Cycling the TransAmerica Bike Trail "The Dreaded Middle Third": Pueblo, Co to Carbondale, IL
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Follow me on this bike tour along a section of the TransAmerica Bike Trail from Pueblo, Colorado to Carbondale, Illinois. They call it the Dreaded Middle Third. The route covers eastern Colorado and Kansas across the High Plains. Then across Missouri and the Ozark Mountains. Cross the Mississippi River and finish on my own front porch in southern Illinois where my Sweetie is waiting for me. If you LIKE the video make sure to click the LIKE button and SHARE it with a friend. Thanks!
Read:
Riding with Swallows ... TransAmerica Bike Trail amzn.to/3rwOjDF
Basic Illustrated Bike Touring and Bike Packing amzn.to/3tJvsrQ
Links to some of my gear:
Arkel Panniers shrsl.com/3cpv0
Trek Bicycles www.avantlink....
Nashbar www.avantlink....
REI www.avantlink....
Showers Pass Rain Jacket www.avantlink....
Eastern Mountain Sports shareasale.com...
CampingMaxx shrsl.com/3cpv8
Nutcase Helmets www.avantlink....
DJI Mini Mavic 2 Drone click.dji.com/...
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal 4K Camera click.dji.com/...
Wald 1066 Handlebars amzn.to/3fLRHVH
RedShift Shock Absorbing Handlebar Stem amzn.to/3IBu3If
Cateye Velo 9 Bike Computer amzn.to/3AhqDag
Terry Liberator Y Men's Bike Saddle amzn.to/3FNp0Cq
High Visibility Vest amzn.to/3rFgIrw
Reflective Safety Triangle amzn.to/32kJN2M
MSR Pocket Rocket Ultralight Camp Stove amzn.to/3AdNB26
Sea to Summit Bowl amzn.to/3AhqDag
Canon M50 Mirrorless Camera amzn.to/3tIEIwy
GoPro Hero 8 Camera amzn.to/3rywX9x
Rode Video Mic Pro + amzn.to/3IohlMv
Neewer Compact Travel Tripod amzn.to/3qLalTW
Anyone can love the mountains, it takes someone with soul to love the plains.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I especially like the small towns and the local people. I've rode across the great plains several times. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
Absolutely. I grew up in the Mountains. They are wonderful but once I moved out into the plains, felt like I was home, could breathe, and never left. I love it all but prefer being able to see.
This dude rules! great video and great commentary. Loved it! " When you go looking for adventure and complain when you find it"
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks again!
@@paulsuchecki3985 yeah man. Good stuff. You are as real as it gets, respect and inspiration. Great choice on the tunes also.
Paul, I'm from the Missouri Ozarks. In fact, you pass by my Grandparents farm between Hartville and Houston MO. I used to ride that stretch and catch other cyclists and offer water and fruit. For some reason, you really resonate with me because I too like to enjoy solo adventures. I really enjoy your homemade videos. They are real and wholesome. Keep it up the awesome lifestyle Paul.
Thanks, Cole. My wife spent some time growing up in Missouri. We both enjoy the Ozarks. The hills are pretty challenging on a bike. Thanks for looking out for us bikers. The world could always use more Trail Angels. Thanks again for watching. Hope to see you down the road!
I'm in Marshfield, he rode past my wife's grandparents farm in hartville lol.. hoping to do the katy soon myself.. first tour
The most beautiful sunrise I have experienced was outside Salinas, KS. Crawled out of my tent for a little piece of heaven.
Sorry about the late response. Thanks for watching. I love Kansas sunrises. Stay safe and ride on!!
I’m a recently retired school teacher from Georgia. I bike toured as a younger person. Look forward to touring again now. Your clips are amazing. Thank you for providing this inspiration for me. I plan on biking the Erie, GAP,C and O, and perhaps Katy trail this summer and fall.
Sounds like a full summer. I'm a 'soon to be' retired school teacher. I've got 3 years to go, them I'm going on tour full time. This summer, however, I'm staying home. Next year I would like to ride to Alaska, at least that's what I've been telling my wife. Anyways, Thanks for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated!!! Have fun bike touring!
Hey Paul! I really appreciate your delivery. Thanks for all that you share. You have indeed inspired me. I grew up around Alton, went to school in Carbondale, and now live in Reno. I’ve made the trip by airplane, car, trucks d trailer, and motorcycle. Now I’ll make it on a bicycle. See you someday soon my friend.
