Bike trip

BNcycle said:

Hi all. A friend of mine and I are dying to take a weeklong bike trip on the west coast. However, we haven't really done any planning, nor do we know how. What do we need? What suggestions do you have? We don't really want to spend much money, either. Thoughts?

Thanks!

How many miles? What kind of bikes do you have? How old are you?

Xsmoker said:

How many miles? What kind of bikes do you have? How old are you?

As many miles as we can handle, seeing as how we're in-shape, moderately skilled cyclists. I have a specialized transition tri-bike. My buddy sports a pretty big collection, altho I'm unsure as to the exact makes. He likes to build-up using spare parts, so his bikes tend to be pretty hard to label.

We're 22.

It's hard to plan a trip when you are unsure of the distance. First, make sure the bikes are in top condition then just carry a multi tool, patch kit and pump, maybe a spare tube or two.. A bivy sack for sleeping under the stars.
Light weight clothing and a poncho. Enough money for the laundromat, food and emergencies. Maps. As far as carrying the gear goes, you could use back-packs but that could get very uncomfortable.

A rack and panniers is the best way. If none of the bikes has eyelets to attach a rack you can buy a rack that clamps to the seatpost. I used one of these as well as a front rack that adapts to the front fork without eyelets. I did a trip to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks from western NY, over 300 miles in three days.

We had no budget constraints so we stayed in hotels. Ate well, slept well and relaxed in pools after long days in the saddle.

Try and keep the weight of your gear under 30 lbs. Remember to eat enough when you are riding, you will be burning 600 or more calories per hour while riding and those calories need to be replaced as you go. Shoot for 70% carbs and 30% protien. A huge breakfest works great to start the day. Four eggs, bacon, homefries, toast and juice.

Don't forget a camera.....

Xsmoker said:

It's hard to plan a trip when you are unsure of the distance. First, make sure the bikes are in top condition then just carry a multi tool, patch kit and pump, maybe a spare tube or two.. A bivy sack for sleeping under the stars.
Light weight clothing and a poncho. Enough money for the laundromat, food and emergencies. Maps. As far as carrying the gear goes, you could use back-packs but that could get very uncomfortable.

A rack and panniers is the best way. If none of the bikes has eyelets to attach a rack you can buy a rack that clamps to the seatpost. I used one of these as well as a front rack that adapts to the front fork without eyelets. I did a trip to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks from western NY, over 300 miles in three days.

We had no budget constraints so we stayed in hotels. Ate well, slept well and relaxed in pools after long days in the saddle.

Try and keep the weight of your gear under 30 lbs. Remember to eat enough when you are riding, you will be burning 600 or more calories per hour while riding and those calories need to be replaced as you go. Shoot for 70% carbs and 30% protien. A huge breakfest works great to start the day. Four eggs, bacon, homefries, toast and juice.

Don't forget a camera.....

I'm a vegetarian, but the rest sounds great... thanks so much for the tips!

Tents and granola bars. I'm just kidding. Well maybe tents and a few cheap motels. You'd need to plan the route. Think about your budget and go from there. I've seen bikers just take naps on a bench and do motels. Nap sacks, a little trailer, or some kind of storage on the bike.

If there are only 2 of you and you are both fit for a long ride, I would suggest you bring a tent and some implements for camping. You can spend the night in any place you wish like a park or even a resort. I've heard of Solvang in California that has a highway near the seaside. If you would pass by a place like that then that would be a good resting place for the night. At any rate, bring a pup tent is a compact and light that is easy to carry in your backpack.

You also have to consider what other activities you might be interested after the ride? It is a week long trip and it would be fun to have something else to do;Would you be dining out at a nearby restaurant and maybe have some drink?