Conference noted::bicycle

998.0. "Transcontinental Anybody?" by CCYLON::SCHULDT (Larry Schuldt - WA9TAH) Wed Feb 15 1989 12:00

	Last Friday, the McHenry County Bicycle Club was treated to a slide
show by Lon Haldeman on last year's PAC tour.  It seems that Lon and Sue
have been running these for the past couple years.  PAC stands for Pacific
to Atlantic Coast tour.  This is a commercial venture that they run once a
year, riding (last year) from 130 to 180 miles per day.  For this year
they're going to shorten up the longer days somewhat.  Sure looked like fun,
but I'll never be able to do one of those.  I haven't done a double century
yet (I'll be trying 2 back to back centuries this summer though, in a new
ride tied to Double Trouble called a Little Trouble), don't have the time
for a transcontinental crossing, and it's a bit pricey ($2000 or so).  Pete
Penseyeres made the trip also.  Wouldn't it be neat to ride cross-country
with riders of that caliber.... if you survived it!  Sigh!....
	Anyway, it was a great program, and made me wonder how many readers
of this Notesfile have made transcontinental trips.  How about sharing some
of your experiences with those of us who can only read enviously?  Maybe it'll
help pass the time until it's warm again and the slush and salt are gone!

    Never did a USA transcontinental but I did spend the summer biking
    'round Europe.  When I have more time I'd like to tell the people
    in Notes about it.  For now...I rode from Munich to Vienna in 4
    days averaging about 100 miles per day...and from Florence, Italy
    to Cannes, France along the Riviera in 5 days, only averaging about
    60 to 75 miles per day due to the hills.  All in all it was a pretty
    challenging and unforgettable summer. It was my first attempt at
    something this big and I had no major problems, but I might do things
    differently a 2nd time.  I went alone and am not sure I'd do so
    again....more later..
    
    Jan