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| *Vultures Knob>>>Cycling |
Anybody ever biked across the USA or gone on any other major long distance rides? |
I'd like to do a really long distance ride sometime in the next few years, either across the USA, or Europe, S. America, etc. Anyone ever done this, and what suggestions could you offer? Any advice is helpful. Thanks! I used to lead cross-country bicycle tours. It is an adventure that will be one of the best of your life. Going it alone was not for me, i did several solo - some about 600 miles; i much preferred small groups. You can go on a predetermined trip set up by someone else, (smooth, but a little expensive and limiting) or set up your own (can be frustrating, but can be cheaper) . You will need a GOOD bike for touring- Lots of low gears, able to carry the weight with no problems, very good brakes. Your standard street racing bike might have problems without significant modification. Try to go in a group of 4-10 people. Less than 4 and the stuff you have to carry (parts tools, cooking stuff) gets to be too much weight per person. Over 10 - the logistics to keep everyone together and happy is too complicated. 5 or 6 is a good number i you are organizing it. If you have organized events, were good at it and enjoyed it, consider starting your own trip. If not, there are others thinking like you- find them and help with their trip. Keeping your cargo weight low, but having almost everything you need is a priority. To start out- Always do progessively longer rides for maximum success. Start with a local 50 mile ride, 75 then 100 miles. do a 3 day trip, then 5 days, etc. carry your anticipated weight. This teaches you the things important to you and your priorities. Trips of about 2 weeks gather the most people, as that is available for most people who have to work. Multiple tours chained together with different people can be fun. You will need to know at least basic bike mechanical skills, changing tires, trueing wheels, bike adjustments, lubing and changing a chain. Motel-ing it can be expensive unless everyone is of the same gender and gets along well. Camping makes fore less expensive, but, means carrying more weight. Church trips can be a fun, easy, cheap way to get started; they are usually open to everyone as long as you are well behaved for the trip. Injuries, accidents, illness can be pretty big obstacles when riding alone, Groups prevent this from being a big deal by preventing problems - and their impact - thru discussions and load sharing. GOOD LUCK I rode for 27 days, averaging about 120 miles per day. I was on the fastest AND most comfortable bike in the world... a recumbent with wind sock and bring lots of people to support you.. I had a crew of 3 supporting me and that made things go a lot better... flats and food and all... we just slept in the RV ... .. . not the dog I did a solo ride from Georgia to Upstate NY in 1987. I took my time, it took about 10 days. If I pushed it, I probably could have done it in 7 or 8 days. I didn't plan my route ahead of time, I just stayed parallel to the Interstates. That way I had no trouble finding places to eat or to stay along the way. I stayed in motels. After being in the saddle all day, sleeping on the ground didn't seem like much fun. Plus, it was less gear I had to carry. I brought the basics with me: A few changes of clothes; I did laundry at the motel every couple of days. Spare tubes and tires, a patch kit and frame pump. Travelers checks & just a little cash. It was in the day before cell phones, I just called home every couple days to let them know I was OK & keep them informed of my progress. I also brought rain gear & had a light system on my bike in case I got caught out after dark. You can check out www.raceacrossamerica.org. They have info on planning for a cross-country ride. Also www.ultracycling.com has some good info on 12 & 24 hour rides, cross state records and lots of other stuff. Went houston Tx to olympic penensula WA Went tucson to seattle Went seattle to mexico went underground railroad went rhine river ride & x-germany am leaving oct 1, 2007 to mexico, belize etc. Advice>> dont wait LOTS of people do this... start with these sites for tons of tips and friendly people. www.adventurecycling.org www.crazyguyonabike.com Good luck Scott I haven't but am also interested in doing long solo unsupported rides. I'm getting ready to do 400 miles in 4 days in Texas in October. The things I've worked on are planning my routes, making sure I have places to stay overnight, staying hydrated and fueled, and lightening the load that I'm carrying. I'm carrying everything I need in a backpack. This is cool - check this out: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/... Good luck CR I envy everyone and their long rides. I envy you for planning one. It takes great courage to do it. My longest has only been about 150 miles. I'll finally get my chance to do a cross-country ride after the kids have grown up and moved out. Someday.... Yeah, someday........ |
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