English rider thinking of Transamerica

[Chris Kurton]

Hi. I'm an experienced cycle tourist in Europe and UK. Think of doing a west to east crossing of USA sometime.
I would have to fly to and from the start and finish.
Many things to think about. Would be keen to stay on tarmac the whole way.
Happy to receive suggestion and helpful comments.
I would anticipate taking lightweight camping gear.
Thanks

[CMajernik]

Chris:
Make sure you read about the Transamerica Trail online. That will give you a lot of information. Also, in the tab Riding Conditions, it gives the same information that is on each map section. https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/transamerica-trail/

With the exception of our mountain bike routes, all of our mapped routes are on paved roads or paved separated paths. There will occasionally be construction where you might encounter gravel but sometimes a detour will be mentioned, or you can hitch a ride through the gravel with a pick-up truck.

[HikeBikeCook]

You can search for trip journals here. This seems to be the go-to place to journal bike trips here in the US and for Americans abroad. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/?o=3d2

[RossKB]

I second HikeBikeCook's suggestion.  I would particularly refer you to this journal on general issues on doing the TransAm:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3d2&doc_id=23065&v=x
Best,
Ross

[ray b]

...and I agree with the implications of notes above, that a first crossing of the USA should follow the old TransAm trail.

If you're planning a trip early or late in the year, then the Southern Tier might be an option. Again, as Ms. Majernik points out, plenty of info at the Adventure Cycling website.

Enjoy.

[jamawani]

Not to mention -
For a trip of this length, you will need to learn the local language.  ;-)

For example -
In parts of rural England, "Knock you up sometime" is a casual response.
It is - most definitely - not so in the Colonies.

[Jono1979]

I'm riding the Trans-Am from East to West this year. Setting off early June.
Oh, I'm English too.

[Jono1979]

Not to mention -
For a trip of this length, you will need to learn the local language.  ;-)

For example -
In parts of rural England, "Knock you up sometime" is a casual response.
It is - most definitely - not so in the Colonies.

What do the Colonials think I mean when I say "knock yourself out"?

[Pat Lamb]

What do the Colonials think I mean when I say "knock yourself out"?

One of our more-or-less canned sayings is "Hold my beer.  Hey y'all, watch this!"  Usually used before doing something spectacular (and/or stupid).

"Knock yourself out" means roughly, "I'll hold your beer."

[Westinghouse]

Keep the wind at your back.

[Jono1979]

Keep the wind at your back.

Then you end up riding round in circles.