So you want to ride your bicycle across country. OK. Nice idea. But are you really
ready for it? Do you know what you’re up against and what a trip like that is going to cost? Well, writer/rider Calvin
Woodard is here to help. Woodard did the trip already, and has advice that he is more than happy to share. So how much WILL it cost to ride across country? Plan on $4,000
to $5,000, Woodard says, assuming that you will rest your weary legs after a day of pedal pushing in cheapo hotels.
One of your biggest expenses, perhaps no surprise, is your bike. Woodard advises you go for one of the hard-core
touring models, which will set you back as much as $1200. Which direction should you ride? Woodard says it doesn’t
really matter, but that West to East is probably more popular. Perhaps that’s because people like to end up in a place
like New York where they can blow it out at the end of such an expedition. Other concerns? He says theft is not a big
deal, presuming you’re not riding in the inner cities. Also, bring a light, a cell phone and a strong will.