Bearsy

A few minutes ago, I just got blasted in the face with a desire to ride the continental US to both lose weight and raise awareness for childhood obesity. And just for the awesome fucking experience. I don't know if I want to do a year, or just take my time or what, but I really want to do this

I obviously can't start right off, being that I haven't planned at all for this yet, and that I'm not yet ready to ride potentially daunting amounts day in and day out, but that's part of the adventure... working hard for huge rewards.

What would I need to do to start?

I love tent camping, and have a good tent, so "housing" is not an issue, but getting food would be an issue, as well as doing laundry and stuff too, I guess.

Forrest Gump style yo.

It IS doable, I just don't know what would be involved.

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msicidron

do you bike a lot?

it's so fun how much distance you can cover on a bike, and its a tiny little vehicle that you can take anywhere.

i'd say all you need is to start training and saving money for food.

just hustle for food when you can and streetch ya money, you dont need nothin else!


btw man, you goin east to west or west to east?

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farmergiles

What is the availability of campsites in the US? What's the score with camping on private property in the US?

Most campsites will have laundry facilities.

You need to be fit before you start or it might be gruesome. You'll get fitter as you go along of course.

Make sure you have your bike and equipment well sorted before you set off. A few practise weekends = good idea.

Think about your route- campsites, bike spares, places you want to visit, what the weather might be like...

You have to have fresh water or you might die .

Cycled right across Europe a few years back, it was fucking excellent fun.

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Kompressor

WTF you British aren't camping.

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farmergiles

Lol never been called British before.

Who said I go camping on campsites?

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SmokeSomeDoja

my friend rode across the country on a fixed gear bike a few years ago for some charity (im not sure which one).


most guys that do long distances go pretty far everyday (like 70+ miles). if you did this in a year, that would be about 8 miles a day, which isnt terribly hard (i bike in the city on avg. around 10 miles a day).

how do you plan on raising awareness for obesity?

definitely get in shape, know how to repair/care for your bike, and be able to carry all the tools necessary for minor problems. in line with the last question, try and get some support for the cause from diff. organizations.




i'd love to ride across europe...sounds so rad...where'd you go farmergiles?

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"I've run over black cats that were luckier than me."

hijabihippie

Definitely talk to your doctor before doing this.
He/She might have good suggestions on how to prepare for this.

Bearsy

I don't currently bike a lot cause of the snow, I do hit the stationary as much as possible but that's different. But when it's summer I'm on my bike a lot.

I'm in WNY, but I want to hit every state, so I'd have to plan accordingly. Probably go from NY, up the Canadian to the northwest and go sort of counterclockwise from there. But that's gonna be a lot of planning.

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There's a lot of public camping facilities all over everywhere.
And unless it's posted private I don't think I could get in trouble for pitching a tent. Plus it would only be up for 8-10 hours at the most and if getting caught is an issue I could trek into some woods no problem.

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Well I meant hitting every state, not just a shot across, so it would be significantly more.

something like this(minus the weights, as they're there naturally)
http://thinkclearblue.ca/understandi...visory_GTA.pdf

Well I can do about 10-20 miles a day if I take a couple breaks in between, so I was thinking I could just get more fit as the time passes. I already work out a lot and whatnot.
When the time comes in a month or so I'm going to start taking repair classes at my cycle shop so I can do more than I already know.

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farmergiles

You want to be able to do 50+ on the flat without crippling yourself before you set off I'd say. Otherwise you might get injuries and shit on route.

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ionlylooklazy

you could try something like this:

Biking Across Kansas | BAK | Annual Cross State Bicycle Tour of Kansas | Bicycle Kansas

they have designated stop each night, a car drives your stuff from stop to stop, each day 18-75 miles

Bearsy

I'll probably do something similar to get myself prepared, but nah, I really want to do this to the fullest. I just talked to madukes and she's behind it 100%.

I'm gonna go talk to Ricks(cycle shop) tomorrow and see if they'd want to sponsor me, hopefully in the form of a touring bike, because although my Mtb is nice, it's not really made for long hauls and comfort.

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Mikey

There's nothing wrong with having dreams and ambition.

But just always remember that success is not something to strive for; it's a decision you have to make everyday.

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pacman

you should do a loop around florida. but stay as close to the coast as possible.


for your own safety

Captain Cannabis

you will get eaten alive on a mountainbike if you are on the highway. a roadbike is pretty much necessary.

good luck bearsy, and remember that it is all about the journey and not the destination.

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Mikey

yeah and actually do it though
dont just plan plan plan and put it off forever
set a date and stick to it

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SmokeSomeDoja

yea, i wouldnt recommend using a mountain bike...

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"I've run over black cats that were luckier than me."

El Coyote

although... if he DID do it on a mountain bike, it would be AWESOOOOOME!

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Bearsy

What's wrong with using a MTB?

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Captain Cannabis

first problem is that you will die

second problem is that it will take 3x as long

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SageTree

Namely I'd assume the knobby tires would suck......But as far as how they sit I quite prefer a mt. bike

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