Cycling UK Forum

Hi guys,

I'm off to cycle the Southern Tier in November, from East to West.

I'll be using ACA maps, but won't be able to see one in the flesh until literally arriving in the States. So I wondered if anyone who has done it could help with a few questions:

Are bike shops fairly close by, or should I consider taking significant spares / tools?
Has anyone ever got across purely (or mainly) wild camping? What's access to subtle sites like? Do ACA maps help with locating any?
Is it likely that there'll be a lot of other cyclist doing the route at this time of year?

Cheers,
Dave

Long time reader first time poster, thanks for such a great resource.

- A question about security / safety too. Are there any specific areas along the way that feel unpleasantly sketchy and rough?

I'm planning to do the Southern Tier next year. I've already got the maps as I picked up a second hand set.

Bike Shops. There are long stretches, at least a couple of hundred miles in places with no bike shops. That said enough people drive pickups I think if you got a mechanical you couldn't fix you could hitch to a town with either a bike shop or a motel to get parts posted to. I'm planning on carrying my usual small toolkit with allen keys, screwdriver, chaintool, spare quicklink, spare SPD cleat, plenty puncture patches, and 3 spare tubes. From what I read the ST is particularly bad for punctures due due debris on freeway shoulders which the route follows in a few places (especially thin wires from shredded truck tyres) and from goathead thorns. Google goatheads if you haven't come across them before.

We went through every spare we had(keeping them to patch later that night). However, after all the new tubes were gone, we started patching what we had to try and make it. We had EIGHT, yes 8 flat tires today!!!!

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/pag ... 305178&v=7

Wild camping is supposed to be fairly easy in California Arizona and New Mexico but harder as you get further east. The ACA maps list camp sites. There are plenty accounts of ST tours on crazyguyonabike if you want to see how other people get on.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/cat ... pe=journal

As for security. Outside big towns America is pretty safe. On the ST I'd be careful on the sections close to the Mexican border.

Wild camping in the US is not that easy..even miles from anywhere you may still have a barbed wire fence to cross..and there is little cover in the desert..better to use firestations in small towns..most are run by volunteers and often have a bunkhouse and showers..Also ask at any church..they may let you sleep in the church hall ..talk to the local sheriff about camping in the local park...Also some schools janitors may well let you camp in school grounds..Most little town Americans are only to happy to help..Wish I was coming with you..I was going to ride it this winter but was caught but by the love of a good woman..

I rode the Southern Tier from East to West, in January and February of '05. Texas and New Mexico were bitterly cold but other states quite mild. I agree with all the comments above: wild camping is hard due to fences everywhere, but campsites are clearly marked on the ACA maps. I never had any security worries, but was offered the loan of a handgun in a diner in Texas... the locals seemed to think it was impossible to cross the state unarmed. I don't remember punctures being a particular issue and I loved riding in those big shoulder lanes - although the rumble groves could be a PITA sometimes. What else? Don't run over the remains of roadkill skunk - the smell sticks and is truly awful.

There weren't many cyclists around when I did the trip, I met less that a dozen tourers in 3000 miles. I don't know if it is any busier now, but your experience will be better if you are away from a regular cycling route. Americans are fabulous, hospitable people. Expect to be regularly offered food, support and a bed for the night. Enjoy!

Thanks guys, all really helpful. Really appreciate it.

It all starts in two days so check out the blog at http://www.vaguedirection.com. Gonna do Atlantic coast NYC - FL, then Southern Tier, then Pacific Coast into Canada and back to NYC.

Gonna be an adventure that's for sure!

Good luck! That sounds fantastic!

<jealous......>