Cheers for the infos guys..!

Wow- good to see that data sheets too, cheers..! Helps put things in perspective that and puts my mind at east a bit more.

Also, about my knee. I'm pretty tall, 6ft 6in, so when I've been putting my feet into the holders on the cycle machine pedals I've only been able to put JUST past my toes in- so it wasn't ideal. Big feet!

So, for the past two days, I've turned the pedals upside down and placed just above the middle of my feet on them- and almost ZERO issues with the knee..! I know foot placement has a big impact and this has really proven it to me- using the holders I was getting what I'd call "claw feet", were the front of my foot and toes would be clenched like a tense claw. This would in turn tense upwards up my lower leg and to the knee I'm assuming.
Upshot is I'm much more confident about the knee now and will continue as planned with training- but I've also got an appointment booked to see an orthopedic doctor tomorrow regarding the old knee injury anyway and give an assessment anyway.

mesh--this is really important and good that you mention this issue.
I am going to explain the basic rule for assessing seat height and foot placement on pedal so that ones legs are at the most efficient position for muscle use and energy transfer.

put your pedal down at the lowest position, with crank more or less parallel to the seat tube, the vertical part of the frame that the seat is attached to (this tube is never straight up and down vertically, but angled)

put your heel on the pedal, the heel.
proper seat height is when your relaxed leg is straight (not forcing it farther straight) with your HEEL on the pedal.
When we pedal, we move our foot forward on the pedal, more towards the middle or ball of the foot, and thus our leg when pedaling will have a slight bend to it.

this is basically the most efficient position for best muscle use of our legs, allowing a proper extension and power from our leg muscles
a too low seat results in things being harder on the knees--in my lifetime of riding, I feel it in my dodgey knee when the seat is too low

your pedal toe straps being too small , as you described , your feet are too far back, and as well as having that weird claw foot feeling (I know what you mean, I tried some pedal cages that were too small years ago) your foot being in that position means that essentially your seat is too low and leg is not extending enough--bad for the knee muscles.

I've been riding spd pedals, mountain bike clip in pedals, for 30 years, but I do also ride flat pedals in the winter and on my commuter bike. If we move our foot more forward on the pedal, we extend our leg more. If we move our foot way back on the pedal, we shorten our leg extension--you can feel it when pedaling.

Sooooo- lets say your seat height was perhaps already a bit low (a common thing among people) AND your foot is back on the pedal as you described, you are not getting enough leg and knee muscle extension, and this is classic with causing knee issues.
A lot of people feel uncomfortable with a seat at this position because they feel they can't put their foot down flat on the ground when stopping, but toodling to the pub is one thing, when touring with a heavy bike you want the most efficient use of your legs and all that jazz.

its up to you to confirm all this blah blah blah, but if you are unsure, go to a trusted bike shop with serious riders, and get them to help you with getting your correct seat height, because as you experienced yourself, your knee felt better right away by allowing your leg to extend the proper amount.
Again, I personally have experienced the feeling you describe.

Also, being a big guy with big shoes, there are lots of pedals out there that are physically bigger, that have a much bigger platform, that you would probably benefit from, as it would spread out the pressure on your feet.
Generally with shoes, riding shoes have stiffer soles that really help with not flexing and causing foot and arch discomfort.
A lot of wider pedals are often expensive , but there are some reasonably priced ones too.
If you don't look into this, at least choose shoes that are the sturdiest and have the stiffest soles, it makes a difference for all day riding.

cheers

Thanks for all that info- yeah, it really surprised me the difference just foot placement makes on the pedal.
Honestly it was kind of a relief as it had me worried getting that feeling so early on etc.
Either way, I’ve kept my appointment with the sports orthopaedic doctor and am in the waiting room as I type!
i might aswell explain my plans and about the old injury and see his advice etc about not aggravating it further with training “incorrectly” or something.
I’m using and will use Merrel hiking trainers- they’re really comfortable and have a very sturdy sole on them so are ideal tbh. I’ve done a cycle tour before using them and had no issues.
Thanks again for your feedback and advice, it’s still very much appreciated!

I would recommend calling your embassy or consulate in Vancouver to get the up to date details on crossing into the US. Other than crossing the border you won’t have any Visa issues in the US. I’d also strongly recommend getting some type of travel health insurance and perhaps one of the policies that will fly you home. Healthcare is good in the Uas, but it is obscenely expensive without insurance.

