The Route
Figuring out a route that is suitable for bicycling can be a difficult task if you haven’t ridden in the region. But fortunately, there is help. I will be using maps provided by the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA). These maps include information regarding lodging options, bike shops, camping options etc. They also have forums where cyclists post about changes to what is indicated on the map. For example, a cyclist may point out that a particular grocery store is no longer in business.
ACA has also worked with Ride with GPS to put the routes in a format that can be loaded onto your phone or bicycle computer.
I will be using the Eastern Express option of what is called the Transamerica Trail. The Transamerica trail was one of the first routes ACA created. The Eastern Express option is a little shorter and avoids some more difficult sections. I will start in New Jersey near Philadelphia and end in Florence, Oregon. I will get off the ACA route in Colorado and dip down into Utah to take a break and visit family picking it up gain in West Yellowstone
Lodging
Unlike backpacking where one is required to pretty much camp every night, bicycle touring allows a person to often spend the night in hotel of some sort. The downside of that is that it can get expensive. And a cyclist may also be forced to cover more miles than wanted in order to find a hotel.
Camping is another option. I have found that anymore, the improved campsites aren’t all that much less expensive than motels. There are some locations where there is free camping. It is free in most US Forest Service and BLM land. I don’t think I will be on much of that, at least on the eastern half of the ride.
There are also some places where one is allowed to camp in a city park or near a volunteer fire station. These are pointed out on the ACA maps.
Another option is Warmshowers.org. This is essentially couch surfing for bicycle tourists. People host a cyclist free of charge. I am a member and have hosted a number of cyclists. It’s a great way to meet people who are interested in bicycle travel.
I intend to use all three. I have updated my tent and sleeping pad. But, the trill of camping is not what it once was. I hope I don’t need to camp all that often.
I hope to use Warmshowers as much as possible. But lack of exact dates and hosts living in the proper location may make it difficult.
Food
Again, like backpacking, a bicycle tourist can take cooking gear. Unlike backpacking, you won’t need to carry a large supply of food. You can generally find food on most days. I have backpacking cooking gear and have taken it on other tours. I have found that I don’t use it all that often. Cooking and clean up is still a pain. Right now, I am thinking of leaving the cooking gear at home. I may just take a few items like a bowl and plate. I am looking for foods I can carry that don’t require cooking and also eating at establishments along the way. How fuel myself is still in the planning stages.