Greetings from KOFA Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. One of these years we’ll get to stay at Catalina SP. We’ve been in Arizona for over a month now and everytime I look NO vacancy... So we moved on to where we know we can find an awesome boondocking spot. Cheers!
Thank you for you videos. They are amazing and helpful. I watch them more than one time. Getting ready for our first trip this coming summer, from Calgary to Port Hardy, Vancouver Island. We are so exited and for sure all your tips are going to be useful. Thanks.
Debbie, We just love the videos. This one reminds us of our trip in AZ. A BIG thanks for the FL115 video installation, we just got ours and installed it. It works great and looks great. Regards, Robert & Madeline, 2016 Ascent
Put the lime in the coconut and eat em all up! Looks like you guys are eating well even though no propane. Way to go! Baking with two different makeshift ovens. Happy Dance worthy!!!! Hey and you could have had bacon from your trail visitors. Great video guys. Great solution for knowing the temperature. See you in two weeks. Much love from NC.
We live in deep, deep,south TX and I had not thought of this for our trip across the south to FL, up the East Coast into Canada, across Canada into Alaska, down the West Coast, then home. These will definitely come in handy for multi-extreme tempts. I knew we needed to winterize, but the is a great idea! I might even make floor rugs out of this fabric!!! Thank you!
Beautiful, beautiful, my home state. You really do seem to have a special ability to perfectly match the music to what is happening in the video. The scene where the clouds were developing and marching across the sky was perfectly matched with your choice of music. Another interesting and wonderful video. Thanks.
Thanks for the video. Been to Tucson and Mt. Lemmon and didn’t know about Catalina State Park, so next time I will check it out. Food looks good too! Stay safe!
You're in my neck of the woods. I'm just an hour away from there in Arizona City this winter. I've been wanting to check out Catalina SP. Thanks for showing it to me.
Thanks for fantastic trips , stimulating my senses during Covid lockdown. I saw you carry bikes in rear of camper which create wind drags which affect mpg on your vehicle in long highway trips. You should look into Air Tabs which give you smooth air flow around your camper, especially passing big trucks on the highway and windy days. Wish you more awesome trips in the future and God keep you safe trips ahead.
Hey guys, another awesome video...I enjoy your content sharing your experience and scenery along the way. So many have chosen to just sit before the camera and chat about trivial things instead of getting out and sharing what really matters, the sights, the adventures, the actual experience of rving! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Thanks so much. I try to make this an infotainment channel. Some info and some entertainment. I have a type A personality so I know what you mean about the chit chat.
Great video, Debbie! Lu & I had a wonderful time at Catalina St. Park back in December. Like you, we found it to be a great park to use our ebikes. We did have one, uh, “interesting” trail experience. Let’s just say we won’t ask for trail advice from anyone on horseback. Horses can easily go where old duffers on ebikes should not tread. 😳😬
We’re in Arizona right now! We actually got out on a real trip - a celebration of our vaccines and cautiously re-emerging into the world. We’ve had reservations for three nights in Big Bend since last September (Chisos Basin) and we were able to score a couple of cancellations on either end for the other 2 campgrounds. Seven nites off grid will be a test of our solar panels and careful shepherding of resources!
Hi, just discovered your channel this morning. It is great! Really enjoying your format. The combination of scenery, cooking, biking and town visits is just like how we would travel. Watched one of your Oregon videos earlier and it brought back memories as it is one of our favourite states. Someday our van will arrive, we'll camperize it and if the border opens we can tour the U.S. once again. Cheers!
First thought upon seeing the title of this video was, Wait. What? Did they take the rig to Catalina Island? But, now I get it. Good looking spot there in Arizona. ... That windbreak at 2:57 is pretty clever. Well done, John. ... The rig at 4:27 looks like Brenna and me. That would have been so funny. ... The thermometer hack at 11:49 is brill. An outside and inside sort of weather station setup is on my never-ending list of things to buy/make/rig up. ... Quartzite? Just saw #Nomadland the other night. ... Next 'big' trip is several nights in #JoshuaTree. Off to search your channel to see if you've a video about that spot. ... Another fine video. Thank you for sharing.
@@FromShetoMe You do. Thank you. There are two from within the past 12 months. Just logged in to watch them. We'll be there in May so it should be ok. Waited till then to allow time to warm up. I am allergic to the cold, and Brenna (th-cam.com/users/pepperprinceton) to the heat. LOL
Thanks as always! Hey next time you are out on the trail could you review trail manners to your fan club? With all the hikers, bikers and horseback riders out and about these days, I’ve noticed that trail etiquette is really slipping out there. It’s not only more polite but really can effect safety. Thanks again! 😊🙏🏻
@@FromShetoMe 2003 for us. We visited my wife's sister a couple miles down the road from Catalina State Park (where we stayed in our 31' Class A ) and took her , her kids and ours to Tombstone and the Chiracahuas.
