How to Plan a Cross Country Bicycle Trip

Planning a cross country bike trip will consist of a variety of choices that you'll need to make prior to setting out. That can seem like a daunting task to some, but with a little bit of planning and the answer to some simple questions, you can plan the perfect cross country trip for you.

Instructions

1. Sit down and decide what states or cities are must-see destinations on your trip. You may be surprised to find this list is long enough to map out a great deal of the trip for you by simply connecting the dots. Use maps specifically for biking as they show not only the best routes, but also things like bike shops and motels.

2. Decide how many miles you can realistically cover in one day. Take into consideration that you'll likely be sore after a few days of riding and need to schedule longer breaks in order to enjoy your trip. Make sure you're in good physical shape and have a thorough check-up before setting out.

3. Research rest areas and accommodations in the appropriate areas on your trip. Having that information ahead of time will make your cross country trip more enjoyable and less stressful. If you're planning on camping out, locate the appropriate camp grounds as well.

4. Consider safety, especially if you plan on making the trip alone. Make sure you leave an itinerary and telephone numbers with more than one person back home, and check in on a scheduled basis. That way if something does go wrong, friends or family know where to send help.

5. Build in extra days for the times when you decide you want to explore a local area further or for when you hit bad weather. While you may not mind traveling through the occasional rainstorm, traveling open highways during electrical storms or in hail storms is simply not safe.

6. Live in the moment. Once you begin your trip, take the time to enjoy your surroundings rather than worrying about how you're going to get through the longest route you've planned or how you'll ever manage to make it through the hottest temperatures. Focus on the immediate ride and enjoy every minute of it.

7. Take pictures of your cross country trip at every opportunity. You'll be thrilled to have those pictures to trigger memories of such a momentous occasion and everyone back home will be happy to share your adventure through them as well.