How To Choose a Bicycle Route Across the USA!

[@paulbrunner1818]

My father was instrumental in getting the Katy Trail developed and installed as head of Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources. During the development, he had to constantly overcome objections by the proposed path locals (many communities) concerns of “partying trail participants.” He consistently discussed bringing tourism influence and money to these communities along with the healthy enthusiasm of people using these trails. So good to see your video discussing the value of the Katy Trail. Thank you.

[@callmebigpapa]

Thanks to your Dad/family! His contribution to the world will be long remembered!

[@jayteegamble]

What's wrong with partying trail participants? My RAGBRAI team rode Katy last year and partied along the route and everyone seemed to love having us there. We brought our wallets.

[@callmebigpapa]

@@jayteegamble haha you are so right most anywhere as long and you are stimulating the economy the locals will welcome you.

[@nikispaniki]

Thanks to your father. Haven’t lived in Missouri for a while but the Katy was a gem. I see it is expanding which is great to see. I rode across Missouri in 1995 on Hwy 8 and it was a nightmare. Bike definitely did not belong there.

[@dustinberry8900]

I grew up in Missouri, and have ridden the Katy from end to end. It’s a beautiful addition to our state. I wish more people had the mindset and determination of your father.

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

The Great American Rail Trail is under construction and is over 50% complete from Washington State to Washington DC. When complete it will also be completely separate from traffic. Can't wait to do it! I am planning to do the Katy Trail this September! :)

[@Liljoozy]

looks like it won't be done until 2040 though

[@Liljoozy]

looks like it won't be done until 2040 though

[@abcurtis3734]

I’m doing the Katy Trail this year as well

[@gmaneis]

Doesn't matter that it won't be finished during my lifetime. I"m 74. Just knowing it's out there and growing is awesome! Bucket list trip would be to ride as much of it as feasible, with gasoline powered links between the segments. Thanks, Ryan, for another fun and inspiring video.

[@mullethunter1802]

Really?

[@Hebo-golfer]

From Japan. This video is the long sought one for me. I am looking forward to visit US trails at the end of Covid Crisis.

[@danl3946]

Be careful in America it is getting very violent here

[@FSEVENMAN]

I would recommend just starting your trip and doing it now..... The vaccine is spreading like wildfire and it feels like we have it under control here in America.... Just ride brother... Good luck upon your journey my friend.....

[@Hebo-golfer]

Thank you for responding to my comment. I know Japan is behind in the light of vaccine policy, but we had better not underestimate the virus. I am envious of US bike packers because of huge gravel environment. Almost 90% of Japanese road are paved, never heard a long divide trail for bicycle. Sorry for my bad English.

[@dannyphillips88]

Mishima-San, your English is excellent. I hope you have a wonderful time riding across America. It is true that some places can have violence, but in my experience most Americans are very friendly and helpful. I hope you can share your experience with us on KZbin!

[@brianc233]

come on over

[@ChristianKauffman]

My friend and I biked from LA to Savannah when we turned 18. We followed Route 66 for the first 1k miles and then made our own way. Only 2,700 miles over 29 days.

[@sailingaeolus]

You were moving. Carry any gear or hotel/motel it?

[@matthewsmith6934]

I did a 20-day hammerfest from Seattle to Brooklyn through WA, ID, MT, WY, SD, IA, IL, IN, OH, WV, PA, NJ, and finally NY. It took 6 of 20 days to cross Montana...

[@busterthompson2267]

Damm dude that's impressive

[@exiledrabbit]

What is a hammerfest

[@mray8519]

3300 MILES = 165 MILES A DAY FOR 20 DAYS STRAIGHT. ABOUT 55,000 FEET OF ELEVATION CLIMB. 😳😵😩

[@matthewsmith6934]

@@mray8519 Our (there were 2 of us) route was just over 3000 miles as my friend's device tracked it (via calculation rather than a measurement). I'm unsure of the vertical gain but there were probably a couple days that felt like 10,000 feet or more.

