From Idea to Plan
I finally decided to do it. For years, I have mulled over the idea of riding my bike from coast to coast across the USA. This year, I'm going to do it! I'm well into the planning stages at this point. I've purchased the Northern Tier, North Lakes, and Lake Erie Connector detailed riding maps from Adventure Cycling Association. I poured over those maps and decided where my rest days are likely going to be, where I can "go rogue" and veer off their suggested route to save considerable miles, and so on. I've set a start date, an average daily mileage target, and figured out where my rest days will likely be spent. I purchased a new touring bike — a Trek Domane AL 4, for those keeping tabs on such things — and have been working on outfitting it appropriately. Although not a necessity, I wanted to pick a non-profit that could benefit from my ride. Having talked to others who have completed such a ride, people sometimes ask how they can support the rider or their ca...