Betty Foy

NYC and Philly

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy CABDA PBE Rivendell on July 29, 2024 by pambikes

CABDA East and Philly Bike Expo
March 2024

Pictures from my trip to CABDA East and Philly Bike Expo

I flew to LGA. American offered me a first class upgrade for about $20 more than the cost of the fees for 2 bags (one bag, bike) so I took the upgrade. Bag fees are $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second bag. The bike is one bag w/in the size limitation and < 50 lbs.

The best part was being able to see my bike and my bag loaded onto the plane. It took me a while to put my bike back together. I had plenty of room and it was cool in baggage claim. The maintenance lady discarded my box for me. I kept all my packing material to reuse it on the way home. My duffle bag that I checked had one pannier and everything else for my trip. I packed light since I’d need to bike everything with me in NYC and Philly. I only had one pair of shoes. Once I reassembled my bike, I had already looked at satellite and street view maps to figure out how to bike from the terminal. The key is walking down to the intersection of La Guardia/94th then using the ped crosswalk to cross La Guardia Rd. and again 94th St. then you bike from 94th no problem. If you want to see the route, all the routes are here.

I planned most of my routes at home before I left. CABDA was 2 days at the Meadowlands in Seacaucus, NJ just over the George Washington bridge. There was a great view of the city from the bridge. I had a few days to explore NYC on bike and got to ride both the Harlem River Greenway, the Hudson River Greenway, Central Park, Brooklyn. I didn’t go to all the boroughs but I did ride in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn. I skipped Staten Island and the Bronx. And I got to take Leah’s sister, Heather for her first ride in NYC on her Rivendell Clem. We rode on the Hudson River Greenway to the Staten Island. In Brooklyn, I stopped in to see Joe at 718 Outdoors. He leads bike tours and microtours. What a wealth of knowledge and what a great idea! Then to Penn Station to take Amtrak to Philly.

Philly Bike Expo

PBE is always fun. I was scheduled to present Sun, lead ride Sat night to the Keystone Bike Party and lead a Sunday morning ride. There was a Sat ride scheduled that we rode too. I stayed w/Leah and her one of a kind, raspberry Platypus. She loves her bike as much as I love my Betty. There are no other bikes as well loved as our Rivendells. There are so many bikes, all the great bike parts and the best bike people.

One example of the best bike people is Eric Marth. He volunteered to fix my broken shifters when I lamented I wish I could repair them but didn’t know how. I’m so glad I got to meet him and thank him in person. Next are the Riv Sisters. We all love our Rivendells and we got to meet each other at PBE. Next are the folks from Rivendell HQ – Will, Vince, Rich, James. We’re so lucky they put so much attention to each and every part to make our bikes useful, long lasting, dependable, beautiful and enjoyable. Old friends like Sylvia who lived in Charlotte several years ago and met her late husband on a bike ride I led many moons ago came to the Sunday ride. And we had a unseasonably warm day to enjoy riding to the Expo. I brought my bike to my presentation about how you can do everything on your bike and what you need. I’d been living off my bike for 11 days so it had everything on it. For my flight home, I actually saved money by upgrading to first class since I was prepared to pay the fees for my bag and bike anyway. It goes without saying how eternally grateful I am to Rivendell for making my bike. It does so much for me. Taking me to NYC, Philly and everywhere in between.

C&L Cycles – Montreal Falafel Ride

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy Rivendell on July 26, 2024 by pambikes

