Questions!
 

You guys were really awesome at some questions I had awhile ago, but now I've researched a lot more and I have some more. I wish I had more to contribute than just questions.

Info:
Bike: Surly LHT
Stock config with spd pedals and Brooks Saddle
37cm x 700c tires
Topeak rear Explorer rack
Blackburn MF-1 Front Rack
Nashburn panniers
and these 37cm Continental Contacts tires.

Anyways, I'm starting my tour in late May of this year from NYC to Anchorage, AK (rough map here ) If for whatever reason that turns out to be too difficult, I'll end in Seattle. Besides those cities, my trip is very flexible.

I'm going to do a combination of stealth camping, hostels, friends and family, warmshowers and couchsurfers. Perhaps I'll sleep in a motel or hotel if I'm feeling extravagant.

Questions:

I have road tires currently, but what would be a better set if I went on the AlCan? Also, what's a reliable tube?

How do I not lose too much weight on this trip? I'm a lanky geek as it is (170lbs 6'4"), how much would I have to eat?

Should I wear glasses or contacts? Contacts are a lot less of a hassle except for 5 minutes in the morning and night, when they could be lost. I'd bring glasses regardless, though.

As for camping, I don't wanna spring for a bear keg or spray and just use the bag in the tree method. And does anyone have any camping tips? I won't exactly be wilderness camping, but I'll be miles from any town.

Should I ship my bike back or take it with me on the plane?

For a tent, I was thinking of the Moment, Sunlite or Contrail from here. But none of them are exactly stealthy looking. Any suggestions?

Stove, woodfire (with some handy firestarter) or none at all?

When I start talking to myself, should I concern myself with the stares of strangers?

Obligatory cheers: :beer:

First off, definitely get a stove. I prefer cooking off a campfire, but I always bring a stove with me camping. At certain times, during very dry and hot spells, areas will ban open fires for obvious reasons. A stove is also a lot less hassle to clean up. Which leads me to my number one camping tip: leave as little sign that you were there as possible. Ideally, you leave every campsite looking just as it did when you arrived. Unless there is a designated fire-pit (where it is fine to leave burnt coals), I'd just as soon use the stove so I don't have to crush and spread the coals in the morning.

Other than that, be safe, don't keep food in the tent at night, and don't forget to enjoy the stars!

Sorry I don't have bike-related tips, I'm still a newbie at this bike touring stuff.

Alright, I look into a stove, thankees.

For tires, Vittoria Rondonneurs are getting some very good press. 35c. Schwables for the gold standard. I'd carry a folding spare. Haven't found one brand of tube any better than another as long as they are not lightweight racing tubes. Michelin makes a slightly thicker tube than standard. For a trip that long and remote, I'd go with those.

For weight stablization, 4-5000 calories/riding day. That's a lot of Big Macs. Getting enough protein on tour can be a challenge. Balance your diet with a bottle of V-8 juice every couple of days.

Shipping your bike by plane or Fedex will both cost $$$s. The easist way is to ride it to a bike shop and pay them to pack and ship it. Figure on about $200 from Alaska.

Henry makes nice tents. Least they aren't yellow or orange. I'd pick one with about 28 sq ft. Not too small, nor too big. Don't forget the footprint. 4 mm poly sheeting will do. I attach mine to the tent floor and leave it there. Makes for quick setup and take down.

For a trip that long, I'd go with a multifuel stove or none at all. You, otoh, may be hardcore enough to coax up a twig fire every night.

Talking to yourself is normal. Often loudly and profanely. Strangers tend to shy away.

Addenda: You didn't mention raingear. Consider Northface Venture. A bit pricey at $140, but tough and very functional. You can make your own shoe booties out of the same poly sheeting you use for the footprint, and some duct tape. Ain't pretty, but durable, cheap, and rainproof.

Whats the budget?

For shipping, I packed stuff myself and shipped to a Performance Bike... they were nice enough to hold on to it for me for a week. I bought some stuff and said a lot of thanks when I got there, so you might want to try something similar.

"When I start talking to myself, should I concern myself with the stares of strangers?"

Yes... if they are talking to you at the same time... otherwise, no... the louder the better. Self is rather interesting person to talk to usually... but not all the time... people get strange ideas when you do that too much.

I have been using vittoria radonneurs on my touring and commuting bikes for a couple of years now and have only had 1 puncture in that time - they would be a top choice. I have ridden them both on and off road, loaded, wet weather etc - although I do not think they do a folding version. Continental also do a slightly thicker walled tube often branded either as "tour" or "quality" series. These have been a good buy also.

I also use a stove, but it's because cooking over a fire leaves your pots black and dirty. I bought an Ursack last year. It's a food bag made out of kevlar (or something similar.) It's supposed to defeat bears. I hang my food in it. Whether it defeats bears or not, I figure I'd rather sacrifice it than one of my panniers. I also use it to defeat squirrels and raccoons, and any other little furry creatures that might want to crawl into my food bag.

I used it on one tour last year on the Lewis and Clark. I never saw any evidence that any critter had tried to get in it, so I have no comment on the defeating critters aspect.

I've never lost weight on a tour (I'm 6'4" and have started tours anywhere from 195 to 210.) I eat so much on tour that I sometimes gain weight. But I don't think it's extra fat. I think all the eating makes me keep the fat I have, and all the pedaling makes me gain muscle, which is where the weight gain comes from. I usually eat two breakfasts (one in camp and one down the road) a mid-morning snack, a big lunch, an afternoon snack, and a big dinner.

As far as a stove if you don’t have one already, I really like the offerings of MSR, compact and reliable. Ha, and as far as talking to yourself, sometimes that has been the only thing that has gotten me through the tough times on the bike. Embrace it. Especially embrace it if you’re typically a normal level headed person, because when you you’re done with the tour it’s always good conversation!

I'm 6'1" 170lbs, and on my last 6 month tour kept the same weight. (some fat did turn to muscle) My caloric needs are approximately 2500 base calories + 250 calories per 10 miles of riding. I eat my 2500 during two main meals and try to eat the rest as frequent snacks. 70% carbs. I'm vegetarian so I try to eat lots of pb, beans, whole wheat, dairy.

I wear glasses and carry spare contacts. Riding all day can dry contacts out, unless you also wear sunglasses. I was also worried about having clean hands for when I change contacts.

I use a bear keg as my handlebar bag, but I am a rarity. Know the alternative methods of critter deterrence/avoidance like not cooking were you sleep, various hanging methods, avoiding critter problem areas (like campgrounds) Check other sites for more camping tips.

Taking your bike to a bike shop and having them ship it will probably be the cheapest, easiest option.

If your tent has to be camo for you to remain unseen, you aren't finding good enough stealth spots. I tour with a bright white Tyvek tarp and rely on 1. Making sure that no one would be nearby to look for me and 2. Using cover/lay of the land to block the likely vantagepoints.

How dependent do you want to be on what food is immediately available on the route? When I toured the East coast I went no-stove; when I toured the Southwest, I brought a stove and used it frequently. If you plan on using wood as a fuel, use a real backpacking wood-fuel stove, not just campfires. Please don't make campfires at stealth camping spots.

There's nothing wrong with talking to yourself. Be worried though, if you start getting an answer. :)

May be best to not eat at all in the tent, spilled food will have it's scent remaining,
and Bears will follow their nose ..

I tempt fate. Particularly when it is raining.
I cook in the tent vestibule and eat in the tent.

I've had more difficulty with mice than bears.

Yes, but you only have difficulty from bears once.