Planning
Information on state parks in California can be found at: www.parks.ca.gov/
Information on national parks can be found at https://www.nps.gov/
The Adventure Cycling platform has mapped the most important cycle routes through the USA. Each map covers approx. 700 km of route and includes elevation profiles, partial stages (in kilometres and miles), tips for accommodation, food and bike shops. www.adventurecycling.org (The maps are sent to Germany within a few days. Contrary to the statement on their own website).
Tips
Pacific: Highway 1
If you drive the motorway from north to south, you'll have more fun! Because the wind almost always comes from the north.
It is advisable to go before the Easter holidays, after that the traffic gets very heavy and there are many motorhomes on the road. The coast is relatively expensive due to its popularity.
Desert: Joshua Tree, Moyave, Death Valley
There is very little or no water on certain sections. An additional water bag with 4-10 litres as a reservoir is a must.
The wind is a constant companion and the wind direction is unpredictable.
Starting at sunrise makes the first few hours bearable.
In the desert, temperatures can drop to 0 degrees at night. In spring, the thermometer rises to 40 degrees during the day. The route through the deserts should be planned before May due to the temperatures.
Drivers are very helpful in case of problems and are happy to help out with water.
Mountains: Zion / Grand Canyon
Many passes are still closed before April and it can still snow in April. Many campsites only open in April. The large national parks are very popular and the campsites are fully booked months in advance. Fortunately, many campsites have areas for spontaneous travellers that cannot be reserved. You can usually always find accommodation here.
Big cities / Highway:
There are only a few cycle paths in the big cities of the USA. Cycling is very strenuous due to the traffic. Turning left on a four-lane road quickly becomes a real challenge here.
Riding on the hard shoulder of the motorway is permitted and unavoidable. In some cases, the hard shoulder is even marked as a cycle path. Freeways, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs! Cyclists are not wanted here for good reason.
There are always signposted cycle paths that sometimes end abruptly.
Whoever came up with the signage was not a cyclist.
Truck drivers are unexpectedly considerate of cyclists. Motorhome drivers are dangerous, especially drivers of rented motorhomes often lack a sense of distance.
Overnight stay
Camping
Camping in state parks & national parks is highly recommended. Here you can camp in the midst of unforgettable nature.
Unfortunately, some state campsites do not have showers. But there is always water, a table, bench, fire pit and a barbecue!
There are "Bike & Hike" pitches in the Californian state parks. Here, bikers and hikers share a pitch, making them very cheap (5-15$) and also free if everything else is already occupied.
Commercial campsites are very well equipped but very expensive 25-50$ and full of huge motorhomes.
Motel & Air bnb
Cheap motels are everywhere and can be easily found via booking.com can be booked.
By the way: Americans take it for granted that you bring your bike into your hotel room. It's easy to get an upgrade so that everything fits in the room.
You can find crazy and cheap accommodation everywhere via Air bnb, but now often from commercial providers. www.airbnb.de
Bike transport
All airlines take bicycles, but unfortunately it is getting more and more expensive (tandem 200$ one way). Checking in is usually problem-free. A cardboard bicycle crate is available free of charge from any German bicycle shop.
Outdoor equipment in the USA
REI - is the equivalent of the German Globetrotter, is open 7 days a week and has everything!
Top 10 equipment
1st Lightweight down jacket from North Face - offers warmth and wind protection in any situation; very small pack size; also works as a pillow at night.
2nd merino cycling underwear from Rapha - absolutely odourless even after long periods of wear. Can also be worn as a T-shirt thanks to the design.
3. extra wheel hanger - very light and stable with excellent rolling characteristics. Important: fits in the bike crate!
4th tent Pioneer from the Berlin company Wechsel - light, robust, quick to pitch; small pack size, yet comfortable. Rainy days are very bearable here.
5. solar cell Nomad 7 from Goal Zero - provides enough power for all small devices; very robustly made.
6. freezer bags - perfect for packing everything; light and sturdy
7. panniers Meru/Tatonka - keep your panniers organised and make life much easier.
8. high performance cooker from Jetboil - very efficient, very small pack size Attention: small gas cartridges are not available everywhere!
9. cycle maps of Adventurecycling.org - Very good addition to the GPS; helps to keep track.
10. phone & data card from AT&T - very helpful when looking for a motel and for the weather report. The friendly staff in the shop will help you set it up. Attention: there is not network coverage everywhere!
The article was published in Trekkingbike issue 5/2016. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order it in the DK shop.
