The BikeFam Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2009-07-05T22:14:07Z

TO: jon,carla,lander,afton
Frist let me congradulate you on your trip with the dogs.As I prepare for the trip in 2010, I realize what a super effort it took to complete the ride.
Before I get to any questions,please let me indroduce myself.My name is bob brown I'm 66 years old. Live in mesa,az. Have 2 dogs
both are Basenji's 1 male and female.
At present I'm cross training both of them. But I can only take one on the trip. I ride 8-10 k miles per year. rode fully self contained across america in 2008 ( northern tier )This will be my first mountain bike tour. Although by 2010 I will have logged 2k or more of practice miles. The dogs ages are 5 and 3 years old.
Have a new BOB IBEX trailer and a new
Spec. rockhopper mt bike,7" disc brakes
The dogs have ultrapaws excape proof padded harnesses,shoes, raincoat,wool sweater Thanks for the advice on the last 2 garments.
Took your complete blog of the trip and copied it. Then cross compared it with Mike McCoy's book at Adventure cycling titled "Cycling the Great Divide". It looks like you stayed with the book about 80% of the time. Your correct, when you said take the ALT. route when you can. Enough intro.
Most of my questions at this time will concern training the dogs (dog)Its going to be a hard choice, I can't seem to make it at this time.
Intro on status of training at this time. Started with old 2 wheel kiddy cart and old mt. bike. one dog in cart other dog restrained to cart, jogging on the street.
I'm now using the BoB.one dog at a time
Training 2-3 times a week, app, 3-5 hrs. per week. the restraint im using is a 18 in 1/4 coated cable. attached to the bob, with s binders.
Problems. dog will not stay and sit beside the cart. comes after me and pulls the whole rig over. stands up in the cart, will not stay down. i almost go down. goes after things, dogs cats, whatever.Maybe the only answer is more time and training. If you have any advice, suggestions, or ideas please let me know. the idea of the dog food bags in the bob is working great.
Questions
How long was your restraints?
Did you let them run without restraints?
How did you train them not to go too far from the bob when they were free to run ?
What type and kinds of food did you feed them for the most part on the trip ?
On average how much water did one dog drink in a day ?
How often did you stop to water the dogs ?
Thats enough for now.
My contact info is:
bob brown
727 s. 96th st.
mesa, az. 85208
Ph. 1-480-600-0742
E-mail bulletbob@cox,net
Please fell free to call or sent info. i will pay for any expenses you incur
Thank you for your wonderful blog its
been a great help and insparation.

bob brown, jr.

Comment on 1000 Miles

2009-05-27T19:06:27Z

Hi, I saw your comment about the USAF installation at Pinedale. I don't know if you have recieved an answer to your question. But I have some information for you.

The Air Force Technical Applications Center is tasked in monitoring Nuclear Detonations all over the world. Pinedale was a research station where they experimented with newer equipment. The site no longer performs Research and Development and is now closed. It was considered a remote station and special pay was recieved. Many of the people who were stationed loved spending thier time in the outdoors.

If you have any more questions about AFTAC there is a lot of information out on the Web about what we do.

Jim Pendleton TSgt, USAF

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2007-05-27T16:24:52Z

Would love to hear of someone else doing it with dogs. Keep us informed. If you have any questions, please write. bikefam@freeway.net.

Jon and Carla, Lander and Afton

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2007-05-27T00:30:56Z

Loved your report! Fantastic pictures and very inspirational. My terriers and I hope to follow in your paws and tracks someday relatively soon.

All the best,
Hank and Airwick
Greenville, South Carolina

Comment on Out of the Mountains

2007-02-11T11:02:28Z

Hi,
Googled on "Texas Tacks" and found your website. I had bad trouble with the thorns in my tyres between California and Florida in 1994 (see my website). Do you happen to know the botanical or Latin name? I'd like to learn more about this infernal plant.

Comment on Out of the Mountains

2007-01-03T16:32:05Z

I enjoyed reading about your journey(s)! my best friend and i did the TransAm from OR to VA this summer and loved it. i saw that you had met spence from madison on the trail - do you know how to contact him? we met him in the tetons when the two routes crossed for a few miles.

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2006-11-12T16:13:59Z

HI

Haven't heard anything since you must have returned home to Gaylord.

You have many lifetime memories to share with all of us.

You are very remarkable, adventurous people who deserve a big kudo's.

BARB

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2006-10-21T20:25:01Z

Hi folks,congratulations on your daring adventure. My name is Andy and I offered you the gatorade shortly after you arrived in Hachita.It was a pleasure meeting you and I enjoyed hearing about your trip.Please pat Lander and Afton on the head for me and I wish all of you many more miles of happy biking. Andy

Comment on The end that almost wasn't

2006-10-17T18:23:19Z

CONGRATULATIONS!!! To all four of you! I think you should be on the Today Show and the other morning TV shows with the dogs. Not only was it an incredible journey for you two but for Afton and Lander to possibly have been the first dogs to do this is truly remarkable. May you arrive home safe and sound! Mary Jane and Fred

Comment on Looking for a ride home!

2006-10-11T23:08:16Z

We have found a way home. Thanks to everyone who was concerned. Carla and Jon