Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 743
Likes: 5
From: Williamston, MI "Wee-um-stun"
Bikes: Uh... road, mtb, tour, CX (kludged), 3spd, 'bent, tandem, folder (the fam has another, what, 8)
I recall something about 150 m/d being the reasonable limit because he sees riders doing this for his tours and sees the states they're in when they're done. Also said that "tired bikers and motorists just don't mix." That was the gist anyway.
I can see his concern but when folks are on their own I'd think they ride safely. Their safety is certainly up to them. Are the Tour Divide racers riding along in an irresponsible state where they can't hardly ride and care for themselves safely? I highly doubt it. Are long distance rando riders in such a state?
I do suspect that RAAM riders are often in such states -- but they have a follow van. To me, that's just silly. That's the scenario to avoid. ...Even though an organizer might say that they're being "safely cared for."
I still think that with improved UL, aero, lighting, food, clothing, comfort and safety technologies, and with all the services on the road these days -- and with cellphones and the internet -- that it's reasonable for folks to ride light and long for days on end and to see the country that way without undue risk.
And, heck, the way everyone pushes the extremes anyway and says "I love risk!" you'd think dozens of bikers would be outright foolishly pushing the distance-touring limits at this moment, overtly relying on strangers to care for them, like the extreme distance sailors do ALL THE TIME. Heck, there's a yearly rowing race across the Atlantic. Those folks need rescue all the time. Climbers, too, of course. So where are all the bike adventurers pushing the limits? ...Even if it isn't safe, you'd think they'd be out there. (Climbers climb without rope often enough, right?) ...They'd be out there BECAUSE it's dangerous. Why doesn't bike-touring have the kooks like all the other sports do? Ha...
I note that a guy just set a new self-supported record around Australia -- today I think! -- 15000km in 50 days. On a lowracer recumbent. I note that in interviews and such that he is reported as sounding very relaxed, "no big deal," about what he's doing. 300k/day.