Biking from San Diego to Maui?

Jamie Cox29 said:If you guys end up moving this thread, could you just shoot me a quick DM letting me know where it landed? Thanks!

I’m starting to plan out a massive loop for this summer—maybe hitting San Diego first, then catching a boat out to Maui, and then biking my way back to the coast...
Has anyone here ever done a long-haul ride like that? I'm curious about the sleeping situation if I'm using a tent. I'm not really looking at campsites—more like wild camping in nature. 🤷Also, any tips on mounting a tent to a bike? Or would it be a total headache to just build a little trailer instead?

Oh, absolutely—and seriously, don't even think about heading out without a pump. Trust me on that one.👍

Honestly, you should try to keep your tent, sleeping bag, and pad as small and lightweight as possible. Borrow some gear or just buy something—even if it’s the cheapest option available. Before you head out, just wipe it down at home with some disinfectant, then grab some kind of (semi)silicone balm, kind of like Labello. I know for a fact REI used to carry it.
Wild camping is an option, sure, but only if you absolutely have to. Just make sure you get well off the road—find some shade and stay out of the direct sun. Also, watch out for standing water so the mosquitoes don't eat you alive. And please, make sure you aren't trespassing on private property or hunting grounds!
Personally, I avoid wild camping whenever I can because I need a shower and a real restroom every single day. There is nothing like running water to clean you up, refresh you, and help you unwind. Plus, I can wash my clothes and let them dry while I'm driving. If I crawl into a sleeping bag feeling gross, it basically turns into one giant, stinky sock.
I’m with you on preferring the hammock... sleeping pads always feel way too thin to me.

electricotter9
No offense intended, but at first glance, the only bike worse than yours for a long trip might be a BMX. But hey, if the crew says it’s doable—don't let them get to you and good luck. Try riding some hills 31 miles near your place first to see how it actually feels. A few steep climbs and boom—you've burned a thousand calories!

Dana Barrett11 said:electricotter9
No offense intended, but at first glance, the only thing that might be a tougher ride than yours would probably be a BMX. Still, if the crew says you can pull it off, don't let them get in your head—good luck out there. Maybe try some uphill and downhill stretches to test it out. 31 miles Take a walk around the property and see how things actually shake out. If you get a 20 by 50 setup going, those thousand-dollar bills will start rolling in easy.

I'm not sure why you'd think I'm angry, but I really don't see the reason for it.

Honestly, your bike looks more suited for commuting through downtown San Francisco than for some long-distance, soul-crushing ride. But hey—if jadetiger962 can pull it off, I guess electricotter9 can too. (Though, if I'm being honest, his Harry looks a little bit "lighter" for that kind of stuff.)
Don't bother giving me advice. You just have to find your own way. Just sit, ride, and write whenever you get a chance.

For a rack, maybe one of these... curved ones might work?
http://largoscooters.com/accessories...kqrracklrg.jpg
http://bicyclewarehouse.com/merchant...ge/RK7506B.jpg

Honestly, I’ve reached my limit with those tents and the whole "waking up at the crack of dawn" routine—I just end up feeling completely stiff from the cold and the dampness... nowadays, I just book a private rental before I even head out, which means I don't have a single thing to worry about.

Jamie Palmer said:Honestly, I’ve reached a point where all that camping and waking up at the crack of dawn just leaves me feeling completely stiff from the cold and the dampness... these days, I only travel if I can book a private room ahead of time, which takes all the stress out of the trip.

That works, provided you actually get it sorted before you leave, because let's be real—most people renting out a room aren't exactly looking for a one-night guest to crash on their couch.

jadetiger962 said:Well, you’d better get that sorted before your trip—most roommates aren't exactly looking for a one-night stand.

To be fair, I haven't actually run into any rejection yet—at least not out in the Appalachian Mountains or the Rocky Mountains. But I suspect you're right about the coast; luckily, I don't really have to hunt for a place to stay when I'm out by the ocean. If I did have to choose, though, I think I'd just stick to camping...