I've spent hours putting together very specific routes for the trip. So far I've figured out how my route from Winnipeg to Vancouver and am in the middle of the Vancouver to Southern Cal route. The former was fairly straightforward: take the Trans-Canada to Medicine Hat and jump on less busy but still quality route, the Crowsnest Highway, all the way into southeast BC.
The latter, however, is much tougher to decide. It would be lovely to explore Vancouver Island or the adjacent San Juan Islands in Washington. Seeing all of Puget Sound would be terrific, too. But ferry schedules and sheer distance are big barriers. As I go through this more closely, I am beginning to realize how close I am to different landmarks. Mount St. Helens, for example, is only 75 km away from my current route. That seems very close. But life on a bike makes that jaunt much more daunting. Going there, enjoying the site, and coming back would likely take at least two days extra.
Canada and the USA are full of landmarks that every person should see, but it is becoming clearer to me that there is no way I can ever see everything. When I tell people I might make it as far south as Los Angeles in California, they tell me I'm so close to San Diego and Tijuana that I might as well check those places out, too. Except those places are almost 200 km away from LA. True, on a trip that will likely last longer than 20,000 km, a 200 km jaunt doesn't seem like much extra, but those trips would add up. Quickly.
It's a true shame. There is so much to see, but you'll never be able to see it all. Once you have accepted that your trip gets a lot more exciting, as you start to look at all the places you will get to see instead of what you might miss.
Showing posts with label Chris' Bike Trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris' Bike Trip. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Chris' Bike Trip: 2 Months to go...
I am now only two months away from my somewhat scheduled departure time for my bike tour around the United States. Since my last post on the trip, many different things have taken place.
Much of the progress has come in the form of equipment. A shopping spree on MEC's website eventually led to a smattering of new bags, sleeping/camping equipment and some new bike tools. When I'm finally ready to go I'll post a detailed list/photos of all the equipment I'll be bringing along. By far the most important investment in the past few weeks has been the purchase of a new, custom-built touring bike. I was exceptionally lucky to receive some gifts for convocation that allow me to purchase the new bike.
The bike is a Surly Long Haul Trucker, widely regarded as one of the top touring bikes on the market. After talking to a few friends about theirs, I elected to purchase it from a shop in Cambridge, Ontario called Cycle Cambridge. After providing my measurements, the folks at Cycle Cambridge will take the LHT frame and build it to my sizing with custom parts specific to my needs on the trip. For example, many of the parts will be high quality mountain bike parts, making durability and repairability a priority. I'm not going to pretend to know what makes all the different parts brands better than others, but I'll post a list of everything once I pick up the bike -- which is currently being built.
The route has endured a few changes. Rather than going from Winnipeg to Utah and up to Vancouver, I've elected to just go straight to Vancouver. There are two reasons for this: 1) prevailing winds will make travelling westward longer than is typical and 2) I'd like to beat the weather. I figure once I'm passed the Rockies, I'll be much safer weather wise. I will likely take the less-travelled Crowsnest Highway through southern BC as opposed to Highway #1, largely because I've already driven #1 and would like to see some other spots. If anyone is familiar with BC and some good sites, please let me know. I've already been told to check out the San Juan Islands just off Vancouver Island, although they're technically part of Washington.
The other possible route change might be more major and is one I have been mulling about in my head. I am nervous that come early-mid March, the weather along the Eastern Seaboard of the USA might be less than stellar. What may very well occur is that the trip might have to end around there, in one of the Carolinas. It can still get pretty chilly in the spring on the Atlantic. Of course, it is a long way off, but something I've been thinking about.
In other news, it looks as though Winnipeg will have to wait at least one more year until they get an NHL team, which means I'll get to make a stopover in Phoenix to watch a cheap Jets game. I'll be one of nine fans there. Seeing sports games will be a priority for me during this trip, especially ones in the southern US when the weather is nice. My dad often talks about travelling around the US when he was younger and seeing tons of MLB and NFL games, although tickets were far more affordable back then. Maybe I'll get to see Bosh, Wade (& Lebron?) in Miami when I swing by?
One aspect of the trip I am halfheartedly looking forward to is going to the Gulf Coast. It will still be an awesome spectacle, but for all the wrong reasons. What was once pristine natural land will now be oiled from the BP spill. This in itself will be a sight to see, but a truly sad one. One can only hope the area has had some chance to recover.
The notion that the trip is happening has been growing on my family, some of which have been less than enthusiastic. However, the benefits of the trip are starting to headline their thoughts of it, as opposed to all of the unlikely, yet possible, risks. There is even talk of my meeting up with my parents somewhere down south for their now-annual winter vacation. That would certainly be a treat.
As the date gets closer I will have to plan more carefully and look at specific routes. In chatting with a friend today, he suggested I start making a plethora of Google Map routes complete with documents on accomodations, attractions, roads, food and other things. I'll certainly start looking into that.