Love your sunglasses, am looking for some similar that come a little around the sides for walking. What size is your Instant Pot? I'm looking at buying one to use at home, but not sure if I should get the small or medium sized one. There are only two of us, but I was thinking of cooking a couple of extra portions to freeze or doing a bit of batch cooking to take with us when we go away in the campervan, so thinking maybe the medium 5.7L (6 quarts one) but wondering if that is too big.
We have the smallest one which is fine for travel but if you like to batch cook, then the larger might be a good idea. There has been a lot of innovation in that area since we purchased ours. Some even can air fry.
@@FromShetoMe I looked on your Amazon store and found you had the small one, which is now a 9 in 1, so have ordered that as I think it will be fine for the two of us. I ordered one of the Instant Pot airfryers last week, I am now on the hunt for a few of the accessories you use in your videos. Thanks for the recipes and inspiration.
We always enjoy your videos. I noticed you are not using your factory installed awning. Do you prefer the detachable or is there an issue with the van awning?
We prefer the Moonshade awning. The factory awnings on all these rigs sits really high so doesn't provide much shade. The newer ones are now retractable so they retract with a slight breeze whereas the Moonshade can hang on much longer. The Moonshade is lower so it gives us more privacy from neighbors. And finally, we can attach a lightweight piece of fabric (like a shower curtain) to the edge (with some clips) to give us even more shade when the sun is coming in at an angle. The downside of the Moonshade is that one point of attachment interferes with the opening of the sliding door so you either have to move it to operate the door, or only operate the door half way (which still allows us ample room to move in and out of the can).
Always enjoy your very well done videos. About e-bikes...in Arizona, they are allowed on (most) BLM land, but on county and city managed land, the rules change depending on where you are. For example, City of Scottsdale forbids e-bikes at Brown's Ranch trail system... City of Phoenix allows them at Apache Wash trail system but not at others. They are considered "motorized vehicles" on ALL national forest land, which is a good portion of Arizona trails. Your blanket statement about e-bikes in Arizona needs some clarification so people don't get in trouble...I'm sure with your attention to detail and professionalism in all you do, this was a misunderstanding of the rules. (I'm an AZ native who mountain bikes and occasionally uses an e-bike where allowed.) Keep up the good work!
Thanks. The rules are incredibly challenging as it is different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. And I just heard of some proposed rule changes in the USFS that would classify them as motorized vehicles everywhere. I look forward to the day we can get past this battle of the trails.
You sound like his lawyer and he sounds like your accountant. So many instructions and timings, distances. These vids sound like work to make and thoroughly reformatted to fit a tightly pre-packaged storyline.
I found your hat on Amazon right after this video came out and it was $28. I didn't order but just checked again and it's now $40. Do you think you made it that popular? ;-)
My wife would keep track of what we ate for 8 weeks, then we would start over with that list - and make variations to what we ate two months ago. Sure, it's a rut, but it's a two-month rut!
@@billnalen The awning that came with our van is nearly worthless because any amount of wind and it retracts. The Moonshade is much more useful. Good luck with your build. Wish we had the skills to do that.
Hi Debbie!! I have an instant pot at home but what size do you take in your van? Also love the new hat... I’ve been looking for one that will go under my bike helmet with a visor... can I ask where you got it?? Thank you for the great videos!! Love your channel!
@@FromShetoMe thank you! I actually ordered a different one! I didn’t think the s/m would fit my big head! A 6 quart would be the perfect size! Keep riding Rad!! We love ours!
Welcome to the Tucson area. Glad you got a chance to ride The Loop. We are Loop riders and e-bike riders at that. In fact, we ride about 100 miles a week on The Loop and the expansive path system allows us plenty of variability of scenery on those rides. As an FYI, The Loop is managed by Pima County, and they will tell you that officially e-bikes are not allowed on The Loop. That said, e-bikes are legal in Arizona, and the City of Tucson, both have laws similar to the U.S. federal laws for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes. However, the Pima County "rule" on e-bikes on The Loop is a guideline and not a law or ordinance, so not enforceable as far as we can see. That e-bike guideline is very out-of-date and does not recognize the needs of today's cyclists or modern e-bikes. For this reason, Pima County has a committee studying an update. We ride our e-bikes on The Loop almost daily and after many thousands of e-bike miles on The Loop, can tell you that neither we, or any of the many, many other e-bikes riders we see on the Loop, have been ticketed, or even questioned by officials. On another topic, heat for your van, we've seen a number of your videos, but have not seen an explanation of why you don't seem to have a full heating system. We wonder why you've not installed a diesel-fired Espar S2, or similar, running off the house battery, like so many people with Sprinters have. Just curious, as we are looking at a light build to our 2020 Sprinter 144 4x4 Crew.
