Touring - Touring Revelations

Hey everybody, check out my other posts, riding across country for charity, you probably already know.

Anyway, I went on a 70 mile bike ride down to San Onofre today. I'm not sore at all, and I figure I can do 100 miles a day as long as the roads are good.

While I was bicycling today, I had some realizations...

1. Google Maps is not reliable. First it took me up a dead end hill next to Doheny State Beach. There was a dead end, again, and I was very angry. I went down the hill, asked the employee at the beach, and he directed me, skipping a couple of steps along the way. Then I followed the PCH a couple miles until my directions said to go down a bike trail on the beach...
The trail ended in a 1/2 mile bridge where you had to walk your bike or face a fine. Then the trail ends at the beach...I had to make the decision between going back or carrying it up a bunch of stairs. I was tired at the end of the stairs...and Maps left out a direction, I luckily picked the right direction!

2. I need bicycle shorts. I tried to do this in regular shorts and boxers. The boxers rode up and rubbed the back of my legs. Rashes are not pleasant.

3. I can do this. I feel good!

Alright guys, opinions?

4. A single 70 mile ride is a whole lot different from 30 x 100 mile rides.


Get back to us when you've done back-to-back 100 mile rides and let us know how you feel then.

With your title "Touring Revelations", I figured you'd finally loaded the bicycle up and had gone out and done an overnighter of back-to-back 100 mile rides ... and that you had actually learned a few things about riding those sorts of distances with a camping night in between. Oh well.

Sounds great, Alex. Glad to hear you're sailing on past the naysayers. The power to live your life is with you.

I agree with Machka, 100 miles is very different than 70. Especially if that 70 happens to be flat, which won't always be the case on your travels.

You need bike shorts, you need to know how much water to drink, you need to know when to eat on the bike, you need to be sure your bike actually fits....



Sounds great, Alex. Glad to hear you're sailing on past the naysayers. The power to live your life is with you.
He's 16. He's got about 2 more years until the "power to live his life" is fully his own. :D

Alright guys, opinions?

I don't remember where your planned tour is, or how much time you've given yourself to do it, but my advice is to give yourself more time than you think you'll need. The more time you have, the less training is really needed, since you can use the first few weeks of your tour as a training period. Meaning, frequent days off, short initial mileage goals, building them up as you go. If time is going to be tight on your tour then pre-tour training is crucial.

Get out there and go for it. You will learn a ton while actually on the tour, and much of what you will decide really comes down to personal preference anyway. Get some experience, tweak what needs tweaking according to your own needs and desires, and above all else, have a blast.

You're learning well, and you're right about the shorts. There are many to choose from, and it might take some looking and a bit of research and testing to find what works well for you. Sugoi and Pearl Izumi make some good quality products, and there are others as well.

Some people prefer bibs, others standard shorts. Some like baggies over padded shorts, and baggies can help you blend in while off the bike. Some like gels, others foam padding (I recommend a good gel, modified if necessary for better ventilation). There are shops that can help. If you can find one that has a good return policy, it really helps to be able to try some of these things out. And amazon.com has great return policies. So does REI. And there are some LBSs that do as well -- some really do want you to have something that you're happy with, and that serves you well, and they understand the dífficulties. (One local shop here is glad to let you try saddles if you're reasonably careful wíth them, and they go out of their way to make it clear that it's okay to return.) Some people have whole drawers full of rejected shorts and saddles and other gear, things they bought that didn't work out, or weren't quite right. It can get expensive and wasteful. Better to find one or two that really work well for you.

The saddle can also play a role in longterm comfort. But that's a big topic in itself, and you might already have something suitable.

Glad to hear you're learning about maps. Some people take a lot longer to learn what you've already found out.

So congratulations. There's more you'll learn, but you're doing fine.

And yeah, I know what you mean -- it feels good.

1. Google Maps is not reliable.

Typically I start with Google Maps auto instructions with avoid highways. That seems to work better than bicycle instructions. I then sanity check things with state highway maps to pick reasonable route. Also if I'm going on an established route, I might look up on the web for similar routes.

For example, this past weekend, I took Amtrak to Seattle and cycled back to Portland. I followed a mix of STP route, local maps and past experience with some roads.

@B: No, it's not two years, but less.

Also, those who are under eighteen are not powerless, far from it.
(Nor are they slaves, subhuman, or less than human.)

