bradtx

Hi All, I just returned from helping my son move back to Texas and on the way I saw two riders (one going east, one west) on the interstate. First of all, best of luck to them. I've a couple of questions/remarks for y'all.

One rider made me, a short tour rider, aware of clothing. He was well covered in light weight and light colored kit to help control the amount of sun shining on his neck, arms and legs. On a desert ride this seemed to be a very good idea. The east bound rider had more or less standard gear on.

Both were riding solo in a desolate area with iffy cell 'phone coverage. That didn't seem like a good idea to me, but I've done stupider things in my life and this may just be an older, more cautious me emerging.

Comments?

Brad

PS BTW, the wind was from the NE and strong, so prevailing wind direction wasn't quite prevailing that day.

10 Wheels

Why do you need a cell phone to ride a bike?

tarwheel 

Cyclists were riding bikes across the country and other tours long before cell phones even existed. Also, I live in the 10th most populated state (NC) and there are many areas where I can't get cell phone coverage.

jimmyhughes

The clothing is more or less a personal choice. We all know that a layer of light colored clothing for sun protection should be worn. But, we ride in what is most comfortable...usually.
As far as cell phone coverage is concerned, your post indicates these riders were on I-10. Cell phone or no, assistance on an Interstate highway is usually not very long in coming.(Man, I hate riding an Interstate Hwy:-l )
I guess the most inportant thing is that thesse cyclists were riding!

BigAura

First off cell phones have only been in common usage for 15 years or so. Most everyone survived without them. You are old if you forgot that .

In addition, all major carriers cover cities PLUS Interstate Highways.

bradtx

Sorry if I seemed critical of the two riders and yes, it was good to see someone riding the route. Anyone know who they might be?

We had a break down with the rental truck in the desert and if we hadn't had a second vehicle we'd have been up sh*t creek without a paddle, which is why I was interested in opinions about them riding the route solo. I was pleased to see that most vehicles moved to the LH lane when they approached the east bound cyclist (I only saw the west bound rider for a few seconds).

Brad

staehpj1

I rode the Southern Tier recently and did a good bit of riding on very remote roads as well as interstate. Portions I was solo and portions with another rider.

In the desert, I just wore sunscreen, shorts and short sleeved jersey much of the time.

On the cell phone... I carry it mostly so I can turn it on once a day to touch base with home. I might also do a journal update or call ahead to somewhere I hoped to stay. It would not typically be used for emergency assistance. In the rare cases where I (or one of my companions) have needed assistance on tour I would be way more likely to stick out a thumb. In my touring career, I did that once for myself and once for an injured friend. A guy I was riding with last tour had a rash of mechanical failures and hitched rides several times. He never needed to wait long for a ride out in the desert. Folks there are very likely to stop and help.

jimmyhughes

Down in Baja Mexico they have saying. "en El Desierto, todo somo Hermanos"!
(in the Desert, we are all Brothers).
I think that's pretty much true in all desert areas...maybe that's why I love the desert so much.