Explaining the End of the Moto Myrtle USA Trike Tour

[@doriskeil-shamieh8852]

Sylvia, you made a good call. Riding long distance on roads is not like it used to be. No need for apologies. Riding safe is what is most important.

[@TravelsByTrike]

thanks, Doris!!

[@basicmarsh]

Oh my goodness! All-in-all this was an amazing adventure for you and more important...YOU ARE SAFE! Riding across the country is a major accomplishment. You're right...when it's not fun anymore...it's time to go home. I'm glad you're OK. Take care! Stay safe!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes! Thank you for following along!!

[@TrikeSquadron]

Glad to hear you knew when to call it done... and glad you made it safely and met so many great people.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Glenn!

[@karendurston2528]

Thank you for modeling safe behavior and trusting your feelings about safety.

[@constancevann4045]

Thanks for taking us along on your journey. You made the right call when you ended it. If you’re not enjoying your travels and don’t feel safe, it’s best to stop. We enjoyed your videos.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Connie!

[@pathavens6406]

Sylvia, We are all so proud of you. The weather alone would have made me call it off... add the traffic into the mix and most of us would have been along the side of the road crying. What wonderful friends you have. can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you!!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks so much for your kind words, Pat!

[@tomboyd9053]

Hi Sylvia... I remember watching your vlog as you prepared for your cross-country recumbent trike trip. You were so excited preparing your route, trike, and gear. Once you made the turn and headed back west, the roadways, traffic, and air quality shifted and became difficult for you to deal with. I was glad when you made the decision to end the adventure and head home. Thank you for taking us along as you traveled. I always look forward to your next video... Keep on Triking!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you so much! Yes, I totally forgot to mention the wildfire smoke, oy!

[@mariannephillips396]

I definitely agree with you about Route 66. It was the worst one I've been on. The people I ran into were wonderful, but the road was hard. Because of the freeway ride and the shredded tire debris on the shoulders, I got more flat tires than I have ever had on a trip. I haven't done the TransAmerican Route and probably never will. My favorite is still the Northern Tier. Thanks for all your commentary of the journey. It was fun comparing our experiences along the way.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, thanks, having your camaraderie was fun. I'm thinking about the Northern Tier for the next x-country ride.

[@LolliPop_Farm_VT]

Self care is always authorized! Thanks for sharing, your experiences. I’ve been pondering that a “Triker mutual aid network “ would be a good thing.

[@Thomas-pq4ys]

Thanks back. I enjoyed the vicarious adventure. I did one tour, Bethlehem, PA, to the Northern PA border, East to Fishkil, NY, to Albany, NY, Mt Greylock, MA, Boston. I was very ill-prepared. I had no touring knowledge. I arrived in Boston severly dehydrated. I took the bus back. My riding since has been kept to day long rides, 30 to 100 miles, lots of hills. I actually got a job at Bicycling Magazine without trying... was their mechanic, eventually a writer. I just kept riding until just a few years ago. Now, retired, I rarely ride. It is very hilly where I live, but there are rail trails nearby... quiet, safe riding, no hills. I'm a fan....

[@TravelsByTrike]

The ill-prepared-for tours make for the best stories. Thanks for following along.

[@ericaleigh1132]

Sylvia I am so thrilled that you were able to make the right decision for yourself. I was very inspired by your tour. I have never used AC maps to tour but am always enticed by them, though last time I was on their site I was a bit taken aback by the many (to me) very sad remembrances of tour leaders, most of whom died from being hit by behind while leading tours. I don’t know the answer is for crowded roads, lack of shoulders, animosity towards cyclists, and distracted drivers. Blessings to all of us brave enough to get out there, and sane enough to call a ride when necessary. A California/ Oregon supporter here.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Many thanks, Erica, for your kind comments.

[@tiger7777]

This is a very special program Silvia, thankyou for your experience and though I don't ride like you l'm encouraged by your attitude. I hope you are a Christian and make God your #1

[@kaijeffree]

Thank you Sylvia❤ Wondering wha happen, thanks for wrap up😊

[@TravelsByTrike]

Many thanks, Kai.

