Touring - I am planning to ride my bike across the country alone!

I am planning on leaving around July 10th and going to a music festival in west virginia until the 13th. From there I will take country roads and small highways south all the way through tennessee and into Alabama to visit my older brother who is in Chemo therapy for cancer in his chest. I will gain support for him and open a website to raise money for his treatment and build up merchandise and cool ways of making people aware of life threatening diseases and raise money for him along my trek. I will leave from here and run along the south maybe going through New Orleans and see a couple of memorable things down there. I plan to go on to Utah and visit my Grandfather in Salt Lake City and stay there for a few days. I will end in San Fransisco and crash with my sister for as long as I can and then head back to Richmond most likely by plane or if it comes down to it I will bike most of the way back.



I am not a young fool, I am going through rigourous planning steps and I am almost done mapping out my route (i figured that should be the most important thing). I have begun to build a really strong and easily fixable fixed gear (or single speed) mountain bike that will be cleaned tuned and painted in a wild artistic manner. I will have either a big rack on the back of the bike or I will have a childs bike attachment rigged to be a trailer of some sort with a flag flying that has an anti-cancer slogan of some sort. I will be doing many calculations on costs, food supply needs and how much supplies to bring. I am very real about this and I have a good feeling I am doing everything right to be ready for whats ahead but I just want to make sure. If anybody out there has ever done something like this or anything near to this and has any wisdom to impart upon me it would be greatly appreciated. Happy posting!

the 'craigslisters; reference at the end makes this seem an awful lot like spam. But hey, good fo you!

well i had to copy and paste because i didnt feel like typing it all over again

i had posted this on craigslist earlier yes but they were not as helpful so here i am

help me! i dont want to fail on this trip, i want to have my ducks in a row!

Why a fixed gear bike?

- Mark

Some people tour on fixed gear or single speed bikes, but they are a tiny minority of the bicycle touring community. The problem is that it is difficult to find a gear ratio that will allow you to travel at a reasonable speed on the flats and allow you to spin when climbing big hills and mountains. Either you'll be inching along on the long roads in the flatter parts of the country, or you'll be struggling mightily in the steeper parts. Unless you really have your heart set on touring on a single speed/fixie, I would go with multiple gears.

Yes, there are more parts that can break, and more things that need to be periodically adjusted, but the mechanical advantage that is provided by having multiple gear ratios is worth the hassle. I know next to nothing about bike maintenance, but I have toured for thousands of miles on multiple geared bicycles.

As to whether you should travel with a trailer or racks and panniers, that's a decision that is based entirely on personal preference. They both have advantages and drawbacks. If you go with a trailer, though, I would recommend using a BOB trailer, rather than a child carrier. I've seen people travel with child carriers, but they are bigger, heavier and much less aerodynamic than top of the line touring trailers.

You'd really be better off asking this question in the touring forum, though.

And check out the crazyguyonabike.com website for everything you ever wanted to know about bicycle touring.

A close cycling buddy did San Diego to St. Augustine, Fla. There are isolated areas you will find it difficult to make it between cities. Be prepared for that. He enjoyed himself. He was in no hurry. In the west where distances are great, expect problems. He had a mechanical breakdown in New Mexico. But, thanks to someone with a pickup; he made it to a bike shop that same day.

I ride a single speed here in Boston for commutting and i think you would have to be in impecable shape to even think about any kind of long distance. Be prepared to walk up hills. Good luck that is great that you are doing this for your brothers cause. Please keep us informed on this trip.

Get gears.

Yeah, you need gears. You're likely looking at 2 to 3 months on the road, with lots of hills and wind. Your knees will thank you.

Check out Adventure Cycling for good maps of part of your route. You could easily use some Southern Tier and Western Express sections.

> I am almost done mapping out my route (i figured that should be the most important thing).

Keep in mind that as you travel, circumstances can change, e.g. weather, road construction, mechanical issues, new information, changes of mind. So, I've also had a balance between learning in advance what might be along my route (e.g. attractions, services, distances) and adjusting things from day to day. Everyone figures out for themselves where to put that balance.

