April 5th, 2008 | categorizilation: all categories,highlights,USA (California)
Before I arrived in the US, I emailed a few random people I found by on www.crazyguyonabike.com who had cycled the southern part of the US. I was wanting to get an idea of how feasible skateboarding across the US would be. Among the answers, I got the following answer:
Skateboarding across the U.S.????? I see you already traveled 1,000 miles across Europe and I am sure you faced challenges. However, there may be some unforseen challenges here.
1.) Louisiana roads are poorly maintained and extremely bumpy, I got nerve damage in my hands and would never ride that states roads again. I had 1.95″ tires and extra padding on my handlebars and still had issues. I would say these roads could not be traversed on a skateboard. No shoulders and Tractor-Trailer trucks blowing by at 80 miles per hour. I would hitch hike across to bypass altogether.
2.) The maps from Adventure Cycling leave much to be desired, I made my own route.
3.) There are some areas which require that bicyclists get on Interstate Highways. Generally, it is illegal, there are exceptions when there is no other route, but is ONLY for bicyclists. The laws vary from state to state, but I can guarantee the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will not permit your travel on some of these roads with a skateboard even if there is no other way. And if there is a way, the alternate routes have not been maintained for 50 years. I will include a picture of a road I was forced to ride by CHP in lieu of the highway.
4.) We are coming into winter, and even though you are doing the southern tier, you will have cold weather, I experience near freezing temperatures in New Mexico and it was only October. All of the roads are fenced off on both sides and it can be difficult to find shelter or even a place to camp. I don’t know how far you can acceptably travel on skateboard each day, but stops can be 50 miles or more apart.
On the positive side, you are traveling alone and people are likely to lend a hand if you are in need. I wish you the best of luck but would HIGHLY recommend you get back on a bike.
Hmmmm. He put it very well. Indeed the roads in Louisiana were not too good. Indeed the interstates proved troublesome. Indeed I experienced below freezing temperatures, even snow. But I gave it a shot, and it wasn’t all that bad…
So, some statistics from skateboarding across the US:
* On I-10 Limited Access Freeway from B10 Campground in Quartzsite (AZ) to Posten Rd in Ehrenburg (AZ) on Day 613 – March 24th 2008. Does not include non-essential local travel (errands around town etc).
†Only this one is a real record.
** No support vehicles.
‡ Seven countries (Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Holland, England, British Virgin Islands, United States of America).
that is a great summary. fun times – and ii went back and caught a few things i'd missed. hope you get a good break -and a visa.
good luck with the visa!!!
i emailed my friend Dave Malkoff of CBS news in LA (the local affiliate). He's a reporter — i gave him your website and info. Maybe while you're there in LA you'll get some attention.
Rob, I'm proud of you. I cried at your low points, when you shared your frustration… and i rejoice that you've made it through.
i do hope there is a book deal or a novel or something in the future… like my hero Michael Palin in his world travels, you've brought me a lot of joy and inspiration.
God bless as you get ready for the next leg.
Hey Rob,
It was really nice to see all that you have accomplished and all the records broken. I am glad you got to LA in one peace.
If you forgot who I am, with all the people you've meet, I am Nathan's Tia from Hemet.
Again, we want to thank you so much for working so hard to make it to the Fundraiser. My family and I had a great time and loved meeting you.
Good luck on your journey and may GOD keep you safe and return you home to your family with OPEN ARMS.
Thanks,
Rosana
Rob –
Congratulations on reaching the west coast of the US. I look forward to your e-mail updates.
Good luck in China.
Karen
rob – you never mentioned getting wet in the ocean and doing some swimming or body surfing – hope all is well and that you have your visa problems figured out – can you go in for 30 days leave for one day and go back in? if you can send us a post card from china would love that as I have a friend in Palomas, Mexico that collects post cards from around the world – just got one for him from Tibet
hugs
keith/mary/CAT
Maybe you should see if you can get those other 'unofficial' records made official!
Have you sent crazyguyonabike your masterful summary of your skateboard trip across America? It appears that you were well warned about all the potential hazards and problems of a trip across the States oh a skateboard. I dare say that only got you fired up to prove you could do it despite the known hassles!
Fabulous post Rob.. so so incredibly proud of you. oooooo
