RandomlyWest

Don't want to cross the Mojave by bike? Here's a new bailout option.

Last year, Victor Valley Transit Authority introduced Route 200 - the Needles Link.

vvta.org/bus/route-200/

$12 to get from Victorville to Needles (or vice versa), with a stop in Barstow in between. $6 if you are a veteran or a senior. (I called VVTA and the operator said the bus has a standard drop-down bike rack at the front that fits 2 bikes.)

It only runs on Fridays, and you need to make reservations (see above link). But ... if it's too hot or too cold and crossing the CA portion of the Mojave seems daunting ... maybe you can plan your tour to coincide with catching the Needles Link.

chrisx

well in 2008; those statistics were wrong. Florida was not that bad, they had a record freeze to kill the bugs. Other than Pensacola, where the aca route passes through an un safe ghetto. In Louisana it rained for five days non stop. the wind was not that bad. Until. Was it bastrop state park in Texas, where the trees ran out? Each day I peddled west into a 30 mph head wind. I had to use my stove in drains for water pass under the road. No other wind break. In New Mexico there were trees for a couple of days. seven days to cross Arizona. Litttle wind. Worst drivers in the USA. I cut up to Lake havasu. A semi truck pulled along side of me and pushed me off the road. From Needles west The wind was blowing 50 miles an hour for days on end. Water was 29 miles apart or so. In the distance I could see the 66 station. I had plenty of water. I splashed it around like it was free or something. Washed up, took a shower, used it all, knowing there was more a mile up the road. Guess what? They did not have any. I got 2 half liter bottles, thats all. 29 miles west to the next water. 29 miles into a 50 mile an hour head wind. About 8 hours later, I chanced upon a midget selling bees wax or honey or something. He gave me a half liter bottle of water. Stop and think about this, Mohave desert, half liter, 50 mph head wind. I made it to the next station around sunset. The pregnant lady working, asked me if I was dehydrated? I guess my ramblings were crazy. She will make a good mother, she wanted to mother me, thanks. I have to say, Lake havasu to Lake Isabella is the worst ride I have ever been on. It was no longer fun after the trees ran out. It got worse in California on route 66. It was, I have to make it. I wanted to cross the country ocean to ocean on my own, no help. I did. Now I find nicer places to ride.

do not be afraid to take the bus, cycle touring should be fun, not an endurance test.
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BBassett

I agree with ya Chris but there sure seems to be a lot of studs out there that are trying to prove something to somebody. True Herr Strasser was in a race but I bet his endurance was tested. And do you suppose that Mr. Nicholson stopped and took a butt load of pictures? I like to stop and smell the flowers and, the beer.

Guinness Fact: The fastest crossing of the USA by an individual, as set during the Race Across America (RAAM), was achieved by Christoph Strasser (Austria) in 7 days 15 hours 56 minutes cycling from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, from 10 to 18 June 2014.

Guinness Fact: The current record for around the world is held by Andrew Nicholson (New Zealand) who rode for 123 days and 43 minutes.

stevepusser

Today it officially hit 125 F (52 C) in Needles. I hope those posters that were planning a midsummer ride through the Mojave on Route 66 have thought better of it...