TD newbie qs

[sthig]

Hey Phil_Rad,

Thank you for your data.  I hope you don't mind, I reformatted it and put it into tabular data.  You can see it at:
http://www.driven2divide.com/?p=765

[phil_rad]

Hey Phil_Rad,

Thank you for your data.  I hope you don't mind, I reformatted it and put it into tabular data.  You can see it at:
http://www.driven2divide.com/?p=765

Hi sthig,

No, I don't mind at all, looks a lot better than my original! Thanks! :-)

[RideLikeAlf]

Question for Euro-vets:

What documentation did you need at the US border - just your passport, or did you also have to show evidence of a flight ticket home?  (or even a US visa!?)

re Wireless coverage:

I'm planning on buying a pay-as-you-go phone to take with me - is there any particular wireless network that has generally better coverage than the other networks along the TD route?
 

[Georg66]

Question for Euro-vets:

What documentation did you need at the US border - just your passport, or did you also have to show evidence of a flight ticket home?  (or even a US visa!?)

I asked at the US consulate general in Frankfurt, Germany. They told me, that a normal passport (e-pass, valid etc.) is enough, but ESTA - though not necessary - "won't hurt". You have to fill out a form at the border and pay 6$.

By the way, where are you from?

Georg, Germany (taking plane to Calgary, 2nd June 2012)

[RideLikeAlf]

Thanks Georg - that doesn't sound too officious. I'd really hate to get stuck at the border for any longer than strictly necessary.

I'm from the UK and will be arriving in Banff (YWCA) on 4th June for a few days to get rid of the jet-lag and get used to the starting altitude.

I travel to Heidelberg on business occasionally - our company supplies billing software to Kabel BW. If I'm planning to be out there before June, I'll let you know, and maybe we could meet up and discuss strategy / tactics / gear over a beer or two.

John

[Georg66]

Thanks Georg - that doesn't sound too officious. I'd really hate to get stuck at the border for any longer than strictly necessary.

I'm from the UK and will be arriving in Banff (YWCA) on 4th June for a few days to get rid of the jet-lag and get used to the starting altitude.

I travel to Heidelberg on business occasionally - our company supplies billing software to Kabel BW. If I'm planning to be out there before June, I'll let you know, and maybe we could meet up and discuss strategy / tactics / gear over a beer or two.

John

OK, that sounds very fine!

[annoying crack]

Question for Euro-vets:

What documentation did you need at the US border - just your passport, or did you also have to show evidence of a flight ticket home?  (or even a US visa!?)

Getting across the US border took me like 15 minutes (being from Belgium). You don't need the ESTA form filled in if you are crossing into the US over land, which is your case (unless you fly to the US before heading out to Banff of course). I don't know if it's the normal procedure for someone entering the country but I was fingerprinted, photographed and had to pay a fee to get in (relatively small amount).
I did not mind having to stay in the border office for that long because I was soaked to the bones and freezing cold when I got there. I remember having problems writing my name and sign because my body was shaking from the cold.
All in all, it was pretty straight forward and much faster then standing in line at the airport to get into the country.

[phil_rad]

Question for Euro-vets:

What documentation did you need at the US border - just your passport, or did you also have to show evidence of a flight ticket home?  (or even a US visa!?)

re Wireless coverage:

I'm planning on buying a pay-as-you-go phone to take with me - is there any particular wireless network that has generally better coverage than the other networks along the TD route?
 

I'm an American so obviously I have no problems getting in. :-)

I'm flying into Calgary on the 4th of June also. Last time I only gave myself two days. It wasn't enough.
   

[sthig]

Phil,

why is that?  Why more than 2 days? Just curious?

[phil_rad]

Well for one, the time difference is 8 hours, so I need a few days (3-4) to get my body used to the new time (jet lag). And for another reason the time just flys by in Banff, I only had one day to get last minute items together and therefore had no time to look around at the sights. 

[BobM]

Also, Banff is at 4,500 feet and you go to over 6,000 feet the first day of riding, so a little acclimation is nice for sea-level riders.

[phil_rad]

Also, Banff is at 4,500 feet and you go to over 6,000 feet the first day of riding, so a little acclimation is nice for sea-level riders.

Right Bob! :-)

[rooster14]

does anyone carry any kind of shoe/sandal/fivefingers for camp/long hike-a-bikes etc or do you just stay in your cycling shoes for the whole trip?

[BobM]

does anyone carry any kind of shoe/sandal/fivefingers for camp/long hike-a-bikes etc or do you just stay in your cycling shoes for the whole trip?

Flat pedals and Keen sandals for me.

[BigPoppa]

does anyone carry any kind of shoe/sandal/fivefingers for camp/long hike-a-bikes etc or do you just stay in your cycling shoes for the whole trip?

I used carbon fiber xc race shoes. I'm a big guy and I live at sea level so I did a crap ton of walking. My feet were messed up by time I got to NM. My feet would have done better with a more hike friendly shoe I think. But the trade off for the extra bulk, weight, and logistics of having to change shoes would be a serious hassle.

If you think about it, you can't really ever tell how long a hike section will be until it's over. Several times you probably would stop, change shoes, hike 50 feet, and then stop, chane shoes, ride.

As far as camp times goes.... Do NOT bring shoes just for that. That would be a total waste.

At most, I would wear two pairs of thin socks to help avoid chafing.

[DenisVTT]

does anyone carry any kind of shoe/sandal/fivefingers for camp/long hike-a-bikes etc or do you just stay in your cycling shoes for the whole trip?

I never changed shoes while riding/hiking, but I did want to change shoes if I had to walk anywhere while in a town or camp. Especially in the north, your shoes can be wet for hours or days at a time, and it's not very good for your feet to stay in them for that long. I'm not sure about permanent damage, but there certainly can be some long lasting one. Besides, if you're in a town and you go to a restaurant, they stink!

For me, I used water shoes. Made of polyurethane, fairly light (<400 g per pair) and most importantly can be packed almost flat.

50 bucks at REI: http://www.rei.com/product/763923/ahnu-delta-water-shoes-mens

[sigma7]

The Place Cafe, WY   132   Sec. 2   71,5

The Place Cafe might be still closed. It was closed in 2011. I've been told is was closed in early 2010.


-- sigma7

[phil_rad]

The Place Cafe might be still closed. It was closed in 2011. I've been told is was closed in early 2010.


-- sigma7

Ok, thanks sigma7, I'll update my resupply sheet.

[Georg66]

What do you think about the following sleeping system, 1070g all in all. I am not sure, if I should replace the bivvy bag by a small tent, 600g more weight.
http://kgdeck.blogspot.de/2012/04/favorite-sleeping-system-39-days-till.html

[sigma7]

I can't believe that the weight of the Mountain Equipment Helium is right. The total weight of the ME Helium 250 is over 600g, according to the ME site (which sounds OK to me, my ME Helium 400 is a bit under 800g). The weight of my sleeping system (as used in 2011) is 1930g.

TaR ProLite 3 Short w/ Stuff Sack	425
EXPED Bivy Bag eVENT/PU w/ Stuff Sack	670
NORDISK Salo +9°/+5°/-10°	835

In 2013, I'll use the ME Helium 400 (rated +4°/+1°/-16°). A bit warmer, and less bulky. The sleeping system above was a bit too cold (in 2 or 3 nights with temperatures below 0°, in August). I'll probably use a lighter bivy bag; a tent is not required. (IMHO)


-- sigma7