adrianlatrace

I haven't posted on here for a while. Last summer I really wanted to do a big tour but got stuck working the whole time. This year I think I might actually be able to do it since now I've already got all of the gear. I also joined ACA last summer but haven't actually purchased any of the maps. So far I think I've narrowed it down to the Northern Tier or the Lewis and Clark. Obviously I'd have to alter the tour a little bit to make it flow into the ACA maps coming from northern Illinois (Barrington specifically). I know the maps have got bike shops and other amedities listed on them, but for some reason I feel a little more nervous about the Northern Tier route vs the Lewis and Clark just because it seems like most of the trip is so out there. Maybe I've got the wrong idea.

Also, just as an overall budget estimate, would $2000 (excluding airfare) pretty much cover my expenses? I did a short trip last summer from Chicago to the Iowa-Missouri border which was just under 300 miles but I really want to do something much longer. I'm on a 2007 Trek 520 totally customized with Surly Nice racks and waterproof Ortlieb and Axiom front,rear,handlebar bags. I'm also going to rebuild by bike at some point this summer. It's been my full time commuter for a year from last summer through the winter and all so it's got quite a few miles already on it. Thanks