Welcome to Coast 2 Coast USA

Why?
Because I really enjoyed the previous trip I went on and I regret not raising more money for charity I was too focused on the trip, I left it all too late and I was uncomfortable asking people for money.
I intend to raise as much money as possible for two worthy causes. Times are hard for everyone but charities see their income disappear when a recession hits and that is when they need increased income the most. For myself,  I will get to see 3300 miles of America. My reward will be the satisfaction of completing such a difficult journey under my own steam and the memories of the experience itself

Accommodation.
On my last trip I took a tent and a sleeping bag but I only used it once and stayed in hostels and motels the rest of the time. By the end of the trip I hated the extra weight I had been hauling up every hill. So this time I intend to go as light as possible use motels and the cheaper the better.

Choosing a bike/gear
For my Lands End to John O’Groats trip I rode a hybrid bike that I bought off Amazon for 140 pounds my parents upgraded the tyres for me to the puncture resistant variety and I really did it on the cheap. I had offers from kind friends to borrow better bikes (Ben and Patrick). But being obstinate I decided that modern bikes were much improved and that price of quality bikes had really come down. I said it to myself and to some degree I was right. BUT everyone I met on the trip had a much better bike than me. It made it much easier for them and harder for me as I watched some ten stone spandex clad git overtake me on a two thousand pound carbon fibre bike carrying nothing (I don’t think it is the same thing with a support vehicle – I am not really bitter J) Also by day eight my bike had only front brakes, two bucked tyres and two broken spokes. This time I am looking to spend approx. £500-600 on a touring bike. I decided that a road bike would be too uncomfortable and that a hybrid too upright. The gearing on a touring bike would also suit the mountains having the most gear range and selection. The gear I carry has to be as light as possible so KLED lights front and rear and no panniers. Only one bag on the rear rack a dry sack tied down. My own bodyweight and water will be the heaviest things. I hope to lose a bit before the start of the trip and I can’t skimp on water. I will use four bottle cages with 750ml bottles and for any dry stretches I will carry extra water. Rehydration powder is a must to replace salts and electrolytes.

Charities/Donate.
I would like to raise as much money as possible for two charities. One in the UK Willen hospice and the other in Dallas called Dallas furniture Bank.

Willen Hospice.
Willen Hospice is a registered charity that provides specialist care for people whose illness no longer responds to curative treatment (also known as specialist palliative care).
We work in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas and are based at a quiet lakeside area close to the City Centre. We provide care for people from the age of 18 years upwards and care focuses on four key areas -

Dallas Furniture Bank.
The mission of the Dallas Furniture Bank (DFB) is to provide furniture that meets basic living needs to families and individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness or to others who are in need. We work to achieve this mission by collaborating with Dallas social service agencies whose clients desperately need furniture.
Dallas Furniture Bank helps between 300 and 400 needy families a year (at least 1200 individuals) regain their dignity and independence. With every table, chair and bed we deliver, Dallas Furniture Bank is helping rebuild the disrupted, often tattered lives of the transitional homeless and others who have lost everything.
To donate to Dallas Furniture Bank please click here.
Dallas Furniture Bank website

Training.
The intention is to get some long rides under my best in the two months before the trip to test the bike. Also to bike to work and to the shops and any other journey I feel like. I intend to go to the gym to do some upper body work because I expect my upper body to atrophy during the trip.

Why alone?
It is a question everyone asks on this type of trip. There are benefits to cycling alone and in groups. Someone to spur you on and to keep you company. Or doing it alone for when you have another ten miles in you that day.  My best friend Ben was interested but with family and work commitments he could not make it.  I really enjoyed the company of other cyclists I met on my previous trip. They were all fantastic people with a lot of get up and go. People are kind and helpful and it was a pleasure to spend some time with them. The hikers in the youth hostels or the cyclists I met on the road. As I say kind people that I will never forget.