2017 USA Cycling

The objective of this expedition was to complete an Atlantic coast to Pacific coast unsupported solo crossing of the US by bike, and to build cycling experience from embarking on such an endeavour. The journey was undertaken by a student who was attempting their longest cycling expedition to date.

The cycling crossing took place from early July to mid October 2017 and covered 4,000 miles, and 4 time zones, from Washington DC in the east, to Cape Flattery in Washington State on the west coast. Up to 80% of the route would follow the TransAm road cycle trail, and care was required for parts of the journey in respect of black and grizzly bears.

For the first part of the journey in Virginia, the trail followed the Appalachia Trail and the Shenandoah Valley, before progressing into Kentucky State, then into Illinois, before heading into Missouri where the Mississippi River was crossed. The journey continued into Kansas where the student managed to cover 120 miles in one day and observed a total solar eclipse, before heading into Colorado for a few days’ rest. The cycling in Colorado then involved a 2,000m climb which included 12 miles of switchbacks which the student found to be the most difficult part of the expedition. It was then onto Wyoming to cycle through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. At this point it started snowing heavily, however the climate became warmer following the descent into Idaho, and then onto Washington State for the cycle to Seattle. From there it took 3 days to cycle to Cape Flattery.

During the journey the student camped, stayed at hosts listed on WarmShowers.org, cycle hostels, and, for small donations, churches. Cycling was endured in heavy snow, temperatures up to 38^oC and 98% humidity, and during a lightning storm where the rain was so heavy that it knocked out one of the student’s contact lenses. Saddle sores was also an issue, as well as encountering fog covered hills and being run off the road by a truck.

Bike components that required replacing during the trip included 3 chains, 1 set of front brake pads, 1 rear tyre, 1 rear cassette, and 1 bottom bracket, whilst repairs were required to a pannier and a tent pole. There was also an issue with the bike’s gears. Further problems included being chased by domesticated dogs on several occasions and dealing with mosquitos.