those who love statistics or simply want to know more about the first part of our journey, here are the key figures and interesting facts.

​

1. Distance and Duration

2. States and Regions Visited

3. Rivers Crossed​

4. Protected Areas and Parks

5. Time Zones Crossed

6. Weather and Road Conditions

7. Notable Climatic Events

8. Terrain Types​​

9. Key Cycling Challenges​

10. Resupply and Survival

11. Technical Breakdowns

12. Wildlife Encounters

​

Distance and Duration

​

• Total Distance Covered: 5,185 kilometers (3,139 miles)

• Total Duration: 48 days

• Effective Cycling Time: 227 hours in the saddle

• Longest Single Ride: 175.81 kilometers (109.9 miles)

• Maximum Elevation Gain in a Day: 1,792 meters (5,877 feet)

​

States and Regions Visited

​

I cycled through 9 states in the U.S., each offering its own unique challenges and landscapes:

• Florida

• Georgia (brief detour)

• Alabama

• Mississippi

• Louisiana

• Texas

• New Mexico

• Arizona

• California

Rivers Crossed

​

I crossed 51 rivers and notable waterways during my journey. Some of the key ones included:

• Suwannee River

• Alabama River

• Mississippi River

• Colorado River

• Rio Grande

• San Diego River

​

Protected Areas and Parks

​

I rode through a variety of national and state parks, offering moments of respite from the road and showcasing the natural beauty of the American landscape:

• Everglades National Park

• Ocala National Forest

• Cleveland National Forest

• Tonto National Forest

• Lower Salt River Recreation Area

• Sebastian Inlet State Park

• Pedernales Falls State Park

Time Zones Crossed

​

Cycling across the U.S. meant adjusting to 4 different time zones:

• Eastern Time (GMT -5)

• Central Time (GMT -6)

• Mountain Time (GMT -7)

• Pacific Time (GMT -8)

Weather and Road Conditions

​

My ride through the U.S. brought me face-to-face with varying climates, but the headwinds proved to be one of the biggest challenges of the journey:

• Florida: The humid conditions and flat terrain made for some difficult, but manageable cycling. The sun was intense, and hydration was critical, especially when navigating through areas like the Everglades.

• Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana: These states were generally flatter and green, but cycling on the highways was dangerous. The real challenge here was the high volume of cars and aggressive drivers, especially on the narrow shoulders of many roads. It was always a constant reminder of the risks of cycling on busy American roads.

• Texas and New Mexico: Once in Texas, the real challenge kicked in. A relentless headwind made cycling even tougher, especially as I rode through the open stretches of Texas and New Mexico. The wind was constant and sometimes strong, making long distances feel even longer.

• Arizona: The desert landscapes and dry conditions were demanding but manageable. I had to carefully plan water refills and adjust my pace for the heat and lack of shade.

• California: My route through California involved crossing the Sierra Nevada, with some challenging ascents that were tough, but not impassable. Once over the mountains, the landscape flattened out as I headed toward San Diego.

​

Notable Climatic Events

​

• Headwinds: A persistent, strong headwind especially from the middle of Texas to the end of the journey made progress slower and more taxing. The wind added an extra layer of challenge to an already difficult journey.

• Sands and Dust: In areas like Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, the wind often kicked up sand and dust, which reduced visibility and made the cycling more physically taxing, especially in the more exposed desert areas. I narrowly avoided getting caught in a dust devil, which would have made things even more difficult.

​

Terrain Types​​

​

• Flat and Green: In the southern states like Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, the terrain was mostly flat and green, offering little in terms of physical challenge but it was still mentally exhausting given the constant danger from traffic and the long hours on the road.

• Desert and Dry Conditions: Texas, New Mexico and Arizona featured long, dry stretches with little shade. The terrain was tough with the heat adding to the difficulty and the wind made the cycling even more grueling.

• Mountain Passes: While California featured the Sierra Nevada, which posed tough climbs, I was able to maintain a steady pace and did not have to push my bike. Some climbs were challenging but manageable with the right pace and days of training.

• Gravel Bike and Dirt Roads: I chose a gravel bike to take on dirt roads and more off-the-beaten-path routes across the U.S. However, the lack of suitable roads along my planned route meant I often ended up on paved highways instead. This shift not only limited the adventure I had in mind but also made for more monotonous cycling, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

​

Key Cycling Challenges

​

• Dangerous Roads: The biggest challenge in the southern states was the constant interaction with cars and the unpredictability of drivers. Cycling on narrow, high-traffic roads required high levels of focus and caution, especially in the flat regions where cars would speed by at high speeds.

• Wind: The strong headwinds, particularly in Texas and New Mexico, were a constant and exhausting presence throughout the second half of the journey. Pedaling into the wind added hours to many days and slowed my progress significantly.

• Desert Heat and Dehydration: While not as extreme as some other locations, the desert conditions in Arizona still posed a challenge, particularly with water availability. I had to be careful with how much water I carried and plan my stops carefully.

• Chasing Dogs: One of the more unexpected challenges I faced was the frequent threat of dogs chasing me. In certain areas, especially in rural parts of Texas and New Mexico, dogs would suddenly dart out from properties and aggressively pursue my bike. The adrenaline rush of trying to outrun them or quickly take evasive action became a daily test of my nerves and speed. Fortunately, I found that using an air horn was an effective way to distract them and disrupt their chase, allowing me to get away unharmed.

• Bike Weight: Another constant struggle was the weight of my bike. With all the gear and panniers loaded onto it, the bike felt sluggish, especially on longer climbs or when the terrain became rough. The added weight of food, water, and equipment made pedaling more taxing, and it took a toll on my stamina, particularly when I had to make quick maneuvers or cover long distances in one day.

​

Resupply and Survival

​

• Resupply Locations: I resupplied mostly in the local towns and cities along my route. In places like Tallahassee, Houston, Austin and Phoenix, I could replenish my food and water supplies, though some stretches required more careful planning.

• Water: Water was often scarce in the desert regions and I had to rely on finding local sources or buying extra bottles in towns when I could

• Food: I relied on portable, energy-dense food such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruits and dehydrated meals to keep me fueled during long stretches between resupply points. However, I was also able to count on various establishments along the way, which offered much-needed meals and snacks, making it easier to keep going without always relying solely on my own provisions.

Technical Breakdowns

​

While the bike performed well overall, I had my fair share of issues along the way. The most significant was related to the poorly designed wheels, which didn’t have enough spokes to support the weight of my equipment:

• I received the wrong set of panniers in the shipment, which led to some issues with my gear setup.

• 10 flat tires - two torn tires, a recurring issue when riding through rough or debris-filled roads.

• 3 bent wheels and several spoke issues, requiring frequent wheel adjustments - this was mainly due to the wheel design and aluminum spoke nipples.

• Loose cassette, worn-out brake pads and other minor gear issues were part of the journey, but manageable with some quick roadside repairs.

Wildlife Encounters

​

The American landscape offered a range of wildlife encounters, though not always in the most expected places:

• Alligators: In Florida, I encountered several alligators lounging near water sources.

• Reptiles: The deserts of Arizona and New Mexico were home to rattlesnakes and lizards and the occasional horned toad darted across the path. Along the Southern Tier, I also encountered other snakes, most of them near the roadside. While they were usually harmless, their sudden appearance was always a bit unsettling as I pedaled by.

• Mammals: Deer and prairie dogs were common sights in the more rural areas, while desert antelopes and rabbits appeared in more arid environments.

• Birdlife: Eagles, hawks, vultures and falcons soared in the skies, especially in the more open areas of Arizona and New Mexico.