Trans-America Trail: Could I?

[bpohl]

Let me pose a question to you guys.

Have any of you guys done this trail? It seems like it's for pretty hearty souls. Right now, I tip the scales at 260, and average about 17 miles per day. I am thinking that if I try this trail, I would begin in March or April of 2005. WHen do you guys think I should begin busting my behind to try and get in shape for a ride like this? Is a year and a half even long enough for a guy my size to be ready to traverse the country?
Also, I will be buying a new bike soon. WHat would you guys suggest with this in mind?
I just wanted some input. Thanks!

[late]

Hi,
1)Prob not...is it finished already?
2) Of course you can get into shape. I would start by getting a used road bike. Alternate days between the two bikes with at least one day a week off the bike. You will want a periodised training schedule to avoid overtraining. A good coach would come in very handy; if you can find one.
By coach, I mean someone who will work with you. If you do use an outfit like CTS, if they offer a program where you go out there and your coach gets to actually see you once...that would be a lot better. Nutrition will be crucial. Ideally you should drop a pound a week between now and the start. Don't go over a pound a week.
Learn about ultralite camping gear, and do some week long trips to discover what will work for you. Make a couple of them backpacking trips and you'll toughen up those legs. Lexan knives and spoons work. While down is lighter, it loses it's warmth when wet. There is a new bag that backpacker liked that mixes down with a new synthetic. Very slick, and worth looking into. What you want in a stove is reliability. Find out what AT hikers like these days. Actually, hit a couple backpacker stores when it's not busy, and talk a while with a salesperson who is a hiker. You will also need to find whar works for you for food. This is tricky, since you will be burning more calories than you can carry. I would include a bottle of grapeseed oil in my mail drops. You can carry any oil you like, grapeseed is one of the better choices. I used to carry two 'luxury' items. They used to make small aluminum drip coffeemakers. I got mine in a yard sale. Ask your Mom, she may know someone who has one. They fit a Melitta cone perfectly, and weigh next to nothing. I would bring those one pot foil packets of gourmet coffee; and have fresh brewed coffee every morning. Canned milk will last 2 or 3 days if it's not hot. I also used to carry a little canned milk. Obviously, it doesn't last long, but it's real nice while you have it. It also livens up some of those dried backpacker meals. The Army spent about a million developing the Bakepacker. http://www.bakepacker.com/
This is so cool. While the device itself is wonderfully light; using means carrying
boxes of cranberry bread mix, eggs, and stuff for pizza :D If you haven't spent time in the backcountry, you have no idea how good pizza can taste. Last Mtn bike I bought was the last gary Fisher SuperCalibre to come without shocks. That was, I don't know, 10 years ago? Can't help there.

[MichaelW]

Go to the touring forum for the best advice on touring.
You dont need to "train" for a tour. The main problem is getting used to being in the saddle for long periods of time, and getting in a comfortable position. If you have been doing 17m every day for a few months, then you are fit enough. Do a few 50 milers, and maybe a 70, and you will get some idea of what a long day's tour is like.
Std bike for a tour=touring bike.
The Trek 520 needs some modifications.
The Bruce Gorden BLT is ready to go, and comes in a trail as well as road version. A few other people do them.
I would suggest a weekend shakedown tour, then a 1 week trial, before takling The Big One.

[late]

Hi,
when Bpohl said Trans-America Trail, I thought he was being literal. Maybe because it sounded so cool. The trial is an off-road motorcycle trail that goes about halfway across the continent. It's stuck in Tenessee at the moment.
However, as a middle-aged guy in the same weight class, I need to disagree with Michael a little. In order to pull this off, he needs to get in shape. How much training he needs to do depends on him. But if he is anything like me....the answer is a lot.
Pity, I wrote that nice post before I realised he wasn't going to be carrying a tent.