Touring

[dwatkins]

I have not toured but want to get input from you who have about the feasibility of starting a fully loaded tour of the southern tier, from west to east, on Dec 1.  Even though I have given a little thought to this, I do not like cold weather that well. I may decide to drop the idea, depending on what you may have to say about the weather that time of the year.
I am going to list my concerns because I am confident that the experience is out there to help me.
1. I will be traveling on a '05 Rans Stratus.  It has respectible components.
2. Trailer or racks?
3. Is it a sign of insanity to be thinking of camping in the south that time of the year?
4. Cold weather gear.
5. Tent type.
6. Anyother information.
I have looked into the above but no decisions.
Arkansas is my home state.
Thanks.

[cyclebum]

1. Nice bike
2. Personal preference. Advantages and disadvantages to both.
3. Not insanity at all. Cool short days, cold nights, rain. Certainly more challenging than spring and fall, but doable.
4. Layers, as your temp extremes will be 20s to 80s.
5. A tent with good ventilation, as condensation in winter can be a major issue. I'd go with a 2 person model as you'll be spending a lot of time in the tent, what with the short days and rain potential.

Other than the potential for miserable weather, I find having to pack clothing for the temp extremes, and the short days, to be major irritants with winter touring. I do it anyway.

[bogiesan]

I have not toured but want to

Practice.
I'd sign up up for a couple of supported tours this summer.
You have about six months to put a thousand miles under your butt and to spend twenty or thirty nights under the stars in various weather conditions.
 

david boise ID

[Westinghouse]

No sweat. Just do it. I've done it in winter. It can get quite cold, but usually it is comparatively mild. 15 degree bag. Tent or tarp. Down jacket. Don't worry about it. The first time I did the ST I had done only one summer tour in the UK. I just loaded what I thought I might need, and went. No problem at all except for one night. Just stay warm. If you don't know how to do that, maybe you should reconsider.

[RussSeaton]

I've toured but I have no direct experience with the southern route.  But remember the section from California to Louisiana is desert.  Deserts get really cold at night in the winter.  Really cold.  Below freezing.  A sleeping bag rated at below freezing would be a necessity.  Tights, long sleeve jersey, wool socks, nylon wind breaker, long finger gloves, balaclava may be all you need for riding in the coldest temps.  You can wear clothes over and over and over so no need to have too many.

[Rep]

Do a search of this board and you should come up with another thread with the same topic.

If I recall, there is some high country in New Mexico that you will want to be aware of. 

[KDC1956]

What part of Arkansas do you live in.I am also from Arkansas in Little Rock.Maybe we could hook up some day and do a little touring.Have you ever done a long trip before?If you do go on your trip have a ball on it it will be more fun than you think it will be and hard on you as well but that's part of the fun of it.And you get to see all kinds of stuff on your way.Wish I could get a few people here to go on my trip to Bangor Maine with me but as of now looks like I may be going alone.Time will tell I'm not sure when I want to start my trip yet I will post it when I do.Have a great trip if you go.

[jrswenberger]

I have not toured but want to get input from you who have about the feasibility of starting a fully loaded tour of the southern tier, from west to east, on Dec 1. 

Without addressing the specifics of your intended route or the timing you are thinking of, I would have you think about whether or not having your first tour being a fully loaded, cross country one is appropriate for you.   

Does your cycling experience support this committment?
How familiar are you with your bike and gear?
How capable are you with repairs?
What is your fitness level?

This isn't meant as a critisism or to deter you. I only want you to look at your abilities and preparation honestly. I love a tour with lots of unknowns, as long as they relate to the journey, not me, my abilities or my gear.

Good luck and I hope to see you out there sometime,
Jay