Green-lighted to go cross-country! (questions)

[zzzz]

A couple of years ago I did the WE then skipped the plains and did the balance of the Trans Am for 3000± miles. I regret that I was not able to do the whole thing but I only had 30 days so I had to make choices.

I loved Nevada. And riding 50 from Baker to Fallon won't be intimidating once you have that many miles under you. You will probably find, and I certainly did, that the toughest section is actually in Utah from Blanding to Hanksville.

If you're a day's ride from Philly where do you live? I'm up in the Lehigh Valley, I'll take a couple of hours and go through my stuff from the trip with you if you're close by.

Pete

[AndrewCh]

Thanks Pete! I think I read that account of your WE. I dug into the archives here once I got my maps -- there weren't that many, less than a dozen! I had visions of Donner party-style madness. I felt a little better after reading your account as well as others' accounts.

I'm in Central NJ. Metropark is probably the best landmark for this area. Not too close to the Lehigh Valley, alas!

I'm pretty sure I'm going to do the WE. (Thanks for the input, Kitsap_Bill -- good point about the truckers).

I'm probably going to avoid the Atlantic Coast route. The big question now is whether to start from Yorktown, or ride across Pa. and find a way from Pittsburgh to Columbus, and pick up the Underground Railroad to the TransAmerica.

This account was fairly encouraging -- it looks like it's possible: http://thestreetsaremine.com/bike-build/week-3/

[cheesehawk]

I'm doing my first Transcon this spring as well (April 27th, Baltimore to Oregon). I've largely designed my own route and make a few comments on the process here: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=Sh&page_id=403256&v=8. I agree that there is something emotionally satisfying about riding door to door and since you are going from one coast to the other I would not let go of that idea without good reason. If nothing else it will save you money on the front-end transportation. Since you've already found notes from someone who rode from Pittsburgh to Columbus I don't think it will be that hard for you to work out getting on the UGRR. From there, as you know, you can join up with the TransAm in western Kentucky. You will want to plot out in your map notes where you (hope) will find restaurants and the like. Probably not as critical in the more densely populated east, but still a good idea in rural areas like eastern Ohio.

Since you're a tri guy I would not hesitate to add aero bars to your 1200 or whatever bike you decide to use. I think you'll be thankful when there is a headwind. They will also give you a wider variety of positions.

Good luck.

[bbarrettx]

I rode the TransAm way back in 87 as my first tour. Started in Astoria and finished in Sea Bright, NJ, next to my home town Rumson. If you haven't settled on a route from Central NJ to connect with the TransAm through PA let me know. The route I chose worked quite well. Sounds like you're set on on going East to West but I will say that finishing up at home was a pretty cool experience. Happy to give suggestions on the route if you're still kicking it around.

[swimdean]

I'm doing a tour from New Orleans to San Francisco right now. I have aerobars on my Trek Domain Two Series and I'm happy for them. Gives the hands a break and obvious advantage in head winds. I'm also pulling a BOB trailer which I think helps with the wind also.


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