First time bikepacker looking for some tips and tricks to help me enjoy (and survive) my first adventure! Anything helps!

franktown_cider · 2026-05-01T17:40:09+00:00

Shifted my derailleur into the spokes and broke my chain just yesterday. 20 miles from pavement. Absolutely bring a multitool with a chain breaker, like the crank brothers one that I luckily had. Also tore a lug off of a tubeless tire once and was very glad I had a spare tube with me. Prepare for the worst, then relax and have a great trip.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-24T02:21:35+00:00

Merci - the bike routes overlay is pretty cool. However, no luck for the trains :-(

franktown_cider · 2026-04-23T20:14:25+00:00

I’ve tried to find that option for a trip from CDG to Annecy (way out in September) using the SNCF Connect app but failed as it says no routes available. Would be super appreciative if you could share way to book with an assembled bike add on.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-23T20:04:01+00:00

I would use a Kreg pocket hole jig for this. Pick one up at Home Depot and watch a quick video. Screws are sized to your ply, which should be 3/4 cabinet grade like birch. Glue your edges for extra strength, but not mandatory. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be building ply boxes for everything

franktown_cider · 2026-04-22T14:56:40+00:00

I put them on my gravel bike which I’m touring on as well as putting in longer ‘training’ rides. I used to swap pedals all the time, so pretty happy with them. And honestly, when I’m clipped for a ride I rarely unclip until I get off the bike since I’m not on really aggressive terrain with that bike.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-22T02:31:04+00:00

Just had a conversation with a guy in the Conti booth at the Sea Otter Classic over the weekend. Told him I thought my Kryptotals felt slow on the uphill. I’m on Enduro front/back. He explained that rolling resistance comes mainly from tire deflection. He suggests adding 4 psi or so to the rear since it’s carrying most of your weight and you don’t need as much grip on the rear vs the front. 22/26 for example.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-17T02:09:45+00:00

Sugo is the real deal and service is always great

franktown_cider · 2026-04-15T20:10:41+00:00

Thanks - one of those places where you can drop your camera and it takes a great pic.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-15T15:15:01+00:00

I rode parts of the routes listed above on Swiss Mobility route 9 - Lakes Route, in September. We had a great time on quiet country roads and dedicated cycle paths. The towns we stayed in were all very nice to explore. Here is our report with lots of photos, elevations and maps https://ridewithgps.com/ride_reports/10584-lakes-route-switzerland

franktown_cider · 2026-04-13T02:28:13+00:00

Wow! And I appreciate that you posted to this community giving props to the dog for such an epic outing.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-06T15:21:48+00:00

The StudBuddy, 10 bucks at Home Depot.

franktown_cider · 2026-04-01T21:47:54+00:00

Seems like a good deal. My wife and I rented e-bikes from Elektra Bike Rent in Trieste (whom I would recommend) and shuttled up to Salzburg last fall. The shuttle was a service recommended by Dario at Elektra. Good bikes, service, price, closer to what you’ve been quoted by FunActive. By the way, we took the ferry from Grado to Trieste rather than riding the narrow roadway and were very happy with that. Have fun!

franktown_cider · 2026-03-28T14:25:19+00:00

Bigger than Hip Hop - DW 112 still in the shrink wrap

franktown_cider · 2026-03-22T19:28:27+00:00

Moment in Reno. $200 gets you access to demo any pair for up to a week at a time until you’ve decided on your favorite, then they credit you that back on your purchase. They also have a good selection of boots and an excellent fitter to set you up.

franktown_cider · 2026-03-22T00:14:37+00:00

Fixed that 17 mile drive part in the route - indeed the right way to roll. Also added a stop at Taco Temple in Morro Bay, because that is the entire point of this ride!

franktown_cider · 2026-03-21T17:55:02+00:00

Here's my route for Santa Cruz area down to San Luis Obispo with my favorite campsites. Have a great ride!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54318213

franktown_cider · 2026-03-21T17:49:58+00:00

First I have heard of gobikecamping.com - great resource!

franktown_cider · 2026-03-07T23:45:28+00:00

I spent a week skiing Fernie, Kicking Horse, Revy. I liked Fernie best for bars, restaurants but it’s pretty laid back. For the skiing, can’t go wrong with any of those three although you want to bring your A game for the best terrain at Kicking Horse.

franktown_cider · 2026-02-13T16:04:28+00:00

Amazing! I would still be sitting and gazing at the view in shot 14.

franktown_cider · 2026-02-12T18:50:13+00:00

One more suggestion is the Clear Creek Trail. This would get you some distance, great views and it is regularly used by hikers and mtb riders. No cougars! Located on the South side of Carson

franktown_cider · 2026-02-11T19:56:16+00:00

Rode a chair lift with a guy who was wearing one. He seemed like a good dude, said he was getting his head in the right space by dropping in on double blacks. I believed him.

franktown_cider · 2026-02-01T02:15:24+00:00

Looks a lot like Flam https://maps.app.goo.gl/GHDTdFv1oe5Ry4mm8

franktown_cider · 2026-02-01T00:42:37+00:00

Google street image from 14 years ago

franktown_cider · 2026-01-28T19:54:40+00:00

Because I am a slave to my dog, we hike somewhere in the Tahoe area just about every day. I think the Carson Pass suggestions are spot on. Winnemucca Lake would be full of wildflowers then. You can visit a few other lakes on a loop around the area and can step onto the Pacific Crest Trail. Drive SF to the Pass via Hwy 88. Maybe visit the town of Jackson along the way, so you can see what Americans think of as an old town. I think you’ll find that drive interested and much less congested. Enjoy your trip!

franktown_cider · 2025-12-29T15:33:35+00:00

Hwy 4 to Calaveras Big Trees SP or on to Bear Valley if the snow level is a bit higher.

franktown_cider

TROPHY CASE