Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive. Love all the details.
While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's Roadeo <https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/SxeeyQKb1oU> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote: > Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she > had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the > idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant > to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L > mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or > Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct > from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the > handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely > Riv-spired. That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was > shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of > the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's > and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising. > Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride? > > Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park) > On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! > wrote: > >> Hi you guys, >> >> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect. >> >> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got >> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep >> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and >> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the >> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the >> ride’s end. >> >> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group >> of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced cyclists >> who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons >> like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and >> so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with >> 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. >> >> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them >> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us >> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar >> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an >> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to >> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married >> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes >> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, >> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more >> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we >> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get >> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting. >> >> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road >> for Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my >> route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road >> construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made >> good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged >> 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad >> for day two! >> >> The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our route >> was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast of >> Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like an >> inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There >> were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under >> tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of >> bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a >> wreck so left my phone in its mount. >> >> The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and >> you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing >> towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and we lacked nothing. >> >> The Amtrak ride home did not offer the princess treatment at New Buffalo. >> The agent stood by while I tried to hoist the bike nearly vertically (have >> you seen how steep the steps are?!) and fully loaded. A bystander lifted >> the saddle and I was in. There were two other bikes in the hallway and I >> had to put mine against them. But the Backabikes padded the frame and no >> paint was chipped. The agent must have felt a little bad because he did >> help me guide the bike off the train. >> >> A few hot tips from your novice tour-er RivSister. >> 1. Cotopaxi packing cubes. Highest praise! I got everything (full >> make-up! 3 days of clothing!) into my Backabikes using those cubes. They >> just make everything fit and they are so convenient. I wanted for nothing. >> >> 2. Kickstands. If and when I get a road bike I can tell you right now it >> will have a kickstand. I don’t care about the weight or that it’s profane >> to pollute a pure road bike with one - I have seen too much. People were >> propping bikes up and I was watching them smash onto asphalt and concrete. >> No thank you. >> >> 3. Bring food. They ran out of breakfast at our first SAG stop today. We >> all had enough food to make it through until we could eat. But I’d hate to >> be out there bonking. >> >> 4. Electrolyte tabs. It was hot enough that one of our group was cramping >> up. I gave him some Nuun tabs but he must have been pretty behind on his >> lytes because he was full-body cramping even after taking them. >> >> 5. Arm sleeves. They have cooling ones on Amazon and they were great for >> keeping me from being sunburned and feeling cool in hot weather. >> >> I’m making a video for IG that will also tell the story. I’ll post it >> later. I made it home this evening under my own power - no cars were used >> on this bike adventure. I pedaled home from the station and am back at my >> post. Three days, about 140 miles, two time zones and three states. How can >> I go back to normal life now? >> >> Bonus: RIV CONTENT! >> At the start in downtown Chicago, this darling woman rolled her bike >> towards me. >> “You’re my kind of girl!” I called to her, seeing her pink tires and >> bamboo fenders and dyno. >> “Oh, my husband does all this to my bike and he’s overkill,” she said. >> “Well he is wonderful!” I said. >> A few minutes later she said, “I think my husband knows you.” Apparently >> he is Scott on this list. Scott, are you out there? Youth have good taste >> in bike things and this lady is lucky! >> >> [image: cid:295B4337-70D9-4A7B-ABED-9948C6EDFAE6-L0-001] >> [image: cid:A3C65E4B-D52A-4736-BC14-B9865F1D85EE] >> >> At the finish, this man approached me. He’s also on the List and he has >> this 23 year old Romulus! >> [image: cid:A4CE14FF-6296-45C7-A170-C0B05AFBC370-L0-001] >> >> Lastly, the leader of our group was interested in my bike. He knows a >> little about Rivendell. He rides a Lemond that he has had forever. He likes >> a steel bike. Did Riv make a Platypus that wasn’t a mixte because what do >> the men ride? I had to tell him all about how Riv has made you all converts >> and you men are all out there riding your Clems and Platys now. And he was >> a quick believer. “I think she’s convinced me,” he said to the group after >> test riding my bike. He’s 6’3” but he could still tell this bike is awesome. >> [image: cid:074BC5A8-D4E0-4EB5-959F-92D17356EEFC-L0-001] >> >> >> Thanks to everyone who helped me with their Amtrak tips and bolstered my >> courage to even try this. You are good, kind people and I am grateful to >> you. >> Leah >> >> >> On Jun 15, 2024, at 8:00 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> Hi you guys, >> >> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect. >> >> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got >> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep >> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and >> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking here: >> <image0.jpeg> >> >> >> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group >> of his friends (and his wife). They were experienced cyclists who had their >> own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons like me. I >> had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and so was his >> wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 6 strangers >> and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. >> >> >> >> On Jun 14, 2024, at 11:22 AM, RichS <rshann...