FAQs
Q What are the greatest rewards that come from a fully self-sustained bicycle tour?
A The experiences, the people, the fresh air, the scenery, the challenge, the personal achievement, and most prominently the reminder of what is Important in Life!
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Q How much does your fully loaded bike weigh?
A This will vary with the trip’s location. I will obviously need more clothing, food, and equipment in Alaska than in the Lower 48, where stores and services will be few and far between. The bike will always weigh between 78 and 98 lbs total, including water. Check out MY GEAR List!
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Q How many calories do you consume a day?
A About six to eight-thousand calories are consumed each day. One of the great things about bicycle touring is that you can eat whatever you want whenever you want. Quantity, not quality, is the important thing to look for when hunting for food.
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Q Where do you sleep?
A I camp nearly every night. Parks, churches, and schools are common places that I camp. National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land is free to camping, as long as simple rules are followed, and make an excellent place to camp. Often on the ride, generous individuals will open their property or home to a bicycle tourist.
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Q How many miles do you ride a day?
A This varies with the terrain, the location, and the weather. I rarely will ever take a complete rest day. The average for the ride should be about 60 miles per day. On my cross-country in 2005, my longest day was 126 miles and I averaged 64 miles per day for the 76 days that I needed to complete the tour.
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Q How many tires do you expect to go through?
A I expect that I will use two/three front tires and about seven rear tires. I expect to have a flat tire about once every 800 miles. This would mean that I should have about 13 flats on the 2007 Tour, keep your fingers crossed that it is not more!
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Q What is your average speed?
A Although this can vary drastically, I usually average between 13 and 15 mph. Bicycle touring is not a race and it is important to listen to your legs, because you have to wake up and do it again….and again…..and again.
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Q What kind of bicycle do you ride? How many speeds is it? Do you use panniers or a trailer?
A I ride a 2005 Trek 520, steel-framed touring bike with 27 speeds. I use front and rear panniers with a large handlebar bag for my electronics.
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Q How much does it cost to bicycle tour?
A Bicycle touring is inexpensive and a great way to enjoy your surroundings. Driving in a car at 70mph across an Interstate and eating at chain restaurants just can't compare to a full 360-degree convertible which gets 1,000 mpg across small-town USA! If you camp every night you can spend around $30 a day. This will include your food (eating out some) for the day, a campsite, and the occasional bike maintenance. If you free camp plan on around $20. I have toured with a couple of brothers who spent $10 a day for the two of them, but this was extreme!