[@Downsdddgh]

Awesome!

[@PlayWaves1]

There's a bike trip from Key West, FL to Prudhoe Bay AK often called Keys to Freeze. Usually takes 6 months. The record time is 2 months by a 64 year old Gary Radford.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Took until my early sixties but finally doing the coast-to-coast this summer. Stringing together as many rail trails as possible. Great content! Planning a route can be tough work.

[@alexriddles492]

I live in Missouri and do daytrips on the katy trail. It's even better that Ryan says.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Good for you. Looking at my 70th birthday in a couple months..... would love, have always wanted, to do a "coastie".............Maybe yet.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@@richardmourdock2719 Better sooner than later! When I did Ride The Rockies a few years ago (a 7-day Colorado mountain group ride, with lots of mountain passes and longish miles, kicked MY butt) I got to talking with one of the ladies working an aid station. She was 85. I asked if she'd ever done it. She said yes, 14 times. And the first time was when she was 70. It's the great thing about biking. You can do it pretty much forever. Hope you do it! I'll be posting stuff from the road, if you need inspiration. Or a reality check! Cheers!

[@emresemerci1949]

Good to see you are doing it! Subscribed your channel and gonna start watching the whole content. :)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@@emresemerci1949 And it was the experience of a lifetime!

[@bryceinlove]

as someone who bikes to work and on my days off i basically bike circles around my town, you sir have inspired me and a buddy of mine to get out and adventure across the country next summer. i salute you sir. with love, The Mississippi Land Pirate.

[@duzer]

Right on!! I love hearing this. Have fun on your adventure

[@Fgurs]

doing it in the 3 gear cruiser is seriously so inspiring, very cool

[@sandracarter15]

I just turned 59 years old and am thinking on heading from Jersey to California. You are an inspiration!!

[@duzer]

I hope that you do it!!

[@eighty6d233]

Just gassed myself out riding my bike across my neighborhood this morning and now KZbin thinks I'm ready to go cross country?

[@duzer]

Haha!! You can do it!!

[@lizalaartistka]

😂 this was me this morning but then I went out for a ride and was ever so grateful!🎉

[@bullpupluver]

2 years later, ever go cross country?

[@robertreynolds1044]

I did my first two tours in 1981,along with hitch-hiking (separately),then again in '86.But since then I've been incorporating the two activities together. Best rail-trail is the Mickelson from Deadwood to Edgemont. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message.

[@diegorouylle2225]

Duzer, this might just be my favorite episode of yours. you hit the mark. the goal here is to get people out there cycling our beautiful country and encouraging the process. good going

[@duzer]

Thanks Diego! I appreciate that

[@russello7311]

Michigan has over 3500 miles of rail to trails. Just as you say, flat and lots of little towns which cuts down on carrying food and resupply of water lots of lakes and rivers for bathing. Bears and pumas my biggest worry. Another great run is the run around Lake Superior, it's all road that's the only hold back.

[@dartarkana4279]

The biggest question is money and how your able to obtain it I started a bike tour from Ft. Walton beach Florida to Denver on 15 bucks It took me 5 mos. when I got there I had $700 left over😃 Cycling tours are in the hearts of those who love it no matter what Never let money stop your dreams Just be ready for occasional constant exhaust fumes and fewer showers

[@dimitriosfotopoulos3689]

Mugging while bicycling is no way to promote our community. Just kidding dude! I would like to hear more about how that happened. On on some of the shorter trips I have taken, I have met many trail angels. I can't stress enough how awesome these folks are, and I'm guessing you had similar experiences.

[@danstump3919]

How'd you do that?

