San Fran to Virginia?

[ATRAIN]

Hey I am doing a trip from San Francisco to Yorktown Virginia and I only have about 50 days?  Is anyone familiar with this route?  Do you think that 50 days will be enough to make the entire distance?  Any comments would be great!

[PAdkins]

That is going to be about 90 miles per day with one day off a week. Do you plan on camping? Cooking? When I was a kid, my brother, a friend and I rode most of that route average more than 100 miles per day, but we were kids. We camped and ate at grocery stores and restaurants. I think it is very possible, but the average touring cyclist doesn't try to ride that far daily. More like 50-60 miles/day.

Are you following the TransAm and Western Express route?

--
Paul Adkins
Adventure Cycling Association

[wanderingwheel]

It is very possible, but it is on the faster side.  Taking the straight line route will help a lot.  If you are a strong rider, you should be able to complete the ride without feeling like your under the gun the entire trip.  I rode the Trans Am in 65 days without ever feeling rushed or feeling that I was missing things.  Expect to spend at lest one day off a week sightseeing, doing laundry and other chores, or just resting.  I usually take off every 4th or 5th day.

I've ridden the first few hundred miles of the Western Express and while the route is great, don't try to ride yourself into shape over the first week.  This is one where it's best to arrive at the start in good condition already.  Carson Pass, less than 200 miles into the ride, can give you a very rude awakening if your not ready for it.

Enjoy your ride
Sean Smith

[ATRAIN]

Yes, I am following the Western Express to the Trans Am route.  I have heard really good things about this ride.  Any other suggestions about what to be sure to see on this ride?

[stanurycki]

Try to spend one night at the Hotel Nevada in Ely. It's small, homey,a great breakfast and interesting gaming on the firat floor.  After riding US 50 a welcome respite.  Stan Urycki

[transam2002]

We rode from SF up the coast to Florence, OR and then did the offical TRans Am to Yorktown.  Obviously this took more than 50 days!  But I admire your ambition.  We've also riden part of the Western Express as day trips.  My advice to you would be to pace yourself at the beginning so you don't get injured climbing 8000 feet to Carson Pass right off the bat.  In Kansas you'll be able to cruise 100 mile days (if the wind allows) and you'll be in sweet shape come the Ozarks and Appalachians and will be able to do longer days then too.  If you aren't able to make it and have to fly home half way, you can always pick up where you left off next year!  In any case you'll have a blast.

[crabbe]

try to hit Onawa IA the last sunday in July and ride across Iowa with 15000 other bikers on Ragbrai

[edgeseekr]

A-train,
I'm taking a similar route (with deviations). At this late date, I don't have much flexibility with dates, but I'm flying to SF on 4 June and taking a detour to do the Bicycle tour of Colorado with friends on 26 June. I'll be about on your timeline for daily mileage. When are you going? You can contact me @ edgeseekr@hotmail.com
                       Martin