[There is also a difference between 'his own' and 'with him.' (As well as between 'fully his own' and 'fully with him.') In addition, there are powers apart from temporal legislations, which -- although they can be given their due respect or regard, as due, and as recognized, by the individual -- are far from the whole of the story.

They are certainly not the original or fundamental power; the recognition, and the valuation (among other things), are given from and reside elsewhere.]

[Ultimately, the power may be, in a certain real sense, both fully his own and, in another certain and real sense, fully with him.]

And he still has the power to live his life, as we all do, while at the same time respecting the various forms of legislation in whatever country, state, or jurisdiction we are in.

From another perspective, the fact that we choose to accept certain guidelines (which all of us do) does not mean that the power to live life (including to choose) is not ours, or is not with us.

Nor does it mean we are not free.

bikexcountry, you need to do an overnight tour so you can test your gear and get used to carrying a touring load. Your 70 mile dayride was nice, but it was a 70 mile dayride. Keep in mind touring means riding day after day, not one dayride and then a couple of days rest.

bikexcountry, you need to do an overnight tour so you can test your gear and get used to carrying a touring load. Your 70 mile dayride was nice, but it was a 70 mile dayride. Keep in mind touring means riding day after day, not one dayride and then a couple of days rest.

+1

Since bikexcountry has told us that he plans to ride 100 miles a day over a period of 40 days (with 10 rest days) ...
And since he is planning to start this tour in about a month's time ...
... He needs to up his distance to 100 miles.

As I have suggested before, back-to-back 100 mile rides, on a loaded touring bicycle, with a camping night in between, would be a good experience. That will give bikex a much better idea if this tour plan of his is feasible ... or desireable.


BTW - bikex, I'm not surprised you could do 70 miles without getting sore. Most relatively fit people can do a single 70 mile day ride. It's a good start, but it's just a start.

Trouble is, Neil, he has hardly got any gear. He intends to do a cross-country tour with an average of 100 miles a day, starting NEXT MONTH.

There's a litany of threads he has started, and I suppose they give everyone here a chance to discuss their thoughts on the subjects, so they do have worth. But while we always wish everyone luck on any tour plan, there do need to be some reality checks along the way. The chafe from the legs on the shorts is only one.

Do a three day tour this weekend. You can cheat and camp in your backyard each night.
140 miles a day should be about right if you're not loaded.

Then start a thread on the DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness). Day three is the worst.
And another on saddle sores.

Do a three day tour this weekend. You can cheat and camp in your backyard each night.
140 miles a day should be about right if you're not loaded.

Then start a thread on the DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness). Day three is the worst.
And another on saddle sores.

+1

Excellent idea!

Sounds like a good first step. As far as the naysayers... They are correct that back to back days day after day are a way different thing than a single 70 mile day. That said you are young and will adjust quickly as long as you don't go crazy and overdo the first part of the trip. I'd advise just continuing to get some miles in up until departure, packing light, and taking it fairly easy the first week to 10 days or so. Even if you hope to average 100 mile days it would be smart to allow lots of extra time. You can always finish early, but it would suck to run out of time and have to go home without reaching your goal if the ride has a definite endpoint as a goal.

Personally I'd rather do seven 85 mile days in a week than six 100 mile days with a rest day.

For rashes or chafing, Balmex or other zinc oxide based diaper cream worn overnight works like magic.

Let's just make something clear here ... there are no "naysayers" in this thread. There are, however, those of us who would like to equip bikex with a bit of reality, and the skills and awareness to make this dream of his come true.

bikex is extremely inexperienced in so many ways ... we are trying to encourage him to get some experience before he sets out across the US, so that he has a chance to be successful.

Several of us have suggested good ways to gain that experience.


And one of the reasons he can't allow lots of extra time is because he has to fit the trip into his summer holiday ... he can't start till high school's out, and he's got to finish before high school starts again.

And one of the reasons he can't allow lots of extra time is because he has to fit the trip into his summer holiday ... he can't start till high school's out, and he's got to finish before high school starts again.
Did he actually say that was why he is limited to 40 days? If so I missed it. Most schools here in the US have much longer than 40 day summer breaks. He says he is from Southern California. The kids I know of there are off from early June until early September. That said, I think there are schools with other schedules so maybe he does need to be back that soon.

those who are under eighteen are not powerless, far from it.
He's 16; he's still a minor. He may not be "powerless," but he does not have the same options as an 18 year old or an emancipated minor.