On a blogospheric note, I am trying to get the Winnipeg Free Press to host my blog posts on the trip, so it would be located both here and on that site. The most recent thing I've heard is that they are considering it, but could provide no money for it. I will have to rely on the earnings from this blog to get me through the trip. If only Tim would up my allowance...
Once I get closer to the departure date, I will try to provide as financially transparent a blog as possible. People tend to think money matters are taboo, but for others thinking about doing a trip like this, I think it would be extremely helpful to know how much it really costs. Plus, it will help me keep track of my own expenses.
Some people have asked me about training for the trip. I ride my bike almost everywhere I go and am already in very good shape. Later this month I will be making a few weekend bike tours around parts of Ontario and some in Manitoba when I arrive. I already know I can go at least 150 km in a day without killing myself from rides I've previously done, on a loaded mountain bike no less. But my approach will be to 'train as I go', perhaps going farther each day as I get used to the distances and the lifestyle. I'm sure there are far more rigid training regimens for a trip of this nature, but I hate training, so we'll see how it goes.
Much of the progress has come in the form of equipment. A shopping spree on MEC's website eventually led to a smattering of new bags, sleeping/camping equipment and some new bike tools. When I'm finally ready to go I'll post a detailed list/photos of all the equipment I'll be bringing along. By far the most important investment in the past few weeks has been the purchase of a new, custom-built touring bike. I was exceptionally lucky to receive some gifts for convocation that allow me to purchase the new bike.
The bike is a Surly Long Haul Trucker, widely regarded as one of the top touring bikes on the market. After talking to a few friends about theirs, I elected to purchase it from a shop in Cambridge, Ontario called Cycle Cambridge. After providing my measurements, the folks at Cycle Cambridge will take the LHT frame and build it to my sizing with custom parts specific to my needs on the trip. For example, many of the parts will be high quality mountain bike parts, making durability and repairability a priority. I'm not going to pretend to know what makes all the different parts brands better than others, but I'll post a list of everything once I pick up the bike -- which is currently being built.
The route has endured a few changes. Rather than going from Winnipeg to Utah and up to Vancouver, I've elected to just go straight to Vancouver. There are two reasons for this: 1) prevailing winds will make travelling westward longer than is typical and 2) I'd like to beat the weather. I figure once I'm passed the Rockies, I'll be much safer weather wise. I will likely take the less-travelled Crowsnest Highway through southern BC as opposed to Highway #1, largely because I've already driven #1 and would like to see some other spots. If anyone is familiar with BC and some good sites, please let me know. I've already been told to check out the San Juan Islands just off Vancouver Island, although they're technically part of Washington.
The other possible route change might be more major and is one I have been mulling about in my head. I am nervous that come early-mid March, the weather along the Eastern Seaboard of the USA might be less than stellar. What may very well occur is that the trip might have to end around there, in one of the Carolinas. It can still get pretty chilly in the spring on the Atlantic. Of course, it is a long way off, but something I've been thinking about.
In other news, it looks as though Winnipeg will have to wait at least one more year until they get an NHL team, which means I'll get to make a stopover in Phoenix to watch a cheap Jets game. I'll be one of nine fans there. Seeing sports games will be a priority for me during this trip, especially ones in the southern US when the weather is nice. My dad often talks about travelling around the US when he was younger and seeing tons of MLB and NFL games, although tickets were far more affordable back then. Maybe I'll get to see Bosh, Wade (& Lebron?) in Miami when I swing by?
One aspect of the trip I am halfheartedly looking forward to is going to the Gulf Coast. It will still be an awesome spectacle, but for all the wrong reasons. What was once pristine natural land will now be oiled from the BP spill. This in itself will be a sight to see, but a truly sad one. One can only hope the area has had some chance to recover.
The notion that the trip is happening has been growing on my family, some of which have been less than enthusiastic. However, the benefits of the trip are starting to headline their thoughts of it, as opposed to all of the unlikely, yet possible, risks. There is even talk of my meeting up with my parents somewhere down south for their now-annual winter vacation. That would certainly be a treat.
As the date gets closer I will have to plan more carefully and look at specific routes. In chatting with a friend today, he suggested I start making a plethora of Google Map routes complete with documents on accomodations, attractions, roads, food and other things. I'll certainly start looking into that.
On a blogospheric note, I am trying to get the Winnipeg Free Press to host my blog posts on the trip, so it would be located both here and on that site. The most recent thing I've heard is that they are considering it, but could provide no money for it. I will have to rely on the earnings from this blog to get me through the trip. If only Tim would up my allowance...
Once I get closer to the departure date, I will try to provide as financially transparent a blog as possible. People tend to think money matters are taboo, but for others thinking about doing a trip like this, I think it would be extremely helpful to know how much it really costs. Plus, it will help me keep track of my own expenses.
