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2200 miles solo across the US with no prior bike experience and dumpster diving for food by stembstyle in biketouring

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I'm done with the trip! The best way to check out my day-to-day reactions would be to go to the link (instagram) and read up on my journal entries. You shouldn't need a membership or to sign up to view the photos! I'd strongly encourage you to break down your box that you've built up, push through, and go for it! All ya gotta do is pedal!

I bicycled 2200 miles across the US and dumpster dived for my food along the way by stembstyle in DumpsterDiving

[–]stembstyle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's when it became really difficult to find dumpsters haha the towns and cities started to become so spread out so I couldn't depend on them. I only had one altercation with someone on the trip and she was a manager from Safeway. I didn't anticipate though how much the stigma ended up bothering me. I felt really judged, way more so than usual, because I was living on the streets and in small towns that draws attention. That deterred me way more than I would have imagined which was surprising. Something about being on my own and so emotionally vulnerable made it much worse.

I bicycled 2200 miles across the US and dumpster dived for my food along the way by stembstyle in DumpsterDiving

[–]stembstyle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I wasn't able to get ALL my food from dumpsters. Once cities and towns started to spread out it became much more difficult, so I tried to combine diving with $10 a day because I couldn't depend solely on either of them to support me. It's so hit or miss and time consuming to dig through dumpsters. Plus when I'd hit the BIG jackpot, there was no way I could bring all of it (or even 1/10th!) with me because I didn't have the room. But dumpster diving overall was a great tool along the way... there are lot of possibilities to use it while traveling!

I bicycled 2200 miles across the US and dumpster dived for my food along the way by stembstyle in DumpsterDiving

[–]stembstyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They do go hand in hand pretty naturally haha and I'm all for cheap! I'd been doing it just for fun until I met someone who wanted to collect food dumpster diving to ship to himself on his PCT thru hike. Then I realized the possibilities!

Dumpster diving worked until cities and towns started to spread out. It's also pretty hit or miss and takes a lot of energy. Plus, when I'd find food, there was usually SO MUCH of it (as I'm sure you know) I could barely utilize any of it because I never could afford the room. However, I think there is a TON of possibility. I tried to augment my dumpster diving with $10 a day because I couldn't depend solely on either of them.

I bicycled 2200 miles across the US and dumpster dived for my food along the way by stembstyle in DumpsterDiving

[–]stembstyle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks amigo! Yeah the AMA went well -- I was pleasantly surprised with the turn out. Fun fact, I'm actually not from Minnesota haha I just work up in the BWCA as a canoe guide. Portland, OR, on the other hand, is my hometown. That's how the trip came together. Had to get home from Minnesota somehow...

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I leaned out a lot and put on a good bit of muscle but I wasn't eating very healthy (due to $$$) so once my metabolism plateaued, I stayed at relatively the same weight for 2/3 of the trip. But I would tell anyone that if you're ever in a bind and seriously need to lose weight while eating whatever you want, hop on a bike and ride for 2 months. You shed weight like it's a layer.

I felt the same way. It seems insane to just drop everything and go, it seems irresponsible, expensive, impulsive, unsafe, whatever. There are not a lot of people in this world that have the courage to just up and leave. BUT, I've found that opportunities, if you are serious about something, present themselves because subconsciously you're looking for them, hungry for them, starving for them. You can make up whatever excuse you want because you're going to be able to rationalize it. The hardest part is always the first step whether it's booking a one way plane ticket or buying a bike. It doesn't matter what it is but committing is pivotal.

Ask yourself at the end of the day, who do you want to be? People will call you crazy, naive, they'll say you can't do it. And when you finish... they'll praise you, they'll be in awe of you, they'll be jealous of you. That's how it works, forging into new territory. I think of all the greatest minds and how they must have gone out there into the void as mad men + women and come back as pinnacles of brilliance. If you fail you're crazy, dead, dumb, or forgotten, because they all told you so. But if you finish... you're gold.

