FAQ
Who is organizing this?Why a bike ride?
What if I'm an inexperienced cyclist?
How will we get back home?
Will there be support vehicles?
Can I just ride for a section of the trip?
What route will we take to D.C.?
Sponsors
Training & Preparation:
Training
Ask almost any bike shop pro what you should be doing to get in shape for long distance touring and they'll tell you first that there's not much you can do and second, that you should be out riding and that's the truth of it. That said, there are some things you can do to get yourself in shape, whether you'll be riding for a few days or a few months.
If you think you'll never be able to bike for months, weeks or days at a time or that you're not an avid cyclist with a closet full of spandex, set those worries aside and get on the bike. If you're not already biking as much as you can in your everyday life, start doing so. Trips around campus or your neighborhood or trips to the grocery store or restaurants are all worthy candidates and can help get you mentally prepared for life on a bike.
For those who are in decent shape and riding somewhat often, continue doing that. Also keep in mind that cycling shape is different than being in shape for other athletics, so don't brush off riding in favor of a few sprints around the track. In the months preceding the big ride, work yourself up to longer and longer trips until you can ride at least 50 miles fairly comfortably. In the month before the ride, go on several trips of 40-50 miles, making sure to load your panniers full to get used to the feel of added weight. This training will help you to not self destruct on the road, but the only thing that can truly prepare you for long touring is long touring and you'll acclimate to a sore butt and tired legs as the trip progresses. Also, make sure to get out of the city. The majority of the ride will be outside city limits and you should get used to this constant pedaling.
If you have little training and aren't in the best of shape, start earlier and work your way into general good shape so that several months prior to the ride you can start ramping up to a full training schedule, including several 50 mile rides.
Training rides can also be a great recruitment and bonding opportunity, a chance to showcase the good vibes emanating from your bike and gather more people into your local groups.
Choosing a bike:
There are many different options when choosing a touring bike. If you're riding with a support vehicle and carrying little to no weight, a traditional road bike will suffice. But for those carrying loaded panniers, you'll need a strong, solid bike that can support the weight and safely transport you across the country. Your best bet is to contact your local bike shops and ask them what they have in the way of touring bikes. Craigslist is always an option if you know what you're looking for. If you're looking to convert a bike you already have into a touring bike, this can be done as well. Conversions are most common with mountain bikes and again, you should contact your local bike shop for pointers.
Some common touring bikes are the Trek 520, the Bianchi Volpe and the Surly Long Haul Trucker. For a complete list of touring bikes, visit one of our donors, Adventure Cycling. They also have a detailed explanation of all things bicycle touring, here. Beyond investing in a good bike there are several other necessary items you will need.
Other Gear:
1. A good saddle (seat). You will be spending a lot of time sitting on your bike
saddle so invest in something comfortable. Ask a bike shop attendant to help
you pick out the best one for you. I rode cross-country on the stock seat and
while I made it, I heavily regretted not spending a little extra on a good seat.
2. Buy a good sturdy bike pump, a patch kit, spare tubes and spare spokes.
3. Get a good helmet. If your helmet has ever been in an accident it's no longer good. This thing can save your life.
4. Invest in good panniers (saddle bags). These can seem a little pricey, but they often times come with long warranties. Ortlieb is a very popular brand. These are waterproof, come with a lifetime guarantee and are virtually indestructible. They are also surprisingly large. You will need a solid bike rack to attach them to. Depending on how much gear you are planning to bring, you may need front and back panniers. Another option for carrying gear is to attach a trailer. This is an option if you are planning to carry extra gear.
5. Buy front and back lights. There won't be much night riding, but they are important to have just in case and for dusk riding.
6. Buy a good bike repair tool. This can be the most basic version or something more complex. It will have the basic tools needed to do most minor repairs on the road.
7. Bring along a knife, can opener, spoon and fork. Mmmm, spaghettios.
8. Bring along a book or two. These can add to your total weight so stay away from hardcover behemoths and remember you can always stop for more along the way.
9. A bike computer, while not absolutely necessary, comes in very handy for calculating distance in relation to the map as well as calculating average mph.
10. Two water bottles as well as an extra store such as a camel back.
Clothing:
1. Cotton is not your friend. Buy a few good pairs of riding shorts and bring along breathable clothing. You don't need to buy really expensive clothing. An old sports jersey will do just fine. Remember that visibility is important and go for bright clothing.
2. You have two options when it comes to shoes. You can either be clipped in, or out. Clipped in (actually referred to as clipless for some reason) means that you wear special shoes that clip onto your pedals, in effect, attaching you to your bike. The other option is getting bucket straps attached to your pedals and wearing sneakers. There are advantages to both options and it generally comes down to personal preference.
3. Bike gloves will be necessary if you want to avoid blisters and sore fingers.
4. Sunglasses are a must.
5. Plan for all types of weather. Bring rain gear and warm and cold clothing.
Rules of the road:
1. You will pick a "bike buddy" to ride within a close proximity of at all times. This person should bike at a relativly similar speed to you. Between the two of you, you must carry a bike pump as well as a minimum of two spare tire tubes, two spare spokes and a cell phone.
2. Each team will have a designated leader to guide the group as well as handle any disputes that may arise. This person should be comfortable with directions and reading a map.
