Originally Posted by
sexy cyclist
What you say about touring is definitely true. When you live somewhere and commute the same routes every day, its easier to optimize your route based on traffic patterns, shortcuts, roads with less debris or more frequent bike lanes etc. Not so much when touring. I've been in some silly situations from trying to wing it when it comes to routes. Tried crossing into Louisiana from Texas on route 10, which was a bad idea. Ended up tip toeing across the stone guard barrier carrying my bike with semis blasting past me a couple feet to the left.
That's one of the reasons I always cycle from SC to OH every year. I typically mix it up, taking a different route through NC and parts of WV and OH, while taking the same route through VA, most of WV, and half of OH. Gives me a mix of new experiences and familiar routes. Its to the point where I can ride from the SC/NC border to Akron, Ohio without having to look at a map, its great. I know ways through where I can go 30 minutes at a time without seeing another car. Its wonderful. Wish my commutes were like that.
Yeah, I don't know how the cross crountry tourers do it, I gotta believe they spend most of their time riding major through routes with a relatively steady diet of traffic just passing, and passing, and passing. As nice as the scenery can be, the constant vehicular parade and uncontrollable risk from behind just destroys the idea of it for me. Now if they created a cross-country rail trail, I'd love to do that.
Sadly, the US is the land of fast food obeseness, large distances, cheap fuel, and pick-up/SUV "truck" culture. Unlike the rest of the world, efficient two-wheeled transport (motorcycle or bicycle) is but a tiny blip to be tolerated, rather than catered to. I think that's really changing in some urban areas, but rural areas? I just don't see it.
It took a folder to get me excited about touring again. I love spontaneous travel, but hate getting stuck in situations like your Rt. 10. Next thing I'm going to try in that situation is hitchhiking - as you may recall my unique touring niche is ultra-compact/portable and I can easily sit in virtually any front passenger seat with my entire rig right on my lap. And based on the few short tours last year, folks seem seem so intrigued by this bike - never had so many folks asking questions/taking picture before - that I think it might be as good as a super model for catching rides
.