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> That's rock star service Leah. I bet you made that agent's day! Have a >> nice trip. >> >> >> Best, >> Rich in ATL >> >> On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1:07:47 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote: >> >>> I have no doubt that your excitement is both evident and refreshing for >>> the employees you're interacting with and will pave the way for a great >>> weekend! It's been years since I took Amtrak with my bike but now I'm very >>> much feeling the itch. I would be taking the Cascades route down to >>> Portland again - such a fun trip and multi-modal travel by train and bike >>> is the BEST. Nothing else compares. >>> >>> On Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 8:39 AM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> The adventure begins! I had a feeling you might get lucky with a roomy >>>> train and helpful helpers in that Michigander way they have about them. >>>> Have a lovely time, Leah! 🙂🙋♂️ >>>> >>>> Joe Bernard >>>> >>>> On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:51:58 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep >>>>> train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. >>>>> [image: image3.jpeg] >>>>> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg] >>>>> I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has >>>>> been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. >>>>> This is GREAT! >>>>> >>>>> Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars. >>>>> [image: image4.jpeg] >>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>> >>>>> On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley <timothyja...@gmail.com> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take >>>>> the front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the >>>>> same everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. >>>>> I >>>>> can second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your >>>>> bike >>>>> unless it's something crazy. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a >>>>>> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣 >>>>>> >>>>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan <ryte...@mts.net> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> yeah if little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice >>>>>> and take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of >>>>>> 61 >>>>>> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with >>>>>> possible wind and heat issues... >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel? >>>>>> >>>>>> Have fun >>>>>> >>>>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks for revealing all of the details. Helps explain the >>>>>>> situation better. Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer >>>>>>> Platy >>>>>>> and try to deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo. Doesn't >>>>>>> sound >>>>>>> like it'll be much of a problem. >>>>>>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the >>>>>>> Summer time. More power to him. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding >>>>>>> Ding! wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to >>>>>>>> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was >>>>>>>> taking >>>>>>>> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of >>>>>>>> state >>>>>>>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in >>>>>>>> New >>>>>>>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to >>>>>>>> get me, >>>>>>>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer >>>>>>>> college >>>>>>>> physics study time. Yes, seriously. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender >>>>>>>> strut that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s >>>>>>>> work >>>>>>>> to get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on >>>>>>>> long >>>>>>>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key >>>>>>>> than >>>>>>>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, >>>>>>>> too-long >>>>>>>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. >>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner >>>>>>>> I have to admit to being a bit confused. If the concern is whether or >>>>>>>> not >>>>>>>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you >>>>>>>> planning >>>>>>>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place? I'd assumed that >>>>>>>> you'd >>>>>>>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New >>>>>>>> Buffalo. And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this >>>>>>>> ride, >>>>>>>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place. I wouldn't >>>>>>>> make a >>>>>>>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm >>>>>>>> sure >>>>>>>> you'll be just fine out there with it. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding >>>>>>>> Ding! wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy >>>>>>>>> is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, >>>>>>>>> if you >>>>>>>>> are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask >>>>>>>>> because >>>>>>>>> it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to >>>>>>>>> Kzoo >>>>>>>>> after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, >>>>>>>>> so I >>>>>>>>> don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, >>>>>>>>> let me know. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is >>>>>>>>> for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I >>>>>>>>> want >>>>>>>>> my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in >>>>>>>> the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe >>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>>>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/49cb1fce-d36c-482d-9cbe-b76cce79816dn%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/49cb1fce-d36c-482d-9cbe-b76cce79816dn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in >>>>>> the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe >>>>>> . >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> >>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/20c78dc1-b991-49d1-a095-35345f2e66b4n%40googlegroups.com >>>>>> >>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/20c78dc1-b991-49d1-a095-35345f2e66b4n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>> . >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe >>>>> . >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>> >>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d4673333-a8c6-45ac-abbf-f1d1dc7c02c9n%40googlegroups.com >>>>> >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d4673333-a8c6-45ac-abbf-f1d1dc7c02c9n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe >>>> . >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>> >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b631168c-4201-4b09-b79a-5c5ebe370e22n%40googlegroups.com >>>> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b631168c-4201-4b09-b79a-5c5ebe370e22n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> . >>>> >>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe >> . >> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >> >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3150623a-7802-407b-9fac-1a524255e240n%40googlegroups.com >> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3150623a-7802-407b-9fac-1a524255e240n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> >> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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