[@lorenwarren2097]

I am so glad you OK. You really needed some time off to recuperate. Most important is, your safe. When travailing stop in Lincoln NE. I gave you a map of the local tails a couple of years ago at CyclCon. My daughter and I are setting up a Trike and Bike store in Lincoln and would enjoy riding around town with you. Be Safe and keep riding.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Look forward to seeing you in Lincoln!!

[@riverrock335]

Smart decision and interstate highway riding so dangerous. I was curious as to why you stopped but I have total confidence in you and any decision you make. I thoroughly enjoy watching your adventures and I feel as though I know you personally. You are a blessing.

[@TravelsByTrike]

thank you so much!!

[@daveyJ213]

Thanks for the summary of your journey. Sounds as if it was quite and adventure, but taxing. Your courage is admired. Wish I could have ridden part of the trip along with you. Thanks for sharing and posting. Glad you are safe.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Many thanks!

[@TheSouthernTriker]

You know I am so glad that you are safe and sound and you made it back. It really is wonderful to hear that there are still genuine human beings in this world and can be trusted and see past things like cultural and political minds and such. I hope to one day to be able to do something like you have done here, you truly are an inspiration dear lady. I hope that you also did not feel defeated, the smoke and all that from the fires in Canada must have been tough and I myself would have probably called it quits to, and just being uncomfortable being on the roads is understandable. I fully support you in all you do and can’t wait to follow along on the next one🤎🤎🤎

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you, I completely forgot to mention the wildfire smoke which was affecting my throat and eyes as well.

[@PizzaTrike]

Your health is most important and I'm so relieved you're safe. You've got an incredible attitude and your travels are both admirable and inspiring. Ride on, Sylvia + Myrtle!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Many thanks!!😊

[@areynolds58]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. You did good and I'm glad you played it safe at thr end. Have you ever ridden in Victoria BC? I've heard it's a bike friendly city to visit.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, Victoria is a lovely city!

[@VietPho]

Glad you've ended the tour safe and sound. I got a bit nervous when watching some of those winter storm ride videos. Scary stuff. 15:30 ,On a different topic, i think it would be awesome if you make a video to showcase the trike you used during the tour with its specs / mods - what worked and what didnt work. I am hoping to build an electric trike one day but they sure are expensive. It would probably cost me atleast $5.5k for a budget decent trike

[@kellyfromiowa1849]

I look at it this way. You made it across the US once. Most people doing an extended bike trip only plan it one way. You're as good as them. Any chance of completing the trip starting from the east coast taking a northern route? Thanks for sharing all your travels with us!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, thanks, I'm looking at that, too. I've already done the TransAm through Kentucky, Missouri and Kansas but would like to finish the route from Colorado west.

[@yesidtac7863]

Siempre fuerte el sol

[@jacquiepisauro5330]

Sylvia, I've had similar problems (dangerous, heavy traffic roads) with AC maps for the Underground Railroad Route. I too was surprised. I've had to rethink how I'm going to accomplish it.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, these routes aren't as safe as you would expect from a cycling advocacy group. The Underground Railroad is another historic route that calls out to be ridden.

[@bderoes]

Thanks for sharing your journeys! I've watched your whole channel in the last month or so. Question: Have you notified Adventure Cycling about your experiences? You've been a strong proponent of their maps, and clearly their info on this trail needs a major update. I saw those non-shoulders and passing traffic, and shuddered. AC should NOT be "recommending" this route, even for 2-wheelers.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, there were many problems with missing and out-of-date information as well as too much traffic on this route. The TransAm bike route is now federally recognized with road markers and direction arrows. They can't change it, too bad!

[@bderoes]

@@TravelsByTrike Is Adventure Cycling who you mean by "they can't change it"? They can't provide commentary from documented real-world experience?

[@keithh8661]

CONGRATS on a wonderful ride ,thank for sharing your adventures, just amazing to ride across the county, thank you 😊😊😊

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you so much, Keith!!

