Messages

61

General Discussion / Re: Is it ok to travel solo...

« on: October 01, 2010, 09:49:04 am »

@Tourista... I tried to send you an email, but your email address is not on your profile.  So, I sent you a pm, twice.  But Im not sure you got that either because I have nothing in my outbox.  Did you get anything from me? Since I am new to this forum, I'm still a bit unfamiliar with the system.

@Tony...  Thats very nice of you, Tony.  That would also be lots of help.  But you say you'll be in Celebration? Is that a city near Orlando? (I hope that was not a bumb question, LOL).  I'll look it up in a little bit. But I will not be in the Orlando area till the first wek of June, 2011.  I dont know if you will still be there.  But meeting up with you for a chat would be great!  I'm still EIGHT months away and I'm ALREADY getting lots of help! Maybe one day I'll be able to offer some help to a new rider!   

62

General Discussion / Re: Is it ok to travel solo...

« on: September 30, 2010, 02:49:25 pm »

Thanks for tip on the book. I'm gonna go look for it as soon as I get done with this reply. My original plan was to go with my girlfriend, but we broke up.  She loves cycling, too.  I do have an ad in the COMPANIONS WANTED section. Mine is the one leaving from
Disney World, Orlando, and heading west. I have plans to purchase a set of the ACA maps, but the only part that I might have to map out myself, is the area between Orlando and Gainesville. From the looks of the map, I can catch the (southern tier?) near Gainesville to Mobil, then on up thru Underground RR. I realize that there are good days and there are bad days, but I think this trip is gonna be an experience!     

63

General Discussion / Re: Is it ok to travel solo...

« on: September 30, 2010, 09:49:31 am »

I guess it does make sense to understand that a couple of days into it, my confidence level will rise. I am beginning to think about it more and more.  Maybe a solo trip would be nice.  I have been looking into everything that I think I may need... camping gear, clothes,  the "Spot" device that was mentioned and even freeze-dried foods from Mountain House that look pretty good.  I'm really excited. I feel like a little boy getting ready for his first big camping trip. LOL. Any other suggestions would be great. I think I'm gonna have the time of my life! Thanks, everyone.   

64

General Discussion / Is it ok to travel solo...

« on: September 29, 2010, 11:48:40 am »

Is it safe and alright to travel alone, even if I have never been on a long distance ride and totally inexperienced? I am planning to cross the US next summer, but i have never done it before. Total beginner. No camping experience, no hiking experience. Will I starve? Where will I sleep? What if something goes wrong? How do I get to help if my cell fone signal is out of range? I originally wanted to tour with someone, but I lost touch with the gentlemen that replied to my post searching for a touring partner.  But if it comes down to having to go alone, could I do it? I admit, I love solitude. I love being alone and calling my own shots.  But will I actually have the nerve to ask someone if I can set up my tent in their yard? I have lots of doubts about touring alone. I'm a grown-ass man, but being alone for three months... I dont know. Maybe I just need to hear from some of you that have done this before. I am VERY excited about this dream of mine, though. I want this SO bad! Even if I gotta go alone!

65

General Discussion / Re: Carrying Pepper Spray

« on: December 30, 2009, 09:43:30 pm »

Thanks Tony,...

Maybe those are some words that I just needed to hear (read).  I'm not overly paranoid over it or anything.  I dont let that thought consume my whole trip.  But it has occasionally crossed my mind.  Well, maybe I won't carry.  Maybe just a good can of pepper spray for the four legged creeps!     

66

General Discussion / Re: Carrying Pepper Spray

« on: December 30, 2009, 03:15:45 am »

I'm just curious... I am planning my very first TA tour next year (I cant wait!) with my girlfriend and I do have a concealed handgun permit from the State of Texas.  But does anyone know someone or know OF someone who has ever been robbed of their equipment, bikes, supplies, etc. by worthless punks just looking for something "cool" to do while way out in the middle of nowhere and police assistance is miles away? There ARE people who will do that, I'm sure.  And I dont plan on shooting anyone if all they want is our stuff.  A person's life (even a bad person) is not worth taking if all he wants is our stuff.  Let them take it. All our stuff is replaceable... bikes and all.   I'm sure someone will help out and give us a ride to the next town to get help and plan a way to get home.  But I am traveling with my girlfriend. She is a highly attractive 22 year old that I would die if I was not able to defend her IF these creeps decided that they wanted MORE than our stuff. Out in the middle of nowhere? No help for miles and miles away? Maybe its a bigger picture in my head than it should be, but has this ever happened to anyone? I never leave my HOUSE without my SIG P220 .45 cal strapped to my hip.  I cant imagine leaving the STATE without it.     

67

Routes / Re: TransAm starting in mid Aug?

« on: December 17, 2009, 11:10:08 pm »

Thanks everyone, for your help.  We will take all these things into consideration and make adjustments .  We just wanna get out there! Thanks! Ron

68

Routes / TransAm starting in mid Aug?

« on: December 13, 2009, 12:10:06 am »

Hello, all.  My name is Ronnie. Semi-New to the cycling world and planning a TransAm HOPEFULLY next year with a good female friend.  I read that this route is best during May-September.  However, my work schedule will not allow me to start until Mid August.  We plan to ride East to West.  Is a mid August start a bad idea?  It will take us into November.  Has anyone (I'm sure someone has) started this route this late before?  Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.  Ron