Ultimately, the power may be, in a certain real sense, both fully his own and, in another certain and real sense, fully with him.
To the best of my knowledge: He doesn't pay rent, he doesn't pay for his own food, he doesn't pay for his own medical care or health insurance, he doesn't do his own taxes, and he's still a minor.

This does not make him less of a person or a bad person. But it does mean he is not "fully his own," whatever that magic phrase means to you. E.g. if he did launch this tour without parental permission, he could be classified as a runaway, and be dragged back home by the police (but not necessarily arrested; CA doesn't criminalize runaways afaik).

The simple fact is that he has slightly less freedom than he will at 18.

And another simple fact is that both his bicycle, and the US roads, will still be around in the summer of 2014. There is absolutely no reason why he "must" do this tour right now.

Did he actually say that was why he is limited to 40 days? If so I missed it. Most schools here in the US have much longer than 40 day summer breaks. He says he is from Southern California. The kids I know of there are off from early June until early September. That said, I think there are schools with other schedules so maybe he does need to be back that soon.

Post #40
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/816182-Pannier-Racks-backpack/page2

Trouble is, Neil, he has hardly got any gear. He intends to do a cross-country tour with an average of 100 miles a day, starting NEXT MONTH.

There's a litany of threads he has started, and I suppose they give everyone here a chance to discuss their thoughts on the subjects, so they do have worth. But while we always wish everyone luck on any tour plan, there do need to be some reality checks along the way. The chafe from the legs on the shorts is only one.

Yes, I see. After posting I went back and read some of the other threads. Curious fellow. He's a minor leaving in a month, with no experience, next to no equipment, and against his parents' wishes. I hope Bike Forums posters are choosing their words carefully. If something happens to this kid those words will come back to haunt them.

He's 16; he's still a minor. He may not be "powerless," but he does not have the same options as an 18 year old or an emancipated minor.



To the best of my knowledge: He doesn't pay rent, he doesn't pay for his own food, he doesn't pay for his own medical care or health insurance, he doesn't do his own taxes, and he's still a minor.

This does not make him less of a person or a bad person. But it does mean he is not "fully his own," whatever that magic phrase means to you. E.g. if he did launch this tour without parental permission, he could be classified as a runaway, and be dragged back home by the police (but not necessarily arrested; CA doesn't criminalize runaways afaik).

The simple fact is that he has slightly less freedom than he will at 18.

And another simple fact is that both his bicycle, and the US roads, will still be around in the summer of 2014. There is absolutely no reason why he "must" do this tour right now.

Also, keep in mind the US is on the cutting edge for lawsuits based on social media. Encouraging a minor child to leave home against his parents' wishes and embark on an unprepared adventure...... well, if something happens to this kid, some posters here might have exposure.

Post #40
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/816182-Pannier-Racks-backpack/page2
That post just says, "I'm shooting for 100 miles a day, and accounting for inclement weather, plan to make it in 40 days". It really doesn't say he needs to be back to school. He may or he may not. My point remains... He should allow more time if he can.

Yes, I see. After posting I went back and read some of the other threads. Curious fellow. He's a minor leaving in a month, with no experience, next to no equipment, and against his parents' wishes. I hope Bike Forums posters are choosing their words carefully. If something happens to this kid those words will come back to haunt them.

This. The boy is not listening to those who counsel caution, and from his posts in other threads has only the sketchiest idea of what he needs to take, what he may encounter etc. And since this weekend was his first ever ride of more than fifty miles, encouraging him in a 40-day solo crossing of North America seems to me to be plain irresponsible - especially since, as far as I can ascertain, his mother doesn't want him to go. Add to this the idea that this trip is said to be to raise money "for charity" when actually the primary purpose of fundraising appears to be to pay his expenses, and...

Enterprise and a sense of adventure are all very well. Naive foolhardiness is quite another matter.

Emancipation takes place inwardly. And no one can 'give' you freedom; they don't have that power, and it's already there.

Epictetus was a slave (the name means slave). He wrote some great and lasting words on freedom. Pretty sure the copyright has expired, and that there are public domain versions available on the net.

