Touring with Alpha Gal syndrome

[UncaBuddha]

Yes, I won the lottery and acquired the "tick bite" allergy, Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS). I am unable to eat any mammalian products (meat, gelatin, lard, milk, cheese, yogurt).
What does everyone think about my chances of successfully running the ST in February? Are there going to be places to get food?
Thanks!

[Westinghouse]

On the Southern tier route, I would say food and water are not a big concern. One thing is sure. You must plan ahead. You have to get rid of that mentality that you will be 60 miles away in an hour. It is possible to be in places separated by 35 or 40 miles where there are no services, no cafes, zero grocery stores, no Walmart supercenters, no truck stops, no Wells, nothing. So it does make sense to consider your mileage, estimate how long it will take to cover that mileage from waypoint to waypoint, and pack food and water accordingly, according to how much you know you will consume in that length of time.

[RoadsideFiresBurning]

For all intents and purposes, you'll be touring as a vegan. There is a world of information out there about touring in all the areas the ST goes through as a vegan. It can definitely be done and you'll certainly find plenty of places to eat these days. Be prepared, though, and pack enough food (and calories). There are some great books out there full of camping recipes suitable for a GAL diet — I highly recommend Dirty Gourmet: Plant Power. Pack up on emergency rations so you won't need to panic when you get to a food desert. Though I've found that even small towns these days have rice and beans (a complete protein), and often the gas stations will even have plenty of suitable options.

[UncaBuddha]

Thanks! I guess I'll head over to CrazyGuy and see if there is any data there.

[David W Pratt]

I'm sure that plenty of vegetarians have toured.  Can you eat fish? Poultry?
Hoe severe is the reaction, and how much mammal is enough to trigger it?

[UncaBuddha]

@David W Pratt
"Can you eat fish? Poultry?
Hoe severe is the reaction, and how much mammal is enough to trigger it?"

I can eat anything with Fins or Feathers (to include their eggs). My reaction is normally severe gastric distress (it ain't pretty). I'm not sure how much. Last time I had a reaction it was Hives (which can progress to anaphylaxis) from chicken wings that I think were basted with beef tallow (which is all the rage right now)...

[mattdwyerva]

My wife has dealt with AGS for 10+ years.  In 2024, we rode 4400 miles from DE to OR (sorta Eastern Express plus Trans Am) and it is sometimes a challenge when the only "fine dining" is a gas station.  She no longer has severe reactions (eg, breathing issues), "only" hive-like rashes usually.   She had some homemade peach pie at a small cafe in Kansas one night and we later decided that they must have used Crisco in the crust. 

We stayed in hotels so almost no cooking (I had a plug-in cup water heater).   She can eat eggs and cheese as well as the usual plant stuff.   

AGS is annoying - hope it doesn't stop you.

[UncaBuddha]

Pretty annoying yes. I get gastric symptoms and only got hives once (but Benadryl cured that).