There are risks on both sides, e.g. the person who does no planning and discovers they are going in the wrong season, are missing a crucial visa (outside the US), are unrealistic in their goals etc. and the person who does so much planning that their carefully tuned schedule/accommodations can't adjust to several days of headwinds that instead cause them to over-strain their knees or gets so wrapped up in logistics they forget why they are on the trip in the first place, etc. I'm sure you'll find the right balance for your trip. In addition to mapping things out, I've also found it interesting to read in advance what others have encountered in similar trips (e.g. browse in www.crazyguyonabike.com).

For me, the "most important thing" is the right mental approach and outlook to doing a trip like this. If you've got that, then you're in better position to adjust to whatever can and will come your way.

When you're doing long distance, the times you spend coasting are an integral and very appreciated part of the trip. If nothing else, the knowledge that you're going to enjoy a downhill run makes the climb a lot easier.

I noticed you said a mountain bike wow that will be way to heavy you need at least a cyclocross or better and there is no way a single speed will cut it. good luck.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=364674 is a recent thread by cutwolf with some advice on a few things. Browse the tips sticky. Browse some other threads in the touring forum, if you click on "replies" in the main forum page it will sort the threads with the most active one at the top.

Do you already ride fixed? With a load? Through hills? If not, go gears. One famous tourer who uses a fixed gear is Kent Peterson, do a search for his name or his blog or mile43 on google. He travels very light (no big strong rack or trailer).

Any experience camping? Travel as light as is safe and affordable for you.

Good luck.

wow i was at work and there is already so much helpful info here

i need to make a note about the original post because i have now realized i will bring 2 wheels so i wont have to deal with derailleurs while on long flat roads but i will still be able to survive the mountains

yes yes yes this is the info i need, people have actually done this and that pumps me up more than ever
thank you

I am very easily entertained and an ex boy scout so the long lonely rides will be adventurous and fun, i am not in a hurry either

Rather than bringing two wheels, I would suggest getting a flip flop hub with different sized cogs, or bringing along extra cogs that you could swap on and off your bike, depending on riding conditions, if you are dead set against derailers. An extra wheel would be unnecessary weight, and it would be very difficult to pack.

I've trashed two rims in the course of bicycle tours in the past. But I would never consider bringing an extra wheel along on a tour unless I was traveling for hundreds of miles through complete wilderness, or in areas where it would be impossible to get to a bike shop.

yes yes yes this is the info i need, people have actually done this and that pumps me up more than ever
thank you


That's why people have offered the website, www.crazyguyonabike.com It's a site filled with blogs and journals of hundreds, or thousands of people who have toured by bicycle. Many of them have done cross USA routes, and quite a few have gone across the southern tier. I would definitely recommend checking out that website and looking for travel journals of people that have done a similar route to what you are contemplating. You can search for journals by region so that you can get specific information about people that have toured where you are planning on riding.

I agree with brotherdan, extra cogs (or freewheels) are a much better idea than trying to lug a whole wheel around.

The only exception would be if you go for an "extrawheel" trailer which uses a 26" wheel so I guess you could have a total of 4 speeds with you that way (2 on each side of each wheel).

You can go with a flipflop hub, or for more safety a fixed/fixed hub and use a freewheel cog (with lockring) instead of the free side of the flipflop.

This is the best reply I have gotten so far, thank you so much.

I will have a good balance of planning and "unplanning" and I enjoy taking risks like this so it is really no big deal. As far as being mentally pumped... if this trip can at least help in some way to keep my brother alive, nothing will stop me along the way. The only thing stopping me at this point is money, so for the next couple months I will be finding ways of raising money until July.

I'm still totally unclear why you want to take a fixed gear to begin with. Care to enlighten us?

- Mark

I'm riding a single-speed bike with 44:22 gearing (ie, lower gearing than most of these fixed-gear people use). On a moderate hill, it works great. I would never want to ride it through Arkansas or someplace that was really hilly, though, I would wind up walking it up 2/3 of the hills. And riding across Nebraska into a headwind for days on end would be bad, too. Crossing the Continenal Divide would not be good, either.