[@christ16800]

*I love the **Latest.Bike** I use it when going camping. It folds up so easy and isn’t heavy at all. Rides so smooth. I love my bike!*

[@lisajacobs4173]

Ryan - your KZbin channel is my absolute FAVORITE of them all! You sure have established a community of outdoor enthusiasts. I love how you have shared all of your biking adventures - your early bike tour on a three-speed cruiser is especially inspiring! - and also how you ask folks where they have ridden and/or where they want to plan their first or next long ride! Mine will be RAGBRAI! Hearing from other subscribers to to this channel, in addition to your fantastic content, really makes this channel a supportive community of kindred spirits. Marvelously done, my friend! Also, seeing Mira’s picture on your t-shirt really makes me smile! Sending lots of Aloha from Island of Oahu, Hawaii, your way, Ryan!

[@mav48185]

I wish I had a job where I can just leave like this

[@JacobVangChristensen]

Funny seeing a recommended video of you where you talk about having 50K subscribers a year ago. So glad you're growing as a channel! You make real honest and down to earth content, keep being you!

[@blainelozier132]

That my friend was so delightful! Thank you for putting this video together and encouraging and inspiring so many people! Including myself… May God bless you and keep you safe always.

[@HackHunter1835]

1st. A 3 speed, think about that for a minute. 2nd, i cant get "happy thursday, happy happy thursday" out of my head! Thanks Ryan.

[@duzer]

Happy Sunday!!! Haha ;)

[@outbackwack368]

I would absolutely love to do a long trip, but it's just not in the cards given my age and health, so I will always turn to you to live my dreams vicariously! Thank you, my friend! Stay safe and healthy!

[@casvar]

Mira´s shirt! Great!

[@johnacord5664]

Plan on going cross country Eastbound on the Old 66 (The Mother Road). I would do a side trip to Britt Iowa for the Hobo Convention. As a second generation Dust Bowler, I will have the spirits of John Steinbeck and Tome Jode with me. I lost my care 9 years ago, and I ditch my driver's license last November the day before my 76th birthday. The bicycle is making a comeback.

[@duzer]

Sounds like an epic journey! I wish you all the best

[@DirkHKanal]

I basically rode 4 of the 6 routes you suggest. While the transam trail, being 19 years old in 89 was the most life changing experience, I would say the GDMBR (in 2002) was the most adventurous and exciting. The way it slows you down and brings you even closer to nature made it so special that I would contemplate of walking the whole thing (CDT) the next time.😉

[@duzer]

I agree about the gdmbr! It’s life enhancing

[@edwardmaxam5415]

Did you go with people?

[@DirkHKanal]

@@edwardmaxam5415 Hi, in 89 ok the transam trail I started out with a group organized by adventure cycling and ended in San Francisco 6 month later by myself. In 2002 on the GDMBR I went by myself, but met lots of ppl i rode with for some parts on the way and finished in Mexico City.

[@eliotzarkofski4041]

I went from Michigan to Missouri and blew my knee before I got to the Katy trail. I was 13 miles away. Can't wait to get there someday

[@bengt_axle]

Ryan, this is an excellent video on finding the best routes! A great tip to remove a stuck pedal is to put the contra-lateral foot on the pedal, squeeze the brake and put the wrench on the flats, between the lateral side of the foot and the pedal crank. This will stabilize the pedal and wrench so that you can put more force on the pedal wrench. Remember to turn towards the back wheel for both sides, as the left pedal will be reverse threaded. If you find your pedal is always tightening from riding, there's a problem with its bearings. They need to be readjusted and lubed. If you remove the back wheel and flip over the bike (not recommended for hydraulic brakes) so that the weight is on the saddle and stem, you can also use a shorter box which will more easily fit in the backseat of a car. Removing fork or even just turning it 180 degrees will give you even a more compact package and protect the fork, but it is a bit more work and your hoses must be long enough for disassembly without disconnection. A handlebar mounted mirror (e.g., Italian roadbike mirror, for drop bars) is a great accessory to keep an eye on the traffic behind you. Breakdowns and flats are great opportunities to meet new people, take a break and be creative about ways to get back on the road! Always offer to help someone else!

[@ziblot1235]

Theres no right or wrong way to go, they will all get you there. I like that. So true.

