Downtube Dyan Preliminary Review

Unexpected bonus: the Downtube Dyan's rack can hold a standard-sized panner.

Meet my new folder, a Downtube Dyan! 24" wheels, modern components, and most beneficial, the bicycle is upgradeable.

I've owned and loved my Dahon Boardwalk. It was an easy entry into the folding bike universe. It taught me that small wheels allow versatile travel. I've done many Amtrak adventures, folded the bike into the front seat of a Miata, cruised around Montreal with Adele, stuffed it many times inside our vehicle, opening up the rear rack to handle family bikes. I've embraced its comfortable steel geometry - the main reason I've ridden it for 8 years.

I was eventually ready for new small-wheeled horizons, something that handles a touring load on varied terrain, yet still falls under Amtrak's reservation-free dimensions. I missed snagging a used Dahon Archer, checked specifications on a Dahon Briza, Tern Node and their multigeared 20" counterparts, and even investigated a Bike Friday Diamond Llama. The latter was on a 20% discount, but I still couldn't swallow the price tag. The used market is elusive. There are numerous budget folders - like the Boardwalk - or Bromptons and Bike Fridays fetching premiums. I've known Downtube's brand for a while - they make lower-cost, well-equipped folders because they market and ship directly from Greensboro, NC. After the Rivendell Clem fiasco, I swore I'd never buy a bike untested, and yet here I am!

The handle post is adjustable - I have it slammed, in the shortest position. Slightly curved with some rise, handlebars can be pivoted to adjust position, plus included bar ends, clamped in a removable faceplate stem should I need a bar change. It's the thoughtful features that sold me. Click shifting, included bell, rubberized grip area on the brake lever - very comfortable! The list goes on.

There's a top tube-mounted braze-on for a waterbottle rack, a head tube 3-hole mount for baggage or a rack, quick-release wheels, an included rear rack, and fenders. I've verified through our bike mechanic that I can upgrade the 1.5" rubber to 1.75", with existing ample fender clearance. 

This pannier has a velcro-type attachment, securing the bag to the fender stay.

I was pleasantly surprised to have a sturdy rack that can hold a full-size pannier without heel strike. The rack's large tubing, however, fits only panniers with larger hooks. I presume the rack is set up more for top loads because of one axle stay with beefy tubing. With wider hook bags, a J-hook could be added to the bolt support for a typical connection.

Oh yeah, there's a derailleur hanger too, and a 10x cassette. I have 3 gears lower than the Dahon, and I've been assured we can go even lower.

After one ride, I swapped out the all-metal pedals and wide saddle for the Dahon's fine-tuned, comfortable arrangement.

I think I did pretty well with this 24" wonder. I've ridden the Dyan several times. It's zippy!

Slow Rolling with Adele - Lodge Life, Restaurant Finds, and Garage Sale Adventures

Adele and I know how to have a good time. Dating back to the 2014 inaugural Tour Du Ticonderoga, we've been touring annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic. Recently, I made a last-minute weekend lodge reservation, and Adele was game! 

As the one-way trip would be only 25 miles, we left from my house, easily boarding the Causeway Bike Ferry just a few miles later. Behind a line of folks exiting the ramp to get on the path, someone ahead shouted, "Hold it! Mink family incoming!" We stopped to watch a momma mink with a youngster in her mouth, and two other young following behind as they all scampered by us down the gravel path, then dove into the bushes. What a treat!

Return trip the following day, waiting for the bike ferry. There's a story behind why I'm carrying tires on my rear rack...

We pedaled along the quiet roads of Grand Isle, crossed another ferry to New York through a hazy, smoke-filled afternoon, due to Canadian wildfires, then gradually made our way to Point Au Roche Lodge. The price was reasonable, with great reviews, and easy check-in. The hostel-style accommodation had a large kitchen, allowing you to bring your own food, while coffee and tea were also provided. We didn't see any staff. Our room was large, complete with a sitting room and a screened porch. What a great spot! 

On the deck at Doc's on the Water at Mooney Bay.

Typical Adele - foodie extroardinaire - had scoped out a restaurant ahead of time so we didn't need to bring dinner with us. It was a ten-minute walk and a lovely setting! We marveled at the marina view, tasty fish and chips, and the fact that we were on the same wavelength, ordering the same meal and drink.

We stored our bikes for the night, out of sight, tucked into a corner of the lodge's gazebo.

The next morning, with caffeinated and snack-filled bellies, we ambled along a loop beside the lake, marveling at waterfront homes, lawn ornaments, and newly planted cornfields. A slight tailwind pushed us south along a back road, eventually returning to downtown Pattsburgh for Eggs Benedict at another Adele find: Campus Corner, a local's diner. Sitting on swivel stools, hustling waitresses, full plates of yummy food - everything one would expect from a diner.

Inside the Campus Corner diner.

Admiring Plattsburgh's historical homes and monuments.

26x2" 45 North studded bike tires - a cargo net comes in handy! Adele and I are on the Grand Isle ferry.

Three routes connect Plattsburgh to the Cumberland Head peninsula and the NY/Grand Isle, VT ferry: Two outer lakeside roads and an interior, more direct way with a segregated bike lane. We took the fast way the previous day, but upon return, I suggested a winding, scenic shoreline road (formerly the main route until the inner expressway/bike lane was built about 20 years ago). 

