Biking in Maine (Rumford, Peru: buy, school, camping)

[Shuffler]

I bought an XtraCycle kit and bolted it up to a Jamis mtb frame that I got dirt cheap, and built up the whole bike with a bunch of spare parts. It's a great bike for running errands, commuting to work, etc. It's one of my stable of 5, along with 3 motorcycles.

You shoulda seen it when I had a bunch of old dirt bike tires strapped down for a run to the local moto shop for recycling...it was great!

Maineah would probably suggest I put one of those little gas motors on it, which I might do someday, but I ain't there just yet...I still prefer to be a true HPV (human-powered vehicle). I get pretty good mileage on meat, beer, and cigars...

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by Shuffler

I bought an XtraCycle kit and bolted it up to a Jamis mtb frame that I got dirt cheap, and built up the whole bike with a bunch of spare parts. It's a great bike for running errands, commuting to work, etc. It's one of my stable of 5, along with 3 motorcycles.

You shoulda seen it when I had a bunch of old dirt bike tires strapped down for a run to the local moto shop for recycling...it was great!

Maineah would probably suggest I put one of those little gas motors on it, which I might do someday, but I ain't there just yet...I still prefer to be a true HPV (human-powered vehicle). I get pretty good mileage on meat, beer, and cigars...

IF IT DONT RUN ON GAS IT AINT MOVIN MY #$%

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

I wholeheartedly agree that adults should act their age.
Including all the 18+ "kids" raising cain and acting irresponsibly immature while operating their motorized toys (Like the ATV'er who ran over a property owner this week, for example).

Maine would benefit from efforts to provide more commuter cycling lanes/paths. It's a shame that we cannot safely use many of the roadways due to thoughtless or careless motorists - heck, even pedestrians can't safely walk along the roadways. There are many places I would gladly ride a bike rather than take a car if it were safe to do so.

Side note: on my way home today I stopped at a bike shop to pick up a combined rack and carrying bag (attaches to the seat post) so I don't have to kill my back carrying a backpack anymore. The sales associate told me that bikes have been flying out of the store this year, because people are trying to cut down on their driving due to gas prices. Healthy both physically and financially. Sound common sense.

On a personal note, I have an additional reason for cycling since a severe foot injury last year put me on crutches and kept me limping until just a couple months ago. The foot is still painful but improving really well through the exercise of pedalling. Until you've spent a summer not being able to get basic necessities like food and other staples unless you go to a store that offers an electric cart, you won't appreciate how wonderful it is to be able to get around under your own physical power....

I won't argue about irresponsible people on any motorized vehicle regardless of their age! As I said before I have three of them (bicycles). I have a mountain bicycle, an old 10 speed and one of the newer Dynamic bicycles with shaft drive instead of a chain. I yield to bicycles on the road, I think they are a wonderful way to excercise. I applaud their use for commuting and hope everyone buys one to cut down on gasoline use. I have a close friend who rode a bicycle completely around the world back in the early eighties. I am not anti-bicycle, far from it. I do have a problem with the use of mountain bikes on public walking and hiking trails in State parks. I do not like the attitude I receive form bicyclers on trails when we meet during hunting season. I also have a problem with them on commonly used ATV and dirtbike trails. I have read complaints from bicyclers about feeling bullied off the ATV trails by ATV's ....imagine that. And my dislike for spandex garments extends to all cyclists, road, or trail. Unfortunately ninnies is an appropriate term for many of these people I have encountered in the woods.

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by deerislesmile

I particularly enjoyed them on the Deer Isle causeway...

I am glad that the tours don't come down to Deer Isle anymore- I know they have a right to the road, and that what they are doing is healthy, but we have narrow roads, no bike lanes, and lots of blind hills and corners- it's just too dangerous to have pack of cyclists here.

I find it interesting that the complaint here is not that the state/town won't spend the money to update the road or that we now drive "super-sized" vehicles in this country (gas-guzzlers to boot!)...its that the roads are too small because there are cyclists on them!

Very interesting observation as to how the average motorists views cyclists!

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

IF IT DONT RUN ON GAS IT AINT MOVIN MY #$%

EXCELLENT ATTITUDE....because of people like you, you will leave this country in worse shape that you found it. Bravo!

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

Moderator's Note:

One of the great things about City Data forums is that it brings together people with a wide variety of preferences and opinions.

The key to making it all work is having members respect the fact that others are entitled to hold differing opinions without being subjected to ridicule or attack. Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree.

Disagreeing with another's position is fine, but let's keep it polite, civil, and respectful.

Thanks for everyone's cooperation.

Thank you.

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by Maineah

I have a close friend who rode a bicycle completely around the world back in the early eighties. I am not anti-bicycle, far from it.

lol....this is funny....this is akin to somebody saying "hey, I'm not a racist! I actually have a friend who is black!"

You have already demonstrated your intense hatred for cyclists and how it disgusts you that they have the nerve to use "your" motorcross, ATV and multi-use trails....so much so that the moderator had to cut you off from your tirade.

I'm happy to agree to disagree, but don't try to backpedal from what you said earlier and try to convince us now that you actually tolerate cyclists and their ways they choose to go about their recreation, as stupid and childish as you think they are....after all, some of your best friends are cyclists, right?

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by broadbill

EXCELLENT ATTITUDE....because of people like you, you will leave this country in worse shape that you found it. Bravo!

WELL I DO WHAT I CAN.
AS FAR AS THE ''PEOPLE LIKE ME'' STATEMENT. SO WHAT YOUR SAYING EVERY ONE WHO USES A MOTORISED BIKE OR GAS IN ANY THING FOR THAT MATTER IS RUINING THE COUNTRY. SO THE NEXT TIME YOU JUMP IN A CAR OR A TRUCK,MOTOR CYCLE. YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT YOUR SELF IN THAT CATAGORY WONT YOU?

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

WELL I DO WHAT I CAN.
AS FAR AS THE ''PEOPLE LIKE ME'' STATEMENT. SO WHAT YOUR SAYING EVERY ONE WHO USES A MOTORISED BIKE OR GAS IN ANY THING FOR THAT MATTER IS RUINING THE COUNTRY. SO THE NEXT TIME YOU JUMP IN A CAR OR A TRUCK,MOTOR CYCLE. YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT YOUR SELF IN THAT CATAGORY WONT YOU?

I guess that is what I'm saying and you I guess you are correct that I'm part of the problem too as we all are to some extent...that is one reason why I ride my bike.

What are YOU doing to solve the problem? Not much by the sounds of your "IF IT DONT RUN ON GAS IT AINT MOVIN MY #$%" comment!

But I digress,....this is a topic about why cyclists are childish, look silly in spandex, why they should stay off the road and trails...

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by broadbill

....
But I digress,....this is a topic about why cyclists are childish, look silly in spandex, why they should stay off the road and trails...

ahhhhh, but see? that is NOT what this topic is SUPPOSED to be about at all. I dare say that the OP was not headed in this direction.

Why can't we just have a nice biking in Maine thread? Why does it have to be a debate? AND why can't you dirt bike guys start your own thread on that?