[@mokedokie]

Sites like this are very useful as we did our long trips with basic road maps and no internet. As a teacher with summers off we completed eighteen years of 500 to 1000 mile trips all throughout the western US/Canada and coast to coast on the northern Hwy.2 route (3,200 miles in 47 days) Difficulty is not as big an issue as finding time to do long trips. I would recommend less challenging rides like south on Hwy 1 Seattle to San Diego (or part of it) for a great first experience although there is a lot of RV traffic. Crossing big passes like Going To The Sun in Glacier is easy because I doubt the grade ever exceeded 6%. But I'd save crossing the Cascades in Washington until you get a few trips under your belt, also Hwy 50 through Nevada is long, hot, no services and is brutal in summer especially if you hit headwinds. The actual riding is just day by day (for us 75-80 miles daily) we only did 100 miles a few times. I hope many find the time and money and do it.

[@calicocycles]

Here from Adam Hugill’s channel! My cat and I are bicycling the National Parks in the west, this summer - to start! Last year, we bicycled across America, together, and have done ~6,000 miles total. Videos on my channel!

[@duzer]

I’ll check em out!

[@WindsongSoundBath]

Nice!

[@squiddysquidster802]

This is great! I’m going to ride from coast to coast (or as far as possible) the summer before senior year in high school (I was held back so I turn 18 in April) and after senior year I am going into the Air Force. I literally can’t wait.

[@duzer]

That’s amazing!! You’re gonna love the experience

[@danimatronics1628]

A friend and I rode from Waterton Lakes through Helena MT to Yellowstone, Tetons, Bryce Canyon, Zion, North and South rims Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Calexico, then over to San Diego and up the coast to the SF Bay Area back in the early 70's. A fabulous ride back then, not sure how the traffic would be nowadays. Still, Hwy 89 makes a very scenic north to south traverse.

[@michaelfernandez379]

Thanks Duzer you're the best motivator on Earth!!!

[@bolandbohlecke]

Will do the Pacific coast trail before i went 50y! I am 46 now.

[@duzer]

Hello all you bike touring maniacs! How many of you have ridden cross country? Let’s hear some of your route planning tips. Also, here’s a link to buy a Mira shirt mira-la-perra.creator-spring.com/?

[@justpedal65]

As always Ryan...great content. Thanks for plugging the Katy. Just did a three dayer on it last weekend. Even had to hike-a-bike cuz of a collapsed bridge. Really awesome trip. BTW...Love your shirt. I'd love to buy one to wear at the bike shop when working, but I didn't see a link for it below?

[@duzer]

@@justpedal65 here you go! mira-la-perra.creator-spring.com/?

[@justpedal65]

Thanks man! True to size? I'm 5' 9" ish at about 165.

[@Arman2Dito]

wow out of stock already. It's both a good thing and a bad thing :)

[@carmenraedelaney2795]

Ryan, Looking forward to going coast to coast in 2022 at 64 years young. Love the shirt! Keep on pedaling!

[@garyp.7501]

My college roommate and i did the Seattle to Charleston ride in '79 before there were any rail trails worth riding. Paper maps, no GPS, no cell phones. We rode first to the coast then South to Florance OR, East to Boise, then East to the Grand Titions, North to Yellowstone, South to Casper WY, South to Denver, East to Kansas City, South to Nashville TN, East to Ashland NC, and then Southeast to Charleston. The route was designed to stay South of the snow, and visit people and parks we knew about. Took us 70 days, 60 riding. (We took an occasional day off to wash clothes, site see etc) You are so right, it's the people you meet on the road that make this a trip of a lifetime. So glad people are working on a fully car free route

[@josheichenhorn8631]

You continue to by an inspiration, Ryan.

[@THX..1138]

When I was a kid I met an old couple in their 70s in a forest in central Florida. They road 3 speed bikes from Maine to Key West and were heading back to home somewhere in the northeast. My friend and I built them a campfire. We cooked some hotdogs we had with us on the fire and they made whatever it was they had and we talked while about their adventure. Ever since I've wanted to take a trip like that.

