Across America with the ABC's John Shovelan

Quoted message said:

Originally posted by cfsmtb
ABC correspondent John Shovelan begins his 4,800-kilometre >bicycle journey across the US.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/acrossamerica

This is the bike journey blog I am currently reading: http://www.crazyg
uyonabike.com/journal/?opts=300&doc_id=339&mtime=2004051415371

(TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/2gcvw

It's kinda scary. This guy is close to my age and he's left everythin
to ride his singlespeed all over the states, visiting friends, visitin
Mexico, visiting bike shows, visiting races..

Makes me wonder what the hell I'm doing sitting in an office all day..

hipp

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cfsmtb said:

This is amazing,

Curiosity question. Can people explain why it is amazing?
You do realise that people are doing this all the time?

"Terry Collins" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

cfsmtb said:

This is amazing,

Curiosity question. Can people explain why it is amazing?
You do realise that people are doing this all the time?

People are crossing America by bicycle on 8 cents a day all the time? Who
knew?

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Terry Collins said:

Curiosity question. Can people explain why it is amazing? You do realise
that people are doing this all the time?

Odd response Terry, thought you were a cyclist into the great outdoors
into touring et al. I thought it was a well designed site, plenty o
planning etc, wide coverage on the ABC site and it would inspire peopl
to plan their own trips

Rather discouraging when cyclists become fashionably cynical about thei
own kind. Suppose I should stop putting high priority on plans for th
2007 PBP, everyone does it so who cares. :rolleyes

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cfsmtb said:

I should stop putting high priority on plans for the 2007 PBP, everyone
does it so who cares. 🙄

whoah! respect

on a SS, per-chance to dream

or maybe a HelloKitty touring special..

When the kids are gone and wif and I become the grey nomads, I dream o
going around Oz/World with support vehicle to catch up to me ever
morning..

A big Winnebago with sick sound system, comfy bed and some Grateful Dea
or Tool to tune out to. Now, back to the desk job..

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cfsmtb said:

Terry Collins said:

Curiosity question. Can people explain why it is amazing? You do realise
that people are doing this all the time?

Odd response Terry, thought you were a cyclist into the great outdoors &
into touring et al. I thought it was a well designed site, plenty of
planning etc, wide coverage on the ABC site and it would inspire people
to plan their own trips.

Okay, perhaps my question could have been better phrased. I have a
professional (business?) interest in understanding what motivates people
to put bum on seat and go bicycle touring.

Yes, it is great to have bicycle touring featured on such a high profile
sit as the ABC. Even better that it shows that you don't need a tent,
etc to go bicycle touring (although difficult in Australia). and
asolutely fscking fantastic that it is NOT another bloody charity ride.
(I even get asked which charity I am riding for when I am commuting).

Quoted message said:

Rather discouraging when cyclists become fashionably cynical about their
own kind.

ROFL, me, fashion and bicycles. Nothing further from the truth. My main
cycling clobber was king gee shorts, cotton shorts and sandals and lets
not talk about what my frame looks like. I've rolled my own in just
about everything. One day I'll make my own frame.

Quoted message said:

Suppose I should stop putting high priority on plans for the
2007 PBP,

Did his site encourage you to keep thinking about it.

As I said, why do you see it as good?

Even roadie opinions (hawk, spit foul tase {:-) are better than having
to deal with "we are trying to develop bicycle products and services and
brand them with the town" as I recently had on the telephone.

On the otherhand, perhaps you roadies would take to something that
involved coaching, a leg wax and sauna {:-).

flyingdutch wrote:

....snip.....

Quoted message said:

When the kids are gone and wif and I become the grey nomads, I dream of
going around Oz/World with support vehicle to catch up to me every
morning...

Gambling huh?
My only advice is not to wait. Once the kids finish their education or
even start their tertiary education, you should consider going. Once you
become a parent, health can be a bit of a gamble.

Quoted message said:

A big Winnebago with sick sound system, comfy bed and some Grateful Dead
or Tool to tune out to. Now, back to the desk job...

Yep, it was the desk job that got me. Two nights of tests in hospital
and "congratulations, here is your companion for life. Just plug it into
the power point each night". Not too many of those where I like to tour.

Terry Collins said:

On the otherhand, perhaps you roadies would take to something that
involved coaching, a leg wax and sauna {:-).