To be honest, I don't know how well you can choose routes without going some place. There are a lot of narrow twisty roads with no shoulders that are BUSY and should be avoided, and how you pick those out from a map, I don't know. I'm also remembering the guy who wound up bicycling at 11:00 at night and got killed by a truck- there's a lesson to be learned there.

There are some long narrow bridges in existence that would be best avoided on bicycle- how you know about them before you get there, I'm not so sure about.

That's how I always tour. I just look at a map and go where I want to. If there's a road there, it's usually ridable. I've been on tons of narrow, twisty roads, and lots of long bridges, some of which technically prohibit bicycles. You can't plan out every detail of a tour unless you want to be totally anal about it. Sometimes you just have to go for it and let things take care of themselves.

That's right, you'll have more fun if you stay flexible. Likewise, if you're going to stay flexible, you might as well have a full complement of gears. An extra wheel seems like a lot of hassle, plus you're limited by your chain length. Any reason you're set on a fixed gear/SS?

Good for you openmindedgent, I think you will do fine. I second the crazyguyonabike site, there is alot of great information to be gleened there. Also check out the late Ken Kifer's site, http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm , for more info. I hope your journey is all you hope it will be, and that your brother heals well and soon.

Ok so I spent almost all day yesterday reading peoples journals on crazyguyonabike.com and I am doing this trip no matter what. I will be getting a strong hybrid frame and building up strong components as I can afford as well as a 10 speed gear system. I will have nice strong thick tires, lightweight rims, and lightweight fenders for rain. I will do a big saddlebag set up across my back tire and a pouch on the handlebars, I pack very light due to studying Buddhism (not too many possessions to begin with). I am thinking the smartest thing to do would be to invest (or have donated to me) in a gps system so if all else fails I wont get stranded. I will have my cell phone of course and I will bring my tiny iPod shuffle clip mp3 to entertain me on long lonely roads. I have a few books to read, and I will bring a sketch pad. 1 man tent, no hotels, predetermined contacts along the way, packed lunches or hunting/fishing for food, and everything else I can do to afford this trip and still not be completely miserable. I will be making pit stops at music festivals along the way building support for my trip and gathering supplies and having fun. I have found a lot of good maps from previous touring cyclists and I will eventually piece it all together but still just wing it as I see fit as I go. I am pretty confident, very spontaneous and very street smart so I feel like I think pretty well on this trip. Getting away from this city will also help me clear my head and find myself in the crazy world out there. I think this is a sufficient update, but if there are any more tips you guys can through my way I wont stop you. Thanks again.

Bravo

glad to hear you'll be going with a bike with derailleurs. i'll recommend a road bike also, as you'll get about 30% farther each day for the same energy as opposed to a mountain bike. However, there are lots of people who tour on mountain bikes, so if financing is tight, don't discount using your current bike (just put some gears on it).

do a search on panniers vs. trailers, there are a number of theads on this debate. if you know how to travel light, you're doing all right, and panniers will be plenty enough big. skimp on the comfort items, but although they're heavy, my personal advice is to not skimp too much on the tool/repair kit. 1 multi-tool isn't likely to cut it.

go for it, and best of luck

glad to hear you'll be going with a bike with derailleurs. i'll recommend a road bike also, as you'll get about 30% farther each day for the same energy as opposed to a mountain bike. However, there are lots of people who tour on mountain bikes, so if financing is tight, don't discount using your current bike (just put some gears on it).

do a search on panniers vs. trailers, there are a number of theads on this debate. if you know how to travel light, you're doing all right, and panniers will be plenty enough big. skimp on the comfort items, but although they're heavy, my personal advice is to not skimp too much on the tool/repair kit. 1 multi-tool isn't likely to cut it.

go for it, and best of luck

yea, i guess here is the final update on my bike:

Hybrid
Panniers
Small tool case and plenty of tubes
Very light packing (Buddhist= used to it)
Biggest investment might be a gps tracker to show people where I am in real time on the website

...missing anything bike-wise?

p.s.: here is my current bike which wouldnt even make it ten miles, trust me... what you can't see is the biggest problem (frame is slightly bent and very old wit bits of rust near the bottom bracket, the headset is ghetto rigged it isnt even really lubed well, original front rim that has never been good to me and is very untrue, it is a single speed, not to mention the crankset and bottom bracket along with the pedals are all original and useless) so she is my beater I use to get around the city. I will buy a good quality bike or i wont go, i want little to no mechanical issues which is why i wanted to go fixed at first <hahahaha, bad idea.


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First off: I'm insanely jealous of anyone who can take the time for a months-long tour. (I know, you make the time.)

I've done several short tours with a steel MTB in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (2-5 days) and I'm planning on a week-long tour this summer. I don't have any problems with the weight. (I'm neilfein on crazyguy, there's a link to my journals in my sig.)

A hybrid seems to be the bike of choice for folks who want to avoid road bikes/drop bars. Have you decided on a pannier setup?

First off: I'm insanely jealous of anyone who can take the time for a months-long tour. (I know, you make the time.)
Have you decided on a pannier setup?


Yea I pretty much am wasting my time staying here this summer before I go to school so why not do something amazing and memorable that could also help save my brothers life. Training begins today actually I will be riding 5 miles a day and 30 miles twice a week. I will also be doing a lot of yoga and a little bit of weight training. I am shifting my diet to much healthier food (duh) to make sure I am perfectly healthy and don't get sick out there on the open road.

I am going to go with a nice set of panniers on the back and 1 pouch on the handlebars and that will be it other than a lot of water bottles and a camelback/backpack. and a light pair of boots (i will need to go hiking a lot because thats just how i do)

I am going to go with a nice set of panniers on the back and 1 pouch on the handlebars and that will be it other than a lot of water bottles and a camelback/backpack. and a light pair of boots (i will need to go hiking a lot because thats just how i do)

You might want to consider a front rack to distribute the weight. Current thinking is that you're better off with more weight in the frotn of the bike than the back, since the back wheel is already supporting most of the rider's weight. (You could also lose the camelback with this setup - I always sweat when cycling with a backpack, even a tiny hiking daypack.)

haha, damn you got me... good points all around

i am just on such a tight budget i wanted to avoid extra gear

I suggest you check out Warmshowers.org (http://www.warmshowers.org/). The hospitality of other people is one of the great joys of touring, and a free meal every once in a while never hurt :)

This past summer a friend and I did a similar trip for cancer survivorship. We raised money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They have a "grassroots fundraising" component where you can sign up for free and people can donate in your name. Here is our site (https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=149351048) to give you an idea of what you get when you sign up.

Choosing a bike with gears is a very, very wise decision. I commute daily on a fixed gear bike; I think touring on one would be an inconvenience, to say the least.

I suggest you check out Warmshowers.org (http://www.warmshowers.org/). The hospitality of other people is one of the great joys of touring, and a free meal every once in a while never hurt :)

This past summer a friend and I did a similar trip for cancer survivorship. We raised money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They have a "grassroots fundraising" component where you can sign up for free and people can donate in your name. Here is our site (https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=149351048) to give you an idea of what you get when you sign up.

Choosing a bike with gears is a very, very wise decision. I commute daily on a fixed gear bike; I think touring on one would be an inconvenience, to say the least.


YES! this is exactly what I was looking for thank you so much, this will be a big help!

If anyone is on facebook please joing my group i just started on there it is called "I need everyones support to make is across the USA on my bike this summer" or here is a hyperlink: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10365866017

You can shift some weight to the front with a handlebar bag and by hose-clamping bottle cages on the forks (eg. 2 x 1.5L water bottles = 3kg/6lb that would be on the back) but this is only relevant for the areas where you need the water.

