Messages

1

Routes / Re: Southern Tier with no camping?

« on: December 22, 2015, 08:11:45 pm »

We did a modified Southern Tier Dec 2010-Feb 2011.  Our intention was to land at a motel every night.  We brought tent and bags just in case.  With some nightly mapping and planning, we were able be in a motel 63 out of the 65 days.  To make this happen, some days were short mile days and sometimes we pushed further than we wanted but it was worth it for us to be in a warm, dry place every night.  We used the tent one night and the other night the campground owners let us stay on a laundry room floor.  http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/fltour

2

Routes / Re: Bicycle Route 66

« on: November 16, 2015, 06:57:02 pm »

Thanks, appreciate that.  I've been reading it.  Each post, response or journal gives some info that helps put a plan together.

3

General Discussion / Re: San Fransisco to San Diego in January. Is it doable?

« on: November 15, 2015, 09:15:45 am »

We did San Fran to San Diego in early February because that is our time to travel.  Mostly rode in pants, long sleeve shirts and light jacket but we also found lodging each night.  It ranked as one of our top tours and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again at that time of year.

  http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/SFtoSD

I can't imagine that January would be a whole lot different. 

4

Routes / Re: Bicycle Route 66

« on: November 09, 2015, 06:58:03 pm »

Appreciate the info. 
Thanks.

5

Routes / Bicycle Route 66

« on: November 07, 2015, 02:39:56 pm »

It is noted in the ride overview,  "Bicycle Route 66 travels west on bike paths, county roads and state, federal and interstate highways."

Most of the journals I've seen posted seem to go west.

Are there reasons that it shouldn't be ridden from West to East?

Thanks,
Linda

6

General Discussion / Re: Can I rent or buy a bike?

« on: January 19, 2015, 02:31:50 pm »

  You'll want to check the under the airline's special baggage fees...can usually find bicycles under sporting goods.  I've checked many airlines and I know that JetBlue has some of the lowest fees I've seen at $50/bike.  Bikes definitely have to be partially disassembled and require some form of packing though.  You still have all of the rules to follow on box size and weight, etc.  You used to be able to stuff the bike box with all your gear, helmet, tools, sleeping bags up to 99 lbs. but now it's stated that the bike box is for only the bike otherwise, other fees will be charged. 

 The bicycle disassembly and reassembly process is my least favorite part every tour and the next least favorite is dragging that box around from the car and throughout the airport.  I leave in a couple weeks for a Virginia to Florida tour and I'm dreading that packing process.  The cost to UPS or FedEx or ship from bike shop to bike shop are more than I want to pay though. 

7

Routes / Re: Southern Tier Re-route through Texas

« on: November 20, 2011, 06:59:56 pm »

We too had the same safety concerns last year on the Southern Tier.  We paid attention to our general travel safety and never ever felt threatened.  You will see lots of Border Patrol and if you are stopped they'll usually stop and make sure you are OK. 

8

Routes / Re: Southern Tier from early January to early March...weather issues?

« on: November 17, 2011, 07:42:31 pm »

Another benefit of choosing to stay in motels (Best Western, Econolodge & similar chain style ones) is that they often have a complimentary continental breakfast. Microwaves in most of the rooms too.

We knew from the start, with a winter trip, we'd have fewer daylight hours.  We knew that neither of us wanted to spend time at the beginning and end of a day cooking and then cleaning dishes.  That saved on some weight in the packs. We always had a few protein bars and tuna packs just in case, but near every motel there were generally affordable dining choices.

9

Routes / Re: Traveling the Southern Tier in December West-East without tent.

« on: November 11, 2011, 09:36:47 pm »

Find a tent,  bring it, with a sleeping bag...there are times that there is a whole lot of nothing in the 1st 1500 miles of the Southern Tier.  Flat tires, breakdowns and headwinds can easily change the intended end point for the day.  The nights are very cold in those miles. Best to be prepared. 

10

Routes / Re: Southern Tier from early January to early March...weather issues?

« on: November 10, 2011, 12:26:02 pm »

I did the Southern Tier last year with my husband as our first tour.  We left from San Diego on Dec 13th and arrived in Key West Feb 15th.  We were a day ahead of the snow that arrived on Emory Pass and saw only snow flurries once.  We never had snow in our time on the road.

Our intentions were motels as often as we could. We were able to get to a motel for all except for 3 nights.  Set up the tent once, slept on a laundry room floor once and spent one night in a campground cabin.  Takes some planning about 2-3 days ahead and sometimes going off the ACA route with Google Maps & the bike option.  Some days were cut short in our riding miles and some days we were riding in the dark til 7pm.  The motels dictated our miles and the shortest day was 30 miles and the longest push to a motel was 89.

The afternoon and evenings were mostly cool/cold till we got to the middle of Florida.  So, arriving to a heated motel and the ability to have a shower at the end of the day and the start of the next day was well worth it for us.

11

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast in January-February

« on: October 11, 2011, 06:23:11 am »

Great information and thanks.  Not sounding very promising.  Will check on flights to Australia!

12

Routes / Pacific Coast in January-February

« on: October 04, 2011, 01:50:08 pm »

I am considering riding from Astoria to San Diego via the ACA route.  The only time available for me is Jan-Feb.  Last year on my 1st ever tour, I did the Southern Tier because it would be the "warmest" of the ACA routes during Jan-Feb.  On many days, I rode with added layers, a hat and gloves and was able to tolerate the cold mornings and evenings.

Of all the ACA routes, I am thinking that the Pacific Coast might be the next choice for my available (Jan-Feb) time off.    I know it will get warmer as I head south but I really would like to include the WA & OR section.  I will be happy to be in a motel for most nights and will be prepared to ride in cool weather. 

What type of weather can I expect?  Is it realistic to think this route can be done in Jan-Feb?
In general, should I expect snow on the northern coastal roads? Does it last long or melt away quickly because of the coast?
Are motels usually available during this season?

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.