If you ride all the way to the southern border, you’ll have to get past USMC Camp Pendleton between LA and San Diego. Going through the base is a pain as a US citizen. Can’t imagine how painful it would be for you. Probably a non-starter. I’d suggest using an Uber past the base. The ride south from there is a nice coastal route.

Hwy 1 from Watsonville to Big Sur (and further south) is a bit sketchy for a bicycle. It’s beautiful, but dangerous. The San Luis Obispo bicycle club is super active and helpful. I’d reach out to them and ask about the ride from Big Sur to Santa Barbara.

It’s hard to get past Santa Barbara safely on a bicycle. The ride from south of Santa Barbara to Malibu is fantastic. After that, you’ll start hitting LA traffic and their lovely drivers.

The Southern California subforum has lots of folks that can give you advice about LA.

Happy to give you more details about the Oceanside to the border section.

That data, one on hand is horrifying, but most of the crime (well, except for Stockton where you should only go with a Seal Team) is quite isolated to certain parts of the cities.

If I were you, I’d plan the trip so I wouldn’t have to stay in San Francisco. If you stay along the coast from the Golden Gate Bridge south, you should be fine. The ride from north of the bridge to Half Moon Bay can be done in a day and that would be a good place to stay the night.

A couple of things about safety. Cell phone use while driving is an epidemic in California. You’ll hear different views about a radar unit, but one of the things I like about the Garmin Varia is that it’s red light flashes to alert a car driver when approaching a bicycle.

You’ll need a US cell number. If your phone has eSIM capability, there are virtual carriers (I’m very pleased with Tello - $10/mo and no contract) that will allow you to have multiple numbers on your phone (your home number and a US number).

As a Canadian, we have the equivalent of the NHS, so even as a young guy in my 20s going to the States, I always got a robust, known daily travel insurance for being in the states.
My parents always drilled into me the importance of this, as even the smallest of hospital visit for a fall, broken bone, x-ray, cast would be multi thousand of dollars or pounds. Any serious injury and hospital stay is getting into tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands.
Serious life changing financial burden potential.
Very scary stuff, so do use an established travel health insurance.
For a cycle trip, I'd recommend asking over at the UK bike forum, the CTC one, for current cycling touring specific travel insurance.

Cheers again guys- lots more useful information for me to get my head around there..!
I'll tackle all these things one at a time over the coming weeks to save a panic at the last moment.

Good news- JUST came back from seeing an Orthopedic Sports Doctor and I've basically been given the all clear for me knee(s) and in general for continuing to train for this trip..! Had X Rays- the lot.
In a nutshell I've had SLIGHT Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runners Knee) as a result of a years old injury (That didn't need surgery at the time, was pretty minor).
It's basically what I stated above- as my feet are too big to go into the clips I was using my toes to pedal- bad mistake, and so got the knee twinge. On a scale of 1-10 it was a 0:5 so very subtle- not even painful, just slight pressure and felt like need to click.
Now I'm using the underside of the pedals in the mid of my foot it's fine. But yeah, it's done me the world of good to get an official go ahead from a Doc and I'm looking forwards to my next training sesh tomorrow.

Aye, I don't think I'll have any trouble getting a Canadian Visa as a UK Citizen and already have my US ESTA for entry but nonetheless I'll contact the Embassy/Consulate in Canada and find out anyway.

I'll defo be getting sufficient Travel Insurance too of course- no brainer that one..!

About NOT staying in San Fran- that's a REAL shame to hear that..! I was specifically planning to stay there for about 3-4 days as I really want to see it once in my life. Surely people stay there safely or is it that bad?

I'll be getting a US Sim too aye.

In general it sounds more difficult practical-wise as soon as you hit LA and head further South. This is a part of the full PCBR though so I'll do some more research into that stretch specifically though as I know thousands of people have completed this, but thanks for the heads up either way..!
I'll DEFO be using the ACA Maps either way so am assuming they hold all the relevant information and routes?

Cheers again guys- it's brilliant here for info and enthusiasm and as always I really do appreciate your time for this.

