just some silly questions

[gman1964]

Ok to start I'm new to tour riding (in fact I do not even have a bike yet), but want to get into it for several reasons. For my first ride I'm think of doing part of the Northern tier (IA to ID). Ok here is my list of questions:

1)a list of touring bikes chioces.(the local shop has Trek's, Connondales, and Raleigh's)
2)a list of types of food and drink. (I can find list of items but none give details)
3)Has anyone ever taken a pet on a trip, if so tips on taking a pet or not.

[FredHiltz]

Hi, gman,

You have found the right place. An excellent start is the "How To Department" link on our home page http://www.adventurecycling.org/. Read the articles for a good general background and come back here with specific questions.

Fred

[biker_james]

Well, you'll get lots of different advice on these things. Most people will probably recommend whatever type of bike they are riding. I have a Cannondale T800, had it for 6 years, and still love it. Both the Cannondale and the Trek 520 are fairly readily available, and reasonably priced-at least compared to some others, and both have a good long term reputation for touring. They are different, and it may just come down to personal choice.
Food is as personal as bike choice. The basics are that when you ride all day you will need to eat a lot of carbs. What they are and how they are prepared is up to you. Experiment on things that are easy and quick to prepare at home, as you don't want things that take half the night and all your fuel to cook. Some peope tour and don't cook, eating all their meals in restaurants or from the deli counter.
Touring with pets-check out http://crazyguyonabike.com -they have a section on touring with pets. I always thought that would be fun, with the right pet.
A lot of touring is taking what others say, and adjusting it to suit your own style-there is no right and wrong way, just different ways.
Welcome aboard.

[TheDaltonBoys]

Gman 64 - Certainly if you have the money to get some of the more exceptional touring bikes do so. Also there are many good bikes that cost quite a bit less so don't equivocate cheaper with less quality. Second piece of advice, carbs good, pedal bike, burn carbs. Lastly take what you want and whatever that is you're the one who will have to haul it. I'm thinking a Burley Hudson would do you well and I pedal a recumbent tricycle and own no stock an Burley or any other manufacturer. Enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys  Carless since '00 & Lovin' it!!!!