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Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sounds like a great trip. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!! Go Salukis!
Wow, Paul, I liked everything about your video. You didn't sugar coat anything or act overly excited like so many do on videos like this one. Your commentary and camera work made me really feel the grit of the ride with you. Thanks!
Thanks for watching, I appreciate your kind comments. I've always felt the same way about how bike touring is sometimes presented, like it's fun all the time. I've been bike touring for decades and I find it to be painful. But nobody wants to talk about that part. I can see why though. If I showed in my video how painful it can be sometimes, fewer people would go bike touring. Of course I'm kidding, but only half kidding.
No seriously, bike touring is hard, but that's what I like about it. I've always said it's about managing fatigue, managing pain, managing heat and hydration. And through all that you really get to know your own body. And you usually find out you can do more than you thought you could. After a long hard tour I feel like Superman, for about a week, and then it goes away. Sorry for the long reply. Thanks again!
@@paulsuchecki3985 I appreciate your long reply. I also agree about nobody wanting to bike tour if you showed the painful parts. Heck, maybe they wouldn't even make it all the way through just watching the video!!!! :-)
Love the hand drawn map. And your positive attitude. Good stuff. 😊❤
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!😎
Great video! Was awesome you mentioned my home town Walnut Grove. You rode past my house about 7 miles East of there. Since I live on route 76 I long to ride it! Thought I’d have to be retired, but I do have vacation! Doing it in sections is a great idea!! Keep riding and please make another video!!
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. SW MO is just about as middle America as you can get. I love rural parts of the country like that for their authenticity. It's the real America! Ride on and stay safe.
Hope all is well with you and the family Mr. Suchecki! It’s great to see you keeping yourself healthy physically and mentally doing something you love! Thank you for all prior guidance and laughs in the classroom, there are too few of you out there. - Mychal Gibbens
Thank you Mychal. I hope all is well with you and yours. I'm just trying to follow the advice of one sign I saw and particularly liked: "Get Busy Living!" Take care my Friend.
" when you go looking for adventure, don't complain when you find it" I love that and it's so true.
So true. I have to remind myself sometimes. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
Thank you. Transamerica is on my bucket list once i make it across from the UK one day
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The Transamerica is a great ride. I hope to ride in the UK some day. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!😎
Paul, Thank you very much for bringing us along. I can only dream.
Thanks again and be safe.
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!! Sorry for the slow response.
I am glad the UA-cam algorithm drove me to this video. Great story thanks for taking me along.
Me too. Thanks for coming along. Hope you check out my other bike touring videos. Thanks again!
Awesome video, Love how you just tackle everything nice and slow!!! And I do believe that southern Illinois people are a little tougher than the rest of the world. God bless you sir thanks for the video
Thanks for watching! At my age, I do just about everything slow. But I've never been built for speed. I'm usually not in a hurry, unless I am, if you know what I mean. I always figured, if you're in a hurry, maybe you should get a motorcycle! Yeah, folk in this part of the country are of pretty hearty stock, I think it's an Ohio Valley thing. Southern Indiana, Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Southern Illinois.
But, Thank you again and God bless you as well. Thanks!
I really liked your narration style. Simple and sincere and just good to listen.
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it.😎
Good journey and narration. First time I have seen this video of yours. I've been touring by hiking kayak, canoe and bike for 55 plus years, never get tired of being one with the trail. I like your old school way of biking. Just Keep it Simple Stupid. No showing off your gear how it is the latest great idea and bragging how you saved one ounce on your new stoves weight. No fancy racing shoes clipped into the peddles. Just sensible flat peddles and old school toe clips. Too many young people have bought into all the corporate BS. A suggestion to help the want-a-bees. So many are not aware you can camp in the city parks in little towns. It would be nice to show your camp set up in a little town or two along the way. or stopping in a small town Cafe to chat with the locals. Keep on trekking down the byways and living life as light as a feather. I live on the Prairie and the wind was 45mph today.
Thanks again Tom. I've road across the Great Plains about 6 times. Including these states: Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, N. & S. Dakota, Montana (some more than once). Very little tourism, just real people. Thanks.
I liked this video and your narration. Simple and honest and to the point.
I rode from Chanute, Ks to Pueblo, Co with my dad and his friend back in 2014 on our recumbent trikes.
I remembered much of all those roads and towns between Chanute and Pueblo.
Great video 👍
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I'm riding the eastern portion of the TransAm right now. More videos to come. Thanks again!
I watch you and Ryan Van Duzer for biking. I enjoy your videos.
