Towing a cargo trailer will make your bike feel lighter and easier to ride. Trailers have a larger carrying capacity than panniers, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your traveling style and weight limits. A definite plus is that a trailer is simple to detach from your bike, making unencumbered side trips easy. On the flip side, while traveling, you will be almost twice the length of your bike, making it hard to park and very tricky to make tight turns. However, if the bike frame you plan to use can’t accommodate panniers, then a trailer is the way to go. Cost: $200 to $500.

Total Trip Cost for an unsupported biking tour across the united states is around $2,500 to $6,500 (depending on number of days and type of lodging).

On Your Way (Partially Supported Ride)

This ride combines support with self-sufficiency. This is a group ride, with one or more leaders, but you will carry all your own gear, either in panniers or pulling a trailer. The route and stops are pre-arranged. You will be camping each night, and riders share cooking and clean-up responsibilities.

Total Trip Cost for a partially supported biking tour across the united states is around $4,250..

On Your Way (Supported Ride)

There are lots of supported ride experiences and tour companies to choose from, and many offer unique routes, emphasis, or interest. Here are just a few examples:

• Rides that emphasize speed (from San Francisco to Portsmouth, NH in 25 days).
• Rides that feature a northern, central, or southern route.
• Rides that feature national parks and lots of sightseeing.
• Rides that use camping facilities each night.
• Rides that use motel/hotel facilities each night.
• Long and leisurely rides ( 4,700 miles, 92 days)
• Short and strenuous rides (1,767 miles, 25 days)

Total Trip Cost for a fully supported biking tour across the united states is around $5,100 to $8,600 (double occupancy if staying in hotels)..

What supported rides all have in common is that your route is pre-arranged by the company, and the trip will start and end on specific dates. Most include meals, and most companies emphasize the high quality of their food. Depending on the program and the cost, you will camp, stay in motels, or a combination of the two. You will be able to shower each night, and there will be group meetings each evening. The biggest difference between a supported and unsupported trip, of course, is that you don’t have to carry your own gear. You carry what you’ll need during the day, and the tour company transports your luggage to the next stop for you. Professional mechanics are often available on supported tours (sometimes for an extra charge), as well as a support vehicle in case of emergencies.

Go For It!

Obviously, a cross-country bike ride is a serious undertaking. But if bicycle riding is your thing, the idea intrigues you, and you have the time, money, and determination to train adequately, give it a try! It’s a great way to see the country, and those who have done the ride are constantly inspired by the friendliness and generosity of the people they meet along the way. You will make new friends, have some wild adventures, and discover things about yourself that just might change your life.