Can I do it?

[Jambi]

Here is the score, I'm a 19 year old smoker in reasonable shape. I will have about 3 weeks to get as far as I can and will hopefully be doing this on my own. I have ample camping/ backpacking experience and have hitch-hiked before (though in fairness a trip that i expected to take a day or 2 took less than 6 hours). It's a given I don't often do much cycling though I up until june to train. I am pretty savvy when it comes to travelling alone and have gotten myself out of some pretty tricky spots in the past. I intend on carrying basic essentials ie. tent/ sleeping bag/ mat, clothes (who knows how many fresh changes?), repair kit, first aid kit etc. The only real luxuries i intend to bring would be a guitar, ipod and camera.

Really I was hoping someone could tell me if I have a plausable chance of cycling a good distance (hopefully 400-500 miles) without passing out after the first day, being murdered and left in a gutter, having things stolen, not having enough time to get back to new york for a flight back to england (intending on getting a bus back to new york) etc... I was planning on setting off on the 20th of october and returning on the 15th of september.(I will need to be in new york on the 15th)

Help anyone ?

[John Nelson]

3 weeks to go 400 miles for a 19-year-old? You could probably do it on foot. On a bike, it'll be easy.

"Who knows how many fresh changes?"
1 set is enough. 2 if you're extravagant. Most people take too many clothes.

[DaveB]

Here is the score, I'm a 19 year old smoker in reasonable shape. .......if I have a plausable chance of cycling a good distance (hopefully 400-500 miles) without passing out after the first day, being murdered and left in a gutter, having things stolen....

The "smoker" part is a real handicap, even at your age.  As to the possibility of riding 400 -500 miles in 3 weeks, yes that's a piece of cake for any half-fit rider.  That's an average of less than 25 miles a day.

Recommendations: 

1. Knock off the cigarettes and stay off of them, not just now but forever.  Your lungs and wallet will thank you.  OK, that enough of the usual health lecture you've probably heard before but to enjoy your riding you would be well advised to do it. 

2. Start riding now and ride all you can.  It's not just a matter of fitness, it almost more important to get used to your saddle on a daily basis.   


3.  Try a couple of overnight trips with a fully loaded bike so you aren't shocked by the difference in handling and riding when you get here.

[mcparsons]

If you are starting on 20 October and returning on 15 September, you're either planning a long trip or expecting to exceeded the speed of light.

Yes, you sould be more than fine.  With minimal training loaded 40 miles per day is an easy pace.  Do a few 50+ mile rides unloaded to break yourself in the practice with the load.

I take two sets of cycling clothes since I like to let one air out.

[MrBent]

I'll second what everyone else said.  No problem doing 500 miles in three weeks.  A tricky point will be the guitar.  Make sure it's not a very valuable one.  I'm not sure how you'll carry it.  Strapped to the top of a BOB or Burley trailer with top rack might do it.  The case will need to be waterproof.  What's up with the dates on your post?  What are ya smokin' thar, lad? 

Scott

[Jambi]

Correction, August 20th until the 13th of september (oops). That seems like some sound advice, I will perhaps look into some overnight trips before I embark on this but hell I have all year to worry about that. Cheers for the advice guys.

[Tourista829]

Jambi, have you ever thought of going to acting school? You should be able to do it. I think you better stop into a local bike shop 1st and learn the basics in repair, ie changing a flat tire or minor maintenance. Also ask them about gears and how to use them. If you read some of the posts, on the Forum, you should get an idea about other aspects of touring. Best of luck to you.

[Jambi]

Jambi, have you ever thought of going to acting school? You should be able to do it. Hmm? Afraid not, Music Student I'm afraid (UCLAN Represent ). I'm thinking I should probably start on some smaller trips before I go for such a biggy, been looking into Lille to Amsterdam where the terrain is flatter and I'm a bit closer to home if it gets a bit dicey.

[tonythomson]

Jambi - if you are somewhat concerned about things - which is natural - may I suggest that you think about flying to Washington where you are already outside any large city (which is where you may find security problems) and head straight for the C&O Canal trail about 30 miles away,  this joins up with the Great Allergy (someone spell it right for me please  ) gives you around 300 miles of traffic free riding with all the services around you might need.  Plus you could either come back the same way or work out a round trip. 

Check it out on Google Earth and there is masses of info n Rails to Trails about it plus ACA do maps for the C&O.

Have fun and if you want to get some riding in at home check out CTC or Sustrans

[Susan]

I've done the ST twice in Febr. and March east to west and experienced very strong headwinds both tours on most days starting in central Texas.  Riders going the other direction were flying and I was really fighting it.  I chose to ride that direction because I wanted to end up with my sister's family in Phoenix.  Next time I will visit first and then ride eastbound.
Cheers!  Susan

[John Nelson]

I don't think the OP is going to make it to Texas and back from New York in only three weeks. Did you mean to post this in some other thread? Perhaps this one?

http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=7585.0