A Cross-Country Adventure

[bikerHen]

Hi, I'm in Spokane. Would be happy to meet and do what I can to help. I'd offer you a nights lodging too, but my dogs don't play well with others. If you need ANY information on anything in the area, just let me know. bikerHen

[Flybye]

Is it this route?
http://www.adv-cycling.org/routes/northerntier.cfm

[redrhodie]

Wow, it sounds to me like you could easily get lots and lots of snow on that route at that time of year. Will that hold you up, or are you thinking you'll be able to ride through it? Where are you thinking you'll spend nights?

You mention "dog accomodations". What is this? The trailer? Will the dog be sleeping in it in North Dakota or Minnesota in winter? I'm around a dog who doesn't like to go outside if there's dew on the grass, so I can't imagine he'd be happy on this trip, and he's a husky.

[a_musinglife]

Yep! That is the correct route. I am pretty excited about it. I have thought this through, and planned, but probably have missed some things.

I notice some concern about the snow and weather. I guess I said Fall and really I will be leaving in late Summer. Since I lived in Wisconsin and biked my bu** off all year round for 15 years, and I should hit the Midwest in September, I assume from experience that early Fall in the Midwest won't be naught but cold rain and some lovely crisp clear weather.

East Coast in October is also cold, rainy and clear with lovely colors. Very rarely does it snow so early (although it could...).

I am less experienced about Upper New York and the Niagra Falls area, but this is where you all that live there can let me know. Does it really snow in September/October?

However, the least experienced part of my trip will be in the early part which will be in August and I really doubt there will be snow, though I am counting on a little of that good ol' Seattle rain. There will always be weather!

My dog is a Golden Retriever. She is a great dog and I look forward to this adventure with her. She has more training than I have had school (and that is saying something). My biggest challenge will be adding her poundage to my ride. I am practicing by pulling her behind me with my Raliegh 1972 3 speed. LOL! Instead of riding my lovely Waterford on weekends, I have been riding my 3speed with trailer and dog. My high-tech bike friends are looking at me like I have lost my mind. Any other training suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If I start training now I can certainly do it.

[Tuckervill]

A golden retriever! I'm impressed. That's a big dog!

So do you have any pictures of your set-up? (dog trailer or Bob or what?) I pulled my dog on the Katy Trail last month, but I used a baby trailer. (He only weighs 40 lbs...total weight of him and trailer, and very little gear was less than 100#.) I'm very curious about how you will carry a tent, clothes, etc., and the dog, too, in a trailer. Panniers?

Karen