1. 4,000 Miles and Counting
Riding a bike across the United States just might change your life. It's a journey that will take you along scenic roads and through historic towns. You'll travel light and eat healthy. You can decide to go coast to coast or follow a historic trail. Lewis and Clark? Follow their route. This is a trip you can do it in a few weeks, or you can take a couple of years and make it a real sabbatical. However you plan your 4,000 mile bike trek, it's guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.
2. A Touring Bike Is Best
Although you can ride just about any bike across the country, you need to give serious thought to purchasing a touring bike. It's especially designed for long distance comfort, and it can carry a heavy load. This is important, since you'll be carrying all your supplies on your bike. Touring bikes aren't cheap, but a good one can make all the difference when you're on a long trek. A mountain bike is a good alternative, but you will need to make some modifications. Most of them won't provide enough room to carry all your stuff. Road bikes are much larger, but they're not designed for long distance biking and heavy weight.
3. Where Will You Go...What Will You Do
Determine a route, but have some flexibility as you ride. You'll find areas not on your route that you want to explore. The Adventure Cycling Association can help you create the perfect bike route. They also offer bike touring, if you prefer not to go it alone. This may be a great option for your first long distance tour.
4. Not for the Couch Potato
You will have to be in top physical condition for a bike trip across the United States. Not only will you pedal every day, you will also be doing it while you carry 50 lbs. of equipment, food, books, clothes and other paraphernalia. It's a good idea to practice short runs hauling the same weight you will take on your trek.
5. Remember the Experience
Document your trip. While you may not be able to buy too many souvenirs because they would add to your weight, you can write in a journal each day. Don't just note what you've seen; instead, comment on your reactions to famous sites and that mangy old farmer you ate with at the diner. If you can't discipline yourself to journal, take a tape recorder to record your memories. It's an easy way to capture those special memories.
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