Southern Tier Tour(self sustained) this fall

[PeteJack]

If you haven't already, consider going to a certified bike fitter to fine tune how your bike fits you.

Have fun!

+1 It is amazing what a difference a properly fitting bike makes.

[bikerack]

 I also have cycled AZ to CA 4 times 

[pptouring]

Generally, you are safe alone. You must understand this country is riddled with crime and there are no guarantees. The fact is anything can happen at any time. Being alone on a bike with all those drivers passing you puts you in eyesight of a great many more people than would see you in a car. In a car only those going faster than you get a look. On a bike just about everybody passes you. A loaded touring bike attracts attention at stops and on the boulevard. There are psychopaths, drunks, crack heads, inexperienced drivers, and the impaired elderly out there cruising around. Weeks ago a cyclist was stabbed to death at McDonalds in Vero Beach, Florida by a mentally ill homeless man. There was no reason whatsoever for the attack. Cycling cross country means many stops at C-stores, restaurants and other places for food and drink. You are generally safe. Be vigilant. Trust your senses and hunches. If he looks suspicious or sinister, he probably is. Beware of anyone who will not give you a last name or proof of it. Be very vigilant at any truck stop. Serial murderers working as long haul truckers have abducted and killed many women. Most if not almost every one of the women were prostitutes. There is a website about this by the FBI. You should be safe. Do not throw caution to the wind. Be careful and aware.

This is some funny stuff right here!! 

Hey,

I am thinking about doing the southern tier either starting in jan or feb going east to west (all ready bought the maps!!!!) But for any of those who are doing it/ done it, Do you think it is relatively safe to do it alone?  If I do it alone are there any precautions you would take?

-Rachel

Rachel go enjoy your ride. Seriously!! Maybe our paths will cross as we will be returning stateside after 23ish months away traveling the world. We plan on returning in Jan/Feb from Vietnam to California and cycling back home to Florida. Currently on the road for 22 months and have yet to come across a single crackhead (haha), serial murdering long haul truck driver (although we did meet a German truck driver in Finland that offered us a ride to Sweden) or crazy jihadist that wanted to cause us harm. Quite the opposite to be honest!

[pptouring]

I can't remeber the name but there's a website that has a list of trips of women currently cycling solo as well as links to blogs if they have one.   If you'd like some inspiration Google to find the site.

http://www.skalatitude.com/p/about.html
http://www.skalatitude.com/p/wow-women-on-wheels.html


We hosted Barbara when she cycled across Florida. She was about 9 months (June 2012) into her trip and now she is about to complete her journey and be back home in Vienna. Amazing young lady.
http://caretaker.cc/barbels-blog/

Other females that have cycled long distance solo.
http://thatemilychappell.com
http://cyclingdutchgirl.com

[Westinghouse]

Completed my fifth STcrossing yesterday January 12, 2015,  2803 miles in 42 days of cycling and 63 days total.

[staehpj1]

Completed my fifth STcrossing yesterday January 12, 2015,  2803 miles in 42 days of cycling and 63 days total.

I hope it was a great trip.

[Westinghouse]

Completed my fifth STcrossing yesterday January 12, 2015,  2803 miles in 42 days of cycling and 63 days total.

I hope it was a great trip.

                                                                                                                     It went well enough though Texas hill country had me thinking about quitting when the adverse winds came. Now I feel great. Highest milage for one day was 91-93. Lowest was 19 because of rain and cold. Now arranging mechanized transportation back to Florida.