Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.trmcgeehan
10-11-02, 06:04 AM
I am new to this website, and have found it very informative. I live in South Central Kentucky. I am 64, and currently driving a school bus until something better comes along. I have a 1985 Ross road bike which weighs two tons, and try to get in at least 50 miles a week. Last week, I rode my first century from Suffolk, VA to Williamsburg and back. It took me about 7 hours, and I averaged around 14 mph. Pretty good for an old fart! My dream is to ride across America. I contacted Adventure Cycling. They have a 26 day tour from L.A. to Charleston, SC. 135 miles a day. It costs $3,000, which includes 2 meals, lodging and a sag wagon. Their brochure says "training required." I called and asked how much training is involved. They replied that a person must be able to do 200 miles in 14 hours. Once you can do this, you're ready! No way! On my best day, when I was 20 years old, I could never do a double century in one day! They have slower trips, but they're more expensive and take more time. I have neither time nor much money! So I think I am going to try it alone on the cheap, sleeping under bridge overpasses and rummaging through McDonald's trash bins. I think I can make 100 miles a day for 22 days, but we will see. Leaving at daybreak, I figure I can be off the road by mid-afternoon. By the way, has anybody read "Over The Hills" by David Lamb? It's about a cross country trip by a 55 year old reporter for the LA Times. He didn't train at all (trained as he went), and smoked all the way. On his first day out, he crashed and hurt his knee. But he kept on, dosing himself with Aleve. He made it. Now, in his early 60's, he is training for the Baltimore Marathon, and still smoking. What a guy! He lives in Alexandria, VA.