Southern Tier in 36 days?

[palma]

Is the Southern Tier possible to do in 36 days? Obviously, the mileage biked would have to be 100 + miles a day.  And the bikers would need to be fit and ready.  Is this doable?
Thanks!

[staehpj1]

Unless you insist on rest days, it would not require 100+ mile days, at least not most days.  Actually, 3,058/36 is just under 85 miles per day average.  That would mean long days, but it definitely is not out of the question.  The question would be more "do you want to push that hard", rather than "is it possible".

Remember that the time of year folks ride the ST typically has short daylight hours though, so you are likely to need to start early every day and ride through most/all of the available daylight and maybe into the dark at times.

Depending on my motivation, fitness level, and the terrain, I find an average of anywhere from 50-80 mile per day to be pleasant, but I am a not so athletic 60 year old, so if you are younger, motivated, and/or more fit/athletic you might enjoy it.

[litespeed]

I have crossed the southern US - a rough equivalent  of the ST - in close to 36 travel days. Fully loaded and unsupported but I broke it up for over two weeks in San Antonio. It's easy to crank out the miles as far as, and including, Texas. Louisiana slows you down but once you hit Florida you're off again. I made San Antonio to my home on the west coast of Florida - just north of St. Pete - in just over two weeks but I was going home. I always crank out the miles when I smell the barn.

[bobbys beard]

certainly doable, but a shame to miss so many great experiences. the weather will play a big part too....

[John Nelson]

People run marathons despite the fact that walking would be more pleasant and allow more time to enjoy the experience. What you're planning is like running a marathon and it has different kinds of rewards. If that's what you want, go for it. It's possible.

[Jason]

yes, it's doable - even singlespeed...

There are several - well depending on how you see it - portions of the ST that allow for a comfortable, more than doable 100-plus days.  I averaged about 96 , with lay over days, and finished in 45.  At no point did I feel like I was missing anything or going too fast, or was too rushed at one point or another.  It's an adventure, which means a 1000 different things to 10,000 people.

If you go 1 mile, or 100 per day - just make sure you go and ENJOY it.

Jason

[staehpj1]

I think that the notion that folks who do high mileage automatically miss out on seeing the sights and meeting the people is just not necessarily true.  Even on my very longest days on the road I have stopped and chatted with folks numerous times, stopped and taken pictures, and generally smelled the roses.  I dare say that some folks ride short days and see no more and meet no more people.  It has more to do with attitude than pace.  If you ride 140 miles and stop numerous times along the way and chat with the local folks, enjoy the scenery as you ride, and stop for pictures frequently, you might see more than someone who rides 30 miles and then hangs out in their campsite or worse yet motel room all afternoon and evening.

Then there is the fact that someone else might be able to ride 100 miles in the time it takes me to ride 50 or 60.

Bottom line, whether you do long or short days be sure to keep it fun and enjoy the people and the country.  That doesn't necessarily me lower mileage days.

[bobbys beard]

i agree, it's your tour and your personal journey and goals. I've made trips where I've averaged 120+ miles per day and others around 30 miles. I've enjoyed both, but it goes without saying that you'll experience much more culture by getting off the road and spending a few days here and there. The southern tier has a lot to offer for both schools of thought.

[palma]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and advice on my topic!  We've decided to go for it because my friends can't change their plane tickets.

[bobbys beard]

be sure to update this post with a link to your blog or something when you do. i'll be interested to see your progress