New York to San Francisco Ride

[Mike Bosomworth]

Hi, I'm a 61 year old Brit frantically trying to finish packing to set off for Heathrow. Fly out to New York tomorrow and start the ride Monday. Solo, self-funded challenge of a lifetime for me, to raise money for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre. I using two sections of the Atlantic Coast route and then TransAm to link up with the Western Expressway. Currently getting excited and very nervous. Hope to finish the ride around May 25th, so it is definitely a challenge! Any top tips or maybe even a chance to meet up with fellow members of Adventure Cycling would be good. Best wishes. Mike

(More information on me and the ride is on http://www.ybrc.org.uk/dr-mike-back-on-the-bike)

[swimdean]

I'll be leaving from New Orleans on 04/08/15. Heading north on Great Rivers route then Transamerica to western express. Don't know if we will meet but it might be nice to have some company. Good luck and safe riding to you


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[Mike Bosomworth]

Will try and keep in touch and hopefully meet up. Safe riding to you also.BX

[swimdean]

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/15717
My journal I'll be posting daily battery and internet available of course


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[indyfabz]

Which sections of the Atlantic Coast Route are you planning to ride, and are you planning on camping? I ask because it may be a bit early in the season for some campgrounds.

[PeteJack]

Bear in mind that B & Bs in the US are not a cheap alternative to motels, many of them tend to rather luxurious and cost an arm and a leg: I paid $140 for one night in Connecticut, the lady told me she usually charges $170 (George Washington slept here or some-such) If you need  a break from camping and you probably will, use a Motel 6 or the like. Or better yet a no name place. I got a quite acceptable room in Bedford PA for $29 a couple of years ago. Some of them drive you nuts because they are run by Indians, East Indians as they say here, and at the check-in you get a lovely aroma of Indian food but there isn't an Indian restaurant for many miles around. Talking of Indians: when you get to Colorado and points west try native American Fry Bread if you can get it, it's nothing like fried bread at home and is delicious.

Unlike in the UK just about everywhere here gives a discount to seniors

Above all have fun and stay safe. Pete

[LouMelini]

To save money, you may want to join Warmshowers.org. vs. motels.

[PeteJack]

I'm sure warmshowers is OK but I can't bring myself to use it as I've no interest in offering that kind of hospitality myself. perhaps I've got more money than sense. Ah well... Whatever you do you'll meet a lot of nice people. The Atlantic coast route meets the TransAm at Mineral, Virginia. The fire house there acts as a sort of hostel that many people stay at.

[Mark Manley]

Some of them drive you nuts because they are run by Indians, East Indians as they say here, and at the check-in you get a lovely aroma of Indian food but there isn't an Indian restaurant for many miles around.

That will drive any Brit nuts, we love Indian food and regard it as our national dish. Good luck with your ride.

[swimdean]

Mike I'll be in Tupelo Mississippi tomorrow. Where are you? Maybe we can meet


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[indyfabz]

I got a quite acceptable room in Bedford PA for $29 a couple of years ago.

You mean you passed up the opportunity to camp down the street from Cannondale? How could you?!?!

[Mike Bosomworth]

Just picked up your post swimdean - sorry for the delay. I am in Lexington tonight, so some way from you I think. Just spent a hard day in the Blue Ridge Mountains - great scenery.

[swimdean]

Looks like you'll be ahead of me. I'm a few days until I pick up TransAm in Illinois. Safe riding


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[Mike Bosomworth]

In Marion, Virginia, tonight. Both B&B in Sugar Grove and Troutdale are closed, so opted for a motel in Marion. It's near a Walmart so have been able to get fuel for my stove so I now have the option to camp. The weather has been a real mixed bag, but at least it has not rained today!