Thanks for the info on the loop. Ebikes aren’t the problem people thought they would be. Would love to do the entire loop. What a fabulous amenity. We had the new solenoid installed so we are back in business. Friends have installed the diesel heater but we so rarely need heat that it hasn’t been a priority. Ideally we would eliminate propane all together but for now we’ll be fine with what we have.
Federal law under the USFS Travel Management Rule considers e-bikes to be motorized, and they are allowed on roads and trails in national forest that other motorized vehicles are allowed on, like ATVs and dirt bikes. They are NOT allowed on any hiking trails that forbid motorized vehicles. This isn't just a guideline, it's the rule. This includes Class 1 e-bikes that have no throttle and are only pedal assist. In my area (Prescott), there are plans to build e-bike specific trails. In the meantime, it seems they are being "tolerated". I use both a mountain bike and an e-bike here, but stick with City of Prescott trails (that allow e-bikes) when I want a "recovery ride" or an easy day. Hopefully as more people responsibly use them, the rules will change.
@@Justlovenlookup The majority of The Loop shared-use path in the Tucson area is under the jurisdiction of Pima County, not USFS. Luckily for e-bikers, the USFS reviewed its rules on e-bikes about a year ago and updated their approach - realizing e-bikes are not the same as the "motor vehicles" considered in the past development of their old rules. This action by USFS opened up the ability to allow e-bikes on federal lands. BLM is currently developing one of the first federal "e-bike" trails near our home. Of course, USFS restricts different types of users to different types of trail systems. However, the Feds are now more up-to-date in their understanding of how e-bikes fit into the overall outdoor experience. Thanks to the efforts of TH-camrs like Debbie and John, more and more people have come to see e-bikes as an important enabling device for many that could not otherwise enjoy the outdoors.
At about 20 seconds in, you are taking down and folding a detachable awning, instead of using the built in awning on your RV. Can you give some more information about the detachable awning? My fairly new automatic awning on my fairly new OnTour 2.2 is giving me agida, and if it can’t be resolved, I’d like a simple solution like the one it seems you have.
The factory awning retracts automatically if it senses a breeze. The sensitivity can be adjusted. We like the Moonshade which is made by moonfab.com because it can withstand higher winds. Because it sits lower on the van it gives better shade and privacy. It can also be set up in the rear of the van. Its only negative is that one anchor point either has to go on the sliding door when the door is open, or moved when you want to operate the door fully. We usually leave the door halfway open so that we can still access in and out of the van and not have to move the anchor point which is a magnet or a suction cup.
@@FromShetoMe Thanks so much for your reply. Super helpful (and fast!). My wife and I get tons of info and inspiration from your videos. Our factory awning gets stuck in the retracted position (better, I guess than getting stuck in the extended position.). I’ve had it looked at, and adjusted, twice (under warranty) and the sticking persists (It may take me cycling the extend/retract button 5 or 6 times before it finally unsticks.) So, it doesn’t fill me with confidence. Have you any suggestions on awning maintenance/repair?
I don’t know much about the awnings except that I don’t like them. The warranty on these things is pretty short so you should contact Fiamma about the problem.
@@FromShetoMe Just since you mentioned an awning brand name, I want to say that the problem I’m having is not with an awning from Fiamma. PW sourced the awning for my OnTour 2.2 from a different company, whose name suggests that my awning experience should be care free.
@@FromShetoMe It looks like you are using the magnetic anchors for your moon shade, on the side of your RV. The magnetic anchors that came with my moon shade (which arrived today, much quicker than I expected) have instructions saying they are to be used only on the top, horizontal surface, and not on the side, vertical surface. Am I right that you use the magnetic anchors? Have you had any issues using them on the side of your RV? (I’ve reached out to moon fab for some more information on this but, uncharacteristically, I haven’t heard back from them.)