I would hope you can visit San Fran, it's a cool city to walk around in and see. It might be the only time in your life you would be there.
I don't see why it wouldn't work if you can find a reasonably priced hotel and just leave your bike there and get around on foot etc. When I was there a long time ago, it made sense even back then to not take a chance with my bike, and it's obviously more relaxing not to worry about it being stolen.
You're from Manchester so you should have reasonable "big city" common sense real life instincts or street sense when walking around.

Yeah I agree- and my thinking exactly on I might only be there this once- it's basically unmissable for me..!
I would plan to leave the bike in a hotel or wherever I'd be staying and just hit the town on foot for days yeah.
There's not loads of big cities down that coastline by the looks of it so when I do come across them I really want to smell the roses and explore them- plus it's a great way to get some "rest" days in too.

It is not that bad. You are very unlikely to be bodily harmed. Theft, however, is something you will have to be vigilant about. It is very expensive to hotel it in the city. You could stay closer to the airport, or somewhere in Marin. If you stayed near the airport, it would be easy to just take the commuter rail (BART) into town. There is a lot in the East Bay, too. Berkeley is close by, and although by no means crime free, might be a bit easier on your wallet. (I lived there for six years while in grad school.)

My comment was aimed at biking around San Francisco. The drivers are seriously crazy and I've been hit twice. The first time by some clown on a motor scooter and the second time by a car. Fortunately, on a 600# motorcycle and didn't go down, but I quit riding in SF. Much different on foot or in motorized transport. Just be careful of the homeless people. Many of them are paranoid schizophrenic and can be unpredictably violent.

The only people who ever did bodily harm to me in San Francisco were the police.

Yeah, they are pretty good at that and in most other places too.

The good news about SF is that there is a chance you won't have to deal with hordes of tourists. Just make sure you KNOW your bike will be safe, like locked in your room. Had French couple come through the bike coop in San Diego. They had their bikes stolen in SF. I wouldn't be surprised if their replacement bikes had gone through the stolen bike market.

I would ride all of the route that you are allowed to ride. If I were coming all the way to do the ride, I would want to say I did the whole ride. I rode from Santa Barbara to San Diego with my 11 year old son on the back of our tandem and my 16 year old son on his own bike. It can be done. Many do it. My experience is that motorists are far more courteous of touring cyclists than your average recreational cyclists. Mind the rules of the road and you should be ok.

Though I've not ridden the shoulder of the freeway through Camp Pendleton, I would do it if I had to. It is legal. I think it is less than 10 miles with a wide shoulder. Won't be pleasant but shouldn't be dangerous. Your biggest risk will be flat tires from radial tire blowouts. Though you would likely get turned down at the gate to Pendelton, I might give it a try anyway as it would not be far out of the way. Anyway, last time I rode through Pendleton it was no picnic. Certainly not a highlight. You are sort of dealing with a high concentration of 20 something males enamored with the power and sound of their vehicles.

Cheers guys.

Something to bear in mind is that I'm from the UK and have only been to the US twice in my life.
I've ALWAYS wanted to see so much more of it as I've got a love for just how things are there- everything about it appeals to me and I'm sad I never got to live there.
First time was for two weeks to visit a friend for the Millennium. It was amazing. He lived in Atlanta and we done a road trip thru 5 states to spend New Years 2000 in New Orleans. Also being a Blues and Kentucky Bluegrass fan it blew my mind.
Last time was earlier this year- I went to New York and almost couldn't believe I was actually there after so many years. I even done a specialized tour of Ellis Island to see some of the more obscure aspects and off limits stuff. One day I actually hired a crappy little bike that's meant to be just to cycle around Central Park and cycled it all the way from Tribeca, up the Hudson to Tarrytown..!!! It was AMAZING for me to see all the places and scenery on the way. Every aspect of the trip was a treat and New York is a stunning city.

So in a nutshell- I'll be loving EVERY single thing I see on this trip- the people, the road signs, the trees, the markings on the road even, the buildings, the drive thrus, the cars, etc etc etc... sounds stupid but I buzz just off seeing things like the yellow school buses and traffic lights even..! Might not make sense to everyone but that's just how I feel.

...And brilliant detailed advice as always- thanks guys. I'm making notes as this thread goes on so when the maps arrive I'll add the notes to locations.


