Wednesday 31 January 2018

What riding should I do?

Alright, so things are becoming a little clearer and I am starting to do some research on what and where to cycle next. I am thinking adventurous and challenging. I am looking to do something fast without the pressure of racing, to the point where I think I will refer to this one as a training ride. It will of course be solo and fully self supported but calling it a training ride means I am free to do whatever I like with no commitment to a specific route or worry about underperforming against my expectations. I can just go out there and enjoy spending lots and lots of time in the saddle.

The first option and the only one I will talk about here is a perimeter ride of the US using the designated Adventure Cycling Association routes. Starting from Main in the top right hand corner, take the Northern Tier route across the country, then follow the Pacific Coast route and Southern Tier before finishing with the Atlantic Coast route. I think the only time of year that this may be possible is a September start on the Northern Tier so that you race across before snow and inclement weather stops you and then hope that it is a fraction cooler on the Southern Tier once you reach there.

It is likely to still be very cool on the Northern Tier in September and need to be ready for some horrible weather. From all that I have read, an East to West crossing on the Northern Tier can expect headwinds for much of the trip, particularly in the first half where by all reports it is quite flat as well. The Northern Tier will be the longest of the four designated routes and potentially the most challenging with weather, distance, winds and high peaks through the Continental Divide.

The Pacific Coastal route is well travelled by bicycle tourists and part of the trip I would be really looking forward to. I am guessing that weather again could be a significant factor with rain and cold in the top half of the route anyway.

The Southern Tier is the part that worries me most at this stage with the potential for very hot weather. It is also quite a long and challenging route through some remote areas, I guess nothing like the remoteness of the GDMBR and I was fine there.

I really have no idea what to expect with the Atlantic Coast route but from what I have read, it is very hilly with constant climbing and descending. I am sure I will enjoy it.

That is the start of my planning anyway. Much more to follow. Which bike? Navigation? How light weight can I go? Total timeframe? Training? Why on earth would I attempt this? Will all be fun.