Messages

1

Gear Talk / A unique situation (SouthernTier).

« on: October 22, 2008, 02:09:42 pm »

Will do. I'm leaving tomorrow morning! I'm kind of nervous about traffic and camping places in southwestern CA, but in a couple days I should be away from cities until Phoenix.

2

Gear Talk / A unique situation (SouthernTier).

« on: October 20, 2008, 08:15:03 pm »

I'm also getting a trailer tonight for another $100. I'll be ready to leave mid-week, from Oceanside I think, and then I'll pick up the official route after Anza-Borrego. Thanks for all the input.

3

Gear Talk / A unique situation (SouthernTier).

« on: October 20, 2008, 02:01:38 pm »

I purchased a near brand-new mountain bike for $100 by going through craig's list. The guy had broken his ankle after riding it only once or twice. Now I've just got to gear up and go.

4

Gear Talk / A unique situation (SouthernTier).

« on: October 17, 2008, 03:26:08 pm »

Thanks for the replies. I got my maps and route pretty much set, but I still need a bicycle...it is extremely difficult to track down a used touring bike, and I will likely end up with a mountain bike, probably a used Schwinn, as they seem the most ubiquitous. I'm also waiting for a trailer to pop up on craig's list, or else
I may be forced to go to Wal Mart for that. If it comes to an emergency with the lack of decent bikes I will probably be forced to settle for something used on sale at a cycle shop, but yes, I agree that going to Wal Mart for the bike would be a terrible idea indeed. I read that any decent steel frame mountain bike can be made trek-worthy with a few modifications, and that a trailer is the answer to make a cross country trek possible with a bike that could never handle the weight of panniers.

Route question: Is the detour to the Gila Hot Springs worthy of the time and effort of traversing up along the Rockies? I'm not sure why the route goes there, but I imagine it is for some great scenery. I'm also going to bypass El Paso.

As far as costs, this may sound crazy to you all, but I think I can do it for $1000-1500. As a backpacker I have disciplined myself against excessive spending at restaurants, bars, hotels, and the like. I plan on camping almost every night for free...that is, stealth camping. I just need to find my equipment, which is really starting to nag on me as I will be leaving in just 5 days or so.

5

Gear Talk / A unique situation (SouthernTier).

« on: October 15, 2008, 05:27:17 pm »

I am about to attempt a cross-country trek on the Southern Tier route, starting in San Diego, ending in FL. I am not really a cyclist but rather am doing it for the adventure of it, and it seems the best way to get back to FL where my parents reside; for the past four months I have been backpacking all over the West and I feel this cycle would be an appropriate end to such a long journey. However, I haven't much money. Could I get by with a fairly cheap road bike found in the want ads? It seems like brakes and saddle are more important than the actual bicycle used...any insight with this assumption? Second, are trailers awkward on steep downhills? I only ask because I have never ridden with one. Ya'll probably get tired of the same panniers vs. trailers questions, but it has been an issue of contemplation with me. And: since money is an issue I won't be able to afford the $80 maps, so any tips about the route (roads to specifically avoid/take) would be extremely appreciated. I plan on just getting some road maps and plotting out my own route on secondary highways and backroads. Any interstates that are a good idea to cycle upon? Thanks in advance for helping a prospective cross country rider.

6

Routes / Southern Tier question.

« on: October 20, 2008, 01:58:44 pm »

Thanks. I will be only loosely following the official route as it (I am not keen on traveling so close to the border in Texas and California, and going through cities like El Paso) so I'll definitely look into the Tammany Trace. Billy, do you have more specific details on the Phoenix trails? Due to budget constraints I am following road maps the whole way.

7

Routes / Southern Tier question.

« on: October 19, 2008, 09:03:27 pm »

With departure a few days away, a question has popped into mind: are there any places along the general Southern Tier route where one can follow a designated bike path/trail for a good distance rather than sharing the road with motorists?