EDIT: Ah, I should add as well- I really do want to see and experience traditional/out the way/real life aspects of the American way whilst I'm there as well, so if anyone has ANY suggestions or things I simply should not miss please feel free to either DM me or post them here please. It'd be amazing to see/experience as much as I can cram into this trip whilst I've still got the legs..!
I'm a big eater as well and love my food so foodie suggestions are huge..!

So we should address the Olympic Peninsula route choice. When you get to Washington, there are two routes you can take. The Western-most route (Highway 101) from Port Angeles through Forks, etc. There are campsites in Olympic National Park. The whole thing is extremely isolated. This is the way I went in 1991. I had someone with me. I think I would have been a little bit freaked out if I did it on my own. Apart from isolation, the main thing you should be aware of is that the stopping points are extremely limited, and you wind up having to ride 20 miles to/from the campsites in the Ho Rainforest to the main highway, so you have to be willing to go more than 40 miles in a day. If you go from Port Angeles and head south by the Eastern route (still it is called Highway 101), it is much less isolated, and I think there are more frequent stopping points. But you will be further from the coast (separated by the Olympic mountain range), and you will get more coffee shops and fewer "real Americana" experiences.

For example, we had breakfast in Forks. Everyone else at this place was a logger, and they served 12" diameter pancakes. There was a little gift shop there, too. They sold T-shirts including one of which depicted an Earth First Hippie nailed to a tree with spikes and a Spotted Owl shoved up his arse. It isn't always pretty. As cyclists who stuck out like sore thumbs, we felt about as safe as civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964.

I never really saw extensive clear-cutting before. They logged everything right up to the National Park boundaries. Everything gets wiped out. It isn't just some tree stumps in a field. It looked like Dresden.

I'm stuck in an airport wasting my life away, but managed to find this:

here are my examples of this sort of thing--but also from the 90s, and while one could say these attitudes are 30 years old, don't forget that a certain percentage of the American population believe a politician who told them that the previous federal election was stolen from them, and the views of the very religious are still very much a factor in affecting and changing certain laws in many states.
-I was sitting at a MacDonalds getting something to eat, on my own. An older fellow strolls up and asks if I'm traveling by myself, "yes" I answer. "Just you and the Lord" he responds and then does a religion sell on me. Here in Canada, this would never, ever happen, and while this is an old, specific encounter story from some internet dude, it does show how in the U.S, religion is just waaaaaay more out there and vocal, and is still clearly a factor in politics and who one may vote for because "the ends justify the means"
- on my Pacific coast trip, I had a slight injury, so stayed in a campground a day or so to give a break to my achilles tendon, but I wanted to catch up to the touring friends I had made along the trip and were always camping with--so I hitchhiked and caught up to them. A pickup very kindly stopped and gave me a lift, dude with his little 5 yr old daughter on the seat beside him. Looks safe.
I throw the bike in back, we trundle along, and then I bring up the Mountain Lion thing around here, not something I am used to. The guy reaches down, pulls out a loose big fricken silver pistol from under his seat, and waving it around, tells me about it and being ready for mountain lions, but then while still waving the gun around, when he found out I was heading down San Fransisco way, begins a rant about how all "the gays" should be shot and on and on.
I'm sitting there, with fricken lycra on, bringing up my French girlfriend and whatnot to try to stay in the "not getting shot" crowd, doing my best to nod and such, while Johnny gunslinger keeps waving the piece around while talking.
Again, an experience totally out of my Canadian reality.
-maybe ten years ago, in a little diner in a small small New England town, probably in New Hampshire, I too felt like a Civil Rights worker in Mississippi in '64.
Little run down town, economically really hard done by, a couple of bike short wearing weirdos walk in and try to be friendly. I get it to an extent.
I guess what I should say is that this sort of reaction to someone traveling by bike can happen, it can help to have a pair or overshorts to put on over lycra bike shorts when going into stores, but traveling by bike can be viewed as weird and or you're a tree hugger, or you're homeless and can't afford a car, so just try to read the room so to speak in rural places.
To be safe, you may want to not ever bring up religion or politics

but I really should say how friendly and helpful people will be also, these stories are outweighed by tons of super friendly folks, especially for someone with a British accent, so take these with a grain of salt--but good to be aware of anyway.

