vinyl_theif said:
Hi all.
In three weeks time i depart for a tour across U.S on route 66, (Il to Ca). I was recently advised on taking snake antivenom just in case the need would arise. I'm fully aware snakes only attack under defense if they feel threatened & will be staying clear of any under growth or clusters of rock where they are usually found keeping cool but am interested in anyone else's views / cautions / stories on this matter.
Regards. Mark. UK
I've DRIVEN along Route 66 from Chicago to California several times ...
You probably do NOT need to worry about snake bites EXCEPT for the type your tyres may get!
In that regard, while many have said unkind things about them, I recommend you give serious thought to some solid, Urethane tyres ... I guess the commonly available 'brand' which is sold in the UK is GREEN TYRES (
http://www.greentyre.co.uk/). The distance between Chicago & Los Angeles is about 3000 miles (4800 kilometers). While the Green Tyres should last the distance, it might not hurt to fold up a spare in case you wear out the rear tyre (you CAN rotate them, of course, if you notice the wear is greater than you anticipate ... and, you can ride them down to within 1mm of the rim since they are solid although the bike's handling will be affected at that point). Get the FATTEST ones which will fit your rims & frame (beneath the fenders, of course).
NB. If you're planning on crossing the Mojave Desert (between Kingman, Arizona & Barstow, California), then you want to do this at night regardless of the time of year (if you have the choice) AND regardless of the means of conveyance (e.g., automobile) -- it is about 90+ miles. So, you'll want lights ... well, you may want to have lights, regardless. 40ºC at night is not uncommon in the Mojave, BTW.
Scorpions in the desert would be MY concern, BTW, rather than snakes.
You'll want a high-quality, backpacker's poncho (one that goes down to your knees) which is made of coated nylon OR better fabric (afternoon thunderstorms are inevitable)+ goggles which will fit over your sun glasses (inexpensive 'SHOP' goggles with the soft vinyl, ventilated shell will do if appearance isn't important) because when you encounter cross winds (and, you will!), you'll want more eye protection than wrap-around glasses can provide. Do NOT leave home without either.
I think Route 66 theoretically ends in Barstow ... if you're going further west, to Los Angles (for example), I'm not sure how you're 'trip planner' suggested that you negotiate the miles between Victorville (California) & Riverside/wherever (for example) ... since bicycles are not permitted on that portion of the Interstate (80+ mph speeds by ALL vehicles are not uncommon -- and, are
permitted by the California Highway Patrol -- on the downhill despite the theoretical speed limit). There must be a 'surface road' route between Barstow & LA, but I never investigated what it might be.
The pavement in SOME stretches may be very poor ... particularly, through Oklahoma (it has been years since I've been on Route 66 through some parts, so portions could certainly have been repaved). Regardless, the shoulder (which you will be riding on in some places) is definitely rough on some/many/most parts of the roadway.
Things you may not have considered -- you'll want more sunblock than you'd think, lip balm with some SPF, more deodorant than you'd think, some body talc ... possibly, an extra pair of shoe liners. You'll want to carry an EXTRA water bladder that backpackers use (some boxed wines use those bladders & spigots!).
BTW. You generally cannot camp anywhere might want. You can camp at KOA campgrounds & State-or-National Parks & "rest areas." Or, where you going to over-night in motels?
Regardless, you'll probably want to carry a cable-lock for when you have to leave your bike unattended (e.g., when you walk into a store) -- I think that you can ALWAYS use the facilities at a McDonalds (almost EVERY/(every other) TOWN will have one), BTW. A self-inflating sleeping pad is recommended if you're camping.
I presume you are going on a solo, un-supported tour -- is this a fully-loaded tour or lightly loaded tour?
FWIW. It's probably worth making the detour to the Grand Canyon (about 100 km north of Route 66 which will be I-40 [Interstate 40] at that point on your path). You'll approach the Canyon via Flagstaff, AZ & pick up the westward route via Williams, AZ ... there IS a 'rest area' between Flagstaff & Williams ... so, you could over-night at the rest area, go on to Williams, and then north to the Grand Canyon (the distance between Williams & the GC is shorter ... the road between Flagstaff & the GC is the hypotenuse-of-the-triangle).
You may want a triple crank. If you only want to use a double, then you'll want a "compact" crank + a 12-34 MTB cassette + MTB rear derailleur. You'll probably want a MTB cassette & rear derailleur even if you opt for a triple! Even then, you may encounter many places where you may want to a walk your bike (i.e., between Moriarity, New Mexico & Flagstaff, Arizona) if you're fully loaded -- the elevation between the two locations varies between 7000 feet & about 7500 feet down to about 5000 feet (it's all a part of the Permian Overthrust) ... Chicago is at about 600 feet above sea level.
I really recommend Campagnolo ERGO shifters if you're not using bar-end shifters ... the Campagnolo shifters can downshift when the drivetrain is under load.
Take some "extra" bungee cords + a roll of duct tape. Don't forget your tools!
You may want to attach a 'pennant-on-a-pole' for visibility ... check your LBS ... OR, wear a reflective, neon-green "roadworker's" safety vest (they are open mesh -- I guess the vest would be my preference) ...
That's what comes to mind ...
Hope you have a great adventure!