Starting on May 24th I plan to cross the USA by bicycle. What will I see/do/experience on the way?
Starting Cannon Beach OR, finishing in Virginia (probably).
Route: https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/transamerica-trail/
Update 2025-05-26 (PST) (AI summary of creator comment): Regarding a sunburn event for resolution purposes:
A sunburn obtained before the official start of the trip does not count.
To count, the creator must get re-sunburned or worse-sunburned during the trip.
Update 2025-05-29 (PST) (AI summary of creator comment): Regarding a dog event for resolution purposes:
The dog must be able to reach the creator.
A dog chasing the creator from within a fenced-off property, where it cannot reach the creator, does not count.
Update 2025-05-29 (PST) (AI summary of creator comment): Regarding a specific event discussed with a user (see linked comment for full context):
The creator determined an instance of this event was 'not quite close enough to count' for resolution purposes.
This implies that for certain events, a proximity threshold is a criterion for resolution.
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by the way, I'm posting some updates and pics on my tweeter: https://x.com/draaglom?t=mtuZTJpkh3Ax59czceYueA&s=09
@draaglom hell of a time to start out - it's been pretty warm down here the last couple of days! I was in Ashland last night and it wasn't the most pleasant for walking around (but maybe because I came from Seattle where it was ~15C cooler until now lol)
@shankypanky yeah, I wonder in retrospect if spring isn't a better time! today was 'cool' relatively and it was still Too Much
hey folks! 2 days in update
Bike made it on the flight almost in one piece! The rear derailleur hanger got a bit busted but was an easy fix
Cannon Beach OR is nice! It has a big rock with puffins and murrs. I got to watch a couple of bald eagles waltz in for their dinner as easy as picking up groceries!
Biked ~100 mi so far as of EOD 2. Slightly under pace for the trip over all but I'm intentionally taking it a little easy.
Some of the hills along the Oregon Coast were brutal. The views almost made up for it though!
Top speed: 31mph
Most daily calories: c. 3500-4k
I'm already sunburned but it happened before I officially set off, so uh I'll wait until I'm re- or worse-sunburned to resolve. I am very white so this might not take long
@draaglom I'm interested in seeing your packing list and photos of your setup. (Seems very related to this question)
## Kit list
### Bike equipment
- Spare tubes x2
- Spare chain links
- chain tool
- Puncture repair kit
- Chain lube
- Pump
- Multitool
- Bike computer
- Front/rear lights
- Lock (D lock + cable)
- Rear panniers x2
- Mini handlebar bag
- Left mirror
- Bottle x2
- Helmet
- extra spokes x2
- spoke wrench
### Bike clothes
- Bike shorts x2
- High vis bike shirt x2
- Long sleeve bike shirt/jacket x1
- Warm waterproof gloves
### Camp stuff
- Compass
- Water filter
- Spork
- Headlamp
- Bear spray
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Roll matt
- clothesline
- Portable cook set
- Propane tank mini
## Medicines and consumables
- Suncream
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Shaving foam
- Toothpaste
- Razor
- wet wipes
- bug spray
Are you planning on carrying a spare chain + stretch measurement tool? I'd probably plan to start with a new chain and replace it halfway through, unless you'll be stopping at bike shops to measure the stretch periodically (which is probably the Right Way but $$). If you get as far as the chain breaking its likely you've worn the cassette down unnecessarily. (Maybe you know all this, I'm just surprised to see this option so high)
@fwbt I'm also surprised this is so high! Fwiw I just changed my cassette and chain, if that influences bettors.
@Eliza forgive me if I'm taking this more literally than you mean it, but if you're somewhere close to the route, do say hi!
@musuko384 yup! I thought about doing it for charity or something but idk felt like too much pressure