[@SFCRambo60]

You bring a very good point about riding highways or even streets, I'm 73 and remember when a kid was taught to ride against the traffic because it's easier to see what the drivers are doing, also I rather see what the driver is going to do and not have some jerk comeup behind you and turn right in front of you. Sometime in the 70s they changed the rules of the road for bicycles.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

SFCRambo60 -- Interesting. I am also in my early 70s but was never taught to ride against traffic; only pedestrians were expected to walk against traffic. It must have been a geographical thing, even now I find some riders going against traffic. And it is unnerving to look in your rear view mirror and see a car on your tail especially if you never heard it approach. 😮 I dread when electric cars become more numerous, not to mention driverless cars. 😢

[@TravelsByTrike]

I'm 64 yo and have always been told to walk against traffic but cycle with traffic. For me, this has been consistent.

[@mariannephillips396]

This summer I met a family that was teaching their young kids to ride against traffic. I guess at that age it seems more pedestrian than road cycling.

[@shelleylupher9319]

Glad you’re safe Sylvia. Great to hear you had so many biking angels looking out for you.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Shelley!

[@andyoneil9427]

So glad you are doing well and that you made it home safe!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks so much, my friend!!

[@custodialmark]

Tanx. for goin an sharin. ive road alot, butt agree on you thots an choices. thanx for takin us along. may see on road. i got bike butt..

[@TravelsByTrike]

Haha!

[@gogochem4898]

SO glad you made it back safety.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you!!

[@garyseckel295]

Great explanation, Sylvia! I was apprehensive of your videos of you riding on those roads. However.., I admittedly had NO personal basis to justify my personal apprehension. Your experience ought to be literally added to that 'touring source' that cyclists use!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Gary, my friend!

[@lostisleminstrel]

Staying alive while enjoying bicycle/tricycle riding is tough to do. I try to stay off busy roads all the time. I won't ride on any roads without a parking lane to ride in. Touring poses many problems because specific information about highway and safety lanes can be hard to come by. You made a good call. Wonderful trip to complete as far as you did. Good for you.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you so much!!

[@markfeldman6509]

Sylvia….how are you? Have you,fallen off the planet? We are missing you. Please give us an update,of your status. Thanks. Mark

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks for checking in, Mark! I’m getting all kinds of things taken care of… including dental implants. I should be back on the video producing horse soon.

[@SalaiThangte]

Waiting for your next travel videos... Keep on

[@TravelsByTrike]

thanks! I'm taking a break but will be back at it soon.

[@martinschwartz7342]

Hi, Sylvia. I am glad that you were okay and not hurt seriously. I would like to ask your advice. I would like to take a long tour on my e-bike. I am no youngster at 72 years old so after is a concern. Which Touring routes across America did you find to be the most safe? When you are camping and not going into a hotel, how do you charge the batteries for your assist motor? Also, has getting your trike into a hotel been a problem. Thank you very much.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Stay tuned. I'll be doing videos answering your questions.

[@lizard2425]

Wow. Glad you made it home safe. We don't ride with traffic anymore. Limiting to be sure, but trails are best.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, trails are fun!

[@juselinoamorim8401]

Thank you very match dear friend for yours videos I like very match

[@TravelsByTrike]

I'm glad you like it

[@AMorgan57]

Hills on country two-lane roads with locals single-mindedly on their way to town or home again can be hazardous. The vehicle approaching uphill behind you can't see over the hill the vehicle approaching the other way, so if that vehicle behind you swings wide, it won't be good. And these little roads have no shoulder and have abrupt ditches alongside, so getting out of the way is difficult. As pretty as the countryside is, I quickly gave up on these kinds of roads.

[@Mark-oq9fl]

Nice work. You gave it your best. I have not heard good things about Route 66. I think being based in the West ACA staff are used to having to rely upon interstates. Interstate highways should always be a last resort and are seldom, if ever, an acceptable route East of the Mississippi River.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thank you, Mark!!

[@yachtsteve]

Like that rearview mirror. What's the brand?

[@paulahavens2764]

You made the right decision.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Turtle!

[@360.O.A.Videos]

Hello Sylvia . It would be better to come to cycle in France as everything is possible here in peacful cycling conditions . Have a nice day Sylvia .