With a hybrid, make sure it is not a "comfort bike" style that is very upright. Older hybrids tended to have very good geometry for touring, with the seat and handlebars at abouth the same height and not too close together, but this style is now usually marketed as "flat bar road bike" and some hybrids are too upright and too cramped. The only problem with "flat bar road" is that they often have light wheels and lack low gears.

I think it is worth visiting a bike shop, tell them you're looking for a bike for a long-distance tour and see what they point you too. You can test ride some touring bikes that way, and get an idea of what size you need. Who knows, they might have something 2nd-hand in your price range (unlikely unless you have a specialist 2nd-hand bike shop or co-op in your area).

I think light weight wheels might be a mistake. You said somewhere else you are 185lb, not huge but add 20-30-40lb gear, food and water, all over the back wheel, and you might run into trouble. Not a problem in the city but might be in the desert or the mountains.

No matter what you choose, after you have ridden the bike for a while (at home) with some weight on the back, spend the money (prob. $20-30) to get a good wheel mechanic to true the wheel properly. This will decrease the chance of problems with the wheels.

For light weight fenders look for Kent Peterson's mile43 site (google is your friend) and his description of coroplast fenders. Look stupid, but cost and weigh virtually nothing. He has lots of interesting stuff there, also on his blog which is more up to date. He rides single/fixed on his tours btw.

Thanks cave, I am thinking two 1.5 liter bottles attached to the forks (instead of bulky panniers) along with my boots and something else in the handlebars should be good enough to even the weight out?
And yes the lightweight rims would be a bad idea, I need bombproof everything so I am looking at a Surly - Long Haul Trucker but I will never be able to afford that.
I talked with Agee's and Carytown Bicycle Co. and they are going to hang on to any equipment they come across that would be good for me at a good price so I have even more support on that end.
I am actually getting a free bike from one of my new training partners today, it is an older, steel Cannondale MTB frame with a good amount of the components still in good shape except the derailleurs.

I am glad that I now have 3 people willing to train with me who know their stuff, I met 2 of them at work and they are ready to teach me how to repair everything as well as supply me with extra gear. I am so glad people are being helpful and not negative about this because this trip really means a lot to my family, I am kind of my brothers last hope as I see it.

On one hand, I don't think much of a training program is really needed for bicycle touring. I did a cross country after training quite a bit less than you are planning to do. I just got fit along the way. But on the other hand, if you are planning on embarking on a training program several months before you begin, you might want to gradually try to increase your mileage over the next few months. 30 mile rides are pretty ambitious for a beginner, but after a few weeks, it should begin to get pretty easy. I would shoot to work up to at least fifty or sixty mile rides before you begin your tour.

On one hand, I don't think much of a training program is really needed for bicycle touring. I did a cross country after training quite a bit less than you are planning to do. I just got fit along the way. But on the other hand, if you are planning on embarking on a training program several months before you begin, you might want to gradually try to increase your mileage over the next few months. 30 mile rides are pretty ambitious for a beginner, but after a few weeks, it should begin to get pretty easy. I would shoot to work up to at least fifty or sixty mile rides before you begin your tour.



Well I am not exactly a beginner to biking... I have been riding bmx since I was a kid and recently started the road bike thing averaging 15-20 miles a day just for fun because all I ever do is work, make art, and ride my bike so as I have not gone continuously for 30 miles or so I have casually ridden very far. I will try not to over-train but I just hold the old boy scout motto to be true in life, "always be prepared". So my regiment will be 15 miles a day and eventually working up to 60 miles or more on the weekend. I am also thinking of doing a mini trek down to alabama to see my brother, he is feeling very down and sick right now.

I'll keep a good thought for your bro.... cancer sucks.

He is my hero, hopefully I will see him in a month and let him know there are good people in this world who care about him. I am feeling more confident about this trip than ever and I think I have had all of my questions answered so far so I just want to thank everyone on this forum for the positive feedback. I was on craigslist forums getting all sorts of trash for my idea and I won't be going back there any time soon.

Time to get to it, everyone have fun out there and ride safe, I will see you soon!