@@FromShetoMe our Lexor has also had electric harness chewing by squirrels. It’s a real problem. Apparently, plastic coating and hoses are now coated with a soy product as opposed to a petroleum based product. It’s a problem across the auto industry. The soy based product is very yummy to rodents. I’ve done some research and found it is an across the board problem. Also, I don’t believe this problem is being addressed. So far, I’ve had about 3000$ worth of damage from squirrels. Rats and mice are contributing to the problem as well
@@FromShetoMe you never heard of squirrels chewing those ?Well a worldwide phone service, @ he NJ site, several mercy 40 kw generators wee disabled, I told the guy what to do, & e got several hundred $ for ‘SOLVING’ their problem. , We have NOT seen him in years, as he goes ALL over the world . What a lovely stop @ CATALINA, great scenery safe travels 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Still love your videos!
Greetings from KOFA Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. One of these years we’ll get to stay at Catalina SP. We’ve been in Arizona for over a month now and everytime I look NO vacancy... So we moved on to where we know we can find an awesome boondocking spot. Cheers!
We just lucked out with a cancellation.
@@FromShetoMe The only AZ SP we were able to find spots at was Picacho Peak... (or the nice county parks east of Phoenix)
We loved the Picacho Park and that hike is amazing. Wear gloves and take a hiking stick.
Another great video, thanks and be safe.
The best thing about your videos is the rapport the two of you have. It reminds me of how my wife and I are, always playing or joking with each other.
John makes me laugh all the time.
What a wonderful observation. I was telling my wife just that.
THANKS FOR FINE INFORMARIVE VIDEO..WE ARE IN THIS SAME AREA RITE NOW.....PLAN ON STAYING AT CATALINA PASR FOR A WEEK....GREAT BIKE TRAILS I SEE..!!!!
Thank you for you videos. They are amazing and helpful. I watch them more than one time. Getting ready for our first trip this coming summer, from Calgary to Port Hardy, Vancouver Island. We are so exited and for sure all your tips are going to be useful. Thanks.
Thank you so much. Sounds like a great trip. Just wish we could get up your way.
Thanks, for the enjoyable vid! Happy Trails!
Debbie, We just love the videos. This one reminds us of our trip in AZ. A BIG thanks for the FL115 video installation, we just got ours and installed it. It works great and looks great.
Regards, Robert & Madeline, 2016 Ascent
Awesome. You are the second person this month to tell me they had gotten theirs installed.
Just beautiful
Put the lime in the coconut and eat em all up! Looks like you guys are eating well even though no propane. Way to go! Baking with two different makeshift ovens. Happy Dance worthy!!!! Hey and you could have had bacon from your trail visitors. Great video guys. Great solution for knowing the temperature. See you in two weeks. Much love from NC.
Great video! I want an omni oven now and thanks for the baking tip in the instant pot! Love your biking and hiking adventures, safe travels!
We live in deep, deep,south TX and I had not thought of this for our trip across the south to FL, up the East Coast into Canada, across Canada into Alaska, down the West Coast, then home. These will definitely come in handy for multi-extreme tempts. I knew we needed to winterize, but the is a great idea! I might even make floor rugs out of this fabric!!! Thank you!
I always use a little one burner Coleman stove outside instead of always cooking in the van thanks for the nice video
Thanks for the beautiful escape🌵☀️ Can’t wait to get moving again.
Hello gran gran this is Finn Finn
Hi Sweetie. Miss you. 😍
What a beautiful park! Thanks for sharing😊 That purple drink at the end looked so good
It was so yummy.
@@FromShetoMe 😊👍🏽
Thanks Deb, that was beautiful. 👍
Beautiful, beautiful, my home state. You really do seem to have a special ability to perfectly match the music to what is happening in the video. The scene where the clouds were developing and marching across the sky was perfectly matched with your choice of music. Another interesting and wonderful video. Thanks.
Loved this. The music was perfect. Thx.
That looks like a really great bike trail! Thank you for sharing :o)
Thanks for the video. Been to Tucson and Mt. Lemmon and didn’t know about Catalina State Park, so next time I will check it out. Food looks good too! Stay safe!
Your videos are always so uplifting and helpful..thank you so very much for sharing !
You're in my neck of the woods. I'm just an hour away from there in Arizona City this winter. I've been wanting to check out Catalina SP. Thanks for showing it to me.
Nice park with lots of hiking trails. We just lucked out getting a campsite. Someone must have just cancelled.
What a nice State Park!!! We would love to check it out one day. Another nice video.
Love your videos. Thank you
Amazing spot!! Great video, again!!
