Hi there..
02-09-14, 12:12 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi there..
Hiya gang
Sam here. Hope to glean much advice from the counsels on this forum.
My situation: I hope this is an appropriate place.
I want to do a US bike tour this summer. I'm 26 and a teacher, so would like to do this during the holidays in between an old and new job.
I was thinking of flying out to Boston and cycling south. At first I just considered Washington, but I am a fairly fit guy so reckon I could (averaging 50 miles a day) push on much further. On a budget, I was thinking Atlanta, then fly back to Boston to return home.
Never done touring before - I know mentally I am up to the challenge. Bit of part-time military experience and a zest for the outdoors and camping.
The main issue is: education. Do I invest in a really expensive touring bike (circa £700-1000), or purchase a good second hand one from gumtree/ebay? I know this is an individual decision -- As a first timer, I was kind of thinking of just getting a good second hand one.
Is 1000-1500 miles solo recommended for a first timer?
I know these Q's might come across as juvenile - really tired after a long week and just wanted to get some ideas from experts out there!
Best.
Sam here. Hope to glean much advice from the counsels on this forum.
My situation: I hope this is an appropriate place.
I want to do a US bike tour this summer. I'm 26 and a teacher, so would like to do this during the holidays in between an old and new job.
I was thinking of flying out to Boston and cycling south. At first I just considered Washington, but I am a fairly fit guy so reckon I could (averaging 50 miles a day) push on much further. On a budget, I was thinking Atlanta, then fly back to Boston to return home.
Never done touring before - I know mentally I am up to the challenge. Bit of part-time military experience and a zest for the outdoors and camping.
The main issue is: education. Do I invest in a really expensive touring bike (circa £700-1000), or purchase a good second hand one from gumtree/ebay? I know this is an individual decision -- As a first timer, I was kind of thinking of just getting a good second hand one.
Is 1000-1500 miles solo recommended for a first timer?
I know these Q's might come across as juvenile - really tired after a long week and just wanted to get some ideas from experts out there!
Best.
Last edited by samh537; 02-09-14 at 12:30 PM. Reason: substance
02-09-14, 02:15 PM
#2
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Welcome Sam.
How many miles do you currently ride each week? What bike do you have? What bike will you ride on the tour?
The folks in the Touring forum can give you lots of great advice. Have fun.
How many miles do you currently ride each week? What bike do you have? What bike will you ride on the tour?
The folks in the Touring forum can give you lots of great advice. Have fun.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
02-09-14, 07:13 PM
#3
Endangered Serotta Rider
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,009
Bikes: 2005 Serotta
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Welcome to BF, good luck with your hoped-for tour and definitely do spend some time reading in the Touring forum. You might consider doing a few short tours--maybe 2 to 5 day tours that start and end at home. It’d give you some good "work the bugs out” shakedown type experience that might be very worthwhile.
02-10-14, 03:36 PM
#4
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Welcome to Bike Forums! Hit up the Touring subforum.
