Interesting story on CNN.com on bicycle touring. Perhaps more suited for the ibob or touring lists but it still makes interesting reading. One of my high school buddies, Alan Albanese who now lives in Tacoma WA, did the trip coast to coast in 33 days in 1980. He was riding and to this day still has his 1973 Raleigh International.
This article was written by a rider from Newport Beach, CA. Here is the
link
http://www.cnn.com/
BITS FROM THE ROAD Logistics, equipment and random judgments from 88 days of bicycling to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C.:
Bike: 2005 Trek 520 Mechanical problems: None Tires changed: one (rear) Flats: three on one tire, from spiky weeds in Kansas Maintenance: Tuneup in Garden City, Kansas Distance: 3,500 miles, approximate Drivers most likely to wave: Kansas Most dangerous traffic: Northern Virginia and Cotopaxi, Colorado, to Salida, Colorado Major annoyance: Kentucky dogs Unexpected courtesies: Kentucky coal truck drivers Most miles in one day: 95, eastern Colorado Typical daily mileage: 50-65 Lodging: Two nights motel for every night camping Campground tip: Free camping in some town parks in Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. Check with police first. Trip cost: $4,500 plus $1,200 bicycle Best ways to cut that cost: Rough it by camping off the road. Bring cooking gear. Most overpriced town: Telluride, Colorado Best riding: central Virginia west of the Blue Ridge; Union County, Kentucky; Katy Trail, Missouri; Westcliffe to Cotopaxi, Colorado Rural surprises: Free wireless Internet in many small towns Largest city on route: Flagstaff, Arizona The don't-leave-home item I left home without: Adventure Cycling route maps Best recovery: Having Adventure Cycling send the maps later Luggage: Rear panniers and rack, handlebar bag Heaviest cargo: Four-pound laptop, three-pound tent Notable weight savings: Synthetic clothes that can be washed and dried nightly Unexpected hazard: Laundromat dryers melting synthetic clothes even on low setting Best convenience store pick-me-up: Sports drink and salted peanuts
Mike Schmidt
Stirling, NJ
Mike Schmidt
Stirling, NJ