Boston to Kansas City on a 30 yo bike

[King]

Im thinking organizing a ride for Employment Awareness from Boston to Kansas City. Something like that. Sounds silly huh, but i have absolutely nothing else to do. This is only a beginning. I'm not really sure how to go about planning. So.... any advice?

My bike is a 30 yo Centurion and it's making the trip (maybe in pieces but nevertheless). No new bike. I want to begin the trip in less than 2 months.

[FredHiltz]

Age alone would not diminish its ability, but there are some things to consider:

Rubber parts. If the tires and brake blocks are more than about three years old, replace them.

Lube. How many miles has it gone since all the bearings were cleaned and re-lubricated? If more than 5,000 miles in dry conditions or more than 1,000 in wet gritty conditions, have a mechanic do the lube.

Frame corrosion. Pull out the seat post and look at the inside of the tubing with a strong light, especially down where water might collect. I do not know any way to evaluate the severity of corrosion or how much will weaken the frame, but would not trust it if any is visible.

Drive train. Stretch the chain tight and measure the length of 12 links. If more than 12-1/8" (some would say 12-1/16"), it is due for replacement. If you rode much with a stretched chain, your rear cogs or front chain rings may be worn out. Try a new chain and if either derailleur skips when you climb out of the saddle, replace the rings or cogs as needed. Loose Screws carries cogs for many old freewheels as well as replacement freewheels.

OK, group, what have I forgotten?

Fred

[DaveB]

OK, group, what have I forgotten?

Fred

Brake and shift cable housings and cables.  Are the cable wires rusted or frayed?  Are the housings dirty or cracked?  If they haven't been replaced in a long time or are in poor shape, replace them all. 

Be sure to use lined housings and pay the slight extra for stainless steel cables for their smoothness and corrosion resistance.

[rvklassen]

The wheels on my '70s era Centurion were not up to loaded touring. 

Consider pulling a trailer instead of panniers.