Figure-8 Tour (long)

[MomOnBike]

Thanks, all. I love all the enablers here.

Actually, I think the route is somewhat more than twice across the country. There's that little jaunt up the Mississippi, after all. I'm figuring the entire trip will clock in at about 8,000 miles. I'm probably off, but it's a number.

Thinking about this today, I realized that I've fallen in love with the idea of doing it in legs. Reason? Weather. I hate heat and humidity. I love the fall weather around here. I should start east about (looks at watch) NOW.

After that: Try to hit Wash. DC with the cherry blossoms. Florida in February is pretty tempting. Roll into New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Chase late spring up the Mississippi. Fall in the Rockies (both legs). There is no way I could do that in one unending tour. Yep, it has to be in stages. This will complicate logistics a trifle, but the stages don't have to be in order, now do they?

divingbiker, I'd love to stay with you in DC. I hope to meet other TE'ers on this trip, as well.

Back to planning. . .

[bikerHen]

You go girl! Touring is just wonderful! If you want company, I'd be happy to join you on your "leg" in the northwest. Or at least offer you a place to stay in Eastern Washington.

My suggestion, after a two week tour this summer. I'd try to be on the road more like a month at a time. At the end of two weeks I was just getting into the groove of being on the road. It really sucked having to come home and go back to work! So start planning! I had almost as much fun looking at maps and planning as I did touring. Come to think of it, I'm starting to plan next years tour, riding over to Glacier National Park. You interested? bikerHen

[Zen]

I'm currently following Drawing America By Bike who got funding through Kickstarter

He got a lot of donations by starting a FB page

[Catrin]

This just sounds like a blast - and I would be happy to ride with you for a few days if you go through this part of the country, offer you the use of my cushy air-mattress and shower, or both

[kaybee]

I have no worthwhile advice, but wanted to say Go, Girl! If you travel through North Georgia, I would be happy to "enable" you in any way, whether that means a hot shower, a meal and a place to stay, or a riding buddy for a few days. You are absolutely right about not waiting for "some day" to do the things you dream about. It's great that your DH is supportive. I wish I could convince my DH that "some day" is actually "today." Wishing you a speedy, full recovery!

KB

[MomOnBike]

Zen, you're a treasure. I like the Kickstarter idea, but I'm unsure what talents I have that would make people open their wallets. I'll have to ponder that.

BikerHen, thanks. I don't think I'll be in the NW corner of the country when you go off to Glacier. My daughter will be getting her PhD in a few years (in Seattle) so I'm kind of planning on making her graduation a good destination for that leg. This could change. . .

Thanks all, for offers of beds/showers/riding companions. That is great, and a wonderful way to make the financing of this trip easier.

On the planning front, I'm seriously considering going up the Mississippi starting, um, late spring and chase the spring up the river. I may not chase it far in the 20 days or so that I'll have, but I'll have a blast while I can.

[indysteel]

I'd echo the "you go girl"!

I'm not sure I'd know where to start, but you might find some good resources at www.adventurecycling.org

The only other thing I'd add is that I'd be wary of a trip along the Mississippi in the spring, as I suppose there's always a chance of spring floods.