Thanks for fantastic trips , stimulating my senses during Covid lockdown. I saw you carry bikes in rear of camper which create wind drags which affect mpg on your vehicle in long highway trips. You should look into Air Tabs which give you smooth air flow around your camper, especially passing big trucks on the highway and windy days. Wish you more awesome trips in the future and God keep you safe trips ahead.
Thanks. We don't notice any difference whether we are driving with the bikes or not.
Hey guys, another awesome video...I enjoy your content sharing your experience and scenery along the way. So many have chosen to just sit before the camera and chat about trivial things instead of getting out and sharing what really matters, the sights, the adventures, the actual experience of rving! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Thanks so much. I try to make this an infotainment channel. Some info and some entertainment. I have a type A personality so I know what you mean about the chit chat.
Such a pleasant video! Thanks again you two.
I was intrigued by your inst pot! Found everything in your Amazon store! Thanks for being so organized! Also loved the park tour.
Thanks for the wonderful impressions in that park. And good food is on top😃.
Great video, Debbie! Lu & I had a wonderful time at Catalina St. Park back in December. Like you, we found it to be a great park to use our ebikes. We did have one, uh, “interesting” trail experience. Let’s just say we won’t ask for trail advice from anyone on horseback. Horses can easily go where old duffers on ebikes should not tread. 😳😬
Yes, we had to back out of a trail we were on as well.
We’re in Arizona right now! We actually got out on a real trip - a celebration of our vaccines and cautiously re-emerging into the world. We’ve had reservations for three nights in Big Bend since last September (Chisos Basin) and we were able to score a couple of cancellations on either end for the other 2 campgrounds. Seven nites off grid will be a test of our solar panels and careful shepherding of resources!
You should be fine as the sun’s angle is much improved. We loved Big Bend.
Hi, just discovered your channel this morning. It is great! Really enjoying your format. The combination of scenery, cooking, biking and town visits is just like how we would travel. Watched one of your Oregon videos earlier and it brought back memories as it is one of our favourite states. Someday our van will arrive, we'll camperize it and if the border opens we can tour the U.S. once again. Cheers!
Thanks and welcome to our small community. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
I enjoyed this video THANKS
First thought upon seeing the title of this video was, Wait. What? Did they take the rig to Catalina Island? But, now I get it. Good looking spot there in Arizona. ... That windbreak at 2:57 is pretty clever. Well done, John. ... The rig at 4:27 looks like Brenna and me. That would have been so funny. ... The thermometer hack at 11:49 is brill. An outside and inside sort of weather station setup is on my never-ending list of things to buy/make/rig up. ... Quartzite? Just saw #Nomadland the other night. ... Next 'big' trip is several nights in #JoshuaTree. Off to search your channel to see if you've a video about that spot. ... Another fine video. Thank you for sharing.
I think I have two videos on Joshua Tree. A friend was out there all week and it was pretty darn cold. Should start warming up mid week.
@@FromShetoMe You do. Thank you. There are two from within the past 12 months. Just logged in to watch them. We'll be there in May so it should be ok. Waited till then to allow time to warm up. I am allergic to the cold, and Brenna (th-cam.com/users/pepperprinceton) to the heat. LOL
FYI, it could easily be too hot in May. Best to keep your eye on the weather reports.
@@FromShetoMe Thank you. We live in Las Vegas so are pretty used to high temps. It is the cold that is scary. :)
I love to see where you guys pop-up! Thank you for sharing.
Really nice.
Thanks as always! Hey next time you are out on the trail could you review trail manners to your fan club? With all the hikers, bikers and horseback riders out and about these days, I’ve noticed that trail etiquette is really slipping out there. It’s not only more polite but really can effect safety. Thanks again! 😊🙏🏻
Good idea. I'll do that.
What is the brand of the black wind safe awning you have added clips for on your van. Not the factory awning. Thanks.
Moonshade and the company is Moonfab.com
Where do you get the energy to go for a hike and then cook? I barely get the energy to cook at all on any day. You guys are awesome 😎
Thanks. If I'm not moving, I get bored. But our meals are super easy affairs.
@@FromShetoMe about a short cookbook?
@@maggiebrattoli383 LOL. Sounds like a lot of work.
Love your videos! My wife is obsessed with your hat (has a place for sunglasses), can you tell us the name of the hat? Thanks
I tracked down a link and put it in the description box.
Yes! What Don Cates said.
Did someone say chocolate cake? :) As always, great video. Kinda like the comedian you have riding with you too!
He’s a keeper. Thanks.
