First part of the Southern Tier, tentatively solo

[andersbrett]

I'm setting out next week to bike the Southern Tier, self-supported and by myself. I'll be camping and occasionally staying with friends, family, and cyclists. I've heard some people express concern about me biking the first section on my own... what do you think of this?

Also, if there's anyone out there interested in biking the first part of the Southern Tier in early October, please let me know!

[tonythomson]

Hi, finished the ST earlier this year and whichever way you start from there is no problem alone.  Worst bit is the first day out of San Diego which is pretty busy traffic wise but pretty safe as wide shoulders.  After that you are on quieter roads with easy to reach cheapo motels, not sure about camping. 
Bit of forward planning and should not have any problems plenty of blogs around with more in depth info or mine on www.bike4gus I had a great time on my own.

Have fun and I understand the not so confident feeling sometimes of starting out alone.  I get it everytime but that will soon go.

[ericfoltz]

I just rode the ST starting on 9/11.

Here are a couple of notes for you.

It's uphill all the way to Pine Valley. My first campsite was off the side of the road just shy of Alpine the first night.

You will have services pretty consistently all the way through to El Centro. Alpine, Descanso, Pine Valley, Boulevard, Jacumba, Ocotillo all have stores.

There is a good CG a few miles past Pine Valley called Boulder Oaks. No Water. Pit toilets.

Diner at La Posta 2.3 miles past CG.

When you get to Ocotillo, take the 98. It's longer but the 80 is possibly the worst road in America (I'm riding a Mtn. Bike and it still sucked).

Stock up on water in Brawley. The Gecko Rd. Ranger Station might still be closed. The Glamis store closed at 3pm when I went through.

There is water about 20 miles past Glamis at the Border Patrol Station. The next food/water is Palo Verde.

Blythe has stores/services.
Quartzite has services.
Brenda has a store.
Hope is an RV park. No services.
Salome has services.
Weadon has services.
Gladden - No services.
Aguila - Cafe/Camping
Wickenburg - Services. Camping across from rodeo. Free wifi at City Hall.

Good luck.

[MrBent]

Re. Hope, AZ on Southern Tier:  You'll find no grocery store, but unless the place has closed down, there is a gas station/convenience store where you can at least get water and the usual junk food, maybe a bit more.  Also, there is a lot of excellent wild camping in the area.  Just find a dirt road and pedal off into the hills a bit.  Kind of the last good wild camping for some distance.

Great desert out there!  Enjoy.

Scott