Author Topic: where do we sleep on the TransAm  (Read 7532 times)

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Offline lukeelkins

where do we sleep on the TransAm
« on: April 13, 2010, 10:38:41 pm »
hey guys, i am going to be riding the TransAm starting this May. there are 4 riders and two drivers. the biggest question we all have is where we will sleep. i am also purchasing the maps for this rout. please any tips or hints would be amazing! thank you all for your wisdom!

Offline MIBIKER

Re: where do we sleep on the TransAm
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2010, 10:47:53 pm »
The maps have a list of  some campground on or near the route. As well as some hotels/motels and B@B's.  Also check the Adventure Cycling yellow pages for other information.

indyfabz

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Re: where do we sleep on the TransAm
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2010, 09:54:49 am »
Don't miss the J.C. Motel (or whatever it's called these days) in Jerrfrey City, WY.  Real swanky.  ;D

Offline staehpj1

Re: where do we sleep on the TransAm
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2010, 12:37:09 pm »
Don't miss the J.C. Motel (or whatever it's called these days) in Jerrfrey City, WY.  Real swanky.  ;D
Was that a joke?

Any way in Jeffrey City the old abandoned Lions Club pavilion is not bad to camp under.  It is across the road from the diner.  Just use the bathroom and fill water bottles at the diner before they close.

On the TA we camped in town parks and stayed in churches when we could.  Both were free.  We stayed in inexpensive camp sites when possible and only stayed in KOA type places a few times.  The TA maps usually list the options, but we just improvised when off of the route or places where nothing was listed.  In the middle of the country you can generally camp in the town parks for free with no hassle.  When in doubt ask the local police if the town is big enough to have police.

Ask around if in doubt; librarians, store clerks, wait staff, police, clergy, and folks you meet are all good sources.  We never hit a town where we couldn't find a place to stay, usually for free or cheap.

If you get a room always tell them you are bicycling coast to coast and ask for a "cyclists discount"  you will usually get one if you ask.  Try it at campgrounds as well.

Oh, also stop and compare notes with cyclists going the other way.  We got some great leads on places to stay or visit that way.

All that said, I didn't get much experience in eastern Virginia because we stayed with family and friends.

Offline 10speed

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Re: where do we sleep on the TransAm
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2010, 01:25:53 am »
great thread, I was wondering this myself.
Currently on bike tour as of 12/31/11...
Fort Collins, CO - Key West, FL. Key West, FL - Bar Harbor, ME. Bar Harbor, ME - ??? and going strong...

Offline staehpj1

Re: where do we sleep on the TransAm
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2010, 10:25:17 am »
hey guys, i am going to be riding the TransAm starting this May. there are 4 riders and two drivers. the biggest question we all have is where we will sleep. i am also purchasing the maps for this rout. please any tips or hints would be amazing! thank you all for your wisdom!
I missed the part about 2 drivers.  I think that having a car or van involved will really limit your options some places.  It will eliminate hiker/biker sites as an option for one thing and that means you will need reservations in some places.  At least the car can go ahead and scope things out reserving a site early where needed though.

I think we would not have had the same invites to stay with hosts if we had a car along.  I also would have felt awkward asking to stay at churches and so on.  I am not sure if it is likely to be a problem when staying in town parks.

Personally, I consider a motor vehicle for support as a major detractor from the total experience.  We did have vehicle support for a few days in Virginia and it was nice, but I definitely think we would have missed out on a ton of great experiences if we had that same support for the rest of the country.  In Virginia we didn't get the same feel for the area as we did the rest of the country.  It was worth it because we had great experiences with the friends and family that helped us, but I definitely would not have wanted it for the whole tour.

Just something to consider.