hi guys, my transam starts in 8 weeks, longest tour i've attempted, loads to do before i fly out terminal 5 on May 8, will be following the AC route along with countless others i suspect. One question, my drivetrain/chain is 2500 miles old, should i replace the chain now, or take a new and swap them over? and i read somehere about shallow cleats , cant find it on here, anyone any knowledge of these? Time has gone by so fast since this idea of mine created 18 mths ago. Mad!
transam 2012
- Thread starter albal
- Start date
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vernon
Harder than Ronnie Pickering
- Location
- Meanwood, Leeds
If a new chain will last for the entire ride it would make sense to fit it before you leave.
Shallow cleats? I have no idea what they are.
Shallow cleats? I have no idea what they are.
watched a full lenght film on the trans am on vimeo really good and man what a tough trip epic stuff.
all those guys travelled very light bivi bags sleeping anywhere http://veevr.com/videos/jcJg2csn.
anyway heres the link enjoy.
all those guys travelled very light bivi bags sleeping anywhere http://veevr.com/videos/jcJg2csn.
anyway heres the link enjoy.
Shanecycles
Regular
I would make sure your bike is ready to go, you don't to be looking for bike parts between Rawlings and Illinois.
If you get bored in the last weeks and haven't read enough blogs yet
http://www.shanecycles.com/coast2coast/
Have fun, and don't be afraid to get off the tourist trail....
If you get bored in the last weeks and haven't read enough blogs yet
http://www.shanecycles.com/coast2coast/Have fun, and don't be afraid to get off the tourist trail....
First off congrats on your choice of ride, I completed the trip last year following the same route. You are in for a treat. I towed a BOB and found it ok but did find it pulling me on the up hills. As for chain sets I went through two set because changing the rear cassette goes hand in hand with the chain. I had my mountin bike shoes the entire time and the cleats are quite deep but shallow or deep should not make a real difference. I'm also from the UK so would love to know how you get on. Beware of the dogs in Kentucky carrying pepper spray is a must. Ride safe, any questions please ask :-)
Simon_m
Guru
Will look out for it. Only about 60odd days before the flight out. Luckily got a Van assit' so no heavy bags to carry! 
Just me and my bike.
http://webm8transamerica.blogspot.com/
Just me and my bike.http://webm8transamerica.blogspot.com/
Sorry for late replies .. work doh! ... Simon_m I am starting with 2 other 'strangers' , so whether i stay with them or them me is unknown. Not running a blog as such, but will update via FB/Twitter .i'll leave a card at the cookie house, It ll have a lorry on it! Most of my training is mental, done a few tours in the past, the bike is in the lbs now , should be ok for 4200m after it comes out. As for the route , we are following the official transam route set by aca. Sparks__ Thanks for the advice, dogs is a worry for 1 of our'team', sound s like he got the spray and a whistle.My cleats on the stelvio's (shoes)are a little high, thats why i requested info on these shallow cleats around i just can't remember the name of them!
Simon_m
Guru
A bit late, but good luck with your trip and flight out today. Will look out for your card, not sure when we arrive there, might have overtaken you by then 
lol. I've got to wait till thursday 17th before my flight out. Weather in Williamsburg is looking great too! better then here. Take it easy
lol. I've got to wait till thursday 17th before my flight out. Weather in Williamsburg is looking great too! better then here. Take it easy
BigonaBianchi
Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
- Location
- Iskele TRNC & Mordor UK
i'm interested in doing this, thinking this time next year. I'd be interested in any info/costs/blogs/gear/routes etc you guys can post up here when you get a chance. Bon voyage.
I took a look here at maps...for the trans am route. I thought I'd go east to west simply because my head tells me thats more logical as thats how the west was one !
Erm...thats one heck of a lot of maps to be carrying..heavy...I still have a garmin gps 60 but dont have the usa maps installed only european...how are you guys navigating? Buying maps as you go and discarding th eold ones?
I took a look here at maps...for the trans am route. I thought I'd go east to west simply because my head tells me thats more logical as thats how the west was one !
Erm...thats one heck of a lot of maps to be carrying..heavy...I still have a garmin gps 60 but dont have the usa maps installed only european...how are you guys navigating? Buying maps as you go and discarding th eold ones?
Simon_m
Guru
Do it do it. On my blog I've listed the other blogs which I read before deciding on going. They make for good reading and convince you its a great thing to do - hopefully. There are lots of tours and I think it depends on what you want to see and do. you may want to go north to south, or along the northern tier, middle transam or southern tier.
E - W is best lol. Better weather by the time you hit the rockeys too.
the maps are not too heavy. you can always have drop off points and post them to boxes along the way. Are you going to cycle it solo or with a group, or with a tour?
E - W is best lol. Better weather by the time you hit the rockeys too.
the maps are not too heavy. you can always have drop off points and post them to boxes along the way. Are you going to cycle it solo or with a group, or with a tour?