Emancipation takes place inwardly. And no one can 'give' you freedom; they don't have that power, and it's already there.

Epictetus was a slave (the name means slave). He wrote some great and lasting words on freedom. Pretty sure the copyright has expired, and that there are public domain versions available on the net.

None of which means squat if the kid gets into difficulties.

None of which means squat if the kid gets into difficulties.

It's useless to argue with someone who equates being a minor to being a slave.

I don't remember where your planned tour is, or how much time you've given yourself to do it, but my advice is to give yourself more time than you think you'll need. The more time you have, the less training is really needed, since you can use the first few weeks of your tour as a training period. Meaning, frequent days off, short initial mileage goals, building them up as you go. If time is going to be tight on your tour then pre-tour training is crucial.

Get out there and go for it. You will learn a ton while actually on the tour, and much of what you will decide really comes down to personal preference anyway. Get some experience, tweak what needs tweaking according to your own needs and desires, and above all else, have a blast.

Well said.

...To the best of my knowledge: He doesn't pay rent, he doesn't pay for his own food, he doesn't pay for his own medical care or health insurance, ....

or for his 'charity' tour.

That post just says, "I'm shooting for 100 miles a day, and accounting for inclement weather, plan to make it in 40 days". It really doesn't say he needs to be back to school. He may or he may not. My point remains... He should allow more time if he can.

Of course he should allow more time if he is going to go ahead with this ride.


I'm really hoping he takes the advice to ride back-to-back 100 mile rides ... or even better, back-to-back-to-back days of 100+ mile rides in the next weekend or two. Isn't there a Memorial Day long weekend coming up soon in the US? That would be a good weekend to try a back-to-back-to-back 100+ mile rides.

As znomit suggest, he could camp out in his back yard, or a nearby campground. He doesn't have to go far away from home. But it would be good for him to get some real experience with riding the distances he thinks he wants to do in a familiar environment.

It would be even better if he were able to do those rides with the load he plans to carry.

Hey everybody, check out my other posts, riding across country for charity, you probably already know.

Anyway, I went on a 70 mile bike ride down to San Onofre today. I'm not sore at all, and I figure I can do 100 miles a day as long as the roads are good.





2. I need bicycle shorts. I tried to do this in regular shorts and boxers. The boxers rode up and rubbed the back of my legs. Rashes are not pleasant.

3. I can do this. I feel good!

Alright guys, opinions?

You have a curious disconnect in your reasoning that doing something once means you can do it repeatedly days on end. You've got enough feedback on that so it sounds like your own experience and not others will be the teacher here.

Bike shorts, hygiene and general health care on and off the bicycle become more important as you ride and recover. Eat before you get hungry, drink before you get thirsty, rest before you get tired all give you the opportunity to push a little more. Once you run down the reserves you stop.

3. yes

Of course he should allow more time if he is going to go ahead with this ride.


I'm really hoping he takes the advice to ride back-to-back 100 mile rides ... or even better, back-to-back-to-back days of 100+ mile rides in the next weekend or two. Isn't there a Memorial Day long weekend coming up soon in the US? That would be a good weekend to try a back-to-back-to-back 100+ mile rides.

As znomit suggest, he could camp out in his back yard, or a nearby campground. He doesn't have to go far away from home. But it would be good for him to get some real experience with riding the distances he thinks he wants to do in a familiar environment.

It would be even better if he were able to do those rides with the load he plans to carry.

Yes agreed, but if he can back off of the rigid schedule that becomes somewhat less of an issue. Memorial day (May 28th) is coming up and would be a good chance for him to try a mini tour.

Going without much training can work, and doing crazy long mileage can work too. The two together probably won't work well at all. Worst likely scenario is that he will have to bail and figure out how to skulk home with his tail between his legs. Best case he'll harden up quickly due to his youth and have a successful tour. Neither outcome would surprise me much. Either way it will be a learning experience for him.

More and more, for several reasons, I am thinking troll.

More and more, for several reasons, I am thinking troll.
Maybe, but I recall a couple other similar cases that I know were for real and that I know finished their coast to coast adventure.

You guys need to leave this kid alone and stop responding to his posts. If not a troll, he is admittedly 16 years old, not very resourceful, and his mother has forbidden this "tour." It is wrong for you to be egging him on. Next you'll be offering him a place to stay....

