How I Biked Across the U.S.

When I biked across the US back in 2008, I met w guy named Pierre who was coming from the other direction and nearly done. He told us he only camped once. The rest of the time he slept in people's yards. We tried it out and it was a big hit. Just knock on their door and say what you're doing and if you could sleep in their yard for the evening. Often times we got fed dinner!

Man, you killed it with the short form platform on your ride across America, but these longer more detailed videos are really good. The camera is kind to you, because your delivery is honest, smart, and funny. Thanks for your videos! I’m a fan!

Omg , he ain’t lying about the jacked up truck thing, me and a buddy we’re on a tour and twice in the same day this happened to us, guy rolled up on us and hammered the smoke , just about gives you a heart attack.

Nicely done. My son and I are riding across the us in sections. We have Kansas City to the Atlantic complete.

Frame bags look so nice, especially when they're made specifically for your frame!! But when you have to haul long or have to haul heavy, on a normal bike, panniers will always be the best option.

Definitely a great tutorial on the art of long distance trekking. I usually use bibs for comfort but I might try shorts next time. Very useful tips. In my travels I've learned the following: Computer - There's nothing better than Garmin when it comes to navigating, battery life and dependability. Wahoo is buggy with terrible navigation. The Hammerhead is great for everything but lacks battery life for long races much less a multi-day journey. The Garmins will go for days. A Wahoo will too. A Hammerhead will last about one day, if that. Shelter - I once swore by my tarp strung over my bike for shelter. It was small and light. That lasted about a year. Now I have a love affair with my Big Agness Copper Spur UL2 (bikepacking version.) It weighs 3lbs and packs down to 12x6" bundle. I can pitch just the poles and fly on hot/dry trips. In short a light, small, durable, stand-alone tent that's quick to pitch and dull colored (ie. not bright orange!) will make camping of any sort including stealth much easier. Bags - I personally like covering ground. Especially on open roads wind is often a big factor so the windage of your rig will determine effort and speed to a large degree. With that in mind I think I've found the perfect balance of packability and streamlined mounting with a Tailfin rack and drybag strapped to the rear. I have a Cyclite aero bar bag up front and a top bar bag (Restrap racepack) with external pockets. To be clear my current rig is a gravel racer and lacks mounting lugs so the Tailfin is perfect to mount to a thru axel and strap to my seat post. It can also be run with panniers if one so desired. I've never seen the need. If I end up with a large resupply package that won't strap to the rear, I carry it in a light musset or a backpack. Solar - True this will vary in effectiveness but route and region have much to do with choice here. In the South West especially you can definitely get a good charge with a small flex panel strapped over the rear pack. Then again many people will avoid conditions where this is true. I happen to be one of the few who loves heat!

Great tips. Thanks. Thinking about cross country tour in year or two after retirement. Really enjoyed your videos on xc trip with your Dad. Wide shoulders and tailwinds for all you wanderers!

I met a guy in Montana going Weat as I was going East. We both pulled over on the side of the road to stop and chat, just like you mentioned, these are our people. I asked him is that an ax in your front panier, as he had a large oak ax handle sticking out of it at arms reach. He said no, and pulled it out to reveal just an ax handle. I said what’s that for, and he said” it’s for the dogs back east you’ll see.” At the next bicycle shop I was able to find the red and white pepper spray cans that the mailman carries . And I did have to use it several times in Kentucky and Virginia. Great video! Wide shoulders and tailwind…. Seattle to Yorktown ‘96

This kind of has me itching for a little bit of a bike tour... And the mention of the truckfolk reminded me of one time when someone tried to roll coal at me in a Toyota tundra 😂

Wow! You gave a Excellent overview touching on everything regarding cycle touring. Brief but thorough. I didn't disagree with not one thing that you spoke on. I have done a few longer tours on my recumbent trike..Catrike Expedition with panniers. 400 mile tour & a 600 mile tour. I very recently bought a new Catrike 700 recumbent trike. Its much faster than my Expedition recumbent trike due to having a rear 700c rear wheel, compared to the 26" rear wheel on the Expedition. Pace Yourself! Is soooooooo important, that most people make the mistake in not doing. Enjoy every mile... literally. Otherwise you'll just burn yourself out and end up grumpy every day. Enjoy the present moment, it's Okay to slow down. 🐌 40 miles every day cyclists is HUGE! Don't compare yourself with other cyclists. Its your tour! I need to get myself a Garmin. Excellent video!

Love to see some Boston representation! I’m riding Boston to Montreal this summer as my first bikepacking trip! It’s a charity ride for Boston Cyclists Union. I’m super excited!

wow awesome video. have loved watching your IG videos and was like, I just need someone who makes videos like him who does like longer expainers that are bigger than the IG size. Unfortunately there's a lot of stuff out there and so I was like oh man, the perfect guy to make the video I'm looking for is you! you and your dad's trip was really inspiring to me and this is 100% different but I was traveling to the Philippines to see my 107 year old grandpa with my mom (I hadn't been in a few years) and made the creative act of doing a video every day when I could. anyway, your videos have been very thoughtful and interesting and I think they're great! thanks for sharing!

Sam is a national treasure! Protect this man at all costs!! Thanks Sam for all your videos.

I've done a few week long bike rides, including RAGBRAI, and I eat Carbs in the morning, pretty much snack all day. But I will have a good dinner with meat, which my body can break down during the night. It worked for me. Take your front wheel off, and bring it into your tent. Or if you riding with some one. Lock the two bikes together. Oh, if you have a quick release seat post, remove the seat.

Good energy. Hi to you and your Dad. Thanks for being great people.

Great overview and looking forward to more detailed insights

Boston represent! I went on a shorter bike tour north to south and had a lot of the same experiences/takeaways!

ur great and i like how if u dont have something ie rain pains u did not complain Big man . thank you for the info i ll be using all of it

Excellent video, great assessment. As for food, I've heard that daily servings of fruit - even if canned - helps greatly.

Your mental/social tips are the best.👍