Transamerica trail sleeping

[Dirk Dom]

Hi!

I want to bicycle the Transamerica trail in May-August 2019. I'm from Belgium, Europe.

the latest blog I found was from 2015.

Sleeping was then possible without too much trouble at fire stations, parks, churches, gyms and with people. Have things changed in hospitality? is it still possible to do the Transamerica with these kinds of sleeping?

I ask because of the general scare of terrorism etc etc, maybe mistrust has grown.

Could you direct me to recent blogs?

thank you,

Dirk Dom. 

[planeguy5]

Hi Dirk,

I cycled the TransAmerica Trail in 2016 and found it very easy to sleep or camp at fire stations, churches, and city parks. The ACA maps clearly mark where these accommodations can be found, and also list the local police phone numbers and other relevant information. There are also a number of cyclist-oriented hostels that cater to the mass of cross-country cyclists that travel the route every summer.

You can read my blog here: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/badtansandbeautifullegs. Send me a message if you have more specific questions!

Jeremy

[John Nettles]

Check out CrazyBuyonaBike.com  they have TONS of journals from all over the world but most are North American. I can guarantee you will find a TA journal from 2017.   https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/categories/?o=2ht&category_id=99&doctype=journal  As far as hospitality goes, it ebbs and flows.  Certain parts of the route may lose a few places and others gain.

That said, without  trying to sound impolite, unless you are an Arab-looking person, look like a filthy bum, or look like you are going to rape and pillage, you will find most Americans, especially in rural America, generally friendly and willing to help if asked, especially to a person with a foreign accent (we love them for some reason!). The others will receive some caution but may not be refused.  Remember though stealth camping on private land is generally frowned upon by the owner.  However, if you politely ask, most (but not all) will say sure or maybe guide you to an area that is OK. 

Have a great trip!  John

P.S. Don't forget to ask librarians as they are also very helpful in finding locations.

[Jono1979]

Hi!

I want to bicycle the Transamerica trail in May-August 2019. I'm from Belgium, Europe.

the latest blog I found was from 2015.

Sleeping was then possible without too much trouble at fire stations, parks, churches, gyms and with people. Have things changed in hospitality? is it still possible to do the Transamerica with these kinds of sleeping?

I ask because of the general scare of terrorism etc etc, maybe mistrust has grown.

Could you direct me to recent blogs?

thank you,

Dirk Dom.

Dirk Dom.
I'm an Englishman making this journey between June and August this year.
The ACA maps are brilliant to use, they show places to stay in most towns.

Regarding safety, I still believe that the USA is a very safe place to ride a bike and the Trans Am route is well cycled. I have no worries about it at all.

Which direction are you riding?
A couple of good YouTube videos to watch depending on your direction.

West to East - Toby Rail Touring. He did the route back in early Summer 2021.
East to West  (the route I'm taking) - Sara Dicky. She rode the route again back in the Summer of 2021.

Both of these have been inspirational and educational to me.
Jono