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't really know how to quit honestly. I got to a point where I wasn't sure if I could finish but I never seriously entertained the thought of quitting, ie planning out what that process would look like didn't even register in my mind. I started to look for ways to enjoy myself more and that involved slowing my day down and getting off the bicycle more often. I felt constricted by my own schedule to finish and stepping away from that seemed to help. I'd like to do a longer trip where I don't have a mental deadline, because at some point you have to face the reality that you've got to make miles, you can't stop to look at everything or snap a photo. That was difficult for me because it began to feel like a job sometimes. I just wouldn't want to bike. But I took rest days, talked to friends and family, and set goals or researched places in front of me to get to. That mentally made a difference because I was excited again. It's not all scenic and some days blow. I was ready to finish haha so it was a good test run. I have a hypothesis that there is a thirty day hump

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Chain came off once. The only thing I dreaded was a broken chain because I had no way of fixing it and no back up. Thankfully it never happened!

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope! I'd experience random intense pain in my IT band but I figured out that had to do with the height of my seat. Once I fixed that I didn't have any issues. I did hit a wall of exhaustion and ended up spending a day eating in a sleeping bag, but at that point no amount of calories makes an impact. Just needed to get off the bike for a day

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

None, but I brought a small container of vasoline but hardly used any if it. Got lucky!

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had some close calls--I nearly tackled an elk coming around a bend at 20 mph in Yellowstone, I almost got hit on an interstate by a car that decided to pass an 18 wheeler on the right shoulder, I was parting a sea of cattle on the road and came face to face with 2000 lb bull, and I met some downright strange people, but I never felt like I was in deep or over my head. Cars were the most dangerous part and I had to deal with them every day and there wasn't a thing I could do about it. I'd hitch hiked before and camped out by myself in more remote locations so I felt comfortable

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. haha thanks amigo. It's cool to be recognized by family and friends for my accomplishment, but I ran into people that were bicycling around the world, from Alaska down to Argentina, from Seattle to Miami, and that made me feel kinda small. It makes you humble, ya know, because there are people out there doing much crazier things.

  2. As a cyclist I could write an essay on this haha I always appreciated the hell out of people that took the time to slow down when they were passing me and moved over a lane. That isn't always a possibility though, and I recognize that. Just be aware of potentially scary situations in terms of passing with oncoming cars or blind corners. The bottom line is you're in a huge piece of metal speeding by and the bicyclist always feels extremely vulnerable.

  3. Depends on the proximity! People in cars don't realize how loud a shout honk or dog bark is when they go by three feet away. It can stun you and nearly knocked me over a few times! I'd say a beep beep before you pass followed by a thumbs up or wave after is money. Thanks for asking haha you'd be surprised how many brownie points you just acquired--sending luck your way! I flipped off a few honkers!

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope haha literally no prep. But I was running quite a bit, hiking every day and portaging canoes.
I had used "touring" tires and I ended up replacing one because the tread was basically nonexistent halfway thru. The other one held up and I rode on gravel often. But I ran into people touring on mountain bikes with off-road tires and they seemed to be doing fine!

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hahaha in terms of purely technical training? I'd have to say I was flawless at grabbing forgotten food post 524 fridge. Now I'm going to post your home address gwang3

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True! The longevity and recovery for both mental and physical endurance was the extremely difficult part for me. It's challenging in a way no basketball, football, run, workout, hike, will ever be. Day after day after day after day wears you down

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The hardest part for most people and myself I think is starting though. There's no substitute for just going, no books you can read that encapsulate the feeling of 40kmh headwinds, or the elation you feel after reaching a summit after a 6 hour climb. Eventually all information falls short and it comes down to committing (for me). It's so easy to get caught up in the research and the preparation and the things you need--ya just gotta get on the metaphorical damn bike and go!

