First long distance ride..

[GirishH]

Hello,

How did you get into long distance riding, bikepacking or touring?

I was in Portland, OR and had a few days to kill. And, I was lucky to have a bicycle that "fit" me and had a "crazy" idea. So, I looked up on Google map and headed out hoping to get to the Oregon coast. This was my first 60-miler and I had no idea if I could do it. But, I was in good shape, had full day of daylight and knew that I'd be passing through enough towns to find help if needed. Wow, what a life transforming experience this was. I spent some 3-4 days on the coast and my life has changed since then as I experienced the beauty of savoring "slow" pace. I rode through rain forests that you usually see on Jurassic series, saw a black bear crossing the road and more..:-)

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

This feels bad because I'm sure you didn't know to tilt your seat.

[GirishH]

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean by "tilt your seat".:-( Is that for experiencing less pain. I have no regrets. Have experienced so much love, joy and world since that first cycling trip..:-)

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

Yes, it's pro style to tilt your seat noticeably so that your weight isn't bearing directly down onto the pad, but is alleviated by the tilt, taking pressure off the major nerves and priming circulation (rather than obstructing it). The forward position this provides also gives you mechanical advantages when climbing.

[GirishH]

Sadly, I am learning about biking comfort after too many years on a saddle and too many callouses on my body. I will look into that more and take advantage of it. Thanks again.

[ichitan]

I use a large seat for comfort. I know a lot of others don't.

[Red Rider]

(01-03-2023, 11:45 AM)GirishH Wrote:  Hello,

How did you get into long distance riding, bikepacking or touring?

I was in Portland, OR and had a few days to kill. And, I was lucky to have a bicycle that "fit" me and had a "crazy" idea. So, I looked up on Google map and headed out hoping to get to the Oregon coast. This was my first 60-miler and I had no idea if I could do it. But, I was in good shape, had full day of daylight and knew that I'd be passing through enough towns to find help if needed. Wow, what a life transforming experience this was. I spent some 3-4 days on the coast and my life has changed since then as I experienced the beauty of savoring "slow" pace. I rode through rain forests that you usually see on Jurassic series, saw a black bear crossing the road and more..:-)

At 12 years I rode a 3 speed "English Racer" From Stockton, California to Mokelumne Hill, California to spend time with my aging grandmother. I liked the ride and rode it back a couple of months later.

In 1977-1978 I rode from Springfield, Masssachusetts to Pittsburg, California loosely following I80 and I70 out past Denver. Up near Golden I got treed by a grizzly (Why I mark my face with bear power every morning, I promised I would up in that tree) for a few hours. Forgot to mention That my first Half dozen crossings were done on a Schwinn Varsity with steel baskets front and rear.

I did the ride almost annually up until about 1989.

[Jesper]

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