I thought most touring bikes didn't use 10 speed cassettes? Something about them being too thin and flimsy compared to 9 speed, as a well a thinner chains that wear out quicker.

Maybe that's old news and not applicable any longer.

He is my hero, hopefully I will see him in a month and let him know there are good people in this world who care about him. I am feeling more confident about this trip than ever and I think I have had all of my questions answered so far so I just want to thank everyone on this forum for the positive feedback. I was on craigslist forums getting all sorts of trash for my idea and I won't be going back there any time soon.

Time to get to it, everyone have fun out there and ride safe, I will see you soon!
Glad you are getting the answers you wanted, you might also try http://www.crazyguyonabike.com
There are forums there as well as journals of other folk's trips. The site has a wealth of info and is entertaining too.

I wish your brother well and hope you have a great tour.

Glad you are getting the answers you wanted, you might also try http://www.crazyguyonabike.com
There are forums there as well as journals of other folk's trips. The site has a wealth of info and is entertaining too.

I wish your brother well and hope you have a great tour.


Dude, Pete, I know man I read you and your daughters journal and you are an inspiration. Thank you for your advice I will give everyones regards to my brother I know he will appreciate it.

(right now I am reading a journal for someone going all the way around the world... intense)

I thought most touring bikes didn't use 10 speed cassettes? Something about them being too thin and flimsy compared to 9 speed, as a well a thinner chains that wear out quicker.

Maybe that's old news and not applicable any longer.

Yea I have heard mixed things here and don't know much about it myself but from what I hear I should do 9 speed, 1 less cog never hurt, did it?

(minus what, 1/4 lb? that means you could pack more trail mix) :p

I'll keep a good thought for your bro.... cancer sucks.

True that

Yeah, craigslist forums represent the worst the internet has to offer.

no need for lots of tubes, just a full patch kit. very rarely, it's convenient to have spare tube if you just want to get moving quickly and plan to patch up the old tube later. but most holes are easy to find and only take about 2 or 3 extra minutes to patch up. leaky valves are also extremely rare. i've never had it happen in 35 years of riding, but have heard of it happening.

some people on tours carry spare tires. i once had a run in with a curb or something which left a 1 or 2 inch gash in the sidewall of my tire. i sewed it up with a heavy duty needle and thick waxed thread for leather working, and rode on with no problem.

in addition to a decent assortment of tools, some things to consider for repairs:
2 or 3 extra spokes, spoke wrench , patch kit, spare break and derailleur cables, a yard or two of duct tape, some plastic zip ties, small assortment of nuts and bolts, some heavy duty wire, huge needle and 2 or 3 yards waxed cord, couple of extra light bulbs.

broken spokes are rare, but they're probably the most difficult and most time-consuming problem you're likely to encounter, especially on a rear wheel. if you have a chance, i recommend practicing on an old wheel, removing 1 or 2 of the nipples, then putting them on again and seeing how true you can get the wheel.

no need for lots of tubes, just a full patch kit. very rarely, it's convenient to have spare tube if you just want to get moving quickly and plan to patch up the old tube later. but most holes are easy to find and only take about 2 or 3 extra minutes to patch up.
My experience differs. I think that it is worth having a minimum of two extra tubes and probably more.

First it is a lot easier to patch a few tubes at once at a picnic table in the evening when in no hurry and not crouched next to a bike with cars and logging trucks whizzing by.

I don't know if the glue has changed in recent years or what, but I have seen more issues with fresh patches coming off despite following the same patching technique. I don't see this if I patch tubes and put them away in a saddle bag for later use, but often do if I patch them and use them right away.

Bike shops are sometimes a week apart in a cross country trip unless you go off route to find one, so the spares are worth it. Tubes do fail in ways that are hard or impossible to patch.

Do what works for you, but I recommend erring on the side of carrying more tubes rather than less on a coast to coast tour especially in the less populated parts of the country.

I was thinking 3 tubes wouldn't be too much weight and would help make me feel pretty safe.