On your t-shirt at the beginning, is that a squirrel eating a s’more? 😁 Beautiful scenery! Thanks for the cake IP tip.
Yes on the shirt. I think I got it at one of the parks we visited in Utah.
I sure hope you get to Chiricahua National Monument. Amazing !
Maybe next fall. Haven't been there since December 1971.
@@FromShetoMe 2003 for us. We visited my wife's sister a couple miles down the road from Catalina State Park (where we stayed in our 31' Class A ) and took her , her kids and ours to Tombstone and the Chiracahuas.
@@stanw909 We did make it back to Tombstone last winter. I hadn't been back since 1974 and it had lost a lot of its charm.
@@FromShetoMe Wasn't everything more charming when we were that age ?
Love your sunglasses, am looking for some similar that come a little around the sides for walking. What size is your Instant Pot? I'm looking at buying one to use at home, but not sure if I should get the small or medium sized one. There are only two of us, but I was thinking of cooking a couple of extra portions to freeze or doing a bit of batch cooking to take with us when we go away in the campervan, so thinking maybe the medium 5.7L (6 quarts one) but wondering if that is too big.
We have the smallest one which is fine for travel but if you like to batch cook, then the larger might be a good idea. There has been a lot of innovation in that area since we purchased ours. Some even can air fry.
@@FromShetoMe I looked on your Amazon store and found you had the small one, which is now a 9 in 1, so have ordered that as I think it will be fine for the two of us. I ordered one of the Instant Pot airfryers last week, I am now on the hunt for a few of the accessories you use in your videos. Thanks for the recipes and inspiration.
I use to live in Yuma and Green Valley, Az. The desert can be so beautiful, thanks for giving us a show.
We always enjoy your videos. I noticed you are not using your factory installed awning. Do you prefer the detachable or is there an issue with the van awning?
We prefer the Moonshade awning. The factory awnings on all these rigs sits really high so doesn't provide much shade. The newer ones are now retractable so they retract with a slight breeze whereas the Moonshade can hang on much longer. The Moonshade is lower so it gives us more privacy from neighbors. And finally, we can attach a lightweight piece of fabric (like a shower curtain) to the edge (with some clips) to give us even more shade when the sun is coming in at an angle. The downside of the Moonshade is that one point of attachment interferes with the opening of the sliding door so you either have to move it to operate the door, or only operate the door half way (which still allows us ample room to move in and out of the can).
thank you for adding the sign about the little girl, her story got lost in the headlines of the day
Yes, a very sad chapter and worth a stop. Her story is quite moving.
What kind of animals were those with the little ones?
Javelina, also known as collared peccary. Native to the southwestern US.
Always enjoy your very well done videos. About e-bikes...in Arizona, they are allowed on (most) BLM land, but on county and city managed land, the rules change depending on where you are. For example, City of Scottsdale forbids e-bikes at Brown's Ranch trail system... City of Phoenix allows them at Apache Wash trail system but not at others. They are considered "motorized vehicles" on ALL national forest land, which is a good portion of Arizona trails. Your blanket statement about e-bikes in Arizona needs some clarification so people don't get in trouble...I'm sure with your attention to detail and professionalism in all you do, this was a misunderstanding of the rules. (I'm an AZ native who mountain bikes and occasionally uses an e-bike where allowed.) Keep up the good work!
Thanks. The rules are incredibly challenging as it is different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. And I just heard of some proposed rule changes in the USFS that would classify them as motorized vehicles everywhere. I look forward to the day we can get past this battle of the trails.
You sound like his lawyer and he sounds like your accountant. So many instructions and timings, distances. These vids sound like work to make and thoroughly reformatted to fit a tightly pre-packaged storyline.
As long as I enjoy doing it, it doesn't feel like work. People see me gardening all the time and say the same thing. But I think it is fun.
how crowded were the bike trails ?? thanks, tommy montana
Not crowded at all.
We use our Go Treads for getting unstuck, not for leveling.
I found your hat on Amazon right after this video came out and it was $28. I didn't order but just checked again and it's now $40. Do you think you made it that popular? ;-)
LOL, no way, my channel is too small. But you can buy it from Sundayafternoons here for $30: www.sundayafternoons.com/p/uvshield-cool-convert-visor/
Ok, Now I want to go. Thank you
Love the new little stove! You might have told us (I missed it if you did)...are you not using the Blackstone?
That’s more of a summer time appliance.
My wife would keep track of what we ate for 8 weeks, then we would start over with that list - and make variations to what we ate two months ago. Sure, it's a rut, but it's a two-month rut!
