Hi again FW.  Thanks for more great info and help.

Yes the maps, I was thinking of getting them soon, but was worried incase a new revised version came out before now and the set off date.  Maybe I should'nt worry and just check out the updates on line.  So the maps have all that type of info? hotels, stay overs, food etc?  That's good to know.  Yes your right, anyway with a shower and a comfy bed will do after spending all day battling a headwind while it rains down on you.  I will do my research the best I can, although it would be nice to be more flexable.  That sounds nice about the women just leaving a key, I've read on blogs simular heartwarming stories of trust and openess.

Your right, that is a problem I am going to have, that I just cant throw a tent up anyway like you guys, and the costs are going to be much more 

oh yes, I'm a little self conscious of walking around in lycra at the best times, let alone some small family town in the middle of no-where.  I would not like to offend, and would slip a pair of light shorts on when appropriate.

I've heard some horror stories about the coal trucks on route, people being hit by them and lumps of coal flying off and hitting cyclists too.  Sounds pretty bad.  Are the maps giving a route away from those dangers?

Not sure I will be doing that many miles PC!  at least, hope not.

Thanks for your help again

Morning, thanks for getting back in touch.  I'm planning on the ACA Transamerica route, heading East to West at the begining of May 2012.  My very rough planning and research leads me to belive I can do it within 3 months/12weeks.  Somewhere inbetween 70 and 80s days, 82being the max days allowed. The blogs I've been reading have given variable distances travelled each day, from 34miles to over 110miles.  I have no idea how draining it will be on the body, but I would like to average 60miles a day, giving myself 10days rest on route.  Of course I understand you can't 100% plan for a trip like this, illness and weather would delay things, and keeping to such a tight deadline could take the enjoyment and pleasure out of such a ride - the whole reason for doing it in the first place.  Good to know I can do the motel/hotel/B&B each night, not sure how much it will cost though and I think tripadvisor will need to be used to find cheap but comfortable places to stay.  The planning is the hard bit for sure!

I'm never sure what constitutes a strong rider.  During the summer weekends I happily ride 60-70miles, take part a couple of sportives, etapes and triathlons (as part of a team - cycling part of course  ), each year.   Although, I have not ridden back to back long rides, so...

Yes not sure what to take yet, I'm trying to make a list then pile it all up on the floor and see how it looks!  The blogs say that the locals and other riders are vrey helpfull on route, and there are bike shops along the route where things can be fixed or replaced.  Someone said that it is possible to have things posted fwd ahead of you, so if you know where your going to be stopping, then a fresh set of clothes etc can be waiting a week or two ahead of you.  Also someone said it's not a fashion show lol, so you only really need some shorts and a t-shirt to put on once you've arrived in town. 

Riding during the heat sounds pretty harsh and a lot of people start off real early in the morning to beat the heat.  Rabid dogs sound bad as do the coal trucks, read some terror stories about those! 

Thanks for the help FW, I'm sure there will be more posts and frantic calls for help appearing closer to the departure date.

Hey there, I wonder if any of you can help me.  I plan on doing the transamerica ride next year but want to ride my bike without panniers and heavy bags, I would like to feel the freedom of the ride and countryside without being loaded down.  I've posted a few topics on other forums and had some help which is great, and I know I have a lot more research to do before May 2012.  I see that there are essential kit lists out there I need to look at too. 

My questions are, what are other peoples experiences of doing the transamerica bike route ultralight?  I'm not wanting to camp, so will be hotel/motel/b&b the route.  What essentials would you pack? What would you want to take next time, and leave at home.  Thanks guys.

Simon