Trans USA cycling route.

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

Dear all,

I am taking time out after graduating (from a UK university), and intend travelling around, ending up in the USA. Whilst reading through my 'lonely planet' it mentioned the fact one can cycle across the States in around 2 or 3 months (about a 3000 mile or so ride). I found a website, www.adventurecycling.org (http://www.adventurecycling.org), and they have a route that goes from around San Diego to somewhere on the east coast.

Here begins the plethora of questions:
1 - what sort of weather can one expect through the southern states (California, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida) throughout December, January and February.

2 - what sort of distance can one expect to cycle in a day (with panniers), whilst not tearing the a+se out of it. I'm fit and robust, but not a frequent cycler. I was counting on around 50miles a day?

3 - What recommendations do people have - panniers or trailer?

4 - what is the feasability for wild camping (pulling off the road wherever and sticking up a tent)?

5 - how safe are the roads (in terms of traveller safety. I know the risks etc of getting hit by a bus). I'm a 22 year old white male.


Many thanks to any and all who respond to this, and I will be grateful for any tips people may have.

Yours
Hank

I do not have any direct experiences with any of your questions below but if you would, I would like to suggest riding from west to east. The wind typically blows that direction, and it helps out a lot, like I did when I rode from Oregon to Indiana.

Hey,

I recommend that you read over some travel journals of others who have done the route you suggest (to wit: the Southern Tier Adventure Cycling route). You can find a bunch of travel journals on crasyguyonabike.com. Travel journals at that site are separated into categories. This might get you what you want:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/categories/?o=3Tzut&category_id=11&doctype=journal

From the page I gave you, the journals are further separated into east to west, or west to east, with the majority being west to east.

I have lived in north florida and alabama for a number of years now, and the winters in this general area are terrific for riding. You'll need to fully cover your legs and arms on some days, shorts and a short-sleeve shirt on others. Rain is not too frequent during the winter months here. It does rain, but typically not that much. Hurricane season ends in November, I believe. Though double check that.

Hope this helps. Best of luck on your adventure.



Dear all,

I am taking time out after graduating (from a UK university), and intend travelling around, ending up in the USA. Whilst reading through my 'lonely planet' it mentioned the fact one can cycle across the States in around 2 or 3 months (about a 3000 mile or so ride). I found a website, www.adventurecycling.org (http://www.adventurecycling.org), and they have a route that goes from around San Diego to somewhere on the east coast.

Here begins the plethora of questions:
1 - what sort of weather can one expect through the southern states (California, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida) throughout December, January and February.

2 - what sort of distance can one expect to cycle in a day (with panniers), whilst not tearing the a+se out of it. I'm fit and robust, but not a frequent cycler. I was counting on around 50miles a day?

3 - What recommendations do people have - panniers or trailer?

4 - what is the feasability for wild camping (pulling off the road wherever and sticking up a tent)?

5 - how safe are the roads (in terms of traveller safety. I know the risks etc of getting hit by a bus). I'm a 22 year old white male.


Many thanks to any and all who respond to this, and I will be grateful for any tips people may have.

Yours
Hank