That’s a good idea.
What’s the awning you have at 0:20?
It's called a Moonshade and their website is moonfab.com. It was originally a Kickstarter campaign.
@@FromShetoMe thank you so much. We’re self building a camper van and need an awning.
@@billnalen The awning that came with our van is nearly worthless because any amount of wind and it retracts. The Moonshade is much more useful. Good luck with your build. Wish we had the skills to do that.
You up early like me!
Hi Debbie!! I have an instant pot at home but what size do you take in your van? Also love the new hat... I’ve been looking for one that will go under my bike helmet with a visor... can I ask where you got it?? Thank you for the great videos!! Love your channel!
Thanks Pat. I put a link to the hat in the description box. The small Instant Pot is 6 qts and fits well in our back cabinet.
@@FromShetoMe thank you! I actually ordered a different one! I didn’t think the s/m would fit my big head! A 6 quart would be the perfect size! Keep riding Rad!! We love ours!
@@FromShetoMe 6 qt? Did I miss a video were you switched out the 3 qt?
@@kathleenculkin5008 I'm sorry. You're right, it is 3qt, perfect for the two of us.
Out West has big skies. Why I liked driving thru TX panhandle, while Judy thought is was beyond boring.
Another great video. Do you know if there’s a website that has all the ebike regulations on a state-by-state basis?
No but that would be great.
Love your new hat! Details?
www.sundayafternoons.com/p/uvshield-cool-convert-visor/
@@FromShetoMe love the hat as well! Bought one!
@@monicalloyd1477 And I bought another one in a different color.
@@FromShetoMe can’t wait to see it in use while you’re out on the rode.
@@FromShetoMe I bought the Soldana Vapor Blue. So excited!
Did you have reservations for Catalina or just drive in?
John got a last minute reservation that must have been a cancellation. We have tried before to get in there and it isn't easy.
Welcome to the Tucson area. Glad you got a chance to ride The Loop. We are Loop riders and e-bike riders at that. In fact, we ride about 100 miles a week on The Loop and the expansive path system allows us plenty of variability of scenery on those rides.
As an FYI, The Loop is managed by Pima County, and they will tell you that officially e-bikes are not allowed on The Loop. That said, e-bikes are legal in Arizona, and the City of Tucson, both have laws similar to the U.S. federal laws for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes.
However, the Pima County "rule" on e-bikes on The Loop is a guideline and not a law or ordinance, so not enforceable as far as we can see. That e-bike guideline is very out-of-date and does not recognize the needs of today's cyclists or modern e-bikes. For this reason, Pima County has a committee studying an update. We ride our e-bikes on The Loop almost daily and after many thousands of e-bike miles on The Loop, can tell you that neither we, or any of the many, many other e-bikes riders we see on the Loop, have been ticketed, or even questioned by officials.
On another topic, heat for your van, we've seen a number of your videos, but have not seen an explanation of why you don't seem to have a full heating system. We wonder why you've not installed a diesel-fired Espar S2, or similar, running off the house battery, like so many people with Sprinters have. Just curious, as we are looking at a light build to our 2020 Sprinter 144 4x4 Crew.
Thanks for the info on the loop. Ebikes aren’t the problem people thought they would be. Would love to do the entire loop. What a fabulous amenity.
We had the new solenoid installed so we are back in business. Friends have installed the diesel heater but we so rarely need heat that it hasn’t been a priority. Ideally we would eliminate propane all together but for now we’ll be fine with what we have.
Federal law under the USFS Travel Management Rule considers e-bikes to be motorized, and they are allowed on roads and trails in national forest that other motorized vehicles are allowed on, like ATVs and dirt bikes. They are NOT allowed on any hiking trails that forbid motorized vehicles. This isn't just a guideline, it's the rule. This includes Class 1 e-bikes that have no throttle and are only pedal assist. In my area (Prescott), there are plans to build e-bike specific trails. In the meantime, it seems they are being "tolerated". I use both a mountain bike and an e-bike here, but stick with City of Prescott trails (that allow e-bikes) when I want a "recovery ride" or an easy day. Hopefully as more people responsibly use them, the rules will change.
@@Justlovenlookup The majority of The Loop shared-use path in the Tucson area is under the jurisdiction of Pima County, not USFS.
Luckily for e-bikers, the USFS reviewed its rules on e-bikes about a year ago and updated their approach - realizing e-bikes are not the same as the "motor vehicles" considered in the past development of their old rules. This action by USFS opened up the ability to allow e-bikes on federal lands. BLM is currently developing one of the first federal "e-bike" trails near our home.