Some people have asked me about training for the trip. I ride my bike almost everywhere I go and am already in very good shape. Later this month I will be making a few weekend bike tours around parts of Ontario and some in Manitoba when I arrive. I already know I can go at least 150 km in a day without killing myself from rides I've previously done, on a loaded mountain bike no less. But my approach will be to 'train as I go', perhaps going farther each day as I get used to the distances and the lifestyle. I'm sure there are far more rigid training regimens for a trip of this nature, but I hate training, so we'll see how it goes.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Chris' Bike Trip: Introduction...
Tim and I have just graduated. Although Convocation isn't for another month or so, our grades have come in and we have completed what we need to formally graduate, barring, of course, any outlandish events in the meantime. Come September, we will have to do something else with our lives. Tim is off to do a Master's degree at UBC in Vancouver. I on the other hand have decided to take a year off from school. While I mulled about with different ideas and opportunities for the year, I have recently decided that I will spend 8-10 months on a bike trip through parts of Canada and the USA.
My intention is to keep an online record of the trip and while there are several bike-specific sites for this, I think it'd be appropriate to use EnviroBoys to keep this record. So, for the next few months you will likely see a handful of posts documenting the preparation of the trip and at some point in September, once I'm on the road, I will try to post as often as possible.
I have spent several months thinking of different routes to take. Choosing to do something more continental, I eventually settled on doing in something in Canada and the USA. Although routes through Mexico and much of Central America certainly interested me, a combination of inexperience, not wanting to ride through too much desert and most importantly, an extremely concerned legion of family and friends, led me to drop those regions from the trip.
Although specific details of the route are yet to be decided -- and much will likely be left to my discretion on the trip -- a general route has been laid out. I will be leaving from Winnipeg and travelling towards Salt Lake City, Utah, then moving northwest up to Vancouver and Victoria, BC. I will then travel southbound along the beautiful Pacific coast before venturing to the deserts of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The next leg of the tour will take me to the South in through Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana and down into Florida before swinging back up the eastern seaboard, ultimately back into Canada as far as Newfoundland. In total, the trip will take approximately 20,000 km and will likely last well over 250 days.
View Larger Map
The map above provides a general outline of the route, although certainly not specific as it simply follows the interstates and common highways, which are not particularly conducive to cycling.
At this point, it is a solo trip, although I'd be more than happy to travel with someone else along the way, or even for different legs of the trip. I will be riding on a Norco Bushpilot mountain bike that I'm converting to make tourable by adding racks, new tires etc. I have some equipment already, but will have to invest in much more, which I will include in later posts. I will bring a tent, sleeping bag and other necessary camping equipment, as frugality will be of the utmost importance on the trip.
Many people have asked me why I want to do this. In my opinion, there is no better way to see the world. It is slow enough to effectively visit places and fast enough to see lots of places. Plus, it'll be a good workout.
My intention is to keep an online record of the trip and while there are several bike-specific sites for this, I think it'd be appropriate to use EnviroBoys to keep this record. So, for the next few months you will likely see a handful of posts documenting the preparation of the trip and at some point in September, once I'm on the road, I will try to post as often as possible.
I have spent several months thinking of different routes to take. Choosing to do something more continental, I eventually settled on doing in something in Canada and the USA. Although routes through Mexico and much of Central America certainly interested me, a combination of inexperience, not wanting to ride through too much desert and most importantly, an extremely concerned legion of family and friends, led me to drop those regions from the trip.
Although specific details of the route are yet to be decided -- and much will likely be left to my discretion on the trip -- a general route has been laid out. I will be leaving from Winnipeg and travelling towards Salt Lake City, Utah, then moving northwest up to Vancouver and Victoria, BC. I will then travel southbound along the beautiful Pacific coast before venturing to the deserts of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The next leg of the tour will take me to the South in through Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana and down into Florida before swinging back up the eastern seaboard, ultimately back into Canada as far as Newfoundland. In total, the trip will take approximately 20,000 km and will likely last well over 250 days.
View Larger Map
The map above provides a general outline of the route, although certainly not specific as it simply follows the interstates and common highways, which are not particularly conducive to cycling.
At this point, it is a solo trip, although I'd be more than happy to travel with someone else along the way, or even for different legs of the trip. I will be riding on a Norco Bushpilot mountain bike that I'm converting to make tourable by adding racks, new tires etc. I have some equipment already, but will have to invest in much more, which I will include in later posts. I will bring a tent, sleeping bag and other necessary camping equipment, as frugality will be of the utmost importance on the trip.
Many people have asked me why I want to do this. In my opinion, there is no better way to see the world. It is slow enough to effectively visit places and fast enough to see lots of places. Plus, it'll be a good workout.
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