BlindedByR
Did you go out AND back on bike? What routes did you take? the south? Cali coast? the Rockies? I am planning and training to do it in a couple of years? Any tips? Feel free to email me.
No links please. I've done alot of research already. Personal experiences and feelings only.
Answer
I rode from Vancouver, British Columbia to Northern Ontario. I took the Trans-Canada highway in 1998. I didn't really train, or know how to ride a bike at the time, but somehow I managed. Training is definitely good, because a few years later, I rode a stretch in the Rockies with training and was amazed how "easy" it was.
Are you planning on doing a supported trip or are you going to carry your own stuff? Supported would be easier, but carrying your own stuff is more admirable. I did that.
Some tips:
- Pack as light as you can, after you've lightened your load, lighten it again and THEN, put back some underwear.
- Always check your tires and brakes before you ride, some smart asses may disengage your breaks when you leave your bike locked up in a small town
- Carry pepper spray for rural dogs and keep it handy (never had to use it, but it was good to know it was there)
- Put sunscreen on your forehead and face/jawline if it's sunny, otherwise by the end of the trip you will have tan lines from your helmet and straps and look like an idiot.
- EAT! EAT! EAT! You will always feel like you've had enough, but you haven't. Eat more. Eat all the time.
- Eat right. No fried foods, they'll ruin you. Eggs are pretty bad too. For me, red meat and ice cream were really beneficial. The best meal for energy and endurance was oatmeal in the morning. Bagels are good staples. Trail mix was useless. Kind of heavy, bulky, hard to eat, taste really gets to you, and not enough fast energy.
- If you think you might have to do the #2, wait until you go before you ride. Riding with full bowels is excruciating.
- I will assume that you've researched what tools and parts to carry. Remember too, depending on where you're riding, you can often buy stuff as you need it.
- Have enough water! I put triple cages on my bike AND strapped water bottles on the rack. You can not always be sure that there will be water available. You might encounter an outhouse instead of a washroom facility at a park.
- Carry chemical bug repellant (I tried to go natural, not good). Also a small bottle of citronella oil that can be sprayed is useful. Citronella oil doesn't last long, but if you spray a cloud around you, it will give you enough time to put on the DEET before the horse flies and mosquitos eat you up.
- Buy a tiny portable radio, emphasize TINY, and bring it with you. You will need this to catch weather forecasts.
Most importantly, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the people you meet and the towns you encounter. I saw way too many people trying to ride as fast as they could and they missed out on all of the experiences along the way.
I rode from Vancouver, British Columbia to Northern Ontario. I took the Trans-Canada highway in 1998. I didn't really train, or know how to ride a bike at the time, but somehow I managed. Training is definitely good, because a few years later, I rode a stretch in the Rockies with training and was amazed how "easy" it was.
Are you planning on doing a supported trip or are you going to carry your own stuff? Supported would be easier, but carrying your own stuff is more admirable. I did that.
Some tips:
- Pack as light as you can, after you've lightened your load, lighten it again and THEN, put back some underwear.
- Always check your tires and brakes before you ride, some smart asses may disengage your breaks when you leave your bike locked up in a small town
- Carry pepper spray for rural dogs and keep it handy (never had to use it, but it was good to know it was there)
- Put sunscreen on your forehead and face/jawline if it's sunny, otherwise by the end of the trip you will have tan lines from your helmet and straps and look like an idiot.
- EAT! EAT! EAT! You will always feel like you've had enough, but you haven't. Eat more. Eat all the time.
- Eat right. No fried foods, they'll ruin you. Eggs are pretty bad too. For me, red meat and ice cream were really beneficial. The best meal for energy and endurance was oatmeal in the morning. Bagels are good staples. Trail mix was useless. Kind of heavy, bulky, hard to eat, taste really gets to you, and not enough fast energy.
- If you think you might have to do the #2, wait until you go before you ride. Riding with full bowels is excruciating.
- I will assume that you've researched what tools and parts to carry. Remember too, depending on where you're riding, you can often buy stuff as you need it.
- Have enough water! I put triple cages on my bike AND strapped water bottles on the rack. You can not always be sure that there will be water available. You might encounter an outhouse instead of a washroom facility at a park.
- Carry chemical bug repellant (I tried to go natural, not good). Also a small bottle of citronella oil that can be sprayed is useful. Citronella oil doesn't last long, but if you spray a cloud around you, it will give you enough time to put on the DEET before the horse flies and mosquitos eat you up.
- Buy a tiny portable radio, emphasize TINY, and bring it with you. You will need this to catch weather forecasts.
Most importantly, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the people you meet and the towns you encounter. I saw way too many people trying to ride as fast as they could and they missed out on all of the experiences along the way.
Bicycle question.. What are fixed gears/10 speeds?
Popcicle
I am about to buy a used bike and there are a few things I need to know:
-What is the difference between a fixed gear/non-fixed gear, and the different speeds(1 speed/10 speed/other speeds)?
-What are the extra gears for? Why are some bikes fixed/non-fixed geared?
-What are the different types used for and what do YOU prefer? Why?
If you can't coast with a fixed gear, what makes them so fun?
Answer
if you don't know what a fixed gear is, you probably shouldn't get one. a fixed gear is just what it says, it has 1 gear which is fixed, ie. it only goes in 1 direction and there's no coasting. if the wheels are moving, so are the pedals. mine doesn't have brakes but that's a whole other issue.
"10 speeds" generally refers to older road bikes which have thin tires and are good for the city, but useless off-road. fixed gear is a lot of fun, but challenging. road bike is good too. mountain bikes are fun but you can get really hurt. in any case, wear a helmet and be safe.
if you don't know what a fixed gear is, you probably shouldn't get one. a fixed gear is just what it says, it has 1 gear which is fixed, ie. it only goes in 1 direction and there's no coasting. if the wheels are moving, so are the pedals. mine doesn't have brakes but that's a whole other issue.
"10 speeds" generally refers to older road bikes which have thin tires and are good for the city, but useless off-road. fixed gear is a lot of fun, but challenging. road bike is good too. mountain bikes are fun but you can get really hurt. in any case, wear a helmet and be safe.
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Title Post: Anyone rode across the country on bicycle?
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