[@hmork]

Pacific Crest bicycle trail, next! Why are you always so darned inspiring, mr. Duzer.

[@duzer]

Awesome! You’re gonna love it

[@highalpine7321]

Sierra Cascade for the win

[@dennisprice8798]

I live near the Pacific Crest hiking trail but I'm not aware of the Pacific Crest biking trail. Bikes are not allowed on the PCT.

[@hmork]

​@@dennisprice8798 It's on asphalt with cars. Based on a book from the 90s: www.amazon.com/Pacific-Crest-Bicycle-Trail-Paul/dp/0931255066

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

"Road magic in every nook and cranny" I like that. And have seen the magic myself.

[@johnmcclain3887]

This is a really great video for someone who's not been on a cross-country ride before. I'm looking to take one this summer, and hope to be able to do at least a good bit of the northern route, if not all. I've been many times by car and motorcycle, dozens, and it's too fast, always a deadline to meet, I was sort of considering it, but you, Ryan, are invigorating. Thanks for all the great shots of the canal trails, the rail trails, and the off highway in particular. It's good to know there's that much away from the traffic.

[@Brockdorf]

YES, there is a reason Gainesville FL is on that route. 150 miles of rail to trail thru there.

[@justinnikodemski7798]

Western Express section - It's incredible!

[@andrewmonfort4881]

I know the town in the footage when you say "it was my first taste of charming small town america"! I grew up in that town. Never thought I'd just stumble across a video and recognize a small town in the midwest, much less one I lived in.

[@shanansp]

I grew up in Cumberland, MD where the C&O canal trail starts. Great ride from Cumberland to DC.

[@ThomLieb]

I live in Maryland and just started thinking seriously about riding that up to Pittsburgh.

[@ridetillidie8090]

Taking off in May for Long Beach CA from Columbus GA to begin my "Ride Till I Die" around-the-world bicycle ride. It's my 65th Bday and I'm officially done with adulting. I'll 'winter' in CA with friends and then head North to ride your Northern route to NYC to jump a jet to Ireland. Already contacting bike stores so I have a box to ship my ride, a pointer I picked up on another of your videos! Can't wait! Your videos have answered so many of my questions! Stay safe out there!

[@bbsparky33]

Haha! The book for the Pacific Coast still exists! Back in 2015, I cut out the pages I needed from that book and took off on my adventure following only those turn-by-turn directions! The hiker/biker sites were awesome and I found that Oregon publishes a map that includes the distances between H/B camp sites and amenities along the coast which makes things even easier.

[@duzer]

That’s cool!

[@marisarain3109]

"or you're FRESH OUTTA BEANS!" That made me laugh. Thanks for being our cheerleader!

[@matgoesonadventures]

Man this is perfect! My brother and I just decided to tour across Canada or the US next year (depending on covid regulations), so if we do the US this will help a boat (bike?) load!

[@duzer]

Right on!! I wish you two all the best on your boat tour ;)

[@garybarr1045]

Thanks for the information and inspiration. I am a disabled veteran who can bike but not walk without crutch assistance. I am newly inspired by the possibilities of biking trails from the info you have given me. Mucho thanks!

[@duzer]

Right on!! I wish you all the best on your future adventures. Lemme know if you ever have questions

[@wraithcommdevice5790]

3 years ago, I was told by several spine surgeons I would never walk un-assisted again. Now, I am planning to ride my mid-drive single speed Zizzo Bike from the Gulf Coast (New Orleans) to the "Happy Valley" in Utah. I suppose that does indeed qualify as "assisted" LOL. Doctors don't know everything - that's why they call Medicine a "practice"....

