Messages

16

General Discussion / Evening and late-morning temperatures riding TransAmerica mid-June to mid-August

« on: January 08, 2018, 09:10:49 am »

Hi all,

I am planning a west-east TransAmerica tour between mid-June and mid-August. Have found a great deal of information on this forum including average temperatures (highs and lows).
However, I have not been able to figure out what kind of low temperatures I could expect in the late afternoons/evenings or in the early mornings, particularly in high altitudes.
I am not worried about the temperature during the night as I will carry camping equipment including an insulating sleeping mat and sleeping bag. However, I wonder what kind of clothing is needed for an early morning start and a late finish.
At which points along the route should I expect the coldest weather?

As an Icelander I am more worried about excessive heat but I would like to pack as light as possible and would find it extremely embarrassing (not to mention miserable) to be cold during long stretches of the trip.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

17

General Discussion / Re: Across America 2018

« on: December 19, 2017, 03:09:53 am »

Dear Saemi -

9 weeks is a pretty tight schedule for the TransAm. Possible, but.
That's 110 km per day, no days off, no margin for bad weather, bad stomach, bad bicycle.
You should also expect heat like you have never seen in Iceland once you leave the Rocky Mountains.
And heat & humidity in the East - like being in a steam bath all day.

J

We actually plan on riding 80 miles (130 km) each riding-day and take one day off every 7 days.

18

General Discussion / Re: Across America 2018

« on: December 19, 2017, 03:04:02 am »

I'm heading on the opposite direction, E to W, on the TransAm starting in late May. Will wave as we pass each other :-)

Steve

Good luck! Maybe we can have lunch together midway and compare notes

19

General Discussion / Across America 2018

« on: December 18, 2017, 09:20:14 am »

Hi all,

During the summer of 2018 my wife and I will ride across America - eastbound from Astoria to Yorktown - using the TransAmerica Trail by the Adventure Cycling Association. We plan on leaving mid-June and arriving mid-August.

If anybody is planning on riding the same route we would love to share ideas, plans, tips and tricks, packing and perhaps ride together part of the way. We could either exchange ideas here on the forum or create a separate Facebook group.

Let me know if you are interested!

-Saemi

20

General Discussion / Re: Cycling in Iceland

« on: September 01, 2017, 07:05:24 am »

As an Icelander I have some experience on the matter. I have ridden quite a bit around Reykjavik. I once did the ring road in a 10 man team in a relay race so I actually rode approx 250 km out of the total 1400 km. Here are a few observations from me:

-The roads in Iceland are worse than what one would expect. Rough asphalt. I have ridden in other countries and there the roads are much smoother.
-Expect for near Reykjavik the roads are mostly 2 lanes, 1 for each direction and limited or mostly no shoulder for riding. During the summer there is heavy traffic because of tourists so there is limited room for overtaking.
-Weather can change on a moments notice. Sunny one moment and raining the next. Make sure to bring appropriate and warm clothing.
-There are many hills and steep climbs on the ring road.
-There are some very long stretches on the ring road where there is no food or other service to be had. Make sure to know in advance where you can pit-stop.
-Right now it seems Iceland is a very popular tourist location so accomodation is extremely hard to find. Either book well in advance or sleep in a tent.
-The scenery can be very beautiful so when fighting the headwind remember to enjoy the view
-During july there is daylight 24 hours which means you can ride in the night (although I recommend lights). Some people find it hard to sleep in semi-daylight during the nights so you may want to bring something to cover your eyes.

Finally three useful websites which you might refer to:
http://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/activities/cycling
http://cyclingiceland.is/
https://cyclingtips.com/2015/10/roadtripping-iceland/

Hope it helps.

21

Routes / TransAmerica - Types of roads

« on: July 20, 2017, 08:31:51 am »

Hi,
Does anyone here have real or "guestimate" numbers on the distances on different types of roads on the TransAmerica trail? For example how many miles on roads with heavy traffic vs light vs no traffic, urban vs rural, roads vs bike-paths, etc.
My wife and I are planning our TransAmerica 2018 tour so I was just wondering.

22

General Discussion / Re: TransAm guided tour

« on: June 01, 2017, 10:56:21 am »

Great answer, thanks!
Based on the cost of the AC tours and that other tours are even more expensive then I guess that going self-supported but staying at hotels once in a while is the way to go.

23

General Discussion / TransAm guided tour

« on: June 01, 2017, 10:13:42 am »

Hi,
My wife and I are planning on riding across the US in 2018 and I am wondering whether to go
1) self contained, armed with a tent, sleeping bag and a credit card for those nights when we feel like sleeping in a hotel/hostel/BB
2) buy into some sort of a guided tour.

In the case of a guided tour we would be interested in support in driving the camping gear between camping spots. In addition to AdventureCycling, what other companies do you know of that provide such a service?

Any thoughts on which way is better, more fun, etc?