Ahahaha, moi, a roadie?!? Sorry you've got no idea how funny that is
Roadie? More like small womble....making good use of the things that w
find, things that the everyday folks leave behind

Why do I like the site? Because I enjoy reading about cycling bein
portrayed positively in the mainstream media . A pluralist approach i
certainly preferable to the [censored] served up by idiots like Neil Mitchel
and Stan Zemanek

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Terry Collins said:

Once the kids finish their education or even start their tertiary
education, you should consider going. Once you become a parent, health
can be a bit of a gamble.

That's the plan/dream

As for the last sentence, tell me about it

In 10 years of working I had taken one sick day (refer broken ar
comments in other thread) but with the rugrats bringing home everythin
but bubonic plague, I have never had so many colds/flu's/sniffles. An
they want pocket money? Haah! Go get a paper round! When I was a lad
blah, blah..

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Quoted message said:

Originally posted by flyingdutch And they want pocket money? Haah! G
get a paper round! When I was a lad, blah, blah..

I would've killed for a paper round when I was a kid, but we lived ou
of town :

Nowadays it'll be some guy in a car delivering papers because it'
'quicker' or because it's too dangerous for kids to ride bikes with paper
baskets (not baskets made of paper!) on the front or they'll ge
abducted, or.. blah, sook, precious bubble-wrapped children.. cit
people.. pfft! (I'm tired, does it show?

On a more thread-related note.

How feasable/stupid would it be to ride from Melbourne to Mildura i
August? It's about 600k and I know as much about bike touring as I d
about knitting (and for all the doubters, that's 3/8ths of bugge
all..). I imagine it would be long, boring, cold, wet and probably cos
more in accomodation/gear than driving up there.. but it would b
different :

hipp

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Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I would've killed for a paper round when I was a kid, but we
lived out of town 🙁

Yeah, I actually delivered papers to the house I now own (well ,the ba
kowns most of it!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

How feasable/stupid would it be to ride from Melbourne to Mildura i
August? It's about 600k and I know as much about bike touring as I d
about knitting (and for all the doubters, that's 3/8ths of bugge
all..). I imagine it would be long, boring, cold, wet and probabl
cost more in accomodation/gear than driving up there.. but it would b
different :

What kind of distance is it? Oh, kill that query... you could split i
into 3 or 4 days i guess (4 or more would be friendlier and less lik
hard work tho)

You could just YHA it or gets rooms at the local pubs along th
way, just carrying maybe light sleeping bag, and a change o
clothes (trackies and Tshirt and fleecy maybe?) if carrying ten
etc is a big deal

Maybe even do an alternative like Train it up to [censored] (or up from ou
West - Nhill or thereabouts???) and go across/up from there. Must b
flatter and less traffic dodging from there too..

That way you could do it in a day or 2 if time is limite

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Quoted message said:

Originally posted by flyingdutch you could split it into 3 or 4 days
guess (4 or more would be >friendlier and less like hard work tho)

I don't think I could do 3 days of back-to-back 200k's. I mean, if
started it, I'd probably finish it, but I wouldn't want to plan aroun
doing that sort of distance. e.g. the day after ATB, the last thing
want to do is ride

Quoted message said:

You could just YHA it or gets rooms at the local pubs along the >way
just carrying maybe light sleeping bag, and a change of >clothe
(trackies and Tshirt and fleecy maybe?) if carrying tent >etc is
big deal

I don't really know how much accom. is available along the way. Close t
Melb. wouldn't be a problem but getting towards Mildura gets prett
empty as far as towns go. Freecamping(?) sounds like a cool idea
Problem with that is: where do I shower? what do I do when it start
pissing down? how cold will it be in August outside?

Quoted message said:

Maybe even do an alternative like Train it up to [censored] (or up >from ou
West - Nhill or thereabouts???) and go across/up from there. Must b
flatter and less traffic dodging from there too..

Hmm.. I gotta look at some maps! I've got to be the most travelled
least geographically knowledgable person ever! :

ta! hipp

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hippy wrote:

....snip.....

Quoted message said:

I don't really know how much accom. is available along the way. Close to
Melb. wouldn't be a problem but getting towards Mildura gets pretty
empty as far as towns go.

Since I am in NSW, I use the NRMA guides, which cover all states. about
$15 each (?, 2 accommodation and caravan & camping). They don't change
much, so you can get a decade out of them.

Quoted message said:

Freecamping(?) sounds like a cool idea.

To camp, all you need is a string and large sheet of plastic and wear
all your clothes to sleep in. Dig a hip hole if you sleep on side. If
windy, just wrap plastic around you.

Quoted message said:

Problem with that is: where do I shower?

