From Van Life to Bike Life

Cycling 3,000 Miles in America: The Adventure of a Lifetime

Embarking on a 3,000-mile cycling adventure across America is both exhilarating and daunting. This trip has been 18 months in the making, and now, as we prepare to traverse the East Coast Greenway, we want to share the nuts and bolts of our journey. From budgeting and accommodation to logistics, challenges, and the unexpected surprises ahead, here’s an inside look at what it takes to undertake such a monumental trip.

The Budget

One of the most common questions we get is: How much will this trip cost? America is no longer a cheap destination, and our four-month journey requires daily budgeting for food, drinks, sightseeing, and lodging. We’ve set a daily budget of $350, though we aim to stay well under that amount most days. Some days will be more expensive, others more economical. Our ultimate goal? To return to the UK with funds leftover—but only time will tell!

Accommodation

Luxury hotels every night? Not on this budget!

To keep costs manageable, we’ll be bringing a tent and our bike-packing camping gear. Camping not only saves money but also allows us to immerse ourselves in the incredible landscapes along the way.

We’re also tapping into the Warm Showers community—a network of cyclists offering free lodging, whether it’s a spare room, a spot for a tent, or access to facilities like bathrooms and laundry. This will not only save us money but also give us a chance to meet incredible people and hear their stories.

Of course, we know we’ll hit bad weather, exhaustion, or stretches with no campsites in sight. On those occasions, we’ll opt for motels, hotels, or hostels that fit within our budget.

Food & Nutrition

Food presents a unique challenge, especially since Suzy has dietary restrictions due to her gallbladder removal. David has meticulously mapped out restaurants and grocery stores along our route to make finding meals easier. While we anticipate eating out at least once a day, we’ll also cook our own meals using our trusty camping stove. Balancing convenience, nutrition, and budget-friendly options will be key.

Medications & Essentials

We’ll need to carry all essential medications, HRT, and contact lenses for the entire trip. To lighten our load, we plan to post some items ahead to a destination we’ll reach later in the journey.

Storing Heidi

Heidi, our beloved 32-year-old van, will be sitting this one out. We’ve secured dry, hidden, and safe storage for her at a cost of £70 per month. When you aren’t earning, every expense adds up, but knowing Heidi is protected gives us peace of mind. Hopefully, she’ll be just as we left her when we return!

Getting to America

Our journey officially begins on February 28th, when we’ll take Heidi to storage. One of us will follow in a car, then we’ll return to family for farewells. From there, we’ll take a train to London and stay overnight near Heathrow Airport to ensure a smooth departure for our March 1st flight to Miami.

Arrival & Getting to Key West

Upon landing in Miami, we’ll take a cab to a motel for three nights—giving us time to recover from jet lag and adjust to the new climate before starting our ride.

Since the East Coast Greenway officially begins in Key West, we’ve chosen to hire a car for a one-way trip down to the southernmost point of the U.S. Surprisingly, this was more cost-effective than taking a bus!

Bikes & Gear

E-bikes were tempting, but charging logistics, cost, and weight ruled them out. Instead, we’ve purchased traditional touring bikes from an American company, which will deliver them to a bike shop in Marathon, Florida Keys. The shop has kindly agreed to assemble them and deliver them to us in Key West—for the price of a beer. What a deal!

Packing light is crucial. Everything we need will fit into our bike panniers, which we’ll transport in two large, waterproof bags. These will be discarded upon arrival to streamline our load.

The Route

Our adventure follows the East Coast Greenway, stretching from Key West, Florida, to Calais, Maine. This route connects a mix of scenic trails, quiet roads, and city streets. We’ve spent months studying maps and reading about the best stretches to ensure a balance of adventure and practicality. While the Greenway is well-marked, we’ll carry a GPS tracker and printed maps to avoid any navigational hiccups.

Staying Connected

We’ll be sharing our journey on social media, posting updates, photos, and videos of the breathtaking landscapes and memorable encounters.  You will even be able to follow us live online to keep a track of exactly where we are. This not only helps us stay connected with friends and family but also serves as inspiration for others dreaming of a similar adventure. A portable solar charger will help keep our devices powered on the road.

Physical Preparation

Cycling 3,000 miles is no small feat. Over the past few months, we’ve gradually increased our cycling distances while incorporating strength and endurance training. While nothing can truly prepare us for four months of pedalling, we’re as ready as we can be!

Safety & Challenges

While we’re embracing this adventure, we’re also conscious of the potential challenges: unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, and staying safe on the road. We’ll be carrying a first-aid kit, a basic repair toolkit, and emergency contact details. We’ve also researched bike-friendly roads and safety tips to ensure a smoother ride.

Wildlife & Unexpected Encounters

From alligators in Florida to black bears in Maine, the East Coast Greenway passes through some wild territory! We’re excited about the chance to see wildlife along the way but will also take precautions to keep both us and the animals safe.

Cultural & Historical Stops

Beyond the miles, this trip is an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and people of the East Coast. We plan to visit historic landmarks, small towns, and hidden gems along the way, soaking in everything from Southern hospitality to New England charm.

The Challenge Ahead

This journey is about more than just miles—it’s about adventure, resilience, and the people we meet along the way. While we’ve prepared for the physical and logistical hurdles, we know there will be surprises, both good and bad. We can’t wait to share this epic experience with you. Let the adventure begin!