Messages

1

Routes / Colorado to SF via Yellowstone

« on: May 09, 2004, 05:35:21 am »

I did a reverse of your proposed trip a few years ago and I think you're going to have a blast.  The services between Rawlins and Lander are sparse but there's a motel in Jeffrey City (80 miles or so from Rawlins) and a great cafe on your way to Lander called Grandma's.  We had a tailwind the whole way (going east) but it was super hot.  We also got up at the crack of dawn to avoid the heat and winds ( we didn't think we'd always have a tailwind).  We biked through Yellowstone on the 4th of July and the traffic was not as bad as we were expecting.  We had no problem getting a hiker-biker site at the campground even though they were totally full.  If you aren't bringing camping gear, you'll want a reservation at a lodge in the park.  Same with Jackson.  There's an awesome hiker-biker site on Jenny Lake.  Again, they won't turn you away.  The climb to Hoosier Pass right off the bat will be a doosey.  There's a hostel half way up it that you could stay at.  And Fairplay's a neat town too with plenty of motel options.

Hope that helps!  Have fun!

2

Routes / Trans Am Route, West to East

« on: October 07, 2003, 03:20:15 am »

I did the whole Trans Am, West to East, last summer.  It was awesome.  Starting in May, you'll probably encounter snow on the first big pass of the route, Mackenzie Pass.  And you may also have snow at other passes as well, as we did in Idaho.  I'd be happy to answer specific questions if you post any!  Regardless, you'll have a blast and it's certainly a "trip of a lifetime".

3

General Discussion / San Fran to Virginia?

« on: May 03, 2004, 05:47:12 pm »

We rode from SF up the coast to Florence, OR and then did the offical TRans Am to Yorktown.  Obviously this took more than 50 days!  But I admire your ambition.  We've also riden part of the Western Express as day trips.  My advice to you would be to pace yourself at the beginning so you don't get injured climbing 8000 feet to Carson Pass right off the bat.  In Kansas you'll be able to cruise 100 mile days (if the wind allows) and you'll be in sweet shape come the Ozarks and Appalachians and will be able to do longer days then too.  If you aren't able to make it and have to fly home half way, you can always pick up where you left off next year!  In any case you'll have a blast.

4

General Discussion / misery in missouri

« on: October 31, 2003, 03:21:21 am »

I rode thru Missouri last summer on the Trans Am and was nervous like you.  However, we found the people in the state to not only be as pleasant but more so than people in other states.  People routinely waited to pass us on narrow roads and were genuinely friendly.  We had heard things about certain towns where kids would rough up bikers in the City Park, so we opted to sleep in a motel in that town.  Honestly, we found drivers and locals to be more mean-spirited and nasty in our home state of California than Missouri.  The humidity was the toughest part of MO.