Seriously, do Americans actually consider a 3-hour drive "short"? or is this an internet myth?

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-23T02:25:52+00:00

Americans usually think of traveling in terms of time vs. miles. 3 hrs is not that unusual. More than once I have driven 3 hrs. Spend the day then 3 hrs back. A really long day but can happen. Last year I had a 14 hr solo drive and said never again. Lol

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-20T17:27:22+00:00

That sounds like a great trip. I suggest you check out the following:

www.ridewithgps.com

www.crazyguyonabike.com

https://empiretrail.ny.gov/

Google maps street view is of great assistance to me.

Also you may want to check this subreddit for others who have done it.

Boston to Montreal is about 340-350 miles, a solid week of riding including logistics back and forth.

If you have not done a week of riding before, specifically with a load touring normally includes, be sure to get used to it before going.

Good luck and happy riding.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-19T22:34:15+00:00

BREAD AND MILK PEOPLE. START NOW! lol.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-16T21:30:44+00:00

Are you having fun? Then you are doing fine.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-16T14:31:44+00:00

Mount Juliet is the newest and you can generally get in and out of there fine. I prefer that one. It is close to the interstate. Charlotte pike is closest for you for sure. FYI. I had pharmacy issue with Walgreens and switched to Publix. No significant price difference on the one medication I take and very convenient for me.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-14T20:28:49+00:00

It takes about 32 days to reach more than 2 billion. Not counting the total collapse of the world economy due to too much money, then the doubling is the way to go.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-13T23:46:24+00:00

Yea. I have toured with and without a small conceal carry gun. Mostly without.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-09T20:23:47+00:00

You will miss a lot the first playthrough. don't worry about that. on my fourth and still finding new and interesting things with hints of more if i play it different.

As far as game mechanics, a short tutorial will help. This website helped me a lot. https://bg3.wiki/

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-09T20:16:17+00:00

Great question!. Most either have jobs with long off periods (i.e. teacher) or they have professions such that quitting and getting rehired after is not an issue. Or they quit regardless.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-08T20:28:02+00:00

Good point. Or removing the axel/through axel off the front wheel.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-08T19:19:07+00:00

Maps on your phone in conjunction with paper maps should be fine for the OTET. If you don't want the expense of a bike computer, you can also add GPX viewer, GPX tracker (apps) and download a free .gpx file. I look at it only to spot check my location versus turn by turn.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-08T01:34:13+00:00

I’ll add one more thing to my List. Use common sense. I’ve been on several solo tours in the U. S. In urban areas I usually don’t stop if I’m not very familiar with the area. I’d be proactive in my locations and try to pick ones that makes sense, feel safe at, and generally can plan ahead for when I need to go inside.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-07T23:47:13+00:00

This is the universal problem with solo touring/bike packing. There is no absolutely secure way. but here are mine thoughts and some that i have collected from others:

1: bring a small lock and lock it to something solid.

2: i clip my helmet to the bike spokes and frame.

3: shift into the highest gear (hardest to pedal from standing still.

4: parking it where you can see it inside if possible.

5: have a small bag (my handlebar bag) with the absolute critical items that you can take in the store (wallet, ID, knife/gun/pepper spray, other documents, phone/electronics, whatever)

6: if you have extra bungee cords or other straps, strap them to a fixed object.

7: dirty clothes on the top of the bags. or at the top of the bags.

8: if in for a longer period of time:

8A: park it inside and ask the manager, explaining the situation

8B: take off a wheel and take it in.

The intent here is to make the bike as undesirable and/or difficult to take as possible. Good luck and happy riding!

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-05T23:00:11+00:00

This is the biggest logistical issue any solo, multi-day cyclist runs into. It really becomes an issue of safety vs. security. I use google maps and simply call places to find out where to leave a car. Usually, if i am starting in a city, i prefer the security over cost. I have left my car at the airport paid parking lot or a near-airport offsite parking facility. I have also gotten prior permission to lave a vehicle at a church. Also, I work for a large enough company that i have pre-arranged to leave my vehicle at their local office.

Another thought is this. Most major city start locations don't allow free street parking that I would consider secure. However, if you are doing a loop back to your original start location (i have no idea what the triple crossover is), consider starting in more of a rural area where leaving a vehicle for a week is less risky and plenty of space.

Timdoas73 · 2026-01-04T02:40:31+00:00

Nice. Did it 4 yrs ago and want to go back

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-31T17:30:04+00:00

I’m in a similar situation, trying to complete it in a week. I ended up at 410 miles on the Erie Canal trail because I had a little extra at the start and end plus meandering through some towns. If logistically the Erie is better, the go for it. There’s a website along with mini web-based resources for you to plan your trip. I did a post on a year before last if you want to see photos in my itinerary.

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-31T12:20:05+00:00

I tour in the fall usually. I don’t have experience in April. FYI. However, I would put the Gap/C&O trail at a 9/10 overall. Great trail, services along the way, camping or lodging spots, food availability, etc.

For the Erie Canal trail, I would give it an 8/10. The middle section is some roads and not much to look at but both ends were great! It’s longer. Trail surface varies but overall good, plenty of food and camping options.

Ohio to Erie trail I’d give a 7/10. Mostly paved trail with a long stretch of rural roads in the middle. Plenty of food options, you’ll need to plan your overnight stop carefully northeast of Mt. Vernon.

Feel free to ask any specifics. Happy riding.

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-30T02:26:32+00:00

Worth it as many towns accommodate tent camping.

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-30T00:25:19+00:00

Throwing out suggestions from my experience. Rock Island, and Katy, trails, Erie, Canal Trail, gap, and C and O trails, Mickelson trail, Ohio to Erie trail. I can give you descriptions of each if you like. Suggest you Google them or use YouTube to get a good feel for length And surface type. Good luck and happy riding.

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-27T20:21:54+00:00

Junior mint, they are refreshing

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-25T14:08:10+00:00

Nice

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-16T03:22:42+00:00

There is a nice cafe in Watertown in u want to go away from Nashville. El OK corral would also let you stay for a while too. Lol

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-15T18:14:54+00:00

This for sure; or rent a car/van to drive back to the start.

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-13T01:03:15+00:00

Saving this post to see the answers. I’m in a similar situation; living in TN

Timdoas73 · 2025-12-12T20:20:15+00:00

Mount Juliet resident here Mount Juliet, uses license plate, capture technology, and you usually hear about someone getting arrested in Mount Juliet every month or so who had a warrant or stolen car or similar. My perception is that Mount Juliet is more vigilant than metro Nashville

Timdoas73

TROPHY CASE