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Vancouver B.C to L.A. need help

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Old 03-31-04 | 10:49 AM
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Vancouver B.C to L.A. need help

Hi I am planing to ride from VAncouver to LA, end of June , will complete in ride in max 12 days traveling from 200km (125 mi) - 300 km(186 mi) perday.
I am looking for any help on good routes, cheap places to stay and do's and don'ts, I live in eastern Canada and i am clueless about the west, i am in great shape and ride and ride very fast
I am not carrying much gear mid size backpack and possibly a seat post rack. this is not really touring, this is basically sleep ride and sleep and ride. So please any help would be most appreciated.

PS. last summer Montreal Canada to Albany NY in days, so if anybody is riding to NY I can help
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Old 03-31-04 | 10:54 AM
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I think I'd consider going with panniers or a trailer--basically anything other than a backpack. While a minority like them, most people (myself included) find them uncomfortable for anything but a short, utility, ride. I can't imagine using one for a 12 day, death-march pace, ride.

Why so fast a ride?
 
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Old 03-31-04 | 12:03 PM
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The book, Bicycling the Pacific Coast, is what you want. If you have specific questions ask away, I've done the route. Though I did the western portion in Washington, seems like you'll want to stay off the ferry and skip Port Angeles and go straight through Seattle.
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Old 04-02-04 | 12:06 AM
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Originally Posted by OregonBound
I think I'd consider going with panniers or a trailer--basically anything other than a backpack. While a minority like them, most people (myself included) find them uncomfortable for anything but a short, utility, ride. I can't imagine using one for a 12 day, death-march pace, ride.

Why so fast a ride?
I am going to retreat in San Bernadino and I am flying back, each year I do a similar ride and i find it very fun, but this ride is the biggest challenge ever for me, I guess I am not much of "tourist" I come from an endurance backbround so my days off are just for recovery. Maybe when i get older and speed and pushing the limits aren't such big thrills anymore I will take time to smell the flowers.
My ride hinges on planning so my stops must be pretty accurate because i will be staying in motels and with a few friends along the way. This allows me to ride with a small pack.
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Old 04-02-04 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by hotwheels
The book, Bicycling the Pacific Coast, is what you want. If you have specific questions ask away, I've done the route. Though I did the western portion in Washington, seems like you'll want to stay off the ferry and skip Port Angeles and go straight through Seattle.


thank you so much
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Old 04-04-04 | 06:35 PM
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There is a big difference between riding along the coast and riding an inland route. The coastal route is harder and longer. The coastal road is seldom straight or flat, at least in Oregon. Several inland routes are generally flatter, though you will have to cross a mountain range or two. What's you proposed route?
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Old 04-05-04 | 10:49 PM
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From: BC, Canada

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The authors of Bicycling the Pacific Coast set out a 35 day journey from Vancouver, BC to the Mexican border, averaging about 53 miles per day. If you follow their route it is 1816.5 miles to the border (minus about 120 miles if you end your trip at LAX). You would have to average a little more than 142 miles per day for 12 days to get to LAX (151 to Mexico). Not impossible but I wouldn't want to try it.

The one thing they are insistent upon is the only way to do the route is from the north to the south. Prevailing winds make the reverse trip very difficult.
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Old 04-06-04 | 08:15 AM
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I would actually suggest the coast for large wide shoulderin most places and also for the scenery. Even if you're not one of those tourist, please your eyes and keep distracted a bit while riding your 300 km per day.It's a bit hilly at times but very doable, especially if you travel light. Astoria visitor center give away a free cycling map of the Oregon Coast. This has been most helpful to me. Accomodation can be sketchy in certain areas of California, so make sure you plan ahead, unless you can ride all night too!!! Be ready for some cool mornings, and for fog in Washington state and Oregon, at any time of year. Makes for cold riding and cool nights should you camp.

I am most impressed with your choice of touring, (am the 65 pounds load, 100-170 km per day type) I think I understand your philosophy a bit coming from an endurance and endorphins background .Cheers and good luck. Kati
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Old 07-18-04 | 03:54 PM
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From: BC, Canada

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So, did you do it? If so, how long did it take and what route did you choose?
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