Looking for Cross Country Touring Buddy

Hey everyone!

I am planning on moving to California for a few months this winter and am trying to plan to travel there via bicycle. Although I was thinking a solo trek from Chicago to California would be super challenging and rewarding, it seems the safer, less lonely plan of action would be to have a touring buddy to ride with.

I am looking for someone who would be great company andhas touring or long-distance riding experience. If you already have touring gear (ie. panniers, racks, trailers, etc.) that would be a plus!

I am looking to leave late September, or early to mid-October when the weather is still decent. 

I should note that if going all the way to California seems to far a distance, I would love even to have someone accompany me halfway, or even a quarter of the way as well!

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 14, 2015 at 6:08pm

Read this and plan your route carefully...and be aware that it snows much earlier in some places than others....this is a trek that ideally would have been started in late spring.....

Permalink Reply by Jana C. on August 16, 2015 at 4:43am

Thanks! Thinking about altering route to take the Amtrak to Flagstaff, AZ then cycling through to California from there. Hoping to take the trek next spring back to Chicago from California weather permitting!

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on August 16, 2015 at 9:19am

Small world. I'm saving up some cash for the same Amtrak to Albuquerque (ride some days around that area), then train again to Flagstaff for a Grand Canyon trip in a month or two.

In June, did Chicago to Glacier Park (MT) on the train, rode to Spokane, Amtrak to Seattle (lots of riding around there), Amtrak to Portland (great riding around there too), and train to the Bay. Then train to Glenwood Springs, CO, rode to Loveland (my favorite ride on that trip) and then Denver to get back to Chi early August. Get the Amtrak map (PDF) and dream out your trip.

Are you on Warm Showers? Highly recommended! Getting hospitality from locals will be one of the highlights of your trip. Used it, and loved it.

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on August 14, 2015 at 9:11pm

Have you considered doing a combo of Amtrak and touring? Saves you time and you can see many of the highlights (Rockies/Sierras). Did it for a month and a half and it went really well. Boxing your bike is super easy for the Amtrak, since the boxes are oversized (compared to the ones you put on a plane)

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on August 16, 2015 at 6:47am

Northern AZ is pretty high elevation.  5-7,000 ft.  Even the southern tier near I-10 can get to freezing in mid winter.  

Maybe route 66 to Amarillo then Amtrak to your destination?

Or Amtrak to New Orleans then Adventure southern tier to San Diego?

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