July 7, 2024

Photos: Troy, Instagram @killiskii

Thank you to Julian and Roberto of C&L Cycles for putting together a Snack Ride from the Rachel store while I was in town. I’d met Julian and Roberto at Philly Bike Expo a few years back. I finally found the time to ride there! The ride was the highlight of my trip. I’d ridden in from Brossard about 30 miles outside of Montreal on my way from VT. It’s always great to ride w/locals. They always know the best ways and the cool places to go. And they invite their friends. It’s always fun to get to meet people. They were all so nice and I got to ogle all the cool bikes. C&L is a Rivendell dealer. Their shop is filled w/all the best bike stuff you can imagine. I’m so bad remembering all the names but I know all the Rivendell bikes, Swift bags, Carradice bags, Nitto racks…. IYKYK. It’s all the good stuff that look good, wears well and makes your bike so much more FUNctional. Julian took us on a tour of Montreal using the REV which connects bike lanes through the city. We rode to get Falafels then to get ice cream. Montreal has many streets that have bike lanes, 2 way cycle tracks but the REV has wider lanes and are like a bike highway. But it’s not the gear that stands out, it’s the pure joy of riding around on bikes and getting a snack. Pure and simple fun. Just like riding around on your bike when you were a kid. It was the best way to meet people and have fun. And still is.

VT – Montreal – P’tit Train du Nord

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy Rivendell on July 16, 2024 by pambikes

Inspired by my Warm Showers guests, I had the idea to ride to Montreal. Warm Showers is a website that connects cyclists who host and request a stay. I first met a Warm Showers guest when a friend was hosting a gentleman from Canada. I offered to make him lunch. It was such a pleasure to meet him, hear about his travel and to provide a small meal. The world I want to live in is one filled with people riding bikes all the time, including traveling by bike. I’ve been a Warm Showers host for a few years. My first guest was Klaas from Belgium. He was riding the NC BBQ trail. He loved whole hog BBQ and told me his favorite was Skylight in Ayden, NC. A few years ago, I went there while on a bike ride. It WAS the best BBQ!

So, over the years, I’ve hosted and been inspired by many cyclists – Christie, Javid, Emily, Michel, Cindi, Maren, Kay, Pablo, Katie, Ian. This trip was the first time I’ve used Warm Showers for the majority of my trip. I requested many stays over several days. I was able to be hosted for 5 of the 8 days on our trip. What a great experience. Meeting each host added a new dimension to the trip. Furthered fueling my desire to ride to discover more places by bike.

My friend and I drove to Brandon, VT then biked 175 miles to Montreal. The P’tit Train du Nord rail trail starts outside of Montreal and goes north to Mt. Laurier. We rode as far as Labelle which was about 2/3 of the total trail. I was hosted by some warm and gracious people in VT and Quebec. We camped at most places so we had our tent and sleeping systems. The bike is the best way to travel, meet people and really feel immersed in each town and city. The pictures are sadly out of order b/c I have no idea how to resequence them.

How I packed:

I took 3 outfits plus the mosquito outfit and rain gear. I washed every fourth day. I wore my one pair of sandals. Most of the room was taken up by my camp gear, clothes, plus some snacks and my iPad for route planning, communication.

Things most used:
paring knife to cut fruit, cheese, etc.
water bottle
dry bag

Things I’d like to take for next time:
butter
cinnamon, nutmeg for oatmeal
sugar for tea, oatmeal

Things I’m glad I took:
my Opinel paring knife
outfit treated w/permethrin to keep mosquitos away
route cards, plastic bag
padded gloves
sunhat, sun sleeves
chair
John’s Irish straps
Rain jacket and rain skirt

Fall 2022 S24O

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy bikecamping Rivendell s24o on November 29, 2022 by pambikes

Copperhead Island at McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie.

Sept, 24, 2022

I used this trip as my shakedown ride for the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride since it was the preceding weekend. The weather was perfect. Not too hot and cool at night so I slept well. I always enjoy this trip to introduce people to bikecamping. It’s good to see that you can easily live off your bike. And you realize you really don’t need much to have a really good time. Photos: Eric Supil

The next trip will be Spring 2023. March 25, 2023. Mark your calendar and save the date. We leave Sat at 2 pm, bike out 19 miles then stop to buy food for dinner then set up camp, eat dinner and hang out til we burn all the wood. $20 per person or $15 with your Bike Benefits sticker. Email me with any answers or to reserve your spot.