Adele had mentioned that it would be great to stop at garage sales. We think alike. On previous adventures, I found a nice watch, and my favorite earrings came from a secondhand store in Canada - all from previous trips with Adele. So it was fortuitous that the route I suggested, of course, was hosting a neighborhood garage sale!

As it was a Sunday afternoon, sellers were tired, and many included a curbside free pile. I was semi-interested in studded bike tires with little wear. I asked the price. "What would you offer?" They accepted $5 for both - a steal. Adele picked up a  free folding organizer bag. 

I don't think I've laughed this much on an overnight bike tour, in quite some time!

Pedaling Around Fort Collins and Beyond

Riding Loveland's Recreation Trail Loop.

My 10-day May vacation in Colorado was primarily visiting our number one son. This year, my husband drove out west, toting our mountain bikes so we could ride easy dirt trails in comfort. I often have problems with elevation, so I gracefully altered intense workouts with Fort Collins's easier and extensive trail network, many along rivers, parks, wetlands, and canals. Like last year, I rode my son's Specialized St. Laurent in the city.

A loop in Red Mountain Open Space. The Ruby Wash (lower right photo) was particularly challenging to navigate deep sand - thankfully, it was downhill, revealing a change in the landscape around each corner.

Springtime in the high desert is stunning. While parched and hot as early as June, I'm glad I came earlier this year. The open spaces steal my heart.

The Dams Loop is a training ground for various organized rides.

Our son mentioned we should ride The Dams Loop early on, but with the elevation gain - especially for flatlanders like us - I wasn't sure I could do it. After several days riding, drinking lots of water, and generally feeling good, I proposed that we should try it. I knew I was the weak link, standing in the pedals, taking breaks along with my husband to catch our breath, and despite the ferocious head and side winds, we made it! What beautiful views!

Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming, a real gem of trails snaking through aspen groves, pines, and around smooth granite rock formations. We barely touched the network of available trails. 

One afternoon we went on a bicycle brewery tour, organized by long-time friend, Rich. 

Downtime included relaxing at our son's house, walks, and ball throwing with big dog Doughnut, 

cycling for errands, scoring 12 oz 6-pack of delicious double IPA (bought solely due to the label art), and walking to a Food Truck rally. I helped out by weeding their overgrown front beds while enjoying wild bunnies that graze lawns, and my husband mowed the lawn. I particularly enjoyed long conversations with our niece, who joined their household in December. 3 people (son & girlfriend) plus dog and two cats who don't get along make for a complicated household! My husband and I camped in a nearby KOA.

We connected with cousin Kerry in Boulder, who led a fun-filled tour of Boulder Creek Trail, famed Pearl Street, and climbed to views of the Flatirons mountains. Compared with Fort Collins, Boulder is hilly!

Our accommodations for a week. I slept well!

Oh, Fort Collins and surrounding environs, I love you so...I'll be back.

Ideas for 2025

Cycling goals for 2025: keep touring, painting, and exploring new bike styles.

I make an annual pilgrimage to the Kingdom Trails, but with good weekend weather, I plan to explore more of southern Vermont. Some of the ideas below require planning.

• In May, I'm returning to Fort Collins to visit family and once again explore by bike.  This time, I'm excited that my husband will attend.
• Inspired to find another folding bike, I've been researching the Tern Node and Dahon Briza. Both have 24" wheels, but should fall under Amtrak's free onboard, non-reservation status for folding bikes. I prefer a used bicycle - the goal is to locate either model within a reasonable distance for test rides.
• Touring ideas include a loop connecting the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and/or portions of the VTXL or a compilation of all three! Both Cross VT and LVRT trails sustained significant damage from 2023 and 2024 floodwaters. Due to ongoing maintenance, expecting both to be passable from end to end is unrealistic. Including the VTXL means there are more options for an interesting weeklong route.
• I have a travel painting kit. I plan to ride locally for inspiration and try out mini paintings.

Inspiration for Change

Specialized Hard Rock, outfitted for travel.

The older some people get, the more they're resistant to change. I get it, to an extent. I can't imagine moving again, living through another pandemic, necessitating finding a new job - that was quite the ordeal - all three at once! But because health and travel is precious  -we're in our 60s and 70s - I've become more flexible with route choice, even with limited vacation time. 

Choosing local travel helps, barring, of course, unpredictable weather. I'm willing to deviate from a planned route if an opportunity arises. We did just that in 2023. Current thoughts involve switching this summer's planned in-state vacation (flooded trail for 2 years), pivoting to attempt the VTXL. 

My husband and I recently attended an inspiring presentation on bike travel. Among other adventures discussed, I'd known about the VTXL, on my radar for a while, but didn't think I could pull it off until I was retired. It's hilly and mostly dirt, with elevation thrown in, but it's not particularly difficult terrain or remote, and lends itself to wild camping. I've been encouraged that my Hard Rock should handle the route just fine. Ample vacation time, Amtrak, a bus, and pedaling may help access the start/finish, as neither end is served by public transportation. While feasible, we always have the fallback east/west loop route option. It's wonderful to have choices. Either will provide the flavor of self-supported touring as a couple - something I always look forward to!