Question 1

Will there be a car following you?

Accepted Answer

No, I ride alone.

Question 2

How are you going to sleep?

Accepted Answer

I am hoping to sync the timing with small towns or places where I can find a bed. It's a risky bet, and there might be some long nights on the bike.
If I want to sleep an ideal 4.5h per night, I need to be fast, smooth and very efficient on the bike.

Question 3

What happens if you break something?

Accepted Answer

I carry some spares and tools, which hopefully will be enough to repair or reach a town where I can get parts I need but don't carry.
It's a self-supported ride: I must handle all issues as they arise myself, including route, weather, medical, mental health, mechanical, navigation, electronic, resupply, dirty socks, etc.

Question 4

How will you go over the Rockies? It's winter!

Accepted Answer

This is a long winter ride. I carefully chose a route as south as possible and the coldest area should be around Flagstaff. 
I carry some winter gear and an emergency shelter.

Question 5

Where are you going to find food?

Accepted Answer

Actually water is more difficult -- Food can be stored more easily on the bike.
I will resupply at gas stations and small towns, this should not be a major issue. Gas station food for the win!

Question 6

America is not designed for cyclists, is this safe?

Accepted Answer

It's always risky to ride on a road with cars.
Safety was the primary concern for the route design, and over 85% of it follows suggested segments from the US Adventure Cycling Association.
I will carry high visibility clothes, the bike has reflectors, a safety wing, about 8 flashing red lights and I have a Garmin radar.

Question 7

How about communication?

Accepted Answer

I carry a Garmin InReach satellite beacon for emergencies, tracking and receiving messages.
Feel free to send a message, I cannot reply but the text will appear on my GPS and will definitely be a morale booster, especially after sunset!

I also have my phone but no guarantee of service.

Question 8

How hard can it be, really?

Accepted Answer

So I need to ride about 200-250 miles per day, every day, on my ~55 Lbs bike. 
Weather is a key challenger, beside the actual biking part (about 10 000 calories/24h).
I fully realize there will be strong headwinds, long stretches of emptiness with no resupply, stuff on my bike will break, my body will hurt starting on day 1; Worst of all, I may not be able to access my Facebook (joking).

But none of that is actually a concern. My main challenge is mental health. It will be a long and tough ride through large empty spaces, lots of night riding, little sleep and generally rough conditions. 
I am starting this adventure already emotionally drained by the stress our family was under in the last 2 years. All I can do is being aware of it and keep a **positive attitude** as much as possible.

SFO -> Route 66 -> Illinois

"I didn’t come this far just to only come this far"

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