Washer/flannel wash. You can also go swimming in the Murray.

Quoted message said:

what do I do when it starts
pissing down? how cold will it be in August outside?!

What do you do now?

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]

[...]

Quoted message said:

I don't really know how much accom. is available along the way. Close

Lots. They're called pubs.

Quoted message said:

to Melb. wouldn't be a problem but getting towards Mildura gets pretty
empty as far as towns go. Freecamping(?) sounds like a cool idea.
Problem with that is: where do I shower?

Hippies don't shower. If they did they wouldn't be hippies.

Quoted message said:

what do I do when it starts
pissing down?

You walk around in the nude praising Gaia.

Quoted message said:

how cold will it be in August outside?!

Walking around in the the rain in the nude in August could be the first step
towards a sex change.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Maybe even do an alternative like Train it up to [censored] (or up >from
out West - Nhill or thereabouts???) and go across/up from there.
Must be flatter and less traffic dodging from there too...

From memory there is a highway that runs along the Murray. You could start
from Wodonga and follow the river. I've never done it though.

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Quoted message said:

Originally posted by Terry Collins Since I am in NSW, I use the NRM
guides, which cover all states. about $15 each (?, 2 accommodation an
caravan

Good idea.. RACV do the same thing here

Quoted message said:

To camp, all you need is a string and large sheet of plastic and wea
all your clothes to sleep in. Dig a hip hole if you sleep on side. I
windy, just wrap plastic around you

Hmm.. the 'most basic' camping I've done has been in a tent. I know it'
possible to sleep under plastic in all my clothes.. but comfortable?
want to be able to ride the next day! ;-

I'd be worried the thing blowing away, getting wet and then sitting i
wet gear for 4+ days.. After Swan Hill, there's no train and I'm no
sure on the bus timetable and their friendliness to soggy riders wit
bikes for stowage

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Problem with that is: where do I shower

Washer/flannel wash. You can also go swimming in the Murray

In August? "Melbourne experiences some of Australia's coldest weather i
winter with some nights producing frost. Snow doesn't fall in the cit
itself, but occasionally the outlying hills receive a light snowfall
"Temperatures: From -1°C to 12°C, average 8°C

Quoted message said:

what do I do when it starts pissing down? how cold will it be i
August outside?! What do you do now

Stay inside? Or, swear lots until I can get inside... :

hipp
- far from a bike toure

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Quoted message said:

Originally posted by Dr

Quoted message said:

hippy said: I don't really know how much accom. is available along th
way. Clos

Quoted message said:

Lots. They're called pubs

I like the sound of that. Never really considered this sort of tri
before, at least not in winter, so accom. was never in mind

Quoted message said:

Hippies don't shower. If they did they wouldn't be hippies

Not a hippie, THE hippy. It's just a nickname Drs, don't take it s
literally 🙂 (Spot me down the river though, away from this city chaos
and you'll see me get pretty feral!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

what do I do when it starts pissing down

Quoted message said:

You walk around in the nude praising Gaia

Not the best way to secure a place to stay or maintain body heat.

Quoted message said:

From memory there is a highway that runs along the Murray. You coul
start from Wodonga and follow the river. I've never done it though

Not exactly a ride from Melb to Mildura though - it's a bit out of th
way. This isn't going to be a 'find nice scenery' trip, it's more of
try and get to Mildura as fast as possible by bike without killin
myself kinda trip. Basically, I'd usually drive, but I've always though
about riding it, just to see if I could do it. I've got a reason to g
to Mildura in August and after reading some of those touring reports go
a little keen... probably get over it soon, but you never know..

hipp

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hippy said:

Hmm.. the 'most basic' camping I've done has been in a tent. I know it's
possible to sleep under plastic in all my clothes.. but comfortable? I
want to be able to ride the next day! ;-)

I only mentioned the plastic as an idea for a one nighter. Once you
start carrying tent, sleeping bag, poles, pegs, sleeping mat, you will
also probably need stove, and two meals per day. As you can imagine,
your weight is heading higher and what could be four days of 150kms/day
is going to take much longer.

Check out the accommodation as you might not need all this. Also search
for Bed&Breakfasts (internet, tourist associations, B&B organisation(?)
etc).

Quoted message said:

I'd be worried the thing blowing away, getting wet and then sitting in
wet gear for 4+ days.. After Swan Hill, there's no train and I'm not
sure on the bus timetable and their friendliness to soggy riders with
bikes for stowage.

Ask the bus company do they take bicycles. Keep one set of clothing in
plastic bags (say trakky pants, top and socks).