Thanks. I really appreciate it. Ryan Van Duzer's has some great videos. Ride on!!
I love riding the vast spaces of the prairie in the company of a few other riders. We work together in the wind and melt away the miles. Camping for the night cools us off and we enjoy the spectacular sky with popcorn thunderstorms and moonlight. I’ve crossed many states and mountain ranges. After 24 crossings from Colorado to Missouri I’m ready to do it again.
Sounds great! I agree. Let's go, you don't have to twist my arm. 😁
Missouri State has two rivers on each side and the hills feed rain water to the rivers. What I learned about Iowa. Walked up every hill from Davenport to Decatur Nebraska took 3 weeks to cross Iowa
Iowa is hill after hill after rolling hill. Definitely river country.
Great video Paul, I really liked the GoPro handle you were using 👍🇨🇦
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The GoPro is a sure steady camera that I used a lot. It good to have it handy where you need it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!😎✌
Great video. Brings back so many memories. We rode across in 2018 and also battled crazy headwinds in Kansas.
Thanks for watching. I saw your video, I hope you enjoyed the USA. The trip looked fun.
Great video thanks really enjoyed it. Love your bike I have a Miyata 1000 bought it in 1987 and been touring with it ever since. Keep the videos coming. We have some great trails in Canada put some winter tires on that Miyata and head on up!!!!!
The Miyata 1000 is like the Cadillac of bicycles. I don't know why anyone rides anything else. My goal is to ride to Alaska from Montana. How about Nova Scotia? Eh? No kidding, I would love to ride in Canada!!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Can't go wrong going out to the east coast. My first long distance ride in 1987 was out in the Maritimes flew to Halifax then rode through Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick, great scenery awesome people. Just watched your Ohio to Erie bike trip that's on my list now looked like fun. I'm planning the Transamerica route in 2023 when I retire. Looking forward to more of your videos once the world gets back to normal and we beat this thing.
@@Samsky44 I've always wanted to ride up in that area of Canada, but it's just one place on a long list of places I need to go. Yeah, this summer was a drag, I had big plans. My only ride was a 3 day gravel ride, socially distanced of course. Video coming soon. But just wait, next summer is gonna be awesome. Thanks again! I also get to retire in 2023. Big plans!
4:02 I know John :) Cycle with him all the time!
John's a great guy! He said that he did and lead tours in Asia. Thanks for watching and tell John I said "Hey".
Great inspiring video! So many great places to see! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again.
Just stumbled across your channel and I love the way you narrate this. Feels like I'm watching a History Channel documentary or something. I love it! As my dad used to say, "Keep on Keepin' on!"
Thanks for watching and leaving the nice comments. I just got back from bike touring, so more videos will be coming out soon. My dad used to say, "If you want to keep moving, then you got to keep moving!" Thanks again!!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Hah, our dads were on the same page. I'm heading out for an overnighter at the end of the month. If you ever find yourself in San Antonio, TX, I'm more than happy to lend over my spare bedroom for a night!
Great music and vid. Thanx dude.
Thanks again, Buddy. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
Best damn bicycle journey video that I have watched in a long time. Well done and thanks for sharing ;
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment, I appreciate it.
Love it! Your videos just keep getting better and better!!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Switch to tubeless, no more flats from the little stuff, they have tires you can tour on now. Check out Vittoria's Terreno lineup, I've used the Dry, Mixed, and Zeros. Most of the time I stick with Zeros for touring, but went with the Mixed ones for one extended dirt/gravel tour. The fish scale treat on the Dry ones wears down too fast, but I get plenty of mileage out of the Zeros.
Thanks for the tip. Ride on!!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks again for watching.
The best video ever!! I watched it all!
Thanks!!
Nice Mann!! Love your story:) keep on Rolling!!
Thanks!
Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for watching!
!!! Very interesting ride and very interesting story! Hi from Siberia:))
Wow, Thanks!! Is that Siberia, Illinois or Siberia, Russia? Thanks again and stay warm.
Well done, Paul…thank you!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Great video. You are a good presenter.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
Nice trip!
Thanks!!
Thanks! enjoyed you inspiration ...Going west this summer Buffalo to Albuquerque, looks like I'll take the KATY trail in N. Missouri, those Ozarks look painful! Kansas and CO look as bleak as I thought it would be, Hope my prevailing westerlies don't prevail.
