hey, i plan on riding across america from cali to maryland. after reading Steve Garufi's 2008 Bike Ride Across America, i figure that's how i want to do it. light and fast.
most people i've talked to were telling me i have to get a tent, sleeping bag, gallons of water, blah blah, and i'm thinkin, no i want to do this extremely light and fast and sleep in motels. i guess i was more afraid there woulnt be enough places to stop and lodge for the night.
my plan is to cover 100+ miles per day (i ride 60-70 miles per day anyway). i figure adding 30+miles to my regular daily riding/training wouldnt kill me, except the extra luggage may feel differently.
in addition, to the southern tier, i would hit the atlantic coast to make it up to maryland.
any suggestions? tips? do you think its possible to do it without any packs, just carrying 4 bottle of water, spare tubes/tyres, tools, wallet, phone, camera?
can i buy a map that marks the routes and places to stay, bike shops, etc...or will a garman 705 do the trick. anybody have a used map i can purchase for cheaper.
i would also like to ride closer to the gulf of mexico so i end up in florida before heading north.
this is in planning for 2010 starting late may, june (i'm a teacher so that's my start of summer break). anyone is welcome to join me, yet i dont mind if i go solo.
i plan on NOT camping and plan on doing this quickly as possible (the competitve me), yet enjoying the sights. if you want to go, you dont have to pay for the motel, but if theres one bed, i get it.
i think i can plan this out in a year, but i am up for any help to acclerate this process if you have done this before or any of this route before.
Hey Sam, How's the planning going? I too am thinking about riding across america next year 2010, how much have you budgeted for the trip? Would be gd to hear from you, and your progress.