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, I agree!! Cycling in France is fantastic!! Thank you so much😎

[@juselinoamorim8401]

From Brazil good luck end happiness

[@TravelsByTrike]

Many thanks!

[@BlackWarriorLures]

I was wondering what happened to the tour.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, getting all the videos done and blog updated from the tour took a long time. Then I was sick....I am very behind on videos, still, but at least starting to feel up to making them again. Thanks for following along.

[@longrider42]

Where I live, in Wyoming, and even into Colorado. There are places bike riders have no choice but to ride on a Interstate Highway. Good shoulders and I've never had a problem. As for the cold and storms. You did leave in the winter/spring. So you should have expected it. I think your little accident hit you harder mentally then you let on. As a two wheeled recumbent rider, I know how hard it can be to ride in traffic. At least you gave it a try. I think you would have been better heading west on the Trans Bicycle Trail. Also called the Bikecentenial Trail. Live and learn.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yep!

[@darylsblindside]

Is there a video series of your Pacific Coast ride? I am contemplating doing it myself on a tandem recumbent trike. I'd appreciate any thoughts and feedback you can give on that route, especially given your experienc with weather and highways on this SufferFest. Cheers and I'm very impressed with your endurance and perseverance. :)

[@TravelsByTrike]

I don't have videos but I'm sure there are many on KZbin for the Pacific Coast Route. It's a great ride. I've only done it after Labor Day with the roads are quieter.

[@darylsblindside]

I've watched several videos about the Pacific Coast ride, all going from North to South. Yeah, the advice was to wait until after summer vacation season so the roads are less hectic. Was it your experience that there is a lot more climbing than at least I suspected? It makes sense when I think about it, every water course breaking up the coastal range is a valley all its own. I think of the Big Sur coastline and project itNorth and South now for ups and downs.

[@Hobbes-jf1sq]

Did you roll with Tannus Tire inserts, do they work. Did you get many flats?

[@TravelsByTrike]

I did have tire liners in all 5 wheels and had no punctures.

[@Hobbes-jf1sq]

Wow all 5, inspiring and Amazing Maybe I should switch. I use the solid version of the Tannus tires Fear no flats”❤

[@redsorgum]

You didn’t finish because you didn’t drink your Ovaltine….😘🤣 Under the circumstances I think you did great. Possibly getting hurt just to prove a point, isn’t worth it. I enjoyed watching your videos. ✌️👏👏👏👏🇺🇸

[@TravelsByTrike]

Haha, Ovaltine! That's a name I haven't heard since childhood. Thanks for following along!

[@lorilake7613]

Sylvia, maybe from now on, while riding in the USA, you should stick to Rails to Trails so you won't be sharing the trail with cars. "Rails to Trails Conservancy."

[@dennisyoung4631]

Got a 40+ mile ride tomorrow AM - food, vitamin B12 @ Trader Joe’s, and paying two bills. Charging the headlight battery as I write this.

[@TravelsByTrike]

You go!!

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@TravelsByTrike still a little sore from it. Was just shy of 49 miles. Used most of a charge.

[@driewiel]

Come to Europe.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Oh baby!!

[@The-GreenHornet]

Sylvia, you have toured all over the world. You have probably logged more miles touring than any other recumbent trike tourist. With all that said, you've gained probably a ton of experience in trike touring. The list would be too long to list. I say that to say this... What were the 3 big mistakes or oversights that you can list, that happened on this latest tour? Weather is always going to be a factor that is totally out of our control. As you know it can go from good to bad very fast. Another thing, I have a wall map of the United States, showing all the major highways and roads. It is way more congested from about the middle of the Country going eastward. I can almost see a imaginary line going down the middle of the Country and how much more congested the roads and highways are. The majority of the population is clearly on the east side of the United States. What would you do differently within your control, apart from help and aid from others if you were to go on another long-term tour? Thank you.

[@TravelsByTrike]

Yes, these are good questions that are difficult to answer. I'll give them some thought.

[@The-GreenHornet]

@@TravelsByTrike okay thanks

[@BillFearheller]

BWSS my friend. bf

[@TravelsByTrike]

Thanks, Bill!!