Logistics

Solid: TransAmerica Trail  - Dotted: Still up in the air

 

So as far as my actual route goes, I'll be primarily following Adventure Cycling's TransAmerica trail. Originally I had intentions of starting in San Francisco and meeting the above route in Colorado via their Western Express route but opted against it in favor of the northern scenery. Nothing against the desert, the four corner region has by far some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen, but I've spent 2 of my last four summers in the area and haven't been to Montana/Wyoming for about a decade. Around Kentucky, I'm planning to break off of the established route, which ends in Virginia, and head up towards New Jersey using state road maps as I go.

The decision to go west to east was primarily one of convenience. Although ideally I'd like the west to be the great reward at the end of my ride, doing so would require me to make flight arrangements ahead of time putting a time limit on my tour or during the trip which would be complicated. Either way, I've read many a journal in which the tourist was underwhelmed upon finishing their route without anyone there to congratulate them and celebrate their achievement. Coming home will be nice in the fact that there will at least be people waiting for me.

I'm hoping to come back in killer shape. Assuming that I still want to even look at bikes once I come back, I will have an amazing set of base miles under my belt which should set me up quite nicely for collegiate mountain bike season and cyclocross. I have intentions of going to nationals for both disciplines as a collegiate competitor for Rutgers University. and wrecking.

Here are some numbers to compare for a before and after:
Weight: 164 lbs (Been building up my reserves for the tour)
Thigh: 22"
Calve: 14 1/2"
Belly: 31"