@Polaris:
Thanks so much for the information man, appreciated. Honestly though everything you mentioned about heading West in the OP appeals to me, and I know it's counter intuitive believe me.
I'm at a point where I've been in a comfort zone for so long I'm CRAVING adventure again and to be able to push my limits, not just physically but mentally and psychologically as well- and this whole route seems great for that- especially the remoteness of the OP.
I'm planning to cycle the Olympic Discovery Trail as I've heard amazing things about it- would that be more or less what you were referring to when you mentioned heading West and it being more remote yes? I do hope so.

I'll insert a picture here of what I THINK is the entire ODT for good measure too to make sure we're both talking about the same stretch man:



I appreciate what you're saying when you mentioned getting freaked out etc. I'm an artist by trade (I work in computer games) and so have a massively ripe imagination which runs rampant at anything and everything, so you can imagine the thought of camping out in the woods, alone etc and what that does to my head..!
I've done loads of wild camping before though and also many many solo treks through the wilds of Scotland and staying in Bothies by myself etc so am somewhat used to it. But still I DO get freaked out myself but I really do want to experience that feeling again- I've been sedentary and "comfortable" for far too long and it's slowly grinding me down.
What is it the most the would cause fear with this part of the route? Just the isolation or is it more, like the people there or animals and noises at night etc? Genuinely curious as it'll give me more info to go off.
One last thing- thanks for pointing out about the real "Americana" if I do head West too- that is definitely something I want to see on this trip..!


@djb:
Thanks for the information as well man, really good to hear- and again, honestly that's the kind of thing I want to experience..! These are the encounters with people that bring spice and memories, and I'd hate to miss out tbh. The alternative is to have a really safe but "uneventful" trip which I'd rather not. I read your accounts of those encounters with great interest as they ARE interesting. I've had similar things happen to me in many countries so am used to it myself and it doesn't deter me. That's not to say I go out my way LOOKING for ropey encounters, but it doesn't dissuade me from taking the odd measured risk or opportunity mate. I hope I'm making sense..!

All in all, the knowledge you guys are passing on is priceless and appreciated- I just REALLY want next year to come around now so I can get started..! It's still 8 months before this trip starts arghhhh!!!!!

If anyone's interested too, here's a link to my art folio now that I mentioned I work in games:

Art Folio

totally understand wanting to have an adventure, be out of your comfort zone and all that, but given your traveling experience and using common sense, there's every reason that this will be a fun trip.
I can't comment on the Washington State part as I never did it, but as the others mentioned about campgrounds etc, you'll have to look into the logistics of where towns are, campgrounds etc etc and plan accordingly.

You will want to inform yourself about wild camping in that area re bears etc and again, use common sense and commonly practiced safety stuff like not having food in your tent, hanging it at least on a tree nearby or whatever. Generally that's a big advantage of a campground, as they will have bear and animal proof garbage cans, this stops bears from learning that they can wander in and get stuff easily. Around here also there are lockers to put your food into, but the "no food in tent" rule is always going to be important to follow.
Don't forget also that having food in your tent can attract little critters like mice, bigger guys like raccoons (if they have them on the west coast, I forget) but even mice can be a real pain in the arse as they can chew a hole in your tent to get to food, et voila, a holey tent....
Re distances between towns or stores, I've always found it good to have some sort of "emergency" food in the bottom of a pannier, a can of tuna, some pasta or whatever, something to have if for some reason you can't get to a store.

the "Riding down the west coast" type books or whatever will give you lots of info on all this stuff, and then its so easy with google maps, streetview and stuff to see what stores, campgrounds etc are available where, and it will be fun for you I'm sure to start doing "Plan A" hopeful distances per day and where you'll end up each day.

I probably did say this, but especially as you are 6'6" and a big guy, really get your wheels checked out for spoke tension and if the bearings need regreasing etc. If you are a lot heavier than your last trip, you really want to make sure your rear tire is up to the trip, and much better to get this assessed long before the trip--just in case you end up needing to find a stronger rear wheel or something.
The trick is to find a really good bike shop with mechanics who know touring.
I suspect you are a heavy fellow, so even more important to get your wheels expertly assessed for your weight, plus maybe another probably 40lbs of gear.

