Originally Posted by
axolotl
What he proposed WAS foolhardy. Biking from LA via San Diego to Washington, DC in 35 days in December and January.
If it were 35 days I would say it was unlikely he would succeed, but I still wouldn't call it foolhardy. Since it is more like 50 days I definitely wouldn't. December is not that unusual of a time to do the Southern Tier. Adventure Cycling says "
The Southern Tier Route can be ridden between early fall and late spring. In September and May, there still might be some very hot weather to contend with at either end of the route. Note that snow can occur at any time in the higher elevations in the Southwest during the winter, and the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet. If you are doing a winter trip, remember that you will have short daylight hours."
The Atlantic Coast below DC is not that unreasonable of a ride in winter either. He will hit some cold weather, but he won't be far from towns most of the way and it is likely that he will have daytime highs well above freezing most of the way. Really cold weather is only likely the last couple days and will occur when he is in a developed area.
My biggest problem with Ryan, however, is his appalling behavior on this forum. He made outrageous comments more than once and has yet to apologize for them. There's little question that his comments were gross violations of this forum's guidelines. When several posters quite reasonably objected to not only being asked to finance his trip, but to finance a mind-boggling wish-list of unnecessary and expensive equipment, his response was to attack people, making assumptions about their race and/or political beliefs. He shamefully attributed any criticism by others to their presumed race or presumed political beliefs.
I reread all of his posts and didn't see anything like you are describing. Was a post removed by the moderators? In any case given the abuse he was taking I could forgive him getting huffy and maybe exhibiting poor judgment in his wording as a result.
I was critical of his fund raising myself, but it is his choice. I think that he learned as he went and toned down the talk of $4500 cameras and sat phones. He took advice and adjusted as he went. I find his trip and behavior admirable even though I still find donation supported rides generally distasteful.