Topics

1

Routes / Southern Tier road surfaces

« on: March 31, 2022, 04:57:55 pm »

I'm looking into riding the Southern Tier at some point in the next year. I rode the Northern Tier last summer, and one thing I didn't expect was the extent of chip seal roads, which shave about 2mph off my speed relative to smooth Maryland pavement. Washington, Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota were mostly chip seal, along with a lot of Illinois and Indiana. I'll be touring on vacation time, so my speed is a concern.

How are Southern Tier road surfaces? Rough chip seal? I've read that there is a lot in Texas.

2

Routes / Anyone lose some nice sunglasses around Newhalem on the Northern Tier

« on: July 01, 2021, 08:32:05 pm »

If so, I'll mail them to you.

3

General Discussion / Northern Tier 100+ miles a day

« on: May 10, 2021, 01:40:39 pm »

I'm planning to do the Northern Tier in 40 days, which is about 110 a day. I'm a little worried about whether I can do a century a day for six weeks. I've been doing a lot of distance riding for the past few months but undershot my goal of 100 miles a week. I've done loaded rides of 96 miles and 142 miles within the last month and felt pretty good during and after them. I was tired toward the end of the 142 mile one, but walked ten miles the next day and was fine. I have six more weeks to train. I'm training in a hilly area. I've tried to get some time out on windy days. I'm planning three rest days that I'm not counting in my 40 days of riding.

For context, I'm 36, overall good shape, though I'd like to lose 10 pounds in the next six weeks. I've done several tours of 5-7 days but never more than that. Last year I did 400 flat miles in three days, and I've done several one day rides of 140-200 miles in the past few year. I have a decent grasp of my food and hydration needs.

I'll camp half the days and stay in hotels the others. I won't cook. I'm riding a recumbent with 20 lbs of gear.

Does this sound crazy? Do you think I'll start to hate it a few days in?

4

Routes / How many people ride the Northern Tier each year?

« on: March 11, 2021, 07:04:19 pm »

Just wondering how many people ride the Northern Tier each year. Any idea?