Using both front and back panniers is always going to help distribute weight, making life easier for the wheels and reducing the chances of having busted spokes on the trip, which frankly is a real pain in the arse.
Wider tires can help with cushioning the blow going into your wheelset, I used 2 inch tires when doing my Latin America trips and even though I only weigh 135, I was riding on rough roads a lot, so having the wider tires at the right pressures for my bike weight really helped my wheels not have problems.
You'll be on paved roads the whole time, but I still wouldnt use less than 1.5 or even 1.75in tires.
What size wheels does your bike have? There are lots of good tires available for 26in wheels (my bike) or 700c, but no matter what you have, having new tires for the trip is always a good idea, and by doing training rides with all the crap you'll be carrying, you'll get to know what pressures to use for your specific weight.

Sorry, I have been traveling (sadly not by bike) so just saw this. Yes, briefly, that is the way we went. We started at Port Angeles, went up and down Hurricane Ridge as a shake-down ride, and then headed west and south, through forks, camping on the spurs like the Ho Rain Forest campground. The campgrounds are fine; that one is within the Olypmpic national park boundary so it is completely safe and there were plenty of people (so many that we wound up sharing a campsite with a very generous couple and their baby). The isolation is when you are on the road. There are very few amenities and stops, and some of the scenery looks like that picture I posted above (or at least back then), so it isn't always all beautiful scenery. We met people who had lived there for their entire lives except when they shipped out to Viet Nam. My main fear doing it alone is what might happen if I broke down or was injured. Once you get to the South half of Washington, and then Oregon and California, it is far less like that.

Also, the distance between those gold stars (I assume most are campsites) is often about 70 miles, not 40.

@djb:

Hi mate, thanks again for your time..!
Fyi here's a link to my bike, although it's not in production anymore:

Current Bike

Fyi, the photo I posted earlier with the silver bike is the OLD one- it actually got stolen which killed me as we'd gone through a lot together.

You can see the Tyres Spec on the page too:
"Tyres - Maxxis Ikon 27.5x2.2", 60 TPI Front"
So 2.2in by the look of it? Should be ok.

But like my last tour, I'll basically use two read panniers, with a tent resting in the middle and just a front box for valuables and electronics/map etc. I'm sort of used to that and travel pretty light.

As for weight, yeah haha, I'm a little bit heavier than last tour but honestly since I started training it's starting to drop off which is great..!

@Polaris OBark:

Cheers again mate- that sounds sort of what I'm now expecting: isolation on the actual road, but dotted with a few outcrops of camping/stops etc. I'll research and prepare accordingly.

The way my training is shaping up, I should be good for going over the stated average of 40 miles per day too. I know that's going to be flexible and that I'll get fitter on the trip itself too.
Saying that, I'm prepared to wild camp when needed aswell- I've loads of experience of this in the past so it shouldn't be an issue- except for my imagination jumping at every single little noise in the night..!!!

Random post about the Olympic Peninsula- found this with amenities and campsites etc, might be useful for others too:


OLYMPIC PENINSULA


And this Wilderness Planner Map too:


WILDERNESS TRIP PLANNER

Hey guys- just some hopefully helpful information if anyone else is thinking of doing this trip, specifically help for the Canada land border crossing in to the US.
I wanted to make sure I'd covered my bases regarding the Visa situations for both Canada and the US so asked some basic questions to a North American Travel Service and here's their answers (In bold):



"Is there anything I should be aware of/need to do to prepare documents etc for the Canada portion of this, or would just getting an eTA be sufficient?

ETA is sufficient

I already have a valid ESTA for the US, so I assume that that, along with my UK Passport is sufficient to gain entry into the US?

ESTA is sufficient but land crossing also requires an additional from completed at the border (I-94W) and payment of $6"


So in a nutshell- any UK Citizens thinking of doing this trip from Vancouver then south- all's you need is to get the Canada eTA and also a US ESTA in advance. Then once you're at the land border crossing there's a form to fil in and a $6 payment.
If anyone else has any more relevant info about this or if I've gotten it wrong, please feel free to correct me here and I'll update..!

It’s some ten years ago, but I cycled through Camp Pendleton base after showing my Swedish passport. Heading back, the base was closed, so I rode the freeway. Wide shoulder and some tire debris, but it didn’t feel unsafe