Riding out: L-R: Monica, Pam, Tabia, Paul, Charlie, Ehab

L-R: Monica, Charlie, Paul, Pam, Tabia, Ehab.

Bikecamping Spring 2022

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy bike overnight bikecamping Cycling Savvy s24o on March 29, 2022 by pambikes

Although every year everyone is excited about the trip. We generally only have a handful of people. This trip we had eight riders to Copperhead Island at Lake Wylie, South Carolina. We rode about 20 miles with 25 mph gusts. It was windy and cold on the way out but had perfect weather at 61 degrees for the ride. We stopped at the Publix as usual and picked up dinner. Then got to camp. Set up our tents and ate dinner. There was a burn ban in effect till 8pm. Then we all sat around the campfire. It’s always a good time. Join us next time. Video and pictures by Cary Gavin.

10 years of beausage on my Betty Foy

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy on May 15, 2021 by pambikes

May 2021

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I unboxed my Betty Foy from Rivendell. My Betty is my daily ride and was my only bike til recently. I have an old Schwinn Mesa Runner that I use when I’m out of town on the weekends. I set it up like my Betty and like that it basically the same and I can always pull the parts if I’m desperate.

I do ride my Betty daily – about 360 days/year. I use it for all my errands and wherever I want to go. I did travel by Amtrak pre-COVID. And I’ve flown it boxed on American since it’s only a normal bag fee (no oversize charge anymore). I’ve done S24O trips and am slowly using it more for longer trips. I’m up to 2 nights camping and would like to go for 3 or more soon. Maybe this year.

I’m not sorry about all the scratches and beausage. I remember every one. Each time I locked at a bad bike rack or street sign and it shifted and scraped the paint off the top tube. When I was adjusting my seat and the hex wrench slipped. When I parked on some cart return because there’s no bike rack… I ride daily and I always lock up. I never leave it unlocked.

I keep track of the mileage for maintenance purposes and I like to try to get full utility out of all my components. I had been trying to get more chains per cassette but I’m so bad about it that I think I’ve given up and will just wear them out together. I think I’ll try to get 5,000 out of them. I’ll see how that goes. I’ve used Schwalbe Marathon Supremes and usually get about 12,000 miles without a flat. They have wear indicators now which are helpful.

Miles : 58,529
Highest annual mileage : 9,000
Most daily miles: 80

Riding in NC

Charlotte (Amtrak roll on service)
Raleigh (Amtrak roll on service)
Apex
Cary (Amtrak roll on service)
Durham (Amtrak roll on service)
Asheville
Belmont
Pinnacle
Greensboro (Amtrak roll on service) to Apex
Newton to Lake James
Rocky Mount (Amtrak roll on service) to Elizabeth City
Cycle NC ride 2019 from Clayton (Amtrak roll on service) to Atlantic Beach
Rodanthe to Ocracoke

Outside of NC:

Philadelphia, PA (Amtrak roll on service)
Glacier National Park (Amtrak roll on service)
Portland, OR (checked in box on American)
Seattle, WA (Amtrak roll on service)
Washington, DC (Amtrak roll on service)
Orlando, FL (Amtrak roll on service)

Annual mileage

2011 : 1,818* (May -Dec)
2012 : 3,756
2013 : 4,294
2014 : 4,669
2015 : 5,169
2016 : 5,439
2017 : 5,064
2018 : 5,251
2019 : 9,014
2020 : 6,613
2021 : 2,008* (Jan- Apr)
*partial year

Original equipment:

handlebars
stem
cranks
seatpost (weird size 26.6)
saddle
middle and small chain rings
brake levers
Shimano XT rapid rise rear derailleur
Nitto campee rear rack
headset
frame
fork
Brooks B68S
Middle and small chainrings
headset

My Betty and I have gone so many places together and made so many friends and have had so many good times. And we’ll have many more miles and trips and meet so many people. Bikes are made for riding. Go ride!

p.s. I matched some nail polish to the paint but since it doesn’t have a UV coating, it fades out. So some of the touch ups look white. I’m switching to clear nail polish now.

p.p.s. Plan all routes with Ride With GPS, write route on a 3×5 index card. No cell phone.

