> >> Where did you tour on your bicycle?
> >> Charlie
> >> Some Experience Of Human Powered Travel Maru
> > New Zed in '87 & 89. I hitched all over Aus
> and had all kinds of adventures. I am thinking
> >about building a bike and doing the Stewart
> > Island, and the South Island.
> Nice. I'm still thinking about doing NZ on my trike.
> What sort of bike would you build?
> C.
The first time I did a bike tour, in 1987, I decided at the last minute to go
do s bikr tour, so I went to REI, bought their new 21 speed Novara hybrid, and
took it to LAX. Air New Zealand was kind enough not to charge for oversize
baggage since the bike was in the box.
When I arrived in Auckland I took a bus to the Penny Farthing bike shop where
the owner helped me assemble it. At first i had no idea how to use the gears
and had terrible cramps, but I hung in there, ate lots of Kiwi fruit and ended
up in the best shape since I was in the Navy.
We have a facility in Santa Monica called Bikerowave, where they provide tools
and assistance to build your own bike. I'll start with a 49 or 50 cm aluminum
frame and probably go with three gears and onebrake. I have a long torso and
relatively short arms and legs, so I'll add a short stem to accommodates my 31
inch arms. I plan to get the same kind of handle bars as on a messenger bike.
I thought about getting a quick release rear hub with a low and medium gear
ratio, but I want to be able to freewheel down those hills.
I plan to travel as light as possible with a bivouac sac, lightweight sleeping
bag, thermorest, an anorak for when it rains, cargo shorts and vest with lots
of pockets for my ipod, torch, bicycle tool, spoke wrench, tube repair kit,
mirror, and various items. i haven't decided what i will bring for Internet
access.
Jon
_______________________________________________
http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
