Need help with getting ready for bike tour

[StargazerSol]

Howdy everyone, I am a 20 years old deaf guy who is getting ready for a a long crosscountry tour of the USA and I need help knowing what do I need to pack for the tour. I will be traveling through almost all of the states, around 35 states, and I wanted to know if anyone who lives in those areas could help me out find good places to eat, or shop or get my bike fixed up or even maybe a place to crash. I hope to start next month and finish it in june.

Thank you for reading this and I hope i can get so really awesome advices from you guys.

[dfege]

What is your route?

[Pat Lamb]

Almost every long-distance bike tour trip report includes a packing list.  Look at the "registered rides" off the AC home page, http://www.adventurecycling.org/ride_registry/review_rides.cfm, or find some completed journals on crazyguyonabike.com for examples.

You can look at warmshowers or couchsurfing for some registries of potential hosts.  There are a few listed on the various Adventure Cycling maps, if you're going to follow them.  Please be polite -- there's a storm brewing over rude guests, see the AC blog for some details and pointers.

[John Nelson]

I will be traveling through almost all of the states, around 35 states, and I wanted to know if anyone who lives in those areas could help me out find good places to eat, or shop or get my bike fixed up or even maybe a place to crash.

You're in luck. This is exactly what the ACA does. Order up their maps covering where you plan to ride, and you'll have just what you need.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/

I hope i can get so really awesome advices from you guys.

You're in luck again. The "how-to department" of this web site has advice on all aspects of touring. We'd be happy to help with any specific questions that remain.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/howto.cfm

[StargazerSol]

thank you guys,  dfege, my route will start from Rochester NY traveling West to wash state on the northern route, then head south to cali, then west to austin, then again wast to florida then heading hard west of north to Oklahoma, then east of north  to washington Dc then back to NY all of that in 6 months.

[StargazerSol]

I have a question regarding shopping for equipment, I really need help with finding the right kind of equipment that i need to get for the tour, this is my first time and I am not sure which is which is right for me

[FredHiltz]

Since you have already asked about what to pack on the bike, I will hazard a guess that you want to learn about the bike itself and its equipment. Head right back to that How To Department http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/howto.cfm. The sections on bikes and gear begins with a discussion of the whole bike, then delves into the details of all the bits that go on board. That will most likely answer all your questions, but do browse this Gear forum for even more, and write back.

Fred

[John Nelson]

I have a question regarding shopping for equipment, I really need help with finding the right kind of equipment that i need to get for the tour, this is my first time and I am not sure which is which is right for me

So are you asking where to shop? or what to shop for?

What's your budget? Are you doing this on the cheap, or do you have enough money to buy the best stuff? Are you starting with nothing? or do you already have some stuff? If so, what do you already have.

I would normally recommend waiting for sales. But you said you're leaving next month, so you really don't have time for that. If the budget is fairly liberal, and if you have an REI (or similar) in the area, you can probably get everything you need in one trip. A bike, racks, straps, water bottle cages, water bottle, computer, lock, panniers, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, head lamp, a cook stove, fuel and pots (if you plan to cook), bike clothing (shorts, jersey, socks, shoes, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, mirror), outdoor clothing (including rain gear and warm clothing), allen wrenches, spare parts (tubes, cables and brake pads), clothesline rope, sunscreen and bug repellent. Then all you need is underwear, a camera, cell phone and toiletries to complete your kit.

[StargazerSol]

well i only have a road bike that needs some replacement on tires. i have a hard helmet that keeps you warm, a very good bike lock and thats what i have, My budget is around 3000 dollars for getting all equipments i need. I am planning to order all of the equipment online and send them to my friends house in Rochester NY because that is where I am starting. I need cold, cool, warm and hot bike clothes because I will be going through all four season in USA.  I am really new at this so I really dont know what kind of things to get like what kind of tent? or panniers or cart, or sleeping bags or thing like that.

[2riders]

It sounds to me like you should perhaps take more time in your research and planning.  If you have an REI near you, you could have them help you with you equipment research and if anything have it shipped to you friends. 

[StargazerSol]

what is REI?

[MidSouth]

Google is your friend

[StargazerSol]

hahaha yeah it is, REI is a bike store and I have one nearby. Would Gore-rex also be a good one to use for long term touring?

[John Nelson]

well i only have a road bike that needs some replacement on tires.

Your "road bike" may or may not be suitable. Can you tell us more about it? What make, model and year? The problem with many road bikes is that they are not suitable for mounting racks and panniers to, or the chainstay length may be too short to avoid heel strike, or they may not have low enough gear or strong enough wheels to haul a full load, or the tires may be too narrow to be comfortable for the varied road surfaces you may encounter. Tell us more.

My budget is around 3000 dollars for getting all equipments i need.

That should be plenty. Figure something in this ballpark:

• Bike (if you need a new one): $1200
• Panniers: $300
• Racks: $200
• Tent: $200
• Sleeping bag: $150
• Air mattress: $100
• Head lamp: $30
• Bike computer: $40
• Tail light: $30
• Bike jersey: $50
• Bike shorts: $50
• Bike shoes: $75
• Sunglasses: $30
• Bike gloves: $15
• Rain suit: $80
• Zip-off pants: $50
• Long-sleeve wool shirt: $50
• Camera: $200

I am planning to order all of the equipment online and send them to my friends house in Rochester NY because that is where I am starting.

The problem with this approach is that you'd really like to have the opportunity for a dry run before you start your tour. I'd at least allow a few days to ride around Rochester with all your gear loaded to make sure it all works okay. Be sure to set up the tent and try the other gear before you start.

I'd probably take a year to do all the research, buy all the stuff, and try it out before starting the tour. Since you're starting next month, you clearly don't have time for much research at all. There are 50 good options for most pieces of gear you need. How will you decide which of the 50 to buy? Without considerable research, you will either need to take somebody's advice, or you'll need to buy what's available.

Since you have an REI nearby, I would go there and pick out what you need from what they have. You'll be able to check the stuff out and ask the store personnel for advice. In person advice and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each option is your best bet. You can have it all shipped to Rochester. Unfortunately, there is no REI in Rochester, so you won't be able to take back or exchange anything that doesn't work out.

[John Nelson]

Fred, this thread has gotten split. Half of the posts in this thread are still over in General Discussion, and half are here. It makes the thread confusing. Can it be fixed? Can the two threads be merged back together?