As the title states, I am planning a cross-country trip heading West out of NYC. My job granted me a leave of absence for roughly 60 – 65 days and am trying to figure out the best way to complete this journey in the time given.
My initial thoughts would be to cycle out of Manhattan up to the Erie Canal trail via the Empire State Trail and ride that out to Buffalo and beyond (seeking to explore the [‘Parks, Peaks, and Prairies’](https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/interactive-network-map/) segment). Additionally, I’d ideally like to hit the Badlands and Yellowstone National Park, and find an optimal route that has me ending in San Francisco.
Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Is this an impossible task given the time constraints?
If it matters: I’m 29 M who rides roughly 70 – 100 miles a week.
by Longboarder95
2 Comments
I did Boston to Austin in a little over 30 days. Your proposed ride shouldn’t be too difficult to complete in that time.
Some advice: use satellite imaging to look at your route, especially when next to high speed sections. It may not be worth it if there isn’t a wide shoulder throughout most of it.
Put a camera on your helmet. Even if you don’t record it’ll make drivers more cautious around you if they think you may catch them doing something wrong.
Do not do too many long days in a row and let saddle sores heal before they get bad, otherwise future rides will be handicapped and the problem will snowball.
Don’t overpack on things like clothes or other items that will not make up for their weight with utility/use. I brought a hammock I used 2 and it weighed 3.5 lbs.
I used koomoot to navigate and I’m assuming you’ll be using some sort of cycling app. They’re good but don’t trust them 100%. Their routing can be flawed and the routes they send you down not worth the trouble. Use your own judgement
You might also post this on r/bicycletouring . Lots of pretty experienced folks over there who might have route/gear/etc. advice.