If it is windy, I would just wrap the plastic around me. Of course,
camping in a sheltered position helps even my fancy double skin tent.

So your real question is what is the wind like at that time of year.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Problem with that is: where do I shower?

Washer/flannel wash. You can also go swimming in the Murray.

In August?

Hot water? I guess I'm just used to having my stove(s) around. Trangias
(not wishing to start the stove debate again) are a nice easy stove. Any
metho stove is a good starter stove or one to carry for emergency. All
you need is the burner and a small billy (just big enough to pop it into
(wrap in cloth) and a small bottle of fuel.

Quoted message said:

"Melbourne experiences some of Australia's coldest weather in
winter with some nights producing frost. Snow doesn't fall in the city
itself, but occasionally the outlying hills receive a light snowfall"
"Temperatures: From -1°C to 12°C, average 8°C"

Yep, night time temperatures outside the city will be lower {:-).

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

what do I do when it starts pissing down? how cold will it be in
August outside?! What do you do now?

Stay inside? Or, swear lots until I can get inside... 🙂

That is where the bus timetable is handy {:-). Hop past the weather.

Okay, I put robinvale australia (142kms downhill from Swan Hill) into
google and found lots of links. Can you do 142kms in a day? P.S from
Robinvale, i would go the long way around (aka not along the Sturt
highway) through/around Hattah-Kulkyne National park.

I also put Ouyen australia into google. If looks like all the
accommodation stuff can be found online.

Quoted message said:

Originally posted by Terry Collins I only mentioned the plastic as a
idea for a one nighter. Once you start carrying tent, sleeping bag
poles, pegs, sleeping mat, you will also probably need stove, and tw
meals per day. As you can imagine, your weight is headin

I would skip the cooking gear and eat packed food cold or buy stuf
on the way

Quoted message said:

Check out the accommodation as you might not need all this. Als
search for Bed&Breakfasts (internet, tourist associations, B&
organisation(?) etc)

Will do

Quoted message said:

Ask the bus company do they take bicycles. Keep one set of clothing i
plastic bags (say trakky pants, top and socks)

Will do

Quoted message said:

So your real question is what is the wind like at that time of year

Unpredicatable usually! :

Quoted message said:

Hot water? I guess I'm just used to having my stove(s

Ahh.. see, I've not camped since moving to Melbourne. When I go back t
Mildura I do because everyone there has gear, but personally I have onl
a cheap/old sleeping bag here. No tent, no cooking gear, no camp gear
no fishing gear - it's all in Mildura

Quoted message said:

Any metho stove is a good starter stove or one to carry for >emergency
All you need is the burner and a small billy (just big >enough to po
it into(wrap in cloth) and a small bottle of fuel

This is expanding on how I thought it would happen (get on bike, ride
pay for anything I need as I go) but maybe I should start looking aroun
Aussie Disposals stores again.. :

Quoted message said:

That is where the bus timetable is handy {:-). Hop past the weather

Urgh, hate to have to use them, but i'd be taking knowledge of th
bus/train schedules to bail me out if needed

Quoted message said:

Okay, I put robinvale australia (142kms downhill from Swan Hill) int
google and found lots of links. Can you do 142kms in a day? P.S fro
Robinvale, i would go the long way around (aka not along the Stur
highway) through/around Hattah- Kulkyne National park

I've never gone that way before. We always take the Calder

Quoted message said:

I also put Ouyen australia into google. If looks like all th
accommodation stuff can be found online

Look at the "Gold and Grazing" map on this link and it shows the route
always take (it doesn't show Melb-Bendigo)
http://www.visitmildura.com.au/maps_touring.ph

I could stay in Ouyen/Sealake and do the 100/150 in a day. Next sto
back from that would be Wycheproof or Charlton and back from tha
Bendigo? I need a better map to show distances between more towns.. I'l
keep looking. Maybe I could train to Bendigo and ride from there

Doing it on the ss would be cool.. hmm.. it has rack mounts.

hipp

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Hey Hippy

Get yourself one of them shammy-style swimming towels which are great
for traveling. light and small and easy to dry too.

i got a little one-man tent that packs down to about the size of a litre
of milk-carton which your welcome to borrow. Heck if I could spare the
time I'd tag along but gotta work for 'the man'!

Shower-smower! you going to get sweaty shortly after riding again each
morning and you can squeeze in a Pub-stop or un-powered caravanpark stop
along the way to keep you going (altho the caravan park wont have beer
on tap🙂 )

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