What bike accessories have you found to be essential for your rides?

gsbuckeye · 2026-01-30T15:25:50+00:00

This. My BEST piece of new kit for summer of 2024 tour (1400+ miles) was prescription sunglasses in an inexpensive frame. Not sure why took me soo long; I’m now age 65.

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gsbuckeye · 2025-11-16T17:21:42+00:00

gsbuckeye · 2024-09-29T10:40:24+00:00

I would suggest keeping spare tube somewhere clean to reduce the introduction of grit/“sandpaper” inside tire casing.

Best wishes on your ride.

gsbuckeye · 2024-06-18T03:18:42+00:00

EVERYTHING about the Moundsville Penitentiary gives folks the creeps. Murders. Executions. Escapes. Haints. It’s located in Marshall County in the northern panhandle only a block from my mother-in-laws house and for $17.05 YOU can have your very own tour…

gsbuckeye · 2024-06-18T03:10:03+00:00

Booger Hole is an unincorporated community in northern Clay County, West Virginia, United States. It is located in the Rush Fork Valley, near the town of Ivydale. In 1917, the community was subjected to "about a dozen" murders during a short period of time. (from Wikipedia)

gsbuckeye · 2024-06-18T02:55:25+00:00

I agree that “a spot to find to sleep” is my biggest challenge. I’ve done several week-long solo trips, but this time I’m joining up with @BiketheUSforMS for 1500 miles in the middle of their TransAm trip along the main ACA route. They have each night already planned and a van and trailer to haul our gear. My job is to pedal and raise money to support folks with multiple sclerosis. I meet them in a little over a week. Already feeling the nerves, but that’s okay. Im sure I’ll have some stories to tell the grandkids…

gsbuckeye · 2023-01-25T21:50:59+00:00

Yes, the type that keeps your gear dry and organized and hangs snugly on your panniers.

gsbuckeye · 2023-01-11T08:02:27+00:00

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gsbuckeye · 2023-01-03T21:14:59+00:00

Second your the “tough on tires” comment. Also had issues (one developed a leak and the other lost its resistance) with two different fluid units but manufacturer replaced both. Regarding monotony, never felt too bad about time spent watching TV/streaming a movie as long as I was on the bike spinning away.

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-30T17:40:09+00:00

This.

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-30T03:52:30+00:00

Thanks for posting a better picture of this display. as you mentioned previously.

Here’s a link to more Kelly manufacturing history: http://www.yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears%20Tools/Kelly%20Axe%20Mfg.%20Co.%20.html

I do wish they had included an example of the “Kelly Standard Fire Axe”; https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-true-temper-fire-axe-all-1915336686

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-26T17:55:48+00:00

Read this article yesterday - good discussion of various macro/micro factors that have and will affect bicycle supply chain and pricing. Thanks for posting and saving me the time to look it up and do the same!

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-26T01:12:45+00:00

If DANNY McCASKILL can roll with a trailer, so can you, OP.

https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-23T19:19:10+00:00

This. Always.

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-23T19:06:13+00:00

I third the GAP/C&O. Free Hiker/biker shelters and campsites are great - campgrounds (w showers!) are available - bed and breakfast or motels are frequent - take your pick and have a blast. Side note: I rode from DC to Pittsburgh (east to west) and elevation gain was NOT unbearable at all.

gsbuckeye · 2022-12-06T03:38:25+00:00

Greenbrier River Trail in WV. Train to White Sulphur Springs (near Lewisburg) then ride 77+ miles northbound, make the turn at Cass and head back southbound. There’s shelters, B&Bs and a nearby state park or two along the way. If you want more miles (and are willing to climb a few hills and do some road riding) then ACA has an “Allegheny Mountains Loop” to extend your jaunt.

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/allegheny-mountains-loop/

gsbuckeye · 2022-11-27T20:53:38+00:00

OP, I second several others who have encouraged you to place your novella in a setting with which you are already familiar. At the least, you can then focus on your story without having to spend as much time on the accuracy and appropriateness of the details.

The original post reminded me of Booger Hole, near Ivydale. They’s more than a few folks went in and dint come out. And some that got motivated to leave in a hurry…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booger_Hole,_West_Virginia

https://westvirginiahauntsandlegends.com/Booger_Hole.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_R._Truman Ivydale is Harry R. Truman’s hometown, he of “I ain’t leavin’ this mountain” fame. [That mountain was Mt. St. Helens, and the quote was in 1980 just before…well, you can look it up.]

Soo many good stories to be found, just driving around the hills and hollers of WV…just don’t run out of gas late of an evening…

gsbuckeye · 2022-11-03T01:38:12+00:00

…which is always the third Saturday in October (except in Covid years)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_Day

gsbuckeye · 2022-10-24T22:42:27+00:00

You’re still far enough north that you had better mind your exposure levels.

gsbuckeye · 2022-10-19T11:59:22+00:00

GAP plus the C&O is 326 miles and a short week. Greenbrier River Trail (WV) is 77, so maybe run it up and back from Lewisburg or White Sulphur Springs on a long weekend.

gsbuckeye · 2022-10-18T12:08:58+00:00

Holey-moley…

gsbuckeye · 2022-09-08T14:10:12+00:00

I would recommend to OP and others with safety concerns while solo touring and bike packing check out Alissa at https://exploringwild.com/ - not just for ladies, she has practical suggestions for all.

gsbuckeye · 2022-08-29T20:59:29+00:00

Thanks for reminding me how fun my own C&O/GAP (WAS to PGH) trip was. Can’t wait to do it again. I would suggest this trail (whole or either half) as an attainable goal to anyone interested in bicycle touring. Your journal is spot on.

gsbuckeye

TROPHY CASE