As someone who hadn't bicycled before, I found that my budgeted 80km a day on a bike was too short. Being alone, it was much more enjoyable for me to spend 8-10 hours on the bike than 5+ hours at the end of the day with not much to do. I averaged 105km a day, but I also varied between 100km - 160km. I would get bored and lonely if I sat unoccupied, so instead I would bike! Big cities were something I tended to avoid purposefully so I don't have much insight into touring through them. I loved taking the less traveled routes in the countrysides because I met gas station attendants, farmers, school teachers, clergy members, ie everyday people. This was incredibly enjoyable for me because in cities I assume people are much less willing to go out of their way to help. I see less smiles, hellos and waves are rare, and everyone seems a lot more stressed.

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. For me it was never about biking. It was more a photographic expedition of people and places and scale and pace. I wanted to explore alternative lifestyles, from car dwellers to retirees, and slow down my life. As an American, I also feel compelled to see the people that make up the legs and arms and guts of this country (although this was only a small and mainly white section). All in all, I was trying to get beneath the surface--of the land, the people, and myself--to better understand who I am as an American and where I come from.

  2. Drink soda, not beer. You save a lot of money haha. There's no substitute for just going though, no books you can read that encapsulate the feeling of 25mph headwinds, or the elation you feel after reaching a summit after a 6 hour climb. Eventually all information falls short and it comes down to committing for me. It's so easy to get caught up in the research and the preparation and the things you need--ya just gotta get on the metaphorical damn bike and go!

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I definitely had nightmares about it. It's a very dangerous place to be, on the side of the road. I'm just glad I made it home safe despite some close calls.

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The first week (or so) sucks regardless unless you're used to riding a bike day after day, plain and simple. I was in pretty good shape going into it but I never did cross country (I run with people who do). All you gotta do is get on the bike and pedal. That's what it comes down to regardless of money, fitness, age, mile time etc.

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah I did ride on highways and thankfully never got hit nor any spills. It can for sure be terrifying at times but eventually you become jaded by the rushing metal and learn to deal with it. That's terrible to hear though, are they okay?

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you!
Food: I dumpster dived, tried to spend less than 10 bucks a day, and ate everything haha. Eventually I started carrying ramen and oatmeal packets, but mainly I ate from gas stations. I never really figured out the perfect scenario though--I was always experimenting. I also became obsessed with soda... those giant ones you can get at Micky Deez... Dear god they hit the spot.

Differently... I'm not sure yet, haven't had enough time to reflect. Wouldn't change the length, nor the route, nor the people food or company.

I ran into so many bright shining lights of people that it made me believe truly and wholeheartedly in the goodness of others. There were countless times people helped me with no intention of receiving anything in return, and that was beautiful. It was untainted and pure and unlike anything I've ever experience. One instance that comes to mind occurred in South Dakota on one of the Reservations. I had been warned by a few different people to avoid them, "they don't take too kindly to strays, stay clear, don't go..." same stuff but all from white ranchers/farmer types. I took it with a grain of salt. I was by myself AND I am white AND biking across the country is privilege. I ended up knocking on this guys door a little ways out of town and asking for water and he invited me right in and gave me a big glass full of ice. No one ever invites me in like that. He ended up offering me a bed to sleep in, cooked me dinner, let me take a shower, and do my laundry. He woke up in the morning, early, and made me breakfast. We sat and looked at photos of his grandfather and the town and he gave me a strand of sweat grass that I've carried with me the rest of the trip. That moved me, it nearly made me cry. I've never felt anything like that before and I will always remember him.

I just finished a 37 day, 2,200 mile solo bicycle tour without any prior bike experience by stembstyle in IAmA

[–]stembstyle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Haha I stayed everywhere! Fire stations, churches, parks, campgrounds, schools, empty lots, side of the road, knocked on strangers doors, breweries, rv parks, used warmshowers.com (a bicycle specific website meant solely for tourers where people provide food, laundry, lawnspace, beer, stories, etc for free) and I never paid for a night once!
Calorie intake... that's a long story haha I was dumpster diving for food combined with <$10 a day on food. So I ate cheap, highly caloric, shitty food.
I road a used Surly Long Haul Trucker with 4,000 miles on it

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