[@Outlaw-Dashing]

I rode a motorized bicycle across America a few times 😊

[@thomaskey1993]

Hi Ryan - you've inspired me and my fiancé to forgo our plans for a European honeymoon and instead go for a 2 week bike tour around our home state! She had a major tumor in her leg removed last November, and has been through a rough recovery process from the surgery and radiation therapy. I've been taking her for bike rides to regain her strength and confidence - thank you for giving us both something to shoot for. You're an amazing inspiration for us. God bless you!

[@duzer]

Oh wow!! I wish your wife a speedy recovery!! Have so much fun on your journey

[@thomaskey1993]

@@duzer thank you Ryan!

[@layeredchip3220]

I will probably never use this. But it’s definitely really cool.

[@manuelmillan2373]

duzer out here reading my mind, was looking for cross country bike routes just last week XD, love your videos man!

[@AG-io5wr]

America is a naturally beautiful place. Amazing cycling everywhere.

[@duzer]

So true

[@sboeke91]

I planned my first multi day bicycle tour. I’m taking a week to do a big Northwest Illinois route. Going through various small towns in Illinois and riding along the Mississippi River. While it may not be as epic as your adventures, I’m hoping this is a gateway into something bigger.

[@mattanthony3963]

How did your trip go?

[@sboeke91]

@@mattanthony3963 Awesome. It was a lot harder than I expected it to be. But it was an absolute blast. I had fantastic weather and got to experience some really cool places. Highly recommend doing just any small trip. So fun.

[@SimplyJapaneseMaples]

Love the video, super helpful. Total pro. Brought me back to my 8,400 kms trip from Vancouver to St. John's, Newfoundland. Cycling is the best way to see the land.

[@richardvaughn168]

Great content Ryan - your enthusiasm is contagious and you are a natural on screen! Thanks for sharing your advice and for your encouragement for everyone to 'get out there'!

[@duzer]

Thanks!!! I appreciate that

[@chasefalash9386]

True inspiration my brother and I rode a tandem bicycle from Washington to California one of the best decisions.

[@driftwood4458]

I agree Ryan, it doesn’t matter which coast a begins. Before doing the Southern Tier I checked wind data from locations on the route. Most winds were crosswinds so it didn’t matter direction. We decided east to west for other reasons: having sun at our back riding west for safety and having lots of miles before hitting the climbs. Some folks plan every mile of their trip. I prefer some planning but allow the adventure unfold each day: serendipity ride.

[@garypalmer2066]

I've been touring N. America for 42 years, 9 months a year since 1982. Ridden about 300,000 miles all over over the continents lower 48, Canada and Alaska. I used to work 3 months each summer so I could tour and backpack September to May. Retired in 2018 age 62, now I live on my bike year round.

[@miagallo7605]

I’m looking for a map from Fargo to Redding California

[@jjhawk3582]

Thank you Ben stiller

[@duzer]

Haha ;)

[@ronkirk5099]

I've also been cross country 4 times - north, middle and twice across the south. I've also done both coasts twice and a trans Canada tour. I have to say I liked Canada best. If you stay well north of the U.S. border, the primitive camping is awesome and there is MUCH less traffic. At 73, I'm now mostly an off road rider due to safety concerns and have done the Great Divide mtn bike route and the Baja Divide.

[@WindsongSoundBath]

I'm planning a push bike tour right now and have these concerns. Is it possible to completely avoid car traffic and ride off road? Would you like to share more about your experiences?

[@geeroth5368]

So much great helpful info and advice in this video. Thank you for putting this together and posting for everyone! Riding across the US is sounding better and better! 😁

[@darinball5265]

No cross country ride yet. Baptism by RAGBRAI this July!!! See you there!!! I had been dreaming of a cross country ride before I discovered your channel. Now that I have you as a cheerleader, I have more inspired than ever to make it happen when I retire in a few years. When I tell people I dream of riding from San Bernardino to Chicago via Route 66 on a bicycle, I get that "your absolutely nuts" look and your insane comment. I couldnt be more excited to make that my first long adventure.

[@duzer]

I’m so excited that you’re doing ragbrai!! You’ll love it…and then your own cross country ride!!