The KATY trail is a great option. The Missouri River is very cool. In 2019 the river was way up and some of the trail was washed out, otherwise I was seriously thinking about the KATY. The western terminus is not too far from the Trans America. Crossing the plains can be tough, but the little towns are cool and the people are great. Have great ride, hope to see you on the road! Thanks again.
i much like your style. ive rode since a kid. i like the desert, less wind, so you filisofee us gud. im in marfa, west texas,big bend has snow.
Thanx! West Texas hill country. On my list. Thanks again.
Man I don’t even like driving thru Kansas home of bob dole sign then nothing until the Rockies lol
On the interstate at 70 mph for hours is pretty boring, I agree. But travelling at the speed of a bicycle, I think you see more so it's more interesting. Thanks for watching!!
Not something I'm personally interested in, but a great video nonetheless. Thanks for sharing your hobby.
Thanks for watching!
Modern day cowboy. Gr8 ride!!
You got that right! Thanks for watching.
Hi Paul, today I came to your channel and watched the video with great interest. It's great to see how the vastness of the country can also be conquered on a bicycle. It must be quite a mental effort to drive the very long straight roads in Kansas. I really liked the video. Thank you for taking us with you. Greetings from Germany
Thanks for watching. Kansas is wide open spaces with very few people. The towns are small and the people are friendly. Greetings from the USA. Ride on!
"When you go looking for adventure, don't complain when you find it."
I have to remind myself of that all the time. Thanks for watching!!
One of the best tour videos as the journey is well explained and you feel you've experienced it too. I'd like to know how you split your day up to achieve say 60 miles? eg is it 8 hrs riding easily or 5 hrs at faster pace? Length of breaks?
Thanks for watching. I start early and take lots of breaks. I ride for an hour or so and find some shade and rest for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes longer. Gives me a chance to video. Thanks again. Ride on!
I look forward to watching all the other videos on your channel. There is good roadside photography, and it's all nicely narrated. While you were riding through Kansas that year I was on a tour of my own and got bitten by a dog when I was nearing central Illinois. A question: Are those maps your own freehand, or do you use any software to help with them?
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it! Sorry to hear about the dog bite. I hope you weren't hurt too bad. Those Illinois dogs ought to know better. Sounds more like a Kentucky dog. LOL! I draw the maps myself, but I trace them from a paper map. Thanks again. Stay safe out there and ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 I should have been clearer. I was in Indiana, getting close to the border with central Illinois. That dog was out in the yard with its owner, and some dogs get extra protective when the owner is close by. That dog had its papers, so other than an ER trip it wasn't a big deal. Well, when I called 911 the dispatcher asked if I was bleeding. I took a look and said, "I guess I am!" That triggered a response: Deputy Sheriff, animal control officer, EMS people, and who knows who else. My wife also came out, and after we all had a good visit she drove me to the ER. We drove back home to Michigan for a few days and then came back and resumed the trip. (My wife often drives when I ride. She wants to do her own stuff during the day, but we get together at a hotel in the evenings. We used to camp a lot, but she is not able to do that anymore. I don't do very much self-contained touring--usually just a few days head start from home and she joins me a few days later.) I think you do a nice job with your maps. I usually follow stories such as yours as best I can with Google Maps, but I like looking at your maps, too.
Hi Paul. How did you get to the start of this (and any other) trail? Do you Greyhound or fly or road trip?
Sorry about the late response. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. On this trip, my wife and I were on a road trip to the west coast. I brought my biking gear with me and on the way home, my wifre dropped me off in Pueblo. I love a trip that starts from home. On other trips I have used planes trains or buses to get to my starting point. I've never tried a one-way rental car, but I've heard of others doing that. Stay safe and ride on!!
You have a great voice.
Thanks.
What is your average mph? Also are there puncture resistant tires or tubes you recommend? I’m 56 and am taking up cycling again but don’t want to get stranded with flats.
I average about 10 mph riding down the road. Have you checked into tubeless tires. There's slime on the inside of the tire and the puntures self-seal. You never get a flat. Ride on!
Thank you Paul. I’m really enjoying your adventures...Thanks for sharing!!!
Glad you like them! More adventure to come... at least that's my plan. Thanks again.
What kind of drone do you use?
I used a Mantis Yuneec in that video. But I've upgraded to a Mavic Mini. Under 250 grams, takes great video and is a very fun toy. Thanks for watching.
What did you use for navigation?
I'm "old school", so I like my paper maps, Rand McNally. Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) puts out bicycle maps for their routes. A bit pricey, but loaded with information and worth it in my opinion. I have GPS on my phone and it has come in handy from time to time, but in very remote areas sometimes there is no signal. For the Trans America Trail, ACA maps are the best. Thanks.
Did you grow up in Brooklyn or some east coast city?
I've lived in Illinois my entire life. Both parents grew up in Chicago.
@@paulsuchecki3985 lived in Quincy for a few months on my 2nd hitchhike trip across country in 76. Picked up a lot of steel from Gary.
Kansas is so flat you can almost see the back of your head on a clear day,lol..
Some parts, yes. And the wind is always out of the west. LOL!
Are you reading from a script you write each morning or totally impromptu? It seems you are taking "notes" along the day to remember the facts and historical info?
I do jot things down so I don't forget, but mostly I'm just riffing. Try to make it interesting. Its all about the story. Right?
loved your video and the scenery and your explanation of what the trail is about but can you do videos without the music? thanks. just a suggestion not trying to be offensive. biking is another option to hiking trails (watching people who are doing the AT)
Thanks for watching. I appreciate the feedback. Others have said something about the music being too loud. I'm working on scaling it back a bit, I'm still a beginner. But I will say, I like the music. It sets the mood and keeps things moving along. Can you image Star Wars with no music? Just sayin'. I just got back from bike touring, so new videos coming out soon. Thanks again!!!
I appreciate that you say positive things about the places you pass through. Nobody likes to hear outsiders bashing their hometown, so it's great to hear you give some love to small towns that most people just fly past.
I also like that you show a map with the exact roads that you have taken.
I love riding through rural America and going through small towns. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
He’s not 100% positive…he wouldn’t be 100% honest if he.
Watched a lot of touring vids looking for my next adventure and yours stands out, because you speak in a matter-of-fact, educational, historical perspective that us middle-aged guys love to do. Good to see Chester, too. On my Mississippi Paddle in 2015 I camped on the bank under a train bridge at Chester. Great adventure, Mr. Suchecki. Thanks for sharing with us commoners and Happy Trails, sir.
Thanks for watching and leaving the kind words. I see that you've spent some time on the PCT. I am jealous. My back won't let me do that any more. A few years ago I biked part of the Sierra/Cascade route, basically the PCT by road bike. Also, I've always wanted to paddle the Mississippi. You sir, are no commoner! Happy trails to you and thanks again!
My mantra was "It's just wind. They're just hills." Thanks for sharing.
'Cause if you don't, the wind and the hills will get to ya! It is just as much mental as it is physical and that's how you win the mental battle. Whatever it takes. Happy riding!
Awesome experience. In 2004 I rode my bicycle from Springfield, MO to Astoria, OR. Cant wait to do it again! We didn't have all this technology back then so I think I have about 5-ish pictures from the whole thing! Its nice to remember it via other peoples videos!
Awesome! Thanks for watching. In 2004 I rode part of Lewis and Clark, and yeah, I had a crappy (by today's standards) digital camera. Thanks again, hope to see you on the road!
Oh lonesome Ordway! If I would have known you where heading this way I would have brought you a nice big meal! If I see bicycle tourist that stop at that little water park across from the hotel you stayed at I always bring a nice big plate of food for them. I know this is a long boring rode to ride on
Ordway is a nice little town. I stayed at the hotel and ate across the street at a burger joint. Thanks for taking care of the bikers, we all appreciate it!
Paul, I greatly enjoyed watching this! Excellent work. Love your style. You are so spot on with your observations of crossing Kansas and Missouri. I crossed right to left in the fall of 2019 and had very similar experiences. Those hills in Missouri kicked my butt. It felt like I was climbing all day because the brief downhills were not nearly long enough to get a proper rest. My grandfather said of Missouri, "I don't think there is six feet of level ground in the whole state!" And the south wind in Kansas was something else! Just the all day buffering was exhausting. I loved it all! Growing up in California it was all new and exciting to me. I did a journal with a unique historical perspective that I think you would like. Check it out! And best regards, Tom
www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/rollingbeachchair
Tom, I saw your journal on crazyguy. What a great story! What a great journey. Traveling by bike really lets you take it all in. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Sharing the story, in what ever form it may take, is half the fun. Your journal is awesome!
You go out looking for adventure.
Dont complain when you find it.
Love that saying.
Good vid man, excellent editing and commentary.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.
Highway 96, I love Kansas. No one can sneak up on you out here. The Great Plains. A Geological Marvel.
Love it! You ARE a cowboy!!!!!! That’s some excellent narration. I’m a fan.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Great vid, the commentary, mapping and video brought back so many memory's. I went East to West and rode the Katy, leaving the trail at Chester and rejoining at Pittsburgh KS so I missed the Ozarks and I'd ride the Katy again because I liked the towns adjacent to the trail. The Ness city bank caught my eye, such a prominent building out there by itself, I still think about it today. I remember that Quonset hut too. From Larned to Ness city we had a screaming cross wind and at Dighton, the Sherrif moved us into the courthouse for the night because of storms, glad I kept a journal. goo.gl/maps/Sa3GnZdQeoK2 - goo.gl/maps/1YXXSUWXEnEYrKQA6
Thanks for watching. I thought about the Katy Trail, but I heard it was under water most of the summer of 2019. The Ness City Bank was an impressive building and the Quonset hut was about the only thing to take a picture of on that stretch of road. Thanks again!
Greetings from Europe!, I really loved this video, the story, your narrative, laid-back mood of taking on challenges, humor and nice footage / drone shots. What a nice adventure (and no complaining about that). Thanks for taking us along !!
Thanks for watching! I love the international audience on UA-cam. Europe is definitely on my list. Too many places to go and not enough time (something to complain about). Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, etc. !!!! I bought a better drone. Thanks again.
@@paulsuchecki3985 Nice!, lol, my bucket list is also growing all the time 😀
Your storytelling skills are amazing. Also very informative.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!
Paul. YOU hit the "ball out of the park",.......every time! Your videos are A+
Thanks so much. I appreciate it! 😎
Great video Paul! That was a long ride, lots of wide open scenery and great little towns. Love ur commentary also, thanks so much for sharing with us!!!
Thanks again. Riding across the great plains is pretty cool. Stay safe and ride on!
I personally thought that section was great. I remember the (official) TransAm crossed a previous self-designed TransAm route I rode the year before, intersecting in Cassoday, KS, and that brought back fond memories. More excitingly though, there were tornadoes with a dark greenish sky one night near Eads, - quite wild. And there were more tornadoes down near Ste. Geneviève close to the Mississippi crossing. I really liked being able to see the next town 20 miles down the road on that stretch, it's so flat. The big grain towers of each town can nearly be seen from the previous town! There was also a very pretty lake along that route we camped at one night.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I really like riding across the plains also. I like the emptiness of it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
Hey Paul,
I love your videos. I do frequent day rides and overnighters here in the SF Bay Area but have yet to do a full bike tour. I have been planning to ride East to West on the TransAmerica and Western Express routes come summer 2025. In this video you say you wouldn’t recommend Transamerica for beginners. Do you have any other cross-country routes that you’d suggest in place of the transamerica? Also, what are your thoughts on the Western Express for beginners?
I wouldn't recommend it for beginners only because of the length. If you have never gone bike touring or bike packing that is a very large undertaking (8 weeks +). How do you know that you like bike touring that much? Maybe a shorter ride like an overnighter or a week long trip would help you get used to your gear and the rigors of bike touring. But that's just me. Having said that, I have met people doing the TransAm Coast to Coast as their first bike tour. I was amazed. But they were experienced cyclists on their first tour.
Maybe you are a hardy soul with a taste for adventure and don't mind some discomforts. I say go for it. The Western Express is ... (epic, mind-blowing, other-worldly) choose your own adjective. Riding across Nevada and Utah was like being on another planet. Amazing! But it is very desolate. In some places it is 80 miles+ between services. It's called the Loneliest Road in America. Great route but it is a desert.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!
Great video Paul! Thank you for giving some added inspiration to an old man. Just retired a week ago and have planned on bicycle touring the rest of my years away.
Thanks for watching! I'm jealous, I've still got 1 or 2 years left, then I'm going full-time bike touring. Hope to see you down the road.
1500 miles 5 years ago moving from Detroit to Utah. Made it to Kansas when I hit early snow by the way of Nebraska cowboy trail and then south because of weather on the original route.
Try the Nebraska cowboy trail once along the elk horn river up to wounded knee and west
I've ridden across Nebraska twice. Some find it boring. I like the great plains. I rode that section from Valentine to Chadron, parallel to the Cowboy trail. I found the trail to be a bit soft, but the shoulder of the rode was wide and beefy. The Sand Hills are amazing. Thanks again, Tommy.
Love the old Miyata. I’ve a few myself. All the miles you’ve put on that bike speak volumes. 80’s, Japanese, steel bikes hit a real sweet spot, imo. I have a very similar Centurion Elite GT touring bike. As you’ve mentioned, it’s limited to about 32 mm tires. This is the only reason I bought a newer steel frame: it will take larger tires. That said, I still ride my old steel bikes. I actually prefer them for road riding.
It's hard to replace my old Miyata 1000. It's like an old traveling partner. Been through a lot together. But my new Disc Trucker has fat tires and disc brakes. Just had to try it to see what all the talk was about. So far I don't hate it. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
I love to see that map move you have a great channel and spark my interest in doing this baby step's for sure but I have a route and a ideal. Thanks for the inspiration.✌️❤️✌️
Thanks for watching. Baby steps for sure. Stay safe out there!😎
For most of my life I lived on the High Plain, so I'm familiar with the region you rode. I like the austere, stark nature of the region, but it's not for everyone.
As far as goat heads go, the trick is to figure out what the plant that produces them looks like and where it prefers to grow. It's usually a low growing plant that produces little yellow flowers. It grows along the ground in long tendrils that spread out and take over a large area, if allowed. They grow in areas that ecologists would say experienced a disturbance which means that soils are bare (like road sides). If you ride a little left of the road's edge and ride around plants that grow onto the road, you can avoid most flats. I've watched people ride right through patches of goat head plants (I did it once when I was a kid), and, if they stick in far enough and there are enough of them, your tire and tube are ruined.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I love crossing the Great Plains. I like the solitude, the vastness, the towns, the people. But you're right, you have to have a head for it. Thanks for the tip on goatheads. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
There is an old saying on the prairie: Anyone can love a mountain, It takes a special kind of person the love the prairie. We have no mountains The wind is our mountains. There is a truisms. Whichever way you are biking the wind will be in your face.
I love ridng on the Great Plains. I'd rather ride across the Great Plains than drive my car. It feels like being in the middle of nowhere. Plus I love the towns and people on the prairie. Ride on!
If this is 2019 July I was in Iowa heading to Decatur Nebraska crossing the Missouri River
Stay safe and ride on!
I really like your delivery style. I’ll be watching more of your videos.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!
Thank you for the remembering of that wonderful TransAm part. Your American comment was refreshing and great! I hope to visit your country again in about 22 months and cycle the continental divide route than. I will retire at that time, no time pressure anymore!😉
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. I just retired this year. I hope to see you out riding the countryside some day. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
Okay…how did you get from Carbondale to Anna on a back road? And, I would like the turn by turn map for the river to river from Grand Tower to Cave in Rock….My sister and mother live in Anna. I am from Harrisburg and my parents are from Crainville
Sorry about the late response. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. There is an old gravel road that parallels Hwy. 51 called Spanish Bluff Road. It follows the Cache Creek for part of the way. I just went that way to find some shade and take a rest. It's not far from my home. If you send me an email to babikeadventures@gmail.com I will send you a copy of my gravel route with turn-by-turn directions. Again, sorry about the slow response. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
Very well done Paul. Your videos has inspired me to try the Virginia Capitol Trail as my very first bike tour trail. One question : Where did you find water when you were biking down the TransAm trail? Thanks and ride on...
The TransAmerica Bike Trail is one of the most popular cross country bike routes. It goes through lots of small towns with stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other places to get water or whatever a tired bike traveler needs. In a pinch I have also stopped at city parks, post offices, fire and police stations for water. In well populated areas towns are usually not more than 10 - 20 miles apart or so, and water is usually easy to find, unless your riding on old farm roads that never go through a town. I usually start the day with at least 2 or 3 quarts of water if I know there will be places to re-fill. On some stretches towns are few and far between and carrying extra water is a must. On one tour across Nevada there were stretches of road with no towns for 80 miles. I had to carry all of my water for the whole day. I would start with 8 quarts (very heavy) and I would force myself to drink half of that by noon. It lightened the load quickly, I never got dehydrated and I never ran out of water.
I've never ridden the Virginia Capitol trail, so I couldn't tell you about any specific water stops along the way. But sometimes Rail Trails are notorious for not going directly past stores and other services. If in doubt, check a map to see how far apart towns of reasonable size are, for potential water stops. I hope that helps.
Hey, thanks for watching my video(s). My intent was to inspire, I'm glad it's working. BTW, if you are new to bike touring, I recommend an organization called Adventure Cycling Association. A great source of information on bike touring. Another great website is crazyguyonabike.com. Thanks again. Happy Trails!!
Your narration reminds me of Jack Webb from the TV show Dragnet. Leave it to our great country to name a town after a man who gave us a black eye. No surprise there. Ar-kansas vs Ar-kin-saw is like New-erk NJ vs New-ark DE. Delaware will always correct you because they want no connection to a town in NJ who’s claim to fame is “ the murder capitol of the Northeast”.
Thanks for watching and leaving a cool comment. Half the fun of travelling is meeting people and hearing the interesting things they have to say. Thanks again!
You bought a couple of tubes in Great Bend? How many flats did you have on this trip? Are you running Schwalbe Marathons?
Great bike shop in Great Bend. I like to carry 2 or 3 extra tubes. I do use Schwalbe Marathons. But nothing stops a wire. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
Dang goatheads. I hate those thorny things! 68 years and I haven’t figured out why God made them or mosquitoes for that matter. ❤ I love your videos.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Goatheads are a drag. I've had mant flat tires from them. They have tire liners to help prevent flats, but I never think of it until it's too late. I haven't gone tubeless yet. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
Paul saw you gear video. How about adding a neck scarf reduces dehydration, sun burn, and cover from dust.😎🐸
Great idea! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
Much enjoyed.
You got a different "style" than most bikepackers, but i like it.
Keep it up and good luck!
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!! Sorry for the slow response. 😎
Great ride, great video! Really enjoyed the commentary. And those maps ... I hope to ride this route someday.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I do have a fascination with maps! I can stare at them for hours. Enjoy the ride, hope to see you on the road!
Yeah, goat heads suck. You have to run sealant. I use stans in my tubes. A lot of people think it is only for tubeless tires but it says right on the bottle it can be used in tubes and it's the best I've used. Whenever I inspect my tires I find hundreds of the spikes broken off in my tires.
Thanks for the tip. I need to look into sealant. Thanks again Kitchen! Stay safe and ride on!😎
You make the best bike tour videos on youtube. I love your commentary and it seems like you really have a lot of fun riding around. I hope you get to go on another bike tour soon and make more videos!
Thanks for watching and thanks so much for the nice comments! I've got one video coming out soon that I'm working on. And I've got big plans for summer. I hope they work out. Thanks again!
I agree with you. I’ve watched this video and the Lake Michigan video. Paul, I love how you are so matter of fact. Gotta get on down the road. 😃
@@stacyndog Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it.
Rode a bike in Shawnee National Forest. Once, stopped on a bridge over a creek and saw a few of the fattest snakes I've ever seen.
It was probably a cotton mouth. Very common water snake in southern Illinois. Best to leave them be. 😉
That shuttle might have doubled in price now, Nov2022.
Thanks for watching. Which shuttle? On the OTET? Stay safe and ride on!!
My kind of channel. Subscribed! Question - would u ever consider ebikes?
Thanks for the support. I'm not ready for a E-bike yet. Maybe when it just gets too painful to pedal. I need to get an E-bike for my wife. I see them all over the place these days. I think in a few years everyone is going to have one. Thanks again!
Another great video. Your wife must be a saint! Letting you go off on these great adventures.
Thanks again, Buddy. And, yes she is. She puts up with a lot!
Show Me state? What's the story on that? I was so surprised at how hilly MO was I don't know what I was expecting really, Tom Sawyer to go floating by? I think when I get over there I'll have a lot of miles to cover - today was stormy so I cooked a lit of meals and froze them, I take them out on rides and by about the time I'm ready for lunch they've defrosted enough to cook and eat. I am looking up ways to dehydrate food for the trail. I like to know what's in my food and with type 2 diabetes I have to go careful on what I eat. Another great video.
Each state has a nickname. My home state Illinois is "The Land of Lincoln". New York is the "Empire State". Missouri is called "The Show Me" state. This is the way I understand it. In the days of the pioneers, Missouri was the gateway to the west. Sometimes mountain men from the west would return to the east with fanciful tales of things they saw out west. Some of their stories were probably true. But many folks in St. Louis didn't believe their wild stories, got tired of hearing them and would respond "show me". And that's how Missouri became known as "The Show Me" state. Even that story might be or might not be true, but that's what I'm going with. Thanks for watching! Ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Excellent, thank you. I worked out what the lower 48 meant.
Your videos are Awesome! Real.motavating as well.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!
Amazing video mate! Greetings from Iceland 🇮🇸
Hey, thanks! Greetings back at you from southern Illinois, USA.