People have been asking me for tips about biking across America and I decided that these are the top ten things you should be mindful of on your trip.
1. Bike West to East
I think one of my biggest regrets was biking the opposite way. If you bike East to West, you'll run into headwinds and they can get pretty savage out on the plains. There were days that I just wanted to turn my bike around and go the opposite way so I'd have a tailwind, but I couldn't and it drove me crazy somedays. Don't make the same mistake.
2. Bring lots of water
We all have different physiques, but if you don't have a support vehicle or you did ranged checkpoints with support (like I did with my dad), I would plan for about one bottle of water for every five miles you do; one to three if it's really dry. But don't worry, if you run out, muster up the confidence to stop on the side of road and just wave at passing cars. Some of them are more than generous to give you a water bottle or two. I can't stress how important it is to stay hydrate
d. Sidetip: Truckers carry giant packs of water in their trucks. If you're at a rest stop and you see one, don't
be afraid to knock and politely ask for a bottle. As always, be thankful.
3. Chamois butt'r
Just buy it. Carry it with you at all times. All the friction from cycling will seriously rub away at your butt and about two to three weeks in, you'll feel the pain. Apply generously. Sometimes I'd put it on 3-4 times a day.
4. Invest in a quality pair of shorts
If you're planning on biking across America. Bring at least two QUALITY pairs (shell out the $50 for it) but I would recommend three. Why three? You'll use the first pair on one day and then you'll have to hand wash it (laundromats are a luxury). The second day, it'll be drying so you won't be able to use it anyway. The third pair is there because cycling shorts can wear out pretty quickly with all the miles you're putting in. Switch through the three pairs regularly and you'll be able to last the trip without having to buy another
5. Careful with earphones
It is extremely important you can hear your surroundings. I know music can help pass the time, but if a car is coming and you can't hear it, good luck. I would invest in a pair of bike speakers. These can be pretty pricey or you could just do what I did; Buy a $5 speaker and strap it onto your bike using velcro or something of your choice. Refer to picture somewhere in blog.6. Audiobooks
I wish I had discovered these earlier. I actually only used audiobooks for climbing mountains. They'd keep my mind off the burn and on the story-line. You preferably want something that's more action packed because slow and dull books like The Scarlet Letter will only make you bike slower.
7. Areas of Rest
You're not going to find a hotel, motel, Holiday Inn everywhere you go, plus, it adds up in cost. You'll be surprised at where you can stay over the course of your trip. Try fire stations, churches (call beforehand), laundry rooms, campsites, etc.
Take pictures and videos everywhere. You will look back at these pictures and smile, honest. Oh, and get a camera that's durable. I had a pink Canon Powershot and I must have dropped it in every single state at least twice but it still worked everytime. (Pink because it's harder to lose) Also, don't be afraid to take a small break every now and just savor the scenery. You never know if you'll ever see it again.
9. Don't go too fast
Going fast is exhilarating. On a nice road bike, you'll probably push 40 mph easy going downhill, but be smart. If you fall even once on your trip going anywhere past 20 mph, you could seriously risk the entire trip and may have to wind up going home. If you are going to speed, make sure the downhill slope is straight with no turns.
10. Pay it forward
Good deeds travel in circles. There will be a lot of strangers who will help you on the trip. Don't forget what they did for you and return the kindness by offering others your help. Quick sidestory, there was this one guy stranded on the side of the road with an overturned motorbike that he couldn't get upright. I got off my bicycle to help him lift it and was then on my way. Literally ten minutes later, I was speeding my way downhill (refer to tip above) and I fell off my bike on a turn that I was trying to make. Luckily, a very kind-hearted woman found me lying down on the side of the road, picked me up and brought me back to her house to wash out the wound. To this day, I am thankful that someone would help a complete stranger like me.
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