I'm planning a cycling trip across the U.S. as the starting leg of an> around-the-world trip.>
I'm guessing that the road rules across the U.S. are pretty much the> same everywhere -- that is, you can't cycle on the highway.
Actually the rules vary considerably. Bicycling is allowed on almost all highways with the exception of limited-access freeways. On the latter the rules vary by state. In California and many other western states, cycling on the shoulders of limited-access freeways is allowed when there are no other reasonable alternatives. California law states that bicycling is allowed on such roads *unless* they are explicitly posted indicating that cycling is prohibited. In practice you'll find that they are posted except where alternate roads would take you at least a few miles out of your way. But that still leaves many such highways open to cyclists although you're frequently required to exit and re-enter at interchanges. Eastern states are generally less permissive, but usually have more alternate routes. And policies still differ - New Jersey had a policy of allowing cyclists on quite a few freeway shoulders provided they obtained a readily available permit (not sure if this program is still in effect). Major bridges, especially toll bridges, can also be a problem for cyclists.
I'm using> Microsoft Streets and Trips but I don't see a way to tell the program> to never route highways.
The Garmin maps I use with my GPS units allow me to specify the vehicle type and will route accordingly. But they won't necessarily pick the best streets. For example, looking at a map of a nearby town, 'Seven Hills Rd.' looks like a nice fairly direct way to get across town and the Garmin maps will usually choose this for bicycle travel as an alternate to the prohibited freeway. However, the name is quite descriptive and it's certainly not the fastest or easiest cycling route.
Some states put out cycling-specific maps and you might check with the tourism and transportation departments. Also check the routes of organizations like Adventure Cycling that promote cross-country cycling tours.
I'll check with the tourism depts. for the states I'll be in. Good> idea.>
I have three follow-up questions...
I'd recommend Ken Kifer's website archive at: http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/touring/index.htm for lots of useful information on bicycle touring in the US and particularly on camping and other options to reduce expenses while cycle touring.
Sorry, can't help you on the global weather website.
Mike Vermeulen 27 April 2005 07:25:28 [ permanent link ]
2) Do you happen to know of anything online that'll tell me what the>average temperature for a given spot on the planet? Being>around-the-world, there is a "don't want to be in Norway in the dead of>winter" factor here and I've had zero luck tracking down this info>myself.
Where in Norway are you looking for? Many weather sites will have a link that lets you find averages. For example, if you start at http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/NOXX.html and pick one of the Norwegian cities, you'll get current weather. Now pick "Records and Averages" link you'll frequently get average temperatures and precipitation.
I realize Norway was just an example, but if you start at http://weather.yahoo.com/, you can pick continents/countries/cities.
I'll also browse the Lonely Planet books at the local bookstore to read climate information and recommendations...
Mike Vermeulen wrote:>>2) Do you happen to know of anything online that'll tell me what the>>average temperature for a given spot on the planet? Being>>around-the-world, there is a "don't want to be in Norway in the dead of>>winter" factor here and I've had zero luck tracking down this info>>myself.>
Where in Norway are you looking for? Many weather sites will have a> link that lets you find averages. For example, if you start at> http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/NOXX.html and pick one of the> Norwegian cities, you'll get current weather. Now pick "Records and> Averages" link you'll frequently get average temperatures and> precipitation.>
I realize Norway was just an example, but if you start at> http://weather.yahoo.com/, you can pick continents/countries/cities.>
I'll also browse the Lonely Planet books at the local bookstore to> read climate information and recommendations...>
Dennis P. Harris 27 April 2005 10:57:40 [ permanent link ]
On 26 Apr 2005 19:26:23 -0700 in rec.bicycles.rides, bodhisoma@gmail.com wrote:
How feasible is it to simply find a spot outdoors and camp? I have> zero problem with this method, I just don't know what the experience of> the people who may have tried it in terms of whether or not I'd run> into local ordinance issues, etc. Can I assume an out-of-the-way spot> well off the road will be kosher 99% of the time?>
no you should not. for one thing, if the area is dry, there may be camping and/or fire restrictions, even on public land. camping on farms without permission can result in the owner confronting trespassers with a firearm in many rural areas.
if you are doing this for oxfam, you might ask them for lists of contributors/contacts in the areas where you will be travelling; i'm sure many of them would be happy to let you camp somewhere, arrange showers/meals/beds, help publicize your trip, etc.
2) Do you happen to know of anything online that'll tell me what the> average temperature for a given spot on the planet? Being> around-the-world, there is a "don't want to be in Norway in the dead of> winter" factor here and I've had zero luck tracking down this info> myself.>
you also don't want to be in the southern arizona desert in july.
each of the regional offices of the national weather service has a "climate" or "climatology" page for that area. you can reach them via http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ then just click on the map for your area of interest.