[@richardcheatham9490]

Well done, Ryan. I've been hoping to get back on another great road adventure and you've lit the fire. Went down the PCH with Scenic Cycling Adventures 3 times-even getting paid to ride sweep-and consider it three of life's overwhelming good fortunes. Followed that up with distance trips through western Europe. But it's been too long since then, particularly this last year. I thank you so much for the enthusiasm and re-awakening attitude. Happiest of trails to us both. Rick

[@무무살롱]

Thanks for this tips!😃

[@LabAce2]

love the Mira shirt!

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

After taking my MTB to Gettysburg & back from DC, I set my sights on modifying my bike into an E Bike with a mid drive motor & battery bank in a tag along... with the goal of DC to Colorado for the BRONCO OTA's next year so I really appreciate this video- Thanks a ton! Big Thumbs Up

[@Aragorn.Strider]

I can imagine you would one day love to bike in the Netherlands. There are bike paths everywhere. I think you would call it a heaven, made for you

[@duzer]

I’ve only ridden in Amsterdam and loved it!! Need to explore more

[@barry4848]

This video is incredibly inspiring- I have travelled to over 100 countries since 1985. I have really enjoyed riding my bike since Covid hit in March 2020....not much more than 20 miles at a time!! Thank you for all of your videos!!

[@duzer]

Thanks!! Sounds like you’ve had a very adventurous life!

[@OptimalTriathlete]

What a great synopsis of many choices all in one video! It's been a bucket list item to do someday but dang , now I want to do all the routes lol. Still not quite at a point in life for the block of time from work and fam needed to do it so will just start with practicing with some shorter routes and staying fit.

[@terenceedwards514]

I have biked across the country 20 times and got Adventure Cycling maps after the first 8 trips. SO much more enjoyable.

[@duzer]

Right on! You must know every corner of this country!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video Ryan, it helps to motivate cyclists to tour. The small towns can use the tourism dollars, and most drivers are considerate. I've crossed west-east three times, once north-south CA coast. GDMBR this summer finally.

[@duzer]

Very cool, have fun on the gdmbr!

[@obikedog]

Really inspiring stuff. Just a thought re rail trails best things: Maybe others would disagree but personally I'd much rather get lost than hit by a car or truck!

[@tomfield2292]

Leaving in 2 wks for the Trans America route.

[@duzer]

Very cool, have fun out there!

[@greenwaybikexploring]

New bike day for me today; I got a Trek District 4 for the belt drive and Alfine. I've been on an ebike for three years, so this is the first step toward long-distance trips without the restrictions of a battery!

[@brightair510]

Ryan, thanks for many great videos! I see on some of your long bike-packing trips you have towed a small trailer. My question is how much different is it to tow a trailer, one wheel or two wheel, on pavement and on hard packed gravel surfaces? Is it that much harder or more tiring, or is it not that noticeable? I ask because I am contemplating a longer trip and would like to avoid the discomfort of wearing a pack yet still be able to bring enough gear to be really comfortable. Thanks for the benefit of your experiences!! Richard

[@user-kx1lz8xz1m]

Love it man! I have fond memories of my ride across USA 🤗

[@neiana]

Love the options and the video, but what kind of daily mileage should be a minimum for a cyclist wanting to cross the country?

[@chrisbarker270]

I'm doing it and thanks for your love and support. Love the shirt.

[@duzer]

Hope you’re having fun out there

[@rebelincmusic]

Definitely get nice blinky lights....Almost killed by masked drivers in a few different states

[@mswarrior932]

Hello ryan!! Speaking of you don't need expensive bikes, I just rode from Washington down to Ventura California 1,500 miles with a 120 mi backtrack and 150 mi side trip on a $145 bicycle!! It was the cheapest mountain bike I could find, it was a dinocraft 15 speed brake pads wore out in 100 miles! It was even lower quality than the $58 dollar magna 18 speed I put 10,000 miles on!! But now I was given a mongoose rocodile SX, which is about 30 years old! But good quality it was made before Mongoose sold out to China!! And I think it has the bio rings elliptical!! This bike takes off like a slingshot I love it, I can't wait for my next tour!! Trying to figure it out right now I'm thinking the East Coast Greenway! But I might have to go tour the Mojave desert this winter while I wait for spring!! Thanks for your videos!! Rock on Ryan!! 🌎🚴

[@duzer]

That's so awesome!! I remember those bio rings, haha! Technology has come a long way.

