General Age Range of the TransAm?

[CaptainRyan]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting. My name is Ryan, I'm 18, and I just signed up for the TransAm self-contained for May. I was just wondering what the general age range for this tour was. It doesn't really matter all that much to me as I get along with people of all ages, I was just curious.

Also, will I be seeing any of you on the trip as well?

[John Nettles]

I have not done the TransAm on an organized tour but did it solo when I was 17 before my senior year in HS many years ago.  You will remember this forever.  I am sure ACA would be able to give you some decent stats if you email them.  You will probably learn a lot from the older, long-time riders who go on the tour with you.  Enjoy the ride!

[nancysv]

I have no idea of the age of the people you'll be with either, but wanted to wish you well.  It'll be a blast and you'll have the time of your life!

[BobG]

Ryan, I've led the trip several times. Last summer the general range of our self-contained group was 42-62. The average age was 53. About half were around 60. The youngest of the group?... a couple, ages 23 and 24. The oldest?... 70. Ten years ago the spread was wider and the average age younger. Those past groups ranged from 18-78, average age then was more like 30-40. Two of them included an 18 year old and several 20 somethings. You won't know the exact age range of your group until about 60 days from the start when a list is sent out to all and you begin emailing as a group with introductions. Each year the trip is a unique gathering and experience. Enjoy!

[bigwayne3000]

where did you sign up for this self containted group ride? is this an ACA sponsored ride? i found out about the TransAm trail a yr or so ago and i would love to do it at some point in my life. im 24 now and hopefully in the next yr or 2 i will be able to do it.

[jsieber]

where did you sign up for this self containted group ride? is this an ACA sponsored ride? i found out about the TransAm trail a yr or so ago and i would love to do it at some point in my life. im 24 now and hopefully in the next yr or 2 i will be able to do it.

Yes, the self contained transam is one of the ACA tours. You can check it out here and also check out all of the other self contained and event style tours that Adventure Cycling Association has to offer.

[indyfabz]

Bob, are you the same BobG that led the last part of our NT tour in '99?

The age range for that trip was from around 23 to 76.  4 in the early 20s, 2 in mid 30s.  I believe everyone else was over 50.

Wayne, some people might say to you "Why would you pay someone (e.g. Adventure Cycling) to ride across the country?"  When I did AC's Northern Tier tour in '99 I had zero loaded bike experience other than one 62 mile ride and zero camping experience other than test pitching my tent in my mom's living room.  Going with a group that included an experienced leader and other participants with experience was invaluable.  I learnned a lot of gained the confidence that helped me during two extended solo tours the following year.

[Lucky13]

Hey Ryan,

You'll be one of the youngest riders out there. You'll have a wonderful time as well - enjoy every minute of it!

From my experience, age has little to do with compatibility out on the road. I did the TransAm, many years ago, at the age of 31. Much of my time was spent with a 62 year old gentleman from Holland. We were very compatible and the miles just rolled along. Besides, you will find occasions to mingle with folks in your own age group.

[BobG]

Bob, are you the same BobG that led the last part of our NT tour in '99?

Indeed I am the same BobG, indyfabz. As you may recall I joined the group at Raquette Lake, NY for the last 2 weeks of the trip when your other replacement leader had to depart. I still have the roster of that group. Ages were 21, 21, 23, 25, 33, 34, 50 (me), 53, 60, 60, 61, 66, and 76. I'm assuming you are member 33 from Philadelphia? (I don't want to give away your anonymity on this forum!) I had just finished the VA-OR TransAm which had a very similar age spread as your Northern Tier. We found that the young and old complemented one another and added a unique flavor to the group.