It must be that time of the year, because I got to meet two more long distance bike tourists the other day, both very interesting and with two distinctly different style bikes.
This is Juan Tunon Martinez, and he’s riding a Surly Big Dummy equipped with a Rohloff Speedhub. Juan is riding from Tierra del Fuego north to Alaska, which to my knowledge is the reverse of how most people ride this route. This is a monster rig, almost too much to take in with one look. Juan swapped over a bunch of parts from his old bike in Southern California, and so the bike has the look of one that’s been lived on for a while.
The duct tape seat and flowers are classic, and I like how the MSR Dromedary bag hangs from one of the seat springs. In addition to the luggage mounts on the Xtracycle portion of his bike, Juan also uses panniers on the massive Surly front rack. What a bike!
Because of the vertical dropouts on this bike and the design of the frame, a chain tensioner must be used with the Rohloff.
You can read all about Juan’s adventure at his website www.panamerikana.org
P.S. I have now started an official pushing the pedals facebook page. If you like this blog, how about clicking this link and “liking” it? Thanks!
Next up is Glenn Charles
Glenn is on a multi-year multi-discipline journey, and just started his cross country bicycle portion in Florida this year. He’s riding a Salsa Fargo with Schwalbe Big Apple tires and towing a trailer along with using a rear rack/panniers.
We chatted for a bit about his trip, and about his choice of cameras and other gear. I forgot to ask him about the aero-bars strapped to his rear rack, but I have a pretty good idea what he uses them for. Glenn just featured me on his blog and I’ve finally found the time to return the favor. Check out his site, it’s eye opening!
Those tires are massive! I’m jealous. Glenn seems to love his bike, and it’s one I lusted after for quite a while but couldn’t quite commit to.
I’d like to wish these two intrepid travelers the best of luck with the rest of their journeys!
cool post… keep em coming
love that he has Mr. Bill on his back rack for those Oh NOO!!! moments. Can’t wait to hear about your trip Daniel!
Thanks, I’ll be sure to keep you informed!
Hi Daniel …thnaks for the post. It was a real pleasure to meet people like you.
Good luck with your next trip.
Daniel,
Thanks for the post, it was a pleasure meeting you as well. I can’t wait to hear more about your big trip this year. When I get back to SF I will definitely swing by.
Safe Travels,
Glenn
P.S., the Aero Bars were donated but never did fit. I finally found a pair and love them!!
Glen and John: I’d like to do an article about your journey and your bikes for the Seattle Cascade Bicycle Club’s newsletter. I live in West Seattle and can be reached at 206-419-8603. I’m a bona fide amateur lay person journalist, retired.
Hi bill … how are you?
I hope as well as i am.
I called you via skype but i couldn’t reach you.
For me is more easy and cheap to contact you by mail. Now i’m in Seattle (north seattle) and perhaps i will be there a couple of days before heading to Canada.
So perhaps we can make an appointment before leaving.
hugs