TransAmerica Trail starting May 15

[Mayates7]

Hi everyone!
I'm new to this forum, but I'm looking for a little advice. I'm planning on beginning the TransAm on May 15 (East to West). I'm starting to get a little freaked out about solo camping, especially out West. Does anyone have any advice about mitigating risk of solo travel, especially for the remote areas of the ride? I have a couple friends on the East coast who will be joining me for a few days, but I'm on my own from around Colorado on.

Thanks!!
Marissa

[John Nelson]

There really is not much risk to mitigate, so I wouldn’t overly worry much about it. As a solo woman, however, there might be a bit more risk, but many solo women have done it. I have a few simple suggestions when talking to strangers. Make vague references to meeting up with “Mike” just up the road. Pick an alternative camping spot and lie about where you will be spending the night. Don’t publicly blog about where you are camping until after you’ve left there. Keep your creep detector on high.

[toadmeister]

At least in the US and other first world countries, individuals are tracked via their cellular and satellite devices.   “Big brother is always watching” works both ways buying you added security.   Doesn’t hurt to remind strangers, hint to it, or embellish (I’m making a video, filming of my travels for my popular YouTube channel, do you mind I’m recording you?  Smile your on camera!)

A troublemaker has to be pretty stupid nowadays to interfere with a traveler.   But yes, stupid people exist.


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[jamawani]

One of the good things about the TransAm and the date & direction you are taking is that you will run into other groups and solo riders. I've been touring for 30+ years - big tours in North America - and I almost always ride a few days/weeks with others. And that's not even on the TransAm. Sometimes the connection is great - sometimes only so-so. But I suspect that you can ride with others for a good portion of the your western leg if you want to.

P.S. - Plus, riding with others tends to save $$$ - camping fees, motels whenever, even groceries.

[LouMelini]

 Julie and I did the TransAm in 2018. Coming from the east, you will have plenty of campgrounds and hostels to stay at once you get to Wyoming if that is what you are seeking. I consider campgrounds (commercial or Forest Service) and hostels as very safe, hospitable, and inviting if safety is a concern. Fortunately Julie and I enjoy and can afford the "luxury" of camping in campgrounds (we try to avoid motels). (see jamawani's comments about $$). I don't have a lot of advice about stealth camping as we rarely stealth camp so follow the advice of toadmeister and John Nelson. I've done quite a bit of road touring in the west. I don't consider any of the TransAm as remote. I live in Utah but I am originally from New Jersey where there is a different mindset about the "West". I moved to the "West" because of my 1975 cross country bike tour. No regrets, best decision I made. I've enjoyed every bike tour I've done in the west and I bet you will as well. 

[John Nelson]

Jamawani makes a great point that I had forgotten. Most of the time, you won’t be camping alone. You’ll be camping with other TransAmers.

[hikerjer]

To me, by far, the most difficult part of the TransAm is crossing Nevada. Not only can it be very, very hot, it is very hilly (basin and range topography) with constant climping and descending passes, there is seldom any shade and the towns and rest stops are few and far between.  If I had to do it over again I would plan that section far more carefully and ride only in the early moring until I found a place to hang out during the heat of the day until it coolsed down and then ride unto the night. One thing I did like about Nevada was stealth camping in the desert.  Not at all difficult to do. Just pull off in an unassuming place, find some segebrush to hide behind and set up camp. Most of the time a tent isn't even necessary.   I also met some of the most friendly  poeple of the whole tour in Neveda.

Safe travels and have a great time.

[John Nelson]

To me, by far, the most difficult part of the TransAm is crossing Nevada.

The TransAm doesn’t cross Nevada.

[hikerjer]

Opps! You're absolutely correct. For some reason I had the Western Express in mind when I typed that. Don't know why. My mistake and a significant one. Thanks for pointing it out. Anyway, my apologies to the OP and everyone else. I was just slightly off route.   I've never ridden the actual TransAm although I've driven much of it. It's got to be easier than the Western Express through Nevada.

Again apologies. I really didn't want to cnfuse people as much as I'm apparently confused.

[Westinghouse]

From my experiences, I would be more concerned with wind than with bugbears and rapscallions. I have stealth camped hundreds of times. You can get smelly but look in your wallet after skipping all those motels. It's a trade off, one thing but not another for whatever the usefulness of your choice may be. In a tent in the woods is less comfortable and there is no shower, but you save, what,$37.00---$60.00 each night. That pays for a lot of on-the-road expenses.