[@Xaniker]

Hi Ryan, I absolutely love the energy and passion you project. Currently I'm a 52 year old working, just trying to make it kind of guy. When I am able to retire I'd love to stay fit and increase my health into my early old age by tackling some of these trails. Something my dad didn't/couldn't do.

[@maziardi]

i am new ti bikepacking bike touring.. but ur videos are really amazing.. its make me likes more to this type of riding.. for nature and enviroment!

[@Bellezzasolo]

The route I plotted sets out from Washington State, heads for Vancouver, then Yellowstone, Colorado (Pike's Peak), Dallas, New Orleans, Miami. Based on points of interest to me, of course!

[@robinferguson8911]

I'm going to be watching this over and over. Thank you

[@duzer]

Glad that it’s helpful

[@nickvandam1214]

Adventure Cycling is awesome. I wanted to ride coast to coast and then I found out about them and signed on with their self supported tour. So much fun and you're right the people are amazing!

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Empire State Trail. From NYC to Montreal and it breaks near Albany to follow the (gasp) CNO trail to near Buffalo. As to the Continental Divide, there is an annual event called Tour Divide if you don't want to solo it up or down. Yes, they start from Antelope Wells and head north as well as heading south from Banff.

[@stephenjacques554]

Did the bicentennial route in 1976 across the USA incredible ride great people great scenery had a blast. Now doing adventure Motorcycle touring camping all over the southwest, and north, Utah Wyoming Montana new Mexico. Incredible riding and scenery. Cant ride the bicycle any more, but still having a great time. Hope to see you on the road someday I'll stop and say hello. Be well be safe. SJ

[@jairoribeiro2029]

Thanks for sharing these informations. I have already lived in NC, but now I am back to my native country, Brazil. As soon as things back to normal, I plan to visit a friend in NC, so we can do a bikepacking adventure together through the Katy Trail.

[@sailingaeolus]

Duzer is always awesome, happy and smiling. Many thanks for sharing with us! Your video documented experiences are a joy to see and added to my life.

[@duzer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shadesofgray5476]

Going to watch this again with a notebook. Lots of great information in your video. Thank you.

[@duzer]

Glad you enjoyed this!

[@TheMorganamovies]

Tnks for everything that you share!!! Really good information!!!

[@astridvanbuuren433]

Best information I have found so far for the first part of my trip to get from my front door on the Mendocino coast ti my mom's front door in Lagos/ Portugal ❤....we rode the Carretera Austral a few years ago and are so eager to pedal off into the unknown again 😀....thank you 😊

[@jamesgillespy4178]

This was the most seamless ad ever...great job

[@duzer]

My whole life is an ad for getting people to ride bikes!

[@bruceneiman5158]

What can I say you know what I know that adventure is what life is supposed to be....not ego not agendas but living and exploring sharing and caring, ride on ride on my friend do it with purpose and a smile.

[@rdkuless]

The new Rails-to Trails from near Coeur d'Alene Idaho - Montana - Wyoming - Wisconsin and down to Washington DC... I think it is now complete.. And is boast many camp grounds with hot showers, and bath rooms.. Many B&B's have sprung up along this old rail road that has been paved across Northern America.

[@ClassImperialAgent]

Greetings from germany. You have a really beautiful country. ❤ Cant wait to visit.

[@xmateinc]

Another good route is to ride the trans am to Missoula then take the Lewis and Clark trail to Astoria. That’s what we did in 2012 when I cross the US. I really could live on bike tour.