Across America with the ABC's John Shovelan

[cfsmtb]

This is amazing,

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

Send John a message and wish him all the best, and please pass this info
onto other cyclists too.

Question, tired joke, but, is he doing this on eight cents a day?

".......If you have any questions for John along the way, you can email
them to [email protected]



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[hippy]

>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=20040514153714

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

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

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

hippy



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[Terry Collins]

cfsmtb wrote:
>
> This is amazing,

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

 

[DRS]

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

Terry Collins wrote:
> 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.

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



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[flyingdutch]

cfsmtb wrote:
> 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 of
going around Oz/World with support vehicle to catch up to me every
morning...

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...



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[Terry Collins]

cfsmtb wrote:
>
> Terry Collins wrote:
> > 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).

>
> 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.

>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 {.

 

[Terry Collins]

flyingdutch wrote:

....snip.....
> 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.
>
> 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.

 

[cfsmtb]

Terry Collins wrote:
> 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 we
find, things that the everyday folks leave behind.

Why do I like the site? Because I enjoy reading about cycling being
portrayed positively in the mainstream media . A pluralist approach is
certainly preferable to the shite served up by idiots like Neil Mitchell
and Stan Zemanek.



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[flyingdutch]

Terry Collins wrote:
> 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 arm
comments in other thread) but with the rugrats bringing home everything
but bubonic plague, I have never had so many colds/flu's/sniffles. And
they want pocket money? Haah! Go get a paper round! When I was a lad,
blah, blah...



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[hippy]

>Originally posted by flyingdutch And they want pocket money? Haah! Go
>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 out
of town

Nowadays it'll be some guy in a car delivering papers because it's
'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 get
abducted, or.. blah, sook, precious bubble-wrapped children.. city
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 in
August? It's about 600k and I know as much about bike touring as I do
about knitting (and for all the doubters, that's 3/8ths of bugger
all..). I imagine it would be long, boring, cold, wet and probably cost
more in accomodation/gear than driving up there.. but it would be
different

hippy



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[flyingdutch]

>>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 ban
kowns most of it!)

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

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

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
clothes (trackies and Tshirt and fleecy maybe?) if carrying tent
etc is a big deal.

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

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



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[hippy]

>Originally posted by flyingdutch you could split it into 3 or 4 days i
>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 I
started it, I'd probably finish it, but I wouldn't want to plan around
doing that sort of distance. e.g. the day after ATB, the last thing I
want to do is ride!

>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 >clothes
>(trackies and Tshirt and fleecy maybe?) if carrying tent >etc is a
>big deal.

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. Freecamping(?) sounds like a cool idea.
Problem with that is: where do I shower? what do I do when it starts
pissing down? how cold will it be in August outside?!

>Maybe even do an alternative like Train it up to **** (or up >from out
>West - Nhill or thereabouts???) and go across/up from there. Must be
>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! :S

ta! hippy



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[Terry Collins]

hippy wrote:

....snip.....
> 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.

> 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.

> Problem with that is: where do I shower?

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


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

What do you do now?

 

[DRS]

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

[...]

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

Lots. They're called pubs.

> 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.

> what do I do when it starts
> pissing down?

You walk around in the nude praising Gaia.

> 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.

>> Maybe even do an alternative like Train it up to **** (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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[hippy]

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

Good idea.. RACV do the same thing here.

>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.

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'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.

>> 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 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"

> 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...

hippy
- far from a bike tourer



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[hippy]

>Originally posted by Drs
>>hippy said: I don't really know how much accom. is available along the
>>way. Close

>Lots. They're called pubs.

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

>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 so
literally (Spot me down the river though, away from this city chaos,
and you'll see me get pretty feral!)

>> what do I do when it starts pissing down?

>You walk around in the nude praising Gaia.

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

>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.

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

hippy



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[Terry Collins]

hippy wrote:

> 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).
>
> 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.

>
> >> 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.

>"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 {.



> > 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.

 

[hippy]

>Originally posted by Terry Collins 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

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

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

Will do.

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

Will do.

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

Unpredicatable usually!

>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 to
Mildura I do because everyone there has gear, but personally I have only
a cheap/old sleeping bag here. No tent, no cooking gear, no camp gear,
no fishing gear - it's all in Mildura.

>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.

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 around
Aussie Disposals stores again..

>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 the
bus/train schedules to bail me out if needed.

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

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

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

I could stay in Ouyen/Sealake and do the 100/150 in a day. Next stop
back from that would be Wycheproof or Charlton and back from that
Bendigo? I need a better map to show distances between more towns.. I'll
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..

hippy



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[flyingdutch]

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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