Author Topic: newbie questions  (Read 10364 times)

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Offline schnauzer

newbie questions
« on: May 30, 2006, 09:16:37 am »
It has been my dream for several years to do a cross country tour.  I'm having trouble trying to decide whether to do a loaded tour or a supported one.

First, a little background.  I've been riding for about twelve years.  Have done a few week long supported tours, but no loaded tours.  Unfortunately, it will be a couple of more years before I can do the cross country trip, since I'll have to make a career change(retire) first.  I would turn 60 during the tour.

Would an Adventure Cycling led tour be a good idea for someone with very limited touring exprerience?

Barring that, has anyone had any experiences with America by Bicycle or Cycleamerica tour companies.

Thanks


cyclesafe

  • Guest
newbie questions
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2006, 09:43:01 am »
60 and newly retired.  Well, if you are a male, I think you'd be the average person on an AC expedition. If you plan to go unsupported, then AC is the way to go.  No experience necessary.  Just be in good health and bring a positive, cooperative attitude.  More experienced tourers will be happy to teach what little there is to know.


Offline wanderingwheel

newbie questions
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2006, 04:56:16 pm »
An unsupported tour might sound daunting, but I believe that most people can successfully complete them.  If you want to gain touring experience, try going for 2-3 day rides on the weekends before your tour.  That should also help you decide on supported or unsupported.

I have two close friends who both rode on the America By Bike fast cross-country tour last year.  Neither had any previous touring experience, only long one-day rides.  They both thoroughly enjoyed the trip even though it rained most of the time.

Sean


Offline RussellSeaton

newbie questions
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2006, 05:49:18 pm »
I think CycleAmerica promotes the Pedal the Peaks and other week long supported rides.  I did Pedal the Peaks a few years ago.  Not too many complaints.  Major one being the bike shop that was traveling with the group did not have any samll inner chainrings for triple cranksets.  I kind of thought a bike shop would bring an item like this for a week long ride in the Rockies.  Food was great.  Accomodations were good.  Usually high schools.


Offline rider

newbie questions
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2007, 03:47:42 am »
Twelve years of riding sounds like you have experience to me. I think you will do just fine on the trek across the country. Wow, your going to reach 60 years of age during this tour hey, oh my, Just exactly how long do you plan on staying in the saddle? Well you just do that  ride, and share some stories with us all ok. have fun. :8|:


Offline ptaylor

newbie questions
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2007, 05:27:54 pm »
You have so many options!
[list=1]
  • Supported, sleeping in hotels
  • Supported, sleeping in your tent (like Cycle America)
  • Unsupported, sleeping in motels and eating in restaurants (a credit card tour)
  • Unsupported, camping and doing your own cooking, with occasional restaurant meals


What ever level you are at, I would encourage you to step up to the next level, having level 4, coast to coast, as your goal. I hit level 4 at about age 50, but did not do it coast-to-coast until, like you, I retired (but at age 65).


Paul
Paul

Offline jimbeard

newbie questions
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2007, 10:08:56 pm »
 FWIW
 I like to travel and consume as little fossil fuel as possible ,traveling by bicycle accomplices both.
 Went on a supported tour once, because there were so many cars and trucks even a motor home!, running back and forth up and down all day i felt that i would have consumed less fuel driving own car.
THE OLD MALCONTENT

Jim
Jim

Offline BikingViking

newbie questions
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2007, 03:49:16 pm »
In my opinion, I would go unsupported. I have done a number of tours and find the experience wonderful. Not that there is anything wrong with a fully supported tour, the feeling of doing it on your own is well worth it. Try a couple of weekend outings to test your weight and equipment, and just go for it. You won't regret it.