1. Google Maps is not reliable. First it took me up a dead end hill next to Doheny State Beach. There was a dead end, again, and I was very angry.
There has been a lot of good discussion about routing and GoogleMaps and biking shorts and distances, etc. (I don't agree with everything said here, but that's neither here nor there except a statement as to how we are all different.) But bikexcountry, one key element hasn't been addressed and it will either make or break you:

Your own psychology can be your worst enemy or your best friend. Even on just day-trips and especially over unknown routes, biking long distances will present you with many unexpected challenges. Roads will have unexpected hills or construction or dead ends. Maps will be wrong or out of date. They may lead you into areas that are very bike-unfriendly. Campgrounds will be closed. People you meet will be nice or not nice. Bilke parts will function properly or not. I didn't say these things may happen, I said they will happen. The only way to deal with them is to deal with them, to improvise as necessary, smile and enjoy the ride. If you allow yourself to get angry when things don't go right you will become very frustrated. That will cause you to make mistakes, to be inefficient. You will not enjoy the trip and will most likely quit long before quitting is forced by time or health or other obstacles which really aren't insurmountable.

It's somethig to keep in mind.

Good luck on your trip! Keep preparing and experimenting. Be safe. Make smart decisions.

More and more, for several reasons, I am thinking troll.

Yeah, but he could be legit. Young people aren't very sensible.

Young people aren't very sensible.

Not just young people, by the looks of this thread...

Not just young people, by the looks of this thread...

Indeed. Had this been a backpacking forum and available in 1992 there would be a cheering section for Alexander Supertramp.... "Nah forget the compass and map! Just do it! You can always find a bus if things go wrong."

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Chris_McCandless.png

Indeed. Had this been a backpacking forum and available in 1992 there would be a cheering section for Alexander Supertramp.... "Nah forget the compass and map! Just do it! You can always find a bus if things go wrong."
What this young man is proposing doing is not especially dangerous. Probably thousands of folks of various ages and backgrounds have ridden across the US. Quite a few of them had little idea of what they were doing when they started. A very few maybe did come to harm, but I suspect that by far the most significant risks are traffic risks and in most cases no worse that they would face riding in their home towns.

BTW, I am not proposing that he not work this out with his Mom first, but that is his (and her) problem and he has not asked for advice on that so I am offering none.

Yeah, but he could be legit. Young people aren't very sensible.

My feeling has nothing to do with his age. However, his alleged age has something to do with my feeling. The posts cover many of the hot button topics that seems to elicit strong opions. Age. Raising money/awareness for chartities, including using donations to fund the trip. High daily mileage despite little or no experience. Doing it on the cheap. Which panniers? The "free rider" issue--the ethics of getting advice from a LBS with the intent of buying on line. Things like that. And the writing doesn't seem like that which would come from someone his age. It seems too polished. (No offense to the younger generation intended.) Also, there are the requests to check out his other posts.

I cannot prove a thing, but I thought I would toss out the possibility.

My feeling has nothing to do with his age. However, his alleged age has something to do with my feeling. The posts cover many of the hot button topics that seems to elicit strong opions. Age. Raising money/awareness for chartities, including using donations to fund the trip. High daily mileage despite little or no experience. Doing it on the cheap. Which panniers? The "free rider" issue--the ethics of getting advice from a LBS with the intent of buying on line. Things like that. And the writing doesn't seem like that which would come from someone his age. It seems too polished. (No offense to the younger generation intended.) Also, there are the requests to check out his other posts.

I cannot prove a thing, but I thought I would toss out the possibility.

I doubt he's a troll.

There's also sprintfree (in the "fundraising problems" thread), who's the same sort of idealist.

What this young man is proposing doing is not especially dangerous. Probably thousands of folks of various ages and backgrounds have ridden across the US. Quite a few of them had little idea of what they were doing when they started. A very few maybe did come to harm, but I suspect that by far the most significant risks are traffic risks and in most cases no worse that they would face riding in their home towns.

No one is necessarily expecting him to "come to harm".

Probably, quite a large percentage fail to complete the trip (weighted heavily, one might suppose, with people with little experience and preparation).

It doesn't look like he's doing enough to put him in the "likely to succeed" group.

