Safety in USA

onelonerider

Hi there,

I am calling out for a little bit of advice on touring in America.

I am touring the northern tier across washington idaho montana north dakota all the way across to the state of maine on the atlantic coast. I am comfortable with the distance needed to cover and I am comfortable with everything that is in my control. One thing I am a little worried about is the danger from animals across this route, I know that most nights I will be sleeping in a campsite and it wouldn't be a problem but I ask what are the chances of actually being attacked by wild animals on this route- even during the day. I guess that I should look out for bears and wolves mainly. I am obviously going to be doing nothing to provoke them. And also what are the chances of being attacked by actually people too because this is a solo trip.

Is there anything you could advise me doing or taking? Any advice would be appreciated.

Rob

buckybux

We have a really vicious animal in this area, it is call homo sapiens. This animal is notorious for doing stupid things, such as competitions to who can drive closest to cyclists, shouting obscenities, throwing beer cans, passing the cyclist then quickly turning right. For this animal I recommend developing a really thick skin. You can develop thick skin by riding in urban areas.

__________________
He who dies with the most bikes.....Wins

onelonerider

You gotta be joking me, most of the riding will be done in the country so I hope there won't be many of these types of people. Plus I hope that part of the description of these homo sapiens is false as it sounds pretty damn sad for them even if cyclists do come (obviously) second.

On a serious matter does anyone know of any wild animals or hazards I should look out for on this northern tier route?

Thanks Rob

buckybux

Just Homo Sapiens! I should know, I live in that area.

__________________
He who dies with the most bikes.....Wins

onelonerider

Which area do you live in?

The northern tier covers 14 states and four mountain ranges

buckybux

I currently live in Spokane, which is in Washington near the border with Idaho and Montana (mapquest it). I have also lived in Illinois and Michigan and have traveled extensively in all the northern tier states in all the seasons.

Last year I climbed Mt Kataydn in Maine during September.

__________________
He who dies with the most bikes.....Wins

daveornee

I have ridden Nothern Tier 6 times and seen 2 bears and no wolves.
It seems that bears do come through camp sites at night, so I might have been close but was sleeping at the time. Bears have a good sense of smell so storing food "bear resistant" is important. I used a rope to hang food up high between trees. Don't keep food in your tent and try to keep your sleeping bag, mat, clothing, and what ever else you bring into the tent not smelling of food. One of my fellow riders used to say that you don't want to use bacon as your pillow :<
Solo riding has great freedom, but it makes sense to talk with other riders and campers in the areas you travel in for local information about conditions of roads, construction, hazards, and of course fun things to see, places to stay and eat.

__________________
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA