Thursday, August 3, 2017

Bigger Isn't Always Better, Little Folding Bike Road Trip

Some photos from our seven day, three thousand miles road trip with the 98 Dahon Mariner.  I had considered selling that bike but glad I kept it when we observed how the trunk bike carrier from Saris caused the trunk lid of our little Nissan Versa to flex to much.  Plan B was fold the Dahon and shove it in the trunk.    We had a lot of fun with opportunity to visit The Bicycle Nomad Cafe and visit with owner Erick Cedeno (scroll down for photo) who rode the the little old Dahon and afterwards said "it rides better than it looks".  Another quote from his site is perfectly suited for this blog post title.  "It makes you feel big when you are small and small when you are big".
Visit the Bike Tourings' Blog regarding this Bike at "A Folding Bike that Fits"


Picture of Dahon Mariner folding bike with complete bikepacking kit for bicycle touring and photography
After landing at Madrid, New Mexico I was looking forward to figuring out how I would pack my kit onto the Dahon Mariner.  Turned out to be easier than I thought with use of a medium size hydration pack for mountain biking. 

Picture of Dahon Mariner folding bike with Harley Davidson motorcycle in background
Juxtaposed  : )




Picture of author riding Dahon Mariner folding bike on country road.
Cruising on pavement was pure fun, trails were a bit challenging and limited some of the riding options but was still fun, yep I was smiling. 


Picture of Bicycle Nomad Cafe owner Erick Cedeno test riding Dahon Mariner folding bike
Bicycle Nomad Cafe owner Erick Cedeno after riding the old Dahon Mariner five speed, "it rides better than it looks".  



Picture of '98 Dahon Mariner steel frame folding bike for travel photography
I try to make it a tradition to get at least one good pic on my way home through Texas Hill Country

Picture of Dahon Folding bike with overnight bikepacking kit for travel photos.
I did figure out a good method of packing my tent, poles, air mattress, sleeping bag and pillow, camera, tripod, spare batteries, power pack, basic flat repair kit and enough food and water for an overnighter.  




Picture of Dahon Mariner folding bike and astro photo night picture
Madrid, New Mexico is so beautiful at night.  This was at four am after the clouds had cleared out.