The following indicates that only 10% of hikers planning to hike the AT succeed. I suspect that the success rate for cross-country is higher but I don't think anybody has compiled the numbers.

http://www.atlasomega.com/2011/03/appalachian-trail-ultralight-hiking-guide/

There has been a lot of good discussion about routing and GoogleMaps and biking shorts and distances, etc. (I don't agree with everything said here, but that's neither here nor there except a statement as to how we are all different.) But bikexcountry, one key element hasn't been addressed and it will either make or break you:

Your own psychology can be your worst enemy or your best friend. Even on just day-trips and especially over unknown routes, biking long distances will present you with many unexpected challenges. Roads will have unexpected hills or construction or dead ends. Maps will be wrong or out of date. They may lead you into areas that are very bike-unfriendly. Campgrounds will be closed. People you meet will be nice or not nice. Bilke parts will function properly or not. I didn't say these things may happen, I said they will happen. The only way to deal with them is to deal with them, to improvise as necessary, smile and enjoy the ride. If you allow yourself to get angry when things don't go right you will become very frustrated. That will cause you to make mistakes, to be inefficient. You will not enjoy the trip and will most likely quit long before quitting is forced by time or health or other obstacles which really aren't insurmountable.

It's somethig to keep in mind.

Good luck on your trip! Keep preparing and experimenting. Be safe. Make smart decisions.

+1 to this and Machka´s posts.

It´s great to be ambitious, but I can tell you from personal experience that there is no way you´re going to have a perfect trip, much less travel 100 mpd, without running into occasional difficulties. You can be the best planner in the world, but things happen...most of them strange.

If your post is genuine and you really want to make this tour, don´t be arrogant and think you know everything there is to know simply because you took one successful trip (not saying you are, just saying...). There is a lot of great advice being offered, be smart and take it.

Good luck!

Indeed. Had this been a backpacking forum and available in 1992 there would be a cheering section for Alexander Supertramp.... "Nah forget the compass and map! Just do it! You can always find a bus if things go wrong."

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6d/Chris_McCandless.png

I think the guy in the photo above died in Alaska, either from lack of food/water or eaten by the wildlife. It was tragic.

yes was correct, he died of starvation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless

yes was correct, he died of starvation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless

Yeah, and he's been idealized and sainted as a 'searcher' when he was just a kid who thought a lot of himself. So much of himself, he went into the Alaskan brush without compass or map. (The boots he is wearing in the photo were given to him by the driver he hitched a ride from.) While I doubt the youthful idealists posting here will starve to death, there's no doubt at least one of them is as unprepared as McCandless was. BTW, last year we had a poster setting herself up for a McCandless ending on her bike tour when she said she was going to forage for wild edible plants to fuel her ride....

What this young man is proposing doing is not especially dangerous. Probably thousands of folks of various ages and backgrounds have ridden across the US. Quite a few of them had little idea of what they were doing when they started. A very few maybe did come to harm, but I suspect that by far the most significant risks are traffic risks and in most cases no worse that they would face riding in their home towns.

BTW, I am not proposing that he not work this out with his Mom first, but that is his (and her) problem and he has not asked for advice on that so I am offering none.

+1

Along lines of idealists doing stupid things - there is Robert Bogucki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Bogucki or http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/428505.stm) who was on a bicycle trip around Oz with his girlfriend in 1999. At some point she returned back to US and he continued ahead with bright idea of cycling overland through part of the Great Sandy Desert leaving the main road near Sandfire roadhouse. Just a few km along the track, he abandoned the bike and continued on foot. He was very fortunate to have been found 43 days into his trek. That was still somewhat recent news when I circled Oz two years later and his parents ended up donating to local search and rescue teams who spent a lot looking for him.

Not suggesting that same level of danger comes if one stays on sealed roads - but there is something to be said for creating backup plans if you idealistically go out inadequately prepared and overly ambitious.

Emancipation takes place inwardly. And no one can 'give' you freedom; they don't have that power, and it's already there.
Uh, hello? He's 16. He's a minor, and as such he faces numerous legal restrictions until he turns 18.

An "emancipated minor" is a legal term; it refers to a minor who is released from parental authority before they turn 18. It has nothing to do with slavery, the conflation is patently absurd.

I'm really hoping he takes the advice to ride back-to-back 100 mile rides ...
He probably won't. ;) Some things you just have to learn by doing and failing.