Bicycle Travel > Routes

I quit a ST trip in2010. I was slow and ran out of time. Going ultralight. Tips?

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adlocopter:
I went East to West on the Southern Tier in March 2010. I started in South Carolina and met the route in Tallahasse, FL. I only got 20 days into my ride in and stopped in Navasota. Out of the 20 days I biked I had 17 days of headwinds. With rear panniers and my heavy Surly bike I was very demotivated. I had more days I could bike, but there was no way to finish the trip in my allotted time so I cut my losses.

Only after returning home and eventually deciding that I would try again in the future did I learn about ultralight cycling. This seems to be more in line with what I want out of my next tour. I need more miles per day and less scenic stops. At this point in my life I would just like to accomplish going coast to coast in a little over a month and later I can tour at a relaxed pace.

Anyway. I am beginning my research into my next trip which could be as early as April. I was thinking about going West to East since I had such bad winds last time. I am also thinking about going on a faster route through the middle of the country. I don't want to bike through the Eastern part of the ST again.

Are there any suggestions on faster routes that are relatively safe shoulder wise? I downloaded the 2012 RAAM route and it looks fast but I can't tell how safe that would be solo. Is there route where wind is more dependable if you go at a certain time of year? I could easily switch my route to more northern if it would mean I was getting more tailwind than headwind.

I am actively searching the forums but wanted to try this also. Thanks!

EDIT: Thought I would point out that I prefer warm to cold weather.

JMilyko:
Hi adlocopter,

Outside of our network, you might compare the RAAM route -- and any others you consider -- with the information available from each state. You can get that information from the bicycle/pedestrian coordinators and programs. Contact info for them:

http://www.walkinginfo.org/assistance/contacts.cfm

Hope this helps,
.Jennifer.

rabbitoh:
Pete Staehling (who also posts on this forum) has written an article and a journal packing light on the Crazy Guy On A Bik website. Pete rode the ST early last year.

Here are a couple of links.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=9676&v=Fw

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=9738&v=EF

Westinghouse:
Google maps has a bicycling option. I have not used it for cycling. I have tracked their routes on the internet through parts of the country and roads which I know are otherwise recommended for cycling. Google maps bicycling recommendations match some known routes, and miss others. I remember one area where they were off and away from a very good cycling trail. Exactly how significant that is I am not sure. State DOTs usually have the kind of information you need.

dwboca:
Eeeek!!  I just bought a Surly LHT (26 inch wheels), added panniers, handlebar bag, racks, fenders.  It is heavy without anything in the panniers.  I plan to ride a Southern route from Savanah, GA to San Diego, CA east to west (2,600 miles) in 5 weeks.  Start date is March, 2014 so I will be conditioning. 

So, are 80 to 120 mile days for 4 to 5 weeks too much on my above set-up?  I think I can do it and for me, the struggle is part of the reason I want to do this.  I just get worried when I see posts like this.  I would love to take my Cannondale road bike but this will be a self-supported, mostly camping trip.

Hey, someone out there give me some encouragement!  Really, I would love to hear advice, concerns, etc about this.

dave

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