Keith99

Looking at last years photos looks like you will be camping a lot and have car support. The car support makes adjusting to the bike during the tour more reasonable. Worst case with fit problems is you lose a day bacause they drive ahead and you spend it in the shop getting adjustments. OK worst of worst it happens a couple of times. Without car support I don't even want to think of worst of the worst.

Looking at this years riders I'd say it would be worthwhile learning a bit about massage. There are some very pretty women going.

Have you done much camping? If it is again camping haveing the right equiment can make a big difference. If you have not you might want to give it a try before the trip. Looking only at the bike part could lead to you missing out. On last years ride some or the guys hiked to the top of Yosemite falls. There were several other days spent in areas that are very nice to explore a bit. If this year is at all similar decent hiking boots are a must.

Looks like a blast.

Savagewolf

You should be ok. Get it fitted when you get there, add on your pedals and saddle, and start your journey. Take the time now to find the location of some LBS's on your way with the first week so that you can make more adjustments as needed.

thebchessl

I live in Baltimore and if you need some help E-mail me at thebchessl@aol.com. Also my son did a similar trip last year from Seattle to Washington D.C. with camping and we can give you some advice about the trip. Some quick advice: The riding is not the hard part, the camping is. Plan on spending alot more money than you think (extra meals, bike stuff, hotels on super hot days, Etc.), the people are the best part so work hard on bonding as a group.

jimx200

Ok, it costs roughly $50-$60. each way to ship a bike and you can't come up with it? Jeeze man, take a Sat or Sun. off and host a "Bike Ride To Cure Cancer" car wash. Easy and fun. Get a few of your girl friends to show up in their bikini's and you'll make enough to take it with you on the plane back. Get creative. Heck, I was so broke one summer, I painted house numbers on curbs, walked dogs, cleaned a few houses and gutters...you get my drift.

Retro Grouch 

So what are the daily mileages for the first week? Does it really matter whether you ride 50 miles in California to see what, if any, adjustments you have to make or ride the 50 miles in Maryland?

Blue Jays

Hi Retro Grouch-

I believe the big concern is if the bike just turns out to be a complete "zero" and the fitting becomes more complicated beyond adjusting a seatpost. It seems it would be easier to raise the money now to get the bike here for adjustment and training rather than doing it "on the fly" when beginning a transcontinental journey. They will have minimal mechanical support.

~ Blue Jays ~