On Your Way (Unsupported Ride)

An unsupported ride means you’re completely on your own. You plan your own route, set your own pace, carry all your own gear, and figure out your own food and lodging. You are a self-contained unit, traveling either with panniers or pulling a trailer. Some little gems of advice from seasoned cross-country riders include:

• Think of your ride as a series of day trips, rather than one gigantic, marathon trip.
• Never underestimate the kindness of strangers.
• Plan to spend between two and three months on the road.
• Hone your traffic and safety skills before embarking on your ride.
• Train, train, and train some more.
• Save money by staying with friends or finding places to camp for free.

Planning Your Route

Planning your own route allows you the freedom to visit friends or points of interest along the way. But if you want to ride what Outside magazine called “the ultimate bicycle tour,” go to Adventure Cycling to find the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail Map. The 4,255-mile trail was created in 1976, and the map points out where bicycles are allowed, which towns offer lodging, where to find campsites, and more.

• TransAmerica Bicycle Trail Map Set – $99 (members); $135 (non-members)
• 1 year membership to the Adventure Cycling Association – $35

Camping vs. Hotels

The key to a successful ride is flexibility and compromise. Not all stops will have a campsite, and not all stops will have hotels. You may be halted by a torrential downpour or hailstorm, or you may feel energized and want to skip your scheduled stop and ride another ten or twenty miles. Whatever the reason, it’s good to have backup plans of sleeping bag and tent, as well as credit or debit card.

Panniers vs. Trailer

There are pros and cons to both panniers and trailers, but generally, it’s a matter of personal taste. Some people use both.

Panniers are compact, easy to organize, and you can often access the front panniers while riding. They make for a smooth, compact, but sometimes awkward ride, and carrying the weight can take some getting used to. You need a touring bike frame to accommodate the pannier racks, and depending on your set up, removing panniers for the night or for a quick ride around town can be a nuisance. The added weight causes tires to wear out sooner, and when changing a flat, panniers sometimes get in the way. Be sure your panniers are extremely sturdy and completely waterproof. Cost: $125 to $275 per pair.