An Unforgettable Experience For Your Bucket List: Take a Bike Tour Across the US
Apr 21, 2023
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Traveling across the United States on a bike is a lot of things: an epic journey, a unique opportunity to see this vast and beautiful country, a physical endeavor for sure, and perhaps a reason for your friends to call you a little kooky. It certainly represents the chance to live an unforgettable experience, something you’ll always remember.
But it’s not easy, it’ll be a challenge. Some days you will wonder why you even started in the first place. Yet it’s more than worth it, with plenty of people vouching for its enjoyment value. Here’s how to make this bucket list item a 100% success.
Know the Rules of the Road
Far too many cyclists hit the road without taking the time to invest in learning about the rules of the road. As a result, the relationship between motorists and cyclists isn’t always ideal. In the results of a survey on US cycling, motorists cited the lack of precautions as a particular irritant.
Did you know that every single state in the United States has its driving code, for example? Before you set off on your journey, check that you’re up-to-date on the main differences and general guidelines for cyclists. According to the bike laws in Nebraska, cyclists have all the duties and rights of a driver of a vehicle.
It’s pretty simple. The formula for a safe and fun bike tour is to take your time to be cycle aware. It’s not going to take as long as studying for your DMV test, so don’t worry. Just be courteous, know the law, and you should be okay out there.
How to Choose Your Route
Surprise: there isn’t a single cycling route across America, one route to rule them all. The United States is a big place and there are infinite ways you can tackle the journey.
Our advice is to choose already established routes that are known for their safety. You want roads that are usable for cyclists, yet also take you through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful places the United States has to offer.
There are some absolute classics, which are great places to start. The ACA’s flagship is the TransAmerica Bike Route, which is the most established and longest you can do. The advantage of this route is that it goes back to 1973; it’s tried and tested.
The Season Matters
Just because the road conditions and weather are favorable at your origin point, doesn’t mean the same is going to apply at your destination. The US has huge geographic diversity, with climates varying massively from region to region. You don’t want to be caught in a snowstorm, or dangerously hot desert temperatures.
Of course, this thing isn’t going to happen in a single day. You will need to plan. You want to be realistic about your pace (most people overestimate what they can do!), giving yourself plenty of time to see the sights and healthily challenge your body.
You will never be able to completely avoid challenging weather. As such, prepare for all sorts of climatic conditions. Think layering and waterproofing, and have some cash set aside for a night in a hotel if things get a little too spicy out there.
Take Time to Look Around
One of the biggest mistakes cyclists make is that they allocate far too much time per day to just cycling. This isn’t just a problem on the physical side, but it also means you won’t have time to properly absorb the beauty of the journey. You’ll be struggling to pitch your tent before nighttime, let alone having the time to just breathe.
To make this trip a success, you must allocate plenty of time to look around. There is so much to see and do, it would be a waste to have to spend it stressed out to the max because you need to hit a mile goal.
Invest in Your Bike Setup
Finding the right bike for a trek across the United States doesn’t have to be expensive, but you will need to invest more than your usual daily commute beater bike. If you’re unsure and know little about bike setups, don’t be afraid to ask your local specialist. Just make sure you go to a proper bike co-op or similar, not a generic sports store or your local Walmart.
Your bike setup also includes your gear. Frame bags that are weather-resistant and offer plenty of room for water are key. Make sure they fit your bike properly, distributing the weight accordingly. In terms of clothing, chafing is the keyword. Test your cycling shorts for a reasonable distance before making them your go-tos.
Practice First!
The final tip we can give you is that you must have some miles under your belt before taking on the entirety of the United States. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, would you? Unless you’re this guy, of course.
We’re talking thousands of miles here. Coast to coast, or even just a shortened version, is a massively challenging undertaking. Do not underestimate it. If you’re not experienced and don’t put the prep work in, this once-in-all-lifetime experience will stay with you for all the wrong reasons.