Of course, USFS restricts different types of users to different types of trail systems. However, the Feds are now more up-to-date in their understanding of how e-bikes fit into the overall outdoor experience.
Thanks to the efforts of TH-camrs like Debbie and John, more and more people have come to see e-bikes as an important enabling device for many that could not otherwise enjoy the outdoors.
At about 20 seconds in, you are taking down and folding a detachable awning, instead of using the built in awning on your RV. Can you give some more information about the detachable awning? My fairly new automatic awning on my fairly new OnTour 2.2 is giving me agida, and if it can’t be resolved, I’d like a simple solution like the one it seems you have.
The factory awning retracts automatically if it senses a breeze. The sensitivity can be adjusted. We like the Moonshade which is made by moonfab.com because it can withstand higher winds. Because it sits lower on the van it gives better shade and privacy. It can also be set up in the rear of the van. Its only negative is that one anchor point either has to go on the sliding door when the door is open, or moved when you want to operate the door fully. We usually leave the door halfway open so that we can still access in and out of the van and not have to move the anchor point which is a magnet or a suction cup.
@@FromShetoMe Thanks so much for your reply. Super helpful (and fast!). My wife and I get tons of info and inspiration from your videos. Our factory awning gets stuck in the retracted position (better, I guess than getting stuck in the extended position.). I’ve had it looked at, and adjusted, twice (under warranty) and the sticking persists (It may take me cycling the extend/retract button 5 or 6 times before it finally unsticks.) So, it doesn’t fill me with confidence. Have you any suggestions on awning maintenance/repair?
I don’t know much about the awnings except that I don’t like them. The warranty on these things is pretty short so you should contact Fiamma about the problem.
@@FromShetoMe Just since you mentioned an awning brand name, I want to say that the problem I’m having is not with an awning from Fiamma. PW sourced the awning for my OnTour 2.2 from a different company, whose name suggests that my awning experience should be care free.
@@FromShetoMe It looks like you are using the magnetic anchors for your moon shade, on the side of your RV. The magnetic anchors that came with my moon shade (which arrived today, much quicker than I expected) have instructions saying they are to be used only on the top, horizontal surface, and not on the side, vertical surface. Am I right that you use the magnetic anchors? Have you had any issues using them on the side of your RV? (I’ve reached out to moon fab for some more information on this but, uncharacteristically, I haven’t heard back from them.)
When you leave your bikes at a trailhead how secure are your bikes?
Only secured with a cable lock. So if thieves are carrying a bolt cutter, we’ll be SOL.
Were did you get your armrests for your doors?
They're called "elbow friends." www.amazon.com/dp/B004W0QISM?ref=exp_fromshetome_dp_vv_d
Thanks you , really like your videos.
I so enjoyed your video as I always do. Where did you get your new hat? It’s so cute!!!!
Got it at a wonderful shop in Borrego Springs but the company is “Sun Day” and very likely you can find it on line.
From She to Me Thank you so much!!!!!
I see John hasn't found another bike yet
No. He spoke to someone who said they don't make a bike for guys his size.
@@FromShetoMe next time I see him I want him to try my FLX. It’s a tall powerful bike.
@@mwsteffen Sounds good.
I laughed out loud at the discussion to make the bed or not make the bed on a travel day.
Careful of Snakes along Trails!
We also have no propane. Squirrel vandalism on the LP hose!
Never heard of that happening. We’re all fixed now and ready to go.
@@FromShetoMe our Lexor has also had electric harness chewing by squirrels. It’s a real problem. Apparently, plastic coating and hoses are now coated with a soy product as opposed to a petroleum based product. It’s a problem across the auto industry. The soy based product is very yummy to rodents. I’ve done some research and found it is an across the board problem. Also, I don’t believe this problem is being addressed. So far, I’ve had about 3000$ worth of damage from squirrels. Rats and mice are contributing to the problem as well
@@FromShetoMe you never heard of squirrels chewing those ?Well a worldwide phone service, @ he NJ site, several mercy 40 kw generators wee disabled, I told the guy what to do, & e got several hundred $ for ‘SOLVING’ their problem. , We have NOT seen him in years, as he goes ALL over the world . What a lovely stop @ CATALINA, great scenery safe travels 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@flybyairplane3528 I'll have to check that out. I do know that those squirrels wreck havoc on my avocados.
FL 115 got me to divorce court HMMMMMMMMMMM
Oh no! That's gotta be quite a story.