Whichever bike you choose, you will want at least 27 speeds and a comfortable saddle. I don’t have a clear answer for either as the right answers depend on a variety of variables, so here is my opinion.įor the bike, a road bike or hybrid (cross between road and mountain bike) would be best as almost all riding is road riding, unless you choose to find unpaved paths. This kind of publicity among your friends group will keep you motivated.
Many riders update social media profiles daily so friends can follow along with their adventure across America. Document your Bike Ride Across AmericaĪlthough the trip will make lasting memories in your head, don’t forget to take pictures for yourself and to share with friends. Many riders use the time to listen to an audiobook or learn a new language, especially when traveling alone. While seeing the sites and “being one with yourself” are some of the biggest reasons for biking across America, the flatlands of Nebraska or Kansas can only pack so much excitement, which means cycling every day can become loathsome and potentially cause you to bail out. Multi-Task to Combat Boredom (if you get easily bored) Conserve water if you have a significant distance between stops, but consistently replenish your water so you can keep drinking without concerns for running out. You can often find it at churches, public buildings (like fire stations), and public restrooms. Tap water is quite plentiful on a bike ride across America. Many cyclists may wait until they are thirsty to take a drink, when in actuality you should be taking in at least 22 oz of water every hour on the ride. Hydration (and replenishing lost calories) are the most important aspects of a successful, pleasant bike ride across America.
I found a great remedy by soaking them up to the knees in cool streams and sometimes frigid mountain streams. I suffered from lower leg pains, so I regularly removed my shoes to massage my feet and calves. It’s a marathon, not s sprint, so take breaks and get off the bike. It’s important to get limber in the morning as well as anytime you feel cramping and numbness during the ride. In fact, many people who bike across America report doubling their daily distance from around 50 miles at the beginning to ‘centuries’ (100+ mi.) towards the end. You may be behind your calculated pace the first 3-4 days of the trip, but understand that the lost time will be made up on the back half. Realize that You Will Get Stronger As You Bike Across America You should be well into daily cycle by mid morning to avoid the heat, which often means kicking off around 7:00 AM. However, doing so will not only cost you valuable daylight hours, it will affect your efficiency as the temperatures rise starting at 10:30-11:00 in the morning. It can be tempting to sleep in, especially with tired legs from the previous day. Many experienced tour riders have said yoga was a great way to build core strength needed for climbing and being in relatively stationary poses for extended periods of time. If you’re planning a casual bike ride across America, then you don’t have build superhuman leg muscles. If you are out of shape, you should start regularly riding and exercising at least a few weeks before leaving. You’ll get stronger during the ride, but it’s best to be reasonably fit before leaving on the ride.
Prepare Before Leaving to Bike Across America Test out numerous bikes and sizes before settling on one that you’ll be spending quality time with for 6+ hours a day for potentially months. There aren’t many changes you can make to your bike in the midst of the route, so it’s best to have a comfortable bike to start. Choose a Comfortable Bike to Cycle Across America