Messages

1

Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 15, 2012, 02:57:21 pm »

Thank you very much for the local insight. I think i will take ogilby along that stretch as im sure truck drivers are exhausted too and I'll have one less thing to worry about.  As far as I can tell, there is nowhere to stay/sleep inside between Brawley and palo verde, and the only outpost is glamis. Is that correct to the best of your knowledge? Is there lodging in glamis? It seems unlikely that I'd be able to cover those ~100 miles in one morning- temperatures will still be high, just not infernal. Perhaps it would be possible to cover half from 5-10 and the other half from 7-12. Thanks again

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 15, 2012, 01:20:41 am »

Thanks for sharing

That's odd- the ACA says palo verde has a population of 236 and quartzite 3400. Guess that shows the unpredictability of the desert. Brawley to Blythe is ~140 miles- only town between them is palo verde. Did you stay at camp sites?

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 14, 2012, 10:18:10 pm »

Easy enough- did you (or anyone out there) get a look at Blythe ogilby road or any others that run adjacent to 78? Could be nice to get off the black asphalt on those hot mornings and nights.

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 14, 2012, 06:20:53 pm »

I have just one more question as I prepare to try the desert- how are the border patrol checkpoints on cyclists?

I rolled right through all of them when I was there.

as in didn't have to stop, or as in cut traffic and flashed an ID?

Edit- either sounds good to me but cutting traffic on a bike wouldn't be the dumbest citation I've received in California by a long shot

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 14, 2012, 05:55:30 pm »

i did the desert sections in august last summer and really enjoyed it. you need to be a certain type of person, but if you're already considering it, you probably are, haha.  i took a rug with me, so i could sleep on the ground under the stars. amazing

i found some of the outposts on the aca maps to be long gone and also a lot of businesses (especially motels) shut down for the summer. you won't meet many bikers either. a lot of rv parks let me stay for free out of sympathy though. a shower is a big deal when you're that hot!

the section between blythe and brawley was the toughest. it hit 116 when i was there. i took 3 gallons of water. and drank lots before i set off. i'd used it all up by 1pm and hadn't gone to the toilet once!

if you think you're up to it, then do it!!!  don't push yourself beyond your limits. plan your days and carry loooooots of water.

the amazing thing about choosing the hot time of year is that you get so much of it all to yourself! i went back in the winter and it wasn't nearly as much fun.

enjoy

Thanks bobby! Or your beard. I'm just looking at the ACA map now and am comforted. There seems to be indoor options everywhere... except that stretch you just mentioned. 3 gallons sounds great to me- however what did you do for food? Between palo verde and Blythe there are 3 camp sites and one outpost sort of town in Glamis that I've been to and would hardly rely on to be open. If it isn't open, ACA indicates no supplies for those 100 or so miles

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 14, 2012, 05:38:27 pm »

Thanks all-

I have just one more question as I prepare to try the desert- how are the border patrol checkpoints on cyclists? In my driving experiences they can drain a lot of time, and I don't want to lose 60-90 minutes sitting in traffic and possibly unpacking and repacking the bike. Do they give you a pass? The ortliebs are big but not big enough for any sized person

Thanks!

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 13, 2012, 06:32:49 pm »

Thank you. I don't mean to obstinate and really appreciate the insight. I've cycled in temperatures exceeding 100F. It certainly diminishes your ability to enjoy what's around you, as you're playing a sport of survival.

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Routes / Re: Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 13, 2012, 05:19:42 pm »

I know this is a popular question right now so thank y'all for the feedback. Staehjp I know you post a lot on the topic. How can I get to the NT or SF from here? I may do this, though I've already purchased the maps for a zig zag trip ending in Maine.

I know that for sure this will be the hardest and probably least rewarding leg of the trip. I was goin to start in march but was hit by a car and am afraid I've sort of put my eggs in this basket. What I'm wondering specifically- is there any chance of running out of food and water? I have plenty of extra room for gallon bottles. Also, is it possible to stay in a motel each night between San Diego and Tempe? I don't mind spending the extra money. I'm not interesting in staying happy for this leg, just alive. If there's a realistic chance I can go 60 or so miles without filling back up and finding some calories I'll have to divert.

Edit- spelling

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Routes / Starting the Southern Tier in June

« on: June 13, 2012, 12:17:54 am »

Hey all,

Im planning on leaving San Diego on the Southern tier on Saturday, June 16th.  Ill be taking the southern tier to Tempe, then the grand canyon connector to Cedar City where I can pick up the Western Express and enjoy more comfortable temperatures for the rest of my trip across the country.

What advice can you give me for passing through the desert and arizona at such a hot time of the year?  Ive spoken with park rangers who all suggest that I plan on being done cycling by 11, noon latest.  I'm mostly interested in your experiences finding food and water along the way- some stretches of the road between Brawley and Tempe look quite bare, and satellite photos reveal very little.

Thanks in advance