Cycling for the younger at heart!

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smiffthedog1
smiffthedog1

Coast to Coast across the USA

Hi, I'm 47, from the UK and recently retired (ish) and want to cycle across the US. I class myself ay least mentally as an older traveller!

The questions I suppose are as follows are:-

  1. Where? Whats the best/ most scenic routes. I love the mountains I have never been to California and I have a home in Florida. Any way I can encompass all 3? The thought of long days over flat straight roads scares the bejeezus out of me!!

  2. When? I'm available all year but ideally would like to do it in the spring? I assume the further North I start the later in the year I should start?

  3. How long? I've done LE-JOG in 9 days (with some good guys pulling) so I have some understanding of time v distance. I suspect that I'll want to get into shape on the road but could manage 50 miles+ a day at current fitness. I want to enjoy the journey though and leave enough time to enjoy the sites along the way.

  4. Unsupported? I've only done supported rides which I suspect isn't an option for this. I don't mind carrying basics but I don't want to camp, I'm to old for damp and sore backs. Can you find accommodation every night?

  5. Interested in joining me for all/part? While I'm certain that I'll do this by myself if required, it's always more fun to have someone to share the journey with. If you are interested in any part let me know. I suspect pace will be 15mph and above, beyond that only those with really strange personal habits need not apply!!

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bachien
bachien

You should start your research by looking here: Adventure Cycling Association
This is one of the better web-pages for bicycle touring in the US. Lots of info
there to answer most of your questions. See Routes & Maps, Guided Tours,
Forums (routes section), and Companions Wanted.

There are supported tours crossing the US each summer, but they look a
lot like endless slogs after a while with few rest days off. Credit card touring
should be pretty easy for most any route you'd choose at least 90% of the
time. Enjoy your research and your trip.

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wayworn1
wayworn1

Well if time and money (to a degree) are not an issue than of course you can do just about anything.

Start in San Francisco, south to San Diego and turn east. When you reach the Atlantic, south to Florida and 'home'. You'll get plenty of ups, downs and flats (both kinds) along the way and a credit card and debit card are all you need to pack. It may take some care in planning a few of the longer stretches of empty road to insure you don't end up in the middle of nowhere when the sun goes down.

I really don't think there is any 'best' route. It all depends on personal preferences and even then, there must be hundreds of ways to cross from West to East or vice versa that you would find challenging, exciting and rewarding.

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billythefish
billythefish

Good luck mate! It sounds like a great challenge and rewarding from a life experience point of view.
I am 42 from UK and searching for such a rewarding experience. Sell loads of stuff and hit the road before life passes by! Take care on those busy roads.

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la_vache
la_vache

The southern route through California, Arizona, NM, Texas, Lousiana, Alabama, and Florida is your best bet (avoids most of the mountain climbs). West to East is preferred to avoid headwinds.

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quahog03
quahog03

Hi,
Just a few things to think about..
Remember we have "daylight saving time". And your daylight riding time is shorter,so I'd start Feb/Mar. I've long distance cycled in Az. Tx along the southern tier. Unless you can do 100 miles days it's going to hard to find motels etc every night. As you get towards the east coast it should be easier to find rooms closer together.
Ed

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gypsynana
gypsynana

you might want to miss texas, even in a car it's endless miles of nothing and more nothing. check out those couch..something .com. that is mentioned here quite often.
california's pacific coast highway would be a good interesting choice and along washington and oregon the coast is even more beautiful

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