I'm planning my first BAA for this summer from the Capitol in Washington DC to the Capitol Building in San Francisco. I am a single mom, and have a 17 year old gay son. I am doing the ride to hopefully bring some attention to the need to legalize gay marriage on a federal level.

Currently, I work as a bartender in Washington DC at an establishment that attracts many high ranking politicians and I am creating some relationships in which I believe will help me with my cause.

I am passionate about cycling (actually, anything on two wheels - I love motorcycles too!), and the longest ride I've done to date is 850 miles in 9 days down the Pacific Coast Highway in California. I know I have what it takes to do the ride - mostly it's my passion that will carry me, but I'm also in very good physical shape.

My one concern is doing the ride on my own across the country. I am a woman and am also attractive (sorry to be braggadocious, but it's realistic and a concern). I also have really big boobs, which will draw more attention.

Are there any women out there that have done the ride by themselves? And if so, were there any issues that came up for you?

I'm also wondering if I should bring some camping equipment and camp part of the way and only staying in hotels 1-2 times a week. Any thoughts?

And has anyone done the northern route? I've drive the route along Hwy 10 from Florida to CA and would like to explore another part of the country this time around.

Any advice and/or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

Deb

I BAA'ed last year by myself. Then again, I'm a guy... it's a little easier for me. I really don't know what to say. Do you tolerate lots of problems with you go bicycling (as a woman)? I suppose "how you carry yourself" might be a factor as well. It might be good if you are a little intimidating, or maybe a little scary. Tough issue about biking alone as a woman.

Northern route - Never done it myself. One concern: Boy, the country is very populated once you reach Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and the Northeast. Many have done the northern route, of course, but personally, I hate being in super populated areas. I actually felt more safe being in the middle of nowhere in the desert or west Texas than in really busy suburbs or cities.

Comments?

-Steve
www.ColoradoGuy.com

I've been doing lots of web browsing and I think I might consider the TransAmerica Route and cutting away from it in Colorado to go thru Utah, Central Nevada and ending in San Francisco.

Living in DC, I can take the Canal route down to catch the Transamerica Route and start heading west from there. But the maps are so fricken expensive at adventurecycling. Holy crap!

As for being on my own, it's a little risky. I'll add you as a friend on facebook so you can see what I mean. The picture of me with the young lady with red hair and the baby are my daughter and granddaughter. I'm the blonde. And, I carry myself in a way that can't be avoided. Like I mentioned, big boobs, cool tattoo that covers much of my calf - I've got a sexy look and it will be a problem, which I have to address.

Unfortunately, I'm not very scary or tough looking. Only 5 feet tall, 115 lbs, Quite petite. It's a huge problem Steve. I've got to figure a way around it and my only option might be to find someone to do it with. Any suggestions on links that might have other riders looking for a companion to BAA?

I've got to do this ride though. Nothing is going to stop me. And I'm totally cool with doing it myself. That way, I can go at my own pace, be spontaneous and ride as long as I want each day and start bright and early. Besides, there aren't many people out there who either want to or are able to take 3 months to go on a bike ride!

I will definitely be prepared to do at least 50% camping on the ride. I love camping!

How about having a biking partner? You might find the adventure more rewarding to share it with someone. Now granted, finding another person could be difficult, but I throw it out there.

I'm sure you've thought about this option already. Would like to read your comments on this.

-Steve
www.ColoradoGuy.com

Thanks for the link Steve. I read it and agree with you on so many levels as to the riding along issues. I like to get up early adn get my riding done by 3 or so and spend the afternoons resting, swimming and eating!

It's gonna be a tough one to figure out, but like i said, I'm not going to push too hard and sort of let things unfold for me in this area to a certain extent. If I have to do it alone, I will. The option of not doing the ride is not an option at all. It's something I've dreamed of and am almost in a position to realize my dream and nothing is going to stop me. I've set up a lot of my finances and life in a way to accomodate the dream and it's all starting to come together.

When I did California's Coast Line, it changed my life. It was a remarkable, emotionally charged experience. Full of highs and some big time lows, but thru all the highs and lows, I learned some important lessons and some important things about myself and what is really important in this life.

And I certainly feel that a ride across the country will be even much more profound and I look forward to the whole ball of wax - the highs, the lows, the loneliness, the excitement, meeting people throughout the ride, the physical challenge, the emotional challenge.....none of these aspects can be underestimated.

Once I get to California, I am going to take two months and sort of hibernate at my ranch. I am looking at selling it and the purchaser and I have agreed to let me live there rent free for September and October as part of the deal. Summer and fall are going to be very interesting seasons for me this year. Who knows what will happen after that, but one thing for sure....I am grateful that I have the opportunity to do what I am doing this year.

Thansk for the notes....keep em coming!

You asked:

"I'm also wondering if I should bring some camping equipment and camp part of the way and only staying in hotels 1-2 times a week. Any thoughts?"

It's all up to you and what your style is. Some people camp every night. I knew one guy who camped three nights and then got a motel room for one night after that. As for me, I stayed in a motel every night, because I hate camping. (I had to have my soft bed and shower!)

-Steve
www.ColoradoGuy.com