24

General Discussion / Re: Cycling in Iceland

« on: April 19, 2017, 09:33:27 am »

As an Icelander I have some experience on the matter. I have ridden quite a bit around Reykjavik. I once did the ring road in a 10 man team in a relay race so I actually rode approx 250 km out of the total 1400 km. Here are a few observations from me:

• The roads in Iceland are worse than what one would expect. Rough asphalt. I have ridden in other countries and there the roads are much smoother.
• Expect for near Reykjavik the roads are mostly 2 lanes, 1 for each direction and limited or mostly no shoulder for riding. During the summer there is heavy traffic because of tourists so there is limited room for overtaking.
• Weather can change on a moments notice. Sunny one moment and raining the next. Make sure to bring appropriate and warm clothing.
• There are many hills and steep climbs on the ring road.
• There are some very long stretches on the ring road where there is no food or other service to be had. Make sure to know in advance where you can pit-stop.
• Right now it seems Iceland is a very popular tourist location so accomodation is extremely hard to find. Either book well in advance or sleep in a tent.
• The scenery can be very beautiful so when fighting the headwind remember to enjoy the view
• During july there is daylight 24 hours which means you can ride in the night (although I recommend lights). Some people find it hard to sleep in semi-daylight during the nights so you may want to bring something to cover your eyes.

Finally three useful websites which you might refer to:
http://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/activities/cycling
http://cyclingiceland.is/
https://cyclingtips.com/2015/10/roadtripping-iceland/

Hope it helps.

25

Routes / Trans America question: Distance between pit stops

« on: July 04, 2016, 05:37:32 am »

Hi,
What is the longest distance on the TransAm trail between 'pit stops' for a) food, water and b) hotels/motels?
Is it possible to do the trail without a tent and just stay at hotels?

26

General Discussion / Re: Icelandic couple bikepacking across America in 2017

« on: May 17, 2016, 08:30:36 pm »

Hi jamawani
Thanks for your reply. Regarding the time of year I have added the following to my initial post for other's reference: 'Depends on which way we go, E-W or W-E. Our most practical time of the year would be in the spring rather than fall but we will make anything work.'

You mention that the TransAm trail isn't the best option. Which route would you recommend instead?

27

General Discussion / Icelandic couple bikepacking across America in 2017

« on: May 17, 2016, 06:11:21 pm »

Hi all,
My wife and I are planning a TransAmerica tour in 2017. I recently found this forum and have found the information extremely useful. I would like to ask a few questions but before here is a bit of background and overview of our plans.

Age: 41
Cycling experience: Biked since we were kids but fell in love with the sport early 2015 when we bought ourselves new bikes. Cycled 1800 miles (3000 km) in 2015 and in the first 4 months of 2016 we have biked 1400 miles (3000 km) and. During weekends we try to go for rides of 50 miles (80 km) or more. Our longest ride this year was 100 miles (165 km). Average speeds on our longer rides are 13-16 mph. We have limited experience biking with camping equipment even though we are experienced in camping (without bikes). Limited experience cycling in warm climate.
Bikes: Cube Agree full-carbon road bikes with 25mm tires with 50-34 chainrings and 11-32 cassettes.
Touring arrangement / equipment: Planning on traveling using a mix of a self-contained ultralight setup and credit card touring setup. Instead of panniers or a trailer we will use Revelate Designs Viscacha Seat Bag (14 L capacity), framebags, cockpit bags and handlebar bags. We will be carrying a tent and sleeping bags in addition to all the necessary clothes but limited cooking equipment.
Dates: Depends on which way we go, E-W or W-E. Our most practical time of the year would be in the spring rather than fall but we will make anything work.
Other info: Already ordered the ACA TransAm maps.

Following are some questions which I would love some input on (sorry if these have already been answered in the forum):

• Is it true that the prevailing surface winds are west-to-east?
• How steep are the steepest hills?
• If we follow the ACA TransAmerica Trail, what will be the greatest distance between “pit stops” for food and water?
• If we follow the ACA TransAmerica Trail, what will be the greatest distance between hotels, hostels, etc?
• Is it possible to do the tour without a tent and only rely on buying lodging?
• What kind of temperature can we expect in the mountain passes during the night?
• Are there any animals to be wary of?
• What is the earliest time in the year to go eastbound, westbound?
• What are some of the pros and cons to going east-to-west and west-to-east (see my thoughts below)?

East-to-west

• Save the best for last - Path of the development of the country
• Possible to start the tour earlier in the year (closer to summer solstice)
• Morning sun in the back instead of in your eyes
• Getting stronger as you go to prepare for the Rockies

West-to-east

• Favorable prevailing winds?

Thanks!

28

Gear Talk / Re: Advice on lightweight touring / bikepacking

« on: May 17, 2016, 10:13:45 am »

Hi Ed,

Just joined the forum and stumbled upon your post and subsequently your blog. I am planning an ultralight TransAmerica trip myself so your blog posts were very helpful.
Good luck in your races!