Southern Tier: West to East starting early Sep

[RicemanDan]

Hi All

I'm due to attend a wedding in Florida on Oct 8th and have decided to go for the Southern Tier route (though really wanted to go to Oregon/Washington after cycling San Fran-San Diego - time!).

I rode San Fran to LA in 4.5 days, so can cover the ground If I need to - though getting to hiker biker sites in the dark is obviously not as good as in daylight, but wondered about a few general tips and also, If I took a train (to make sure I don't miss the wedding - I'm best man), which would be the best part to skip? Perhaps San Diego to Austin? I read on other topics about the headwind through that area and also the heat at this time of year.

What other options are there for maps as I can't see myself spending $100 on maps through ACA! Perhaps freecycle or something similar.

Thanks

Dan

[RicemanDan]

I've just found:

Conquering The Borderlands: A Southern Tier Journal: San Diego to St. Augustine by Bicycle, but it seems like more of a history rather than route information

[aggie]

Where to take the train to will depend on the scenery you want to see.  I've taken the train to El Paso and gone east from there.  You could also go to San Antonio or Houston.  These stations offer baggage service since you will have to box your bike.  Going to Austin will require a train change in San Antonio.

The humidity after San Antonio is the killer.  I didn't find the heat so much of a problem as the humidity.  I was soaking wet about an hour after I started riding. 

If you are a member of AAA you can get some good state maps and plot out your own route.  I recommend you avoid Hwy 190 as I found it loaded with traffic and not well maintained in many areas.  You said you didn't want to spend the money on ACA maps but they provide a good route with information about potential stops along the way. 

[RicemanDan]

Hi Aggie, thanks for the reply.

I'm a bit concerned about the whole heat/humidity thing, being September, but I don't have any other ideas as yet. My favourite scenery are woodland, or lush landscapes, such as Yosemite. I realise I wont be getting that on the Southern tier, but I'm open minded and want to experience new places, plus I have to be in Florida and I always find it more motivating if you are cycling for a purpose, such as to get somewhere. I think I'd love Utah/Colorado, but driving in the car a week ago, realised the tremendous climbs en route. In NZ, the highest state highway reaches a mere 3500ft. I shouldn't be deterred by this however as I like climbing and am pretty strong doing so.

With Amtrack, I could utilise many routes and get myself to Florida. Do you think this is a bad time of the year and direction to take the southern tier? My fav cycling temps are 60-80deg :-s

Boxing the bike will be a bit of a pain - are there no options to have it as carry on?

I'm not a member of AAA, so I'll have to think of something else.

Thanks again

[aggie]

It starts to cool off in September so the humidity/heat tapers off.  The later you go in September the more pleasant it should be.  (Of course weather can be a bit unpredictable.)  It should be within your favorite temps.  I did it in July/August and they were having record heat.  The back roads of the Southern States can be pretty nice and I wouldn't worry about the wind direction.  You won't have any mountains to climb only some rollers.

Amtrak sells a bike box for $15 (plus $5 to check it).  On most bikes all you have to do is remove the pedals and turn the handlebars (I remove mine and zip tie them to the top tube).  Unless your bike folds up you will have to check it.  I've done it about 6 times with no problems.  You do have to start and stop your trip at a station that has baggage service though.  You can carry on your panniers.  If you have two sets tie them together so they are just two pieces of luggage.

You could place a wanted posting in the gear section for maps of the Southern Tier.  You should be able to get the maps you need at a reduced price. 

[RicemanDan]

Thanks again Aggie!

I had experience boxing a bike when I left NZ for the Cook Islands and Cooks to LA. I boxed it the 2nd time within half an hour, so as you say, no big deal - except my seat/chain stay was squashed when I went to attach the rear wheel! Luckily it didn't crack when I adjusted it back. Probably try to fix it next time I put it on a plane.

I only have rear panniers and a 50L backpack - I'm a light traveller - less than 35lbs. Merino boxer shorts are a wondrous thing :p

Sounds good on the weather front - looking forward to the journey now and thanks for the maps advice!!

 

[rvklassen]

I boxed it the 2nd time within half an hour, so as you say, no big deal - except my seat/chain stay was squashed when I went to attach the rear wheel! Luckily it didn't crack when I adjusted it back.

If it's steel you shouldn't have trouble with bending it back.  If aluminum, bending back is far more likely to cause severe weakening.  If you do need to take the rear wheel off, get a piece of rigid plastic pipe cut to the right length, and put it in between the stays, with the quick release skewer running down the axis of the pipe.  Can use this method on the fork as well. Very little weight added.  Substantial rigidity.