With the constant rise of gasoline costs here in New York, combined with an urge to move, I've been seriously considering moving down to Arizona in an unusual way. I want to try and bike from about 70 miles north of NYC to around Phoenix, AZ. Everyone I talk to seems to discourage it and say it's impossible.
Has anyone ever done a trip this long? I realize it will take a while, but it's something I'm really dead set upon doing. I'm not in the best of shape, and hopefully this will help.
I'm looking for all suggestions on what I can do. Anything from what type of bike I should look for, what I should pack, the estimated time it will take to bike to Arizona, what I should expect, what paths there are, and what I can do to prepare for this trip.
Do It. You can take any bike you want, but I'd suggest an old steel bike from the eighties, replace the crappy bits and put a 34 t cog on the rear. Then all you need are racks (front and rear, front or rear for light weight) You can buy food daily and eat at reasturants, or bring a light stove (you can make one out of a pepsi can) and a titanium pot. I am going to bring a smallish cast iron skillit so I can eat high callorie foods for cheap. Some people suggest bring something like a Harmonica, I'm bringing my mandolin. Then tools, or a multi tool, spare tire or tube, and that is pretty much it. (get the lightest tent, sleeping bag, pad...) Good luck, it is pretty simple stuff. there are other touring forums, one on this sight, one at bikeforums.net. Just browse the old topics and look for helpfull info. Enjoy, Ty Rilleau
