Acting as a support SUV

[laurhermann]

My husband and I were originally planning to bike across the country together, however I'm now unable to do this for health reasons. This has been a mighty dream of his, so I strongly encourage him to still do this, however I'd like to act as a "support" SUV throughout the trip so I can still meet him each night at campsites or other lodging options! Has anyone else had a spouse or family member do this with them? Our only concern is if his plans need to change while he's on his bike (whether due to head winds, mechanical issue, etc.) and we're in parts of the country with no cell phone service, such as most of the plains of Montana! I know I would be breaking down the campsite, packing up, and leaving well after he does to give him a nice head start then leap frog him, but would you suggest 20 mile "check points"? Any advice is welcome!

[toadmeister]

First off, your an awesome spouse!   Can you adopt me as husband #2?  LOL.

One of my other hobbies is hunting, where similar emergency scenarios exist.   For example; a hunter stranded in the Wilderness in need of help and no cell phone coverage.   

Good news, There are satilite-based SOS devices to call for help.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon

They can be a bit expensive but worth it for peace of mind or emergencies.   I don't have one yet but will be getting one for my first Western Elk hunt in a couple years.

Hope this helps.





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[laurhermann]

Thank you so much- for both the kind words and awesome recommendation  😄 This was very helpful information!

[erniegrillo]

Walkie Talkies could be a low cost option in areas with no cell coverage.
Have a great trip and consider books on tape for those quiet times on the road....  .....

[DaveB]

Walkie Talkies could be a low cost option in areas with no cell coverage.

Many of these inexpensive Walkie Talkie radios have very limited range, only a couple of miles, so be sure you get something with adequate power.

[John Nettles]

As others had mentioned, a satellite based tracker would be a good idea.  To keep my honey happy when I do remote touring (forest roads with no one around), I use an InReach tracker.  A tad expensive but it is very accurate and lets you do custom messages (with a 10-15 minute delay sometimes).
However, if he is following the route, I would think he would not need it the tracker unless he is taking on big days, i.e. 100 miles.  Since he would be carrying minimal gear, if he keep the days reasonable and doable, he should be able to complete each day, even with a headwind.
Regardless, have a great trip!  Tailwinds, John

[DaveB]

Since he would be carrying minimal gear, if he keep the days reasonable and doable, he should be able to complete each day, even with a headwind.

I don't think the OP is concerned her husband won't be capable of completing a planned day but is concerned about an accident or serious bike breakdown that strands him.  She wants to be able to find him somewhere along the route if something like that happens.