Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle tools for a cross country ride

« on: June 29, 2015, 07:31:49 pm »

I've broken a chain once on a day ride (not a tour) and wished I had my chain tool with me. I also once helped a stranger fix a broken chain on a week long ride (glad I had my chain tool with me). I will always take a chain tool on a tour just for the peace of mind.


"It's all a part of the adventure",
Tim Cullip

2

General Discussion / Re: What's an 'average' day?

« on: June 29, 2015, 07:18:25 pm »

It is very hard to give an estimate since there are so many variables, but the best advice I can give you is to plan out a 5 to 7 day practice tour with an average daily distance near your goal (so I'd say 80 to 110 miles a day) and see how it goes.

I've done several 7 to 10 day rides in NC, Virginia, Tennessee with a mixture of mountains, hills, and fairly flat terrain with about 40 pounds of gear. I've found that 60 miles a day is good in the mountains, 70 - 80 in hills, and 90 in flat terrain is doable for me (I've put in 5000 miles/year for the past 2.5 years). Over 70 miles a day in the mountains tends to take the fun out of it for me. I've had a few days that came real close to 100 miles and haven't really enjoyed a single one of those (anything over 90 and I end up asking myself "why am I doing this").

If you get more satisfaction out of reaching a goal, then I'd think your mileage goal is doable. But you think enjoying the journey and the sights is more important, then you might want to back down to something closer to 70-80 miles a day.

Also, if you are planning a multi-week tour you should probably plan for a down day once every week to 10 days.


Hope your plans work out
My motto for life: "It's all a part of the adventure"
Tim Cullip