Originally Posted by
reppans
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
.
Hitch-hiking isn't a terrible idea. Whatever you gotta do to get through a rough spot.
I've had pretty good luck on most tours aside from a few things like route 10. Usually I follow numbered state routes, and try to pick ones that will have less traffic. Ones that avoid major cities and larger towns in favor of rural country side and towns with 100-5000 population. Folks in those areas tend to be more patient and respectful on the road, because they're used to the blind twisting corners, narrow roads, and seeing slow moving farm tractors.
I've really been craving another tour. It's weird...since I stopped cycling in December I haven't so much as hopped in the saddle for a spin around my block. I don't really miss bike commuting. In a way it feels like a weight was lifted off my shoulders...less stress in my life now. But man I really want to go on a tour. Sitting here editing the videos from my last one is really tough, makes me want to get back out there.