S24O 4/20/19

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog Uncategorized and tagged Betty Foy bikecamping pam Rivendell s24o on April 8, 2019 by pambikes

The next bike overnight will be Easter weekend. Do you like biking? Do you like camping? This is both at the same time. We meet Sat at 2 at Common Market Plaza Midwood and bike about 20 miles out to Copperhead Island at McDowell Nature Preserve. We stop on the way at a grocery store to pick up dinner supplies. We set up camp, have dinner, build a campfire and then bike back the next morning. We’re home for lunch on Sunday.

If you’re planning a longer trip, this is a great way to test everything out. From your packing list, to your equipment, clothing, hydration and nutrition. It’s loads of fun! There’s still room.

$20 per person. $15 with your Bike Benefits sticker. Cash or Paypal pamlikestobike@gmail.com.

Here’s a link to our first one.

S240

This entry was posted in Blog Pam's Blog and tagged Betty Foy bike camp Cycling Savvy Rivendell S240 on June 1, 2015 by pambikes

As edited by: Anna Benton
Photos: Carl Wilson

A few years ago, I read about the S24O (sub 24 hour overnight bike camping) on the Rivendell Bicycles website. However, the opportunity to embark on such a trip within the Charlotte area involved some difficult metrics. The closest campground is the McDowell Nature Preserve, a short 18 mile journey; yet the only plausible route involves 10-12 miles on South Tryon. South Tryon is predominantly a four lane highway with a 45 mph limit until it crosses I-485, at which point it transitions to a 55 mph limit. Equipped with the skills learned in Cycling Savvy, I felt prepared to ride South Tryon all the way out to camp with my seven trusty companions.

We convened on the little sugar Creek greenway at 3pm on a sunny Saturday. The weather was perfect. The high was mid 80’s and the low was about 58F. It was an impressive crew of bikes to behold as we saddled up alongside the glimmering silver ball that abuts the Charlotte skyscape. The group consisted of Matt, riding his carbon road bike with full Campy group, with whom we met near Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Next, was Carl riding his handmade steel frame fully loaded with a tent, stove and provisions. Then Geoff atop camp2 a Lemond road bike with his tent and gear in a messenger bag on his back. Paul rode a Surly Big Dummy cargo bike, pulling a Burley trailer with his 2 year old son behind him, and fully loaded with tent, gear and provisions. Anna rode her Bruce Gordon touring bike loaded with ortlieb panniers for the family. I (Pam) was on my Rivendell Betty Foy, equipped with an Eno hammock, bug net and chair in my Green Guru Freerider Pannier and a wicker basket pannier. Amanda was on her Schwinn Varsity (called Rosalita) with panniers loaded with a hammock, home made sleepsack and down comforter. Our bikes streamed down Charlotte streets in colors of red, black, green and blue.

In spite of our heavy loads, we made great time on the ride out and had mostly nice encounters with motorists, with the exception of a few SC drivers (SC KUD 298?). Sure, we got an occasional honk but most people politely flowed around us. Also, by taking the lane we certainly increased our field of sight and our visibility to the drivers around us. We all commented on our relative comfort along the route and enjoyed the overall smooth journey.

We stopped around mile 16 at the Publix in Steele Creek, 3 miles away from the camp site. Everyone picked up something for dinner and we refilled our water bottles. After that it was a quick ride to camp with Carowinds towering tall in the distance and an oasis of trees waiting for us after our journey on the pavement.

We set up camp in three large camping sites with a good mix of hammocks and tents. After that, Andrew met us with his Hobie Mirage tandem kayak (pedal driven) and took everyone out on the lake. It was a beautiful sunset over Lake Wylie followed by a cool evening by the fire.

Great weather, great company and all around a wonderful first S24O camping trip. Come join us next time. Until then, lets get out and ride!