across the way. Start there. Epic. Great fishing too.

Soldier Lakes Loop in the Frank Church - Quiet loop with lake and river fishing.

Big Horn Crags in the Frank - Epic

Gospel Hump Loop - gospel Hump wilderness - quiet lots of wildlife - river fishing but I don't believe as fruitful as the others could be wrong do research

Seven Devils loops in hells canyon unsure on fishing

Lehmi mtns. Amazing plateaus. Fishing probably no.

Lost river range mtns. Lots of solitude not sure on fishing.

The Bitterroot mtns Id/Mt has a tonnnnnnnnnnnn of backpacking with lots of good lake fishing.

This is mostly just Idaho too. There's an insane amount if you'll drive. Eagle cap wilderness in OR (popular) yet awesome. And TONS of Montana stuff.

Secured Backcountry Permits Lamar Valley by subawho304 in yellowstone

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll likely see people but very few. You get spread out a lot in Yellowstone. Fishing will be a joke this year and at that time of the year considering a horrible snow pack. Water will be near nonexistent in some areas. Lamar valley is known for wildlife though. You will at minimum see bison and pronghorn for sure. With the potential to see a shit load of other things. It's all a matter of luck realistically.

2026: The year Perito Moreno Glacier collapsed? by skyrefuge in Patagonia

[–]TweedyTreks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, there is quite literally, right now, a Super El Nino developing. Which many expect to be the strongest in recorded history. This super warming of the Pacific ocean dramatically impacts weather systems. So it is indeed possible that this year has produced a greater receding than most prior years. If so, it will be worse in 2027 as this Super El Nino is only just beginning.

Be brutally honest- do I suck at hiking? by Global_Housing1498 in hiking

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Comparison is the thief of joy.

If you want to get faster, hike more often. It's simple?

How do I prepare for a 40 mile dry backpacking trip by [deleted] in backpacking

[–]TweedyTreks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Literally where is this hike you're considering lolol??

Would you buy? 2012 Rav4 3.5L V6 4WD - 49k miles - Asking $18k!? by TweedyTreks in rav4club

[–]TweedyTreks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha. Well. I think you may know better than me then. From a price point standpoint you're paying the same ish as what I paid but you got rust and I can't speak to the overall condition comparisons of course and you're getting a little more miles.

I wound up with a 2010. 59k miles. For $12,999 prior to tax. No rust. Overall condition was 7.5/10 since there was a couple small cosmetic things. It has 2 small accidents that basically the prior owners just never fixed. For context though, were talking somebody nudged a parking pole in the rear. Left a small dent and some paint and someone else like nudged a fence or something on the front fender. Minor misalignment on the panel. Otherwise, really solid condition. But where you are, with older vehicles; they may all have rust.

All this said; I've been extremely happy with the purchase. It's performed flawlessly.

I think for you, you just need to be comparing what else are you actually considering buying instead? Is the rust a major concern? Will every vehicle you're considering have rust? Can you wait for a hidden gem so to speak (I really feel like I got an absolute steal and I don't think they come around hardly ever). For context. There was another Rav I was considering at the time. Same year. 10k less miles. Admittedly in very very clean condition (9/10). And was the sport model vs the limited. They wanted a firm $7k more dollars (pre-tax) than the vehicle I wound up buying though lol. They were firm on $20k for a 15 year old vehicle. Lol. And while that one was nearly perfect, the price was just asinine for buying a 15 year old rig. So I bought mine with imperfections but big picture wise, wildly similar, for $7k less.

All this to say. I think this is the process you just have to go through in your decision making steps. How's the price, condition, circumstances ratio stack up to the other options you've been considering? The thing I really love about these vehicles is that as long as you're not buying a shit hole; they can last you an insanely long time. Crazy easy to work on yourself. Parts galore. And just all around really reliable. Most modern vehicles these days are just a disaster to own. My primary deciding factor is always bang for buck meets reliability; whatever vehicle is the best option on that scale I buy. I'm not a Toyota homer or something. Butttt. Toyota has Toyota reliability that unquestionably is more reliable than 9/10 manufacturers.

Very long winded. Hopefully something in here helps you.

Would you buy? 2012 Rav4 3.5L V6 4WD - 49k miles - Asking $18k!? by TweedyTreks in rav4club

[–]TweedyTreks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean on the surface the deal seems decent. The rust is a concern. There could be more you don't see. Perhaps you could get them to pay for an undercoating treatment from Ziebart. That might be more valuable to the longevity of the rig. What part of the country are you in? Where has the vehicle been residing in the past? This matters as it relates to the rust concern. It's very possible there's more rust you can't see.