Originally Posted by
flyinryan08@gma
Hey forum posters,
Interested in helping out in this expedition???
Myself and Josh are planning to get to New Orleans by way of Baton Rouge by next Wednesday. You most likely have more time online than I have had access to lately (it seems like every library in texas closes by 5pm!)
Heres how you can participate in a very useful way:
- Calculating estimates of my overall distance from here on out. (Spring TX to Washington DC, my goal is to make it by the 18th)
I am currently in Spring, TX and headed 95 miles tomorrow to Beaumont.
I am deciphering whether or not to follow the Adventure Cycling Assoc. maps, or just wing-it on the I-10 interstate for some time.
- my original average goal was 85 miles per day. I know that I have varied greatly in achieving this, so if anyone out there has the chance to calculate what average i must make i would appreciate it.
- Im also open to your suggestions on routes along the southern tier that could be shortcuts
Thanks so much for your interest and enthusiasm. You're really a dynamic bunch.
Post away!
I did a quick estimate based on Garmin's Mapsource route recommended for bicycle. I took you through Beaumont, Baton Rouge, Mobile, Tallahassee then up along the coast (figuring it will be warmer and flatter, remember the Gulf Stream flows north keeping much of the East coast warm). I am getting 2078 miles. 25 days till dead line that is about 83 miles a day every day. Arriving on the 18th that is 23 days or 90 miles a day.
You can save about 400 miles by heading north around Atlanta but that would probably mean lots of hills in North Carolina and Virginia not to mention the cold.
Even a little more direct, you could probably do better mileage wise but as you go more direct you also run into colder weather and bigger hills. For example the most direct route from Beaumont is 1,320 miles but that takes you through Tennessee and Virginia, two very hilly / mountainous states.
I have also found it best to get local knowledge for each section. Hopefully you have or can acquire good maps.
P.S. Garmin tends to over estimate. It wants to be your nanny and will take you around the block three times if it means saving you from riding on a slightly busy road so the overall estimates might be slightly lower.