Topics

1

Gear Talk / Essentials

« on: February 18, 2012, 06:11:41 pm »

Hi,

I am going to be cycling from LA to San Fran, then down the NPs to Vegas then onto WE/TA via Grand Canyon from end of March to Early July. I want to know what equipment/clothing is essential and which items I can make do without. I am on a tight budget after 6 months travelling around Asia/Oz/NZ so want to cut corners where possible. For example, Bib shorts, are they really necessary? and pedals and cleats? Will I be fine in just trainers and toe clips?

Pretty vague I know and apologise, but I am not an experienced cyclist at all, and have only been planning this trip since the idea popped in my head in Cambodia last November.

Any advice is welcomed warmly.

Alex

2

Routes / San Francisco to Vegas and onwards to WE/TA

« on: February 17, 2012, 07:33:42 pm »

Hi there,

I see there is no ACA Route from SF to Vegas but as I am from the UK and probably won't return to California in the foreseeable future I am keen to visit Yosemite, Sequoia and Death Valley NPs on my way to Vegas (and then the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon on my way to NYC). I then plan on joining the Western Express after the Canyon, and then onto the TA.

Has anyone done this? Can you recommend a route?

Thanks,
Alex

3

Routes / LA (or San Fran) to New York - From March 2012

« on: January 08, 2012, 04:20:04 am »

Hi there,

I am currently backpacking through Australia and will be arriving in LA in March and plan to cycle to New York in time for my flight back to the UK in late July. (There's a lot more to the story than that but that's on my website for anyone who's interested.)

My preliminary route is:

Los Angeles
San Francisco
Yosemite NP
Sequoia NP
Death Valley NP
Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon
Four Corners
Washington DC
Philadelphia
New York City

I am aiming for around 50 miles a day, starting much lower before building up - perhaps with the odd century thrown in. I'm sure there must be some people on here who have cycled similar routes and can offer advice on maps, roads, weather, campgrounds etc.

As a novice British cyclist, any advice is welcomed.

Many thanks,
Alex
www.backpacktobikerack.com

4

General Discussion / Organising cross country cycle whilst travelling Round the World

« on: January 01, 2012, 06:35:16 am »

Since my departure from the UK in September I've made the decision to change the US leg of my Round the World trip into a cross country charity cycle. I wouldn't call myself a cyclist, I've never cycled more than 50km or two days in a row, but I am pretty decent shape, and will be flying into LA on March 20th and out of New York City around July 25th. I plan to visit San Francisco, Grand Canyon and Washington DC on my ride - a slightly roundabout route starting from LA but I am still a backpacker at heart!

I have no touring experience and these forums have been an excellent resource for learning about it but now I need some specific advice.

Can anyone recommend a bike shop in LA (or San Francisco - I'm quite prepared to start my trip from there) that will be able to help me get a bike ready to go as soon as I arrive in the US? I have a rough idea of the bike I'm after, and the panniers, helmet, clothing, mirrors etc I'd like. I'm also seeking lightweight camping gear if anyone has recommendations for a shop that can help with that too.

Many thanks,
Alex