Australian wanting to ride Route 66

I've just joined, but I have an ulterior motive. I'm looking for help to get started from the Chicago end of a sole Route 66 ride in April-May 2012. I'm thinking of buying a bike in Chicago, rather than bring one over from Australia. Any suggestions? I'd be looking for a medium-framed flatbar hybrid with front & rear panniers and appropriate gearing.
Thanks for your invitation, Julie.
Ron (email: rmaskell@hotmail.com)

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Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on October 21, 2011 at 6:29pm

Well, part 1 of my plans has occurred: I'm sort of retiring from work in December and have been checking out visiting the USA (doesn't seem very complicated for Australians), will be joining WarmShowers shortly so as to offer some accommodation here and acquire some merit before my trip, and I have an accommodation offer in Chicago when I arrive.

 

Now, has anyone any experience of a Surly Troll? Or, a second-hand, unmodified one which might be for sale next year?

Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on October 22, 2011 at 2:13pm
"Surly Troll"?

So you've met my exgirlfriend?
Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on October 23, 2011 at 1:25am
Right: that's one negative


Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 23, 2011 at 5:53pm

You might look at the Pake C'Mute.  I don't have any experience with one, but it's got the rack bosses and is reasonably priced (retails for $340 frame and fork, but can be found for less), is made from Tange double butted tubing.  Rocky Mountain has made some aluminum frame/steel fork bikes that are designed for front and rear racks.  I'm not sure if they still make them, but I have a new frameset here.

Why the flat bar?  Going east to west you're sure to get a lot of headwind.  A drop bar would help with that, and give you more hand positions.

 

Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on October 24, 2011 at 1:37am

I've always ridden flat bars, Mark. Easier on my back. I'd consider a butterfly bar, but not a drop bar.

Funny you should mention headwinds. One of my car friends in Tulsa was saying much the same thing. I hope they're not too bad.

Thanks for the tip about the Pake. I've never heard of them.

Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on November 27, 2011 at 12:15pm

A progress report: I've been given permission to visit the USA and I've managed to wangle the highly-important travel insurance.

I've now also read Linda der Weltenbummler's journal, the startlingly entitled "Sweatin' like a whore on a cowboy payday!" http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1r4vFZo&doc_id=6743&v.... She rode West to East during the April-June time slot that I'm going to use. I note that she had headwind troubles too.

Other preparations include buying cold & wet weather clothing from that great New Zealand outfit, Ground Effect. I already use a lot of their warm weather clothing.  

 

Ron

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on November 27, 2011 at 2:15pm

Fantastic!



Ron Maskell said:

A progress report: I've been given permission to visit the USA and I've managed to wangle the highly-important travel insurance.

I've now also read Linda der Weltenbummler's journal, the startlingly entitled "Sweatin' like a whore on a cowboy payday!" http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1r4vFZo&doc_id=6743&v.... She rode West to East during the April-June time slot that I'm going to use. I note that she had headwind troubles too.

Other preparations include buying cold & wet weather clothing from that great New Zealand outfit, Ground Effect. I already use a lot of their warm weather clothing.  

 

Ron

Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on November 27, 2011 at 7:01pm



Julie Hochstadter said:

Fantastic!



Yes, going well, thanks, Julie. 

 I have to mention Oris Barber's Route 66 journal too, which I read before Linda's. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=4&doc_id=7977&v=17N. He rode East-West with no real problems with headwinds. He did leave a bit late in the year and battled some very hot days.

Ron

 

 

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on November 27, 2011 at 10:12pm

Ron - Any progress with the bike?  I'd be willing to shop for you  (the big midwest swap meets are in January and February), or build something up to suit.  I also found 3 back issues of Route 66 magazine in my hoard.  Interesting articles with history of the route, remaining artifacts, and preservation efforts.  I'm guessing you have already done quite a bit of reading about the route.

 

Permalink Reply by Ron Maskell on November 28, 2011 at 7:37pm



Thanks for your kind offer, Mark. My plan was to buy a bike in Chicago and I think I've got that in hand now. You're right: I have done a fair bit of reading and thanks again.

Where are you located?

Ron

 

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