Hmmm...
Couldn't get the map to download?  Prolly operator error on my part.

I have a friend living in Reno. Does anyone know about the riding there?

I'm somewhat familiar with the Reno area.  I don't know of great riding right in town but there is an abundance of good riding in the nearby mountains.  Lake Tahoe is just a half hour away.

JRA=Just Riding Along

Started riding the road in about 1980.  Bought my first mountain bike in 1985.  Been doing both ever since.  Did a bit of racing both on and off road - WAY back when.  I have also done a bit of touring on the road, but no more than a few days at a time.

I recently bought a Salsa Fargo to add to my herd.  I LOVE it!  It's a bit clunky and heavy but it's a kick to ride.  The idea of doing some touring off road is appealing and the bikepacking style of travel is also intriguing. 

I find this website interesting as there are experienced and knowledgable people contributing.  Glad to be here.

Good to know Platypus bags fit the filter. I'll have to grab a large one next time I have a chance

+1
I didn't realize they were compatible.  Good to know.

Cool trip! (no pun intended)
Thanks for posting.

Nice

Have you read the story of the three brothers who rode from Alaska to the tip of South America?  They used Rohloff hubs on their bikes.  I don't recall reading about any serious problems.

More info here:
http://boundsouth.org/gear/

Arizona has some affordable living and good riding, as mentioned above.
Also, southern Utah, (St. George, Hurricane, Cedar City, etc.) has great riding, hiking and affordable housing.

Colorado, New Mexico?

Cool trip!
Where did you begin and end?

I use this pack. It's probably the cheapest of the options discussed, only weighs 10oz, rolls up real tiny, and is quite comfy. I recommend it.

I use one for backpacking.  Turn it inside-out and it doubles as a stuff sack for a sleeping bag or other gear. 

Republic of California here .
Some accuse us of being too european-like. 

The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 is always worthy of consideration.  Over budget though.

https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/FlyCreekUL1

I'll make a point of it.

Hi Simon,
As you know, the US is rather large and I am certainly no expert on ALL of the potential areas that may be suitable for your parameters.  

First off - March - May is the tail end of winter snows in most mountain locations.  Living in a tent would probably not be feasible in many of these areas until late May or June.  

The beach or the desert would work well for your desired dates.  California offers both beach and desert camping year round.  All along the coast of California are campgrounds, many with hot showers available.  Google California State Parks for an overview.  Also look at the National Park Service website, (NPS.gov).  There are many National Parks that offer camping and great cycling opportunities, (though mostly road riding within the parks).  Look at Joshua Tree National Park for a great desert camping experience and relatively quiet roads.

Many of the campgrounds have time limits on how many nights you can stay, 7-14 day limits are common.  So you may need to move around a bit.  Staying in one place for the entire visit may be a bit difficult unless you find someone with space on their own private property.  

Southern Utah is another place that offers great cycling on and off-road, and excellent camping in Utah State Parks and National Parks.  Check out Snow Canyon State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce National Park.

Arizona has many opportunities as well, though I'm not quite as familiar with that state.

Best of luck on your visit to our country.  If you have any other specific questions I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

Rick

I missed your shop when I was in Durango...how did I miss a shop with such a cool name?  Dang!

I've put together a pretty comprehensive Bikepacking Primer here:

http://www.velorutioncycles.com/bikepacking.htm

There is an entire section on bags, and why they work better than panniers for most people.  Hope that helps!

Wow!  Cool, thanks for that Joey.

We spent a couple of days in Durango on our way home from the same trip I mentioned above.  We were there to see the start of the US Pro Cycling Challenge - Great party!  Great town too!

I've never really warmed up to wearing a backpack cycling, though sometimes it's a necessity.
I have the Osprey Talon 22 and it works great for hiking.  It works well on the bike too.

Good info.  Thanks Toby.
As a backpacker too, I'm familiar with many of the ultralight gear option$.  Some I already have and others I wouldn't be opposed to replacing.  And I'm with you on preferring not to have a big backpack on while cycling, (must be the old "roadie" in me).  I own a couple of Camelbacks but I rarely wear them, even off-road.  I just haven't been able to get used to the monkey on my back!

I see from your blog that you're from Fort Collins.  We spent a couple of days there last Summer after a backpack trip in RMNP.  Great breweries and a great town!

  

I've used traditional panniers for touring on the road before.  I haven't used the frame, handlebar, seat bag, etc. style of bags for bike travel yet.  I'm curious what you think the advantages and disadvantages of each type are?  I like the idea of the minimalist packing but I just want to learn a bit more before I start investing money in new bags.

I have cruised Revelate's website - Cool Stuff!

I welcome your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Check the California State Parks website for Hiker/Biker camping info.  Hiker/Biker campsites are very affordable, $7.00/night if I remember correctly.  Plus, many of the Ca. State Park campgrounds have hot showers - always a bonus!