Adv Cycling Maps and Water

[ronvolkmar]

I just received my first set of Adventure Cycling maps and like them a lot.

However, I have a question concerning water availability.

Based on the various map symblols, can one make any assumptions regarding the availability of water. It is obvious that water would be available at locations respresented by restaurants, motels, hostels, etc. symbols. But, for example, can one assume water is available at all "rest room" symbols?

I will be on the Western Express and the map warns of water shortages, no support for xx miles, etc. However, I was hoping for something more precise such as "Joe's gas station is only place to get water in the of XYZ."

Thanks for any advice.

Ron

[brad]

it is called adventure cycling because you cannot plan for all contingencies.

[TRobertson]

Hi Ron,

The Western Express route is unique in that it traverses some
pretty rural areas. In our experience with rural areas like this,
we have found that services are always changing. Keeping
up with what is open, and keeping it current on the maps, can
be challenging.

With our Great Divide map we do try to list where to get water
(mainly from streams) in the more desolate areas. We have
found that this is even more challening....in that water
sources tend to change several times during a riding season.

Getting back to the Western Express, I would advise to
assume that if there is a restroom symbol, that these areas do
not have water. You can feel fairly certain that all other
services would (motels, service stations, restaurants and
even bars), so it's best to have a good supply of water before
heading out on the long stretches of the US 50 that don't
have water.

If you do have an emergency and need water, cyclists have
had much luck in the past flagging down automobiles
(especially RV's) and asking if they have water. Some tourist
that have ridden to Alaska on the stretches without water will
even make a sign and hang it off the back of their bike that
says "We need water".....and folks (especially the RV'ers) will
stop and help them out.

Hope that this helps.

Tom Robertson
routes and mapping
Adventure Cycling


 

[JayH]

Regarding water, just a heads up. If you do decide to camel the water, Nalgene, among others, sell flexible gallon water jugs that you can carry water and it can be folded to fit a small size when empty. The only downside is the large nozzle but you can probably find other flexible water carriers with smaller nozzles. Platypus, camelback, blackburn, MSR, all sell bladders of various sizes...

Like Brad says, it is adventure cycling but it is also foolish not to prepare for the worst case scenario. Cycling when dehydrated is tough. I've been there and this was in CT, in a rainstorm and not in a searing desert too.  

Jay

[ronvolkmar]

Thanks for the advice and tips. Will definately find a way to carry an extra gallon or two for the two of us.