USA - San Diego to Austin (along the Southern Tier)
"The Southern Tier cycling route is a well-known long-distance cycling route that spans approximately 6,840 kilometres (4,250 miles) from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida. "
Ride difficulty rating
This is the Southern Tier version of Francesco and Manuela, who cycled from San Diego, CA to Austin, TX between Marcha and April 2023, covering 2,800 km. The road is fully paved, and the real challenge is the vast Chihuahua Desert, where you spend several days.
They cycled for 35 days, averaging 80 kilometres daily with one rest day. There are no major climbs.
Finding supplies along the way is fairly easy, but you must never run out of water, because many places marked on the maps are ghost towns or have no stores. For wild camping, check where you can pitch your tent. The main issues are scorpions, rattlesnakes, and... the Second Amