Thursday, February 23, 2006

Chain cleaners and touring

After a long hiatus, I've decided to try to keep the blog alive for now. Here's a couple of miscellaneous thoughts...

I always assumed the clamp-on chain cleaners did a pretty good job, but try this. Run your chain through the cleaner like you normally would. Then, take the chain off and swish it around in a jar with some solvent or degreaser. See how much gunk was left on the chain after it was 'clean'?! Amazing.

I've recently made the decision to ride the TransAmerica route from Norfolk, VA to Astoria, OR next year. First step is to get an appropriate touring bike. For upright tourers I considered the Surly Long Haul Trucker frame which I would build with my own choise of components, and the Independent Fabrications Independence but am now thinking about a recumbent. The Bachetta Giro 26 so far is on the top of my list and PCB will be carrying the line pretty soon I hear.

I plan on leaving in April or May and spend 8-10 weeks on the road.

For more info on long-distance touring, check out Crazy Guy on a Bike. Also, nothing beats WarmShowers.org for finding friendly people along the route to provide showers and camping space.