Long Trip

Observations from my cross country ride.

Rain gear is a must...even if it doesn't rain, it is good for wind protection. I brought 4 pairs of gloves...I used 3 of them. I brought tools, and string tire patches just in case, didn't use any of it, but it didn't take up much space. U.S. road atlas. didn't take a gps...my phone works as one, but I really didn't need it until I was in the cities I was staying. Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and most of Illinois were windy, the entire length of the states, this is where the rain gear came in very handy. Without it I was shivering, with it I was warm and toasty. I also had a balaclava (one of those neck warmer things that also has a thin layer over your head.
Base layers and warm socks are a must. If you are a skier at all, you already know this. I do not have heated gear, nor have I ever, and I don't see the need for it if you know how to layer, and it isn't below 35*. I wore ear plugs the whole way. I took them out for about 30 minutes and couldn't stand it. I have in helmet speakers for my ipod, music helps the miles pass by nicely. I found between 100 and 120 miles was about my limit. Had nothing to do with my seat, just figured it was a good resting point...plus I get hungry often.
I had to dodge tumble weeds across most of Nebraska...it was the weirdest experience ever.
Those huge air spoilers on the top of semis really make a difference in turbulence when they pass going the opposite direction. I found myself cursing the ones without.
The weather was not perfect, nor was it horrible. I ran into a little rain in Chicago, some hail about 30 miles outside of Cleveland, and more rain in Buffalo, and Syracuse. Nothing that stopped me, or made me uncomfortable, but then living in Portland you get used to riding in rain.


Over all the experience was good, probably wouldn't do it again, unless I had two to three weeks, but I would take a more southern route.