Southern Tier- Travelling from UK - Help

[Island Girl]

Hi,

 ACA have advised me to use the forum to seek advice on the following:
I hope to cycle the Southern Tier Route with ACA next year. I will be travelling from
the UK and am looking for someone who has already done this tour and can give me some help.
I am looking for
1) What airline did they use?
     How many days in advance did they arrive?
     I would hope to fly direct to San Diego but how did they return?

2) How did they cope with the climate.  I live on a Scottish island and this summer the temp.
    has not exceeded 24 Degrees.

 It would be great to have a chat with someone from the UK and just pick their brains.

Hope there is someone out there who can help me with many more questions.

[JHamelman]

You might try sending a PM to tonythompson here on the forums. I think he's from the UK and rides in Florida quite a bit. I'm thinking he may be out on tour at the moment which is why he hasn't responded to your query.

.Jennifer.

[Island Girl]

Thanks Jennifer.  Will PM him.

[tonythomson]

Hi Island Girl
I'm just back from crossing Australia and would be more than happy for you to contact me as have done several trips in USA.
How are the preps going?
Tony

[Galloper]

Did part of it last year but had to fly home early.   I flew BA and got a flexible ticket which meant I could fly in to LA and then get a return flight from Miami 3 months later.   Got it through Thompson Holidays so you should be able to get the same.

Probably a good idea to get in a few days in advance.   It will also help you to acclimatise.   In the past I've included a rental car in the ticket price which helps in the first few days as you're not reliant on taxis etc.  Helps if you get something big enough to carry your bike box and I'd also recommend a Sat Nav.   If you have a Garmin, they're USA map also includes locations of hotels, campgrounds etc.

For somewhere to stay, I usually go for Motel 6, they're generally reasonably priced and the rooms are fine.

[Galloper]

As an afterthought, I enjoyed the ride down the southern part of the Pacific Coast route from LA toSan Diego.   If you feel you have time in hand, try that.   The cycle paths along the beach are fun with the added pleasure of being able to say: "I've been there" when they show up in film or in TV series