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Post by brianbutler on May 20, 2021 19:07:09 GMT
Yesterday I loaded up the Trek 520 and rode 45 miles from my house to Wells State Park in Sturbridge, Massachusetts where I camped last night and then rode back today on a slightly different 47 mile route. Both routes used some old roads that were once part of Central Turnpike, which opened in 1830 and operated for six years. Here is an interesting milestone I spotted along the way:
Here are links to both rides on RideWithGPS. Google Street View does a better job of capturing the general scenery than I can do:
Fifty Miles to Boston
Brian
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Post by franco on May 20, 2021 19:58:22 GMT
Great stuff Brian! Some great scenery, looks like you’ve got the weather for it too. I like the Trek, the load doesn’t look too much either to say you camped out. We’ve currently got a monsoon going on here  A heatwave coming in June though apparently so hopefully us Brits will get out more and get some pics up. |
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rodh
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Post by rodh on May 20, 2021 21:19:14 GMT
Excellent trip!
Thanks for posting the details Brian
It's been a while since I needed my shades; infact so long that I don't know where I left them!
Roll on summer ...
Rod
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Post by brianbutler on May 20, 2021 21:27:27 GMT
Excellent trip! Thanks for posting the details Brian It's been a while since I needed my shades; infact so long that I don't know where I left them! Roll on summer ... Rod My shades are actually wrap-around goggles. I recently started using a glaucoma eye drop that dries out the eyes as a side effect. The other day I rode with regular sunglasses and came home with one of my eyes really messed up, so now I try to keep the wind off of them.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on May 20, 2021 22:34:58 GMT
Excellent trip! Thanks for posting the details Brian It's been a while since I needed my shades; infact so long that I don't know where I left them! Roll on summer ... Rod My shades are actually wrap-around goggles. I recently started using a glaucoma eye drop that dries out the eyes as a side effect. The other day I rode with regular sunglasses and came home with one of my eyes really messed up, so now I try to keep the wind off of them.
Brian
Nice trip, Brian. What type tent or bivy do you use? I have to pull out my camping gear, haven’t used it since my Allegheny Passage/C&O trip twelve years ago. Time flies. Mrs.W would spend her trip at that little bakery in your photos. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by brianbutler on May 20, 2021 23:11:22 GMT
Mrs. W is a good woman. That bakery is a hazard, John. I saw it on the map when I was planning my route and checked the menu. It was about 6 miles from my destination so I decided I didn't need to carry anything but snacks and breakfast. I bought an Italian sub, half a dozen lemon cookies, and muffin for supper. Ended up not needing the muffin. As for camping gear, two years ago I upgraded everything for lightness and compactness. I did spend some money but I was at a point where the alternative was credit card touring, which would be even worse for the budget. I got the basics at REI and Amazon. Here are the links and I would recommend everything:
This all fits into one Ortlieb Backroller. I packed the other one with clothing, miscellaneous camping and cooking stuff, etc. The rack trunk contained a tool kit, food, and small items I might need in transit. I did not weigh the whole kit but it was not bad, especially after I adjusted the panniers' center of gravity directly over the axle.
Even though it is light, it was still heavy on this hilly route. I used my 18-inch gear a few times. Now I need to upgrade to a lighter and more compact body and then I'll be all set.
Brian
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Jem
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Post by Jem on May 21, 2021 7:22:51 GMT
That sounds like great fun Brian. I like your set up. That is relatively cheap for a sleep mat- thanks for recommendation.
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Post by brianbutler on May 21, 2021 10:54:41 GMT
That sounds like great fun Brian. I like your set up. That is relatively cheap for a sleep mat- thanks for recommendation. The nice thing with this mat is that it is very light and completely flat when deflated, unlike the self-inflating type. It only takes a few breaths to inflate and is surprisingly comfortable. It also fits INSIDE a sleeping bag, which eliminates shifting and noise. I used it once beneath the bag and it squeaked against the tent floor. I'm fussy about mats and pillows and the ones I listed work perfectly and pack down to almost nothing.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on May 21, 2021 11:00:05 GMT
I noticed that the sleeping bag I mentioned is no longer available but this looks like a near exact replacement, also from REI, and might actually cost less than what I paid:
Also, I added a few more pictures to the first ride to show the tent set up, not to mention the sandwich from Francesco's.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on May 21, 2021 12:37:12 GMT
I noticed that the sleeping bag I mentioned is no longer available but this looks like a near exact replacement, also from REI, and might actually cost less than what I paid:
Also, I added a few more pictures to the first ride to show the tent set up, not to mention the sandwich from Francesco's.
Brian
All good info as I need to replenish my camping gear. My son has an REI membership so that helps. Definitely a sleeping bag, when I did the GAP/C&O back then I used a sleeping bag liner in the interest of weight saving. Definitely not enough in May! The Eureka bivy tent I have my prove a bit difficult for entry/exit for my old guy body. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Jem
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on May 21, 2021 17:38:51 GMT
That sounds like great fun Brian. I like your set up. That is relatively cheap for a sleep mat- thanks for recommendation. It also fits INSIDE a sleeping bag, which eliminates shifting and noise. I used it once beneath the bag and it squeaked against the tent floor. I'm fussy about mats and pillows and the ones I listed work perfectly and pack down to almost nothing.
Brian
I agree.They can make or break a good trip. I've had some bad nights slipping off shiny mats, or being woken up by the crinkling in my ear at every slight move- and then pillows slipping off mats. I have a decent pillow and mat combo now - a Sea to Summit mat that packs up very small and cheap copy of a Sea to Summit inflatable pillow. |
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Post by brianbutler on May 21, 2021 20:55:37 GMT
It also fits INSIDE a sleeping bag, which eliminates shifting and noise. I used it once beneath the bag and it squeaked against the tent floor. I'm fussy about mats and pillows and the ones I listed work perfectly and pack down to almost nothing.
Brian
I agree.They can make or break a good trip. I've had some bad nights slipping off shiny mats, or being woken up by the crinkling in my ear at every slight move- and then pillows slipping off mats. I have a decent pillow and mat combo now - a Sea to Summit mat that packs up very small and cheap copy of a Sea to Summit inflatable pillow. I'm sure the Sea to Summit mat/pillow is a good combination. I put the pillow into the sleeping bag "hood" so it doesn't move and wear a wool ski cap if it is cold, which converts a 25°F bag into a 0°F bag.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on May 21, 2021 21:10:11 GMT
I noticed that the sleeping bag I mentioned is no longer available but this looks like a near exact replacement, also from REI, and might actually cost less than what I paid:
Also, I added a few more pictures to the first ride to show the tent set up, not to mention the sandwich from Francesco's.
Brian
All good info as I need to replenish my camping gear. My son has an REI membership so that helps. Definitely a sleeping bag, when I did the GAP/C&O back then I used a sleeping bag liner in the interest of weight saving. Definitely not enough in May! The Eureka bivy tent I have my prove a bit difficult for entry/exit for my old guy body. Best, John “wheelson” John, check with your son. I just got an REI catalog with a coupon for 20% off any item through May 31.
Two years ago, when I bought the Ortlieb Backrollers, I used that deal. The REI membership kicks back 10% at the end of the year. They also had a special offer of $100 off if you opened an REI credit card, and you always get 5% back when you use the card. The list price of the panniers was $189, so 189 * (1 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.05) - 100 = $26. I could hardly refuse.
Brian
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