cross country riding buddy needed

[alicesixty8]

I'm looking for a riding partner this summer from Greenville SC to Missoula MT (one way trip for me) or anywhere in between. I'm conducting a personal sociological project as well as raising money for Bikes to Rwanda as impetus for this ride. I dont want to travel alone. My buddy does not have to be involved in either project, but it may affect pace and route, etc. In general, I plan to follow the TransAmerican route at a leisurely pace allowing 1 to 1.5 months travel time.

[staehpj1]

Do you really consider 3300 miles in a month a "leisurely pace"?  Are you being sagged?  If not that is far from a leisurely pace by most tourists standards.

60 miles per day is a fairly average pace for loaded touring and that works out to close to two months unless starting in SC cuts miles off of the route as compared to starting in Yorktown.

Edit: I forgot to mention... if all else fails you will meet other riders along the way on the TA.  It is quite possible to meet folks along the way to ride or camp with at least part of the time.

This message was edited by staehpj1 on 4-28-08 @ 7:00 AM

[rogerbonga]

Yes, I agree.  We started out with a  S.A.G and it was easy to do 80 to 100 a day.  But finished with a B.O.B then could barely do 60 a day.  Try not to under estimate the time it will take!  You will meet people for sure along the way.  Have fun!

[alicesixty8]

I plan on riding 60-80 miles per day for approximately 2300 miles (starting in SC and ending in MT). It should take between 1 to 1.5 months. I dont think this is unreasonable, considering I'm just an enthusiast, but I dont want anyone to take on more than they can muster.

[staehpj1]

Yes that is reasonable if it is 2300 miles.  I still wouldn't call it leisurely by loaded touring standards, but it is reasonable.

I didn't realize you were starting so far inland (I just looked at the map and found Greenville).  The TA from the east coast to Missoula is more like 3300 miles.

Anyway, best of luck and have a great time.

[alicesixty8]

You're probably right about the pace... I haven't traveled with a real load before so I'm not sure how to adjust for that. It's good to talk with other cyclists about these things for the tips. My ride is still in the planning phase and is flexible.

[staehpj1]

Since you seem open to suggestions, I will make a couple...

I think that starting at an easy pace the first few days and easing in to longer miles as you go is a good idea.

Budgeting more time than you need is a great idea if it is possible.  That way you can just take each day as it comes and get there when you get there.  Nothing spoils a trip like being on a must make schedule.  You will likely get there just as fast and be less stressed if you don't have a demanding schedule.