Category Archives: Activities
Always Inspect Your Tires Closely!
REI had 26×1.8 Michelin City tires at 25% off $28. I was worried about my decade-old tires, particularly the fact that at only 1.4 inches, rim damage seemed fairly likely on a tour. I nabbed the last two tires. I … Continue reading
Posted in Cycling
Leave a comment
Nashbar Waterproof Front Panniers
I needed a set of front bicycle panniers for my upcoming West Coast ride. Since it will be rare that I’ll need more storage capacity than my Ortlieb Backrollers offer, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. Nashbar … Continue reading
Posted in Cycling, DIY
Leave a comment
Bicycle Wheel Bearings
I’m looking for replacement bearings for a Shimano M760 XT rear hub. According to Shimano’s technical documents website, it uses 1/4″ bearings, nine per side. The lowest price I found for bicycle bearings was 25 for $4.80 at JensonUSA. However, … Continue reading
Posted in Activities, Cycling, DIY
Leave a comment
Photo Journal: Dempster Highway to the Arctic
Dempster Highway to the Arctic, Vancouver to Inuvik is an interesting photo journal by David Cambon.
Posted in Cycling
Leave a comment
Rock Climbing Gyms in Japan
I’ve begun to gather information on rock climbing gyms in Japan and put them into Google Maps. This map is centered on Tokyo, but I’ll add gyms anywhere in Japan as I come across them. My goal is to provide, … Continue reading
Cheap Bear Canisters
Harbor Freight, of all places, sells a bear canister for a mere $29.87. It looks an awful lot like the Garcia Bear-Resistant Container at REI, which sells for $69.95. I’ve heard this bear canister isn’t approved for use in the … Continue reading
Posted in Backpacking
2 Comments
Mountain Bike to Cyclocross/Touring Conversion
I need a touring bike, and I’m on a budget. My old Barracuda AM2, aluminum-framed mountain bike frame is tapped for rear pannier mounts, so perhaps a conversion is in order. As I quickly found out, there’s a lot more … Continue reading
Finding the Black Rock Mountain Bike Area in Falls City, Oregon
Since I managed to get lost trying to find the Black Rock Mountain Bike Area in Falls City (despite being more or less a local), I thought others might benefit from a clear guide. This follows the route from Salem. … Continue reading
Posted in Cycling, Travel
Tagged Black Rock, Black Rock Mountain Bike Area, Falls City, mountain biking, Oregon, Salem
Leave a comment
Ecco Track Elite: Best Boots Ever
The Ecco Track Elite, model 24604, is easily the best boot I’ve ever owned. It’s far taller, and provides much more support, than any of the other Track series boots. Ecco’s soles are soft and comfortable. While this results in … Continue reading
Posted in Backpacking
Leave a comment
Bummer!
In addition to my Halloween plans falling through, I just found out that independent hiking on the Inca Trail is prohibited! Since June 2002 trekking independently on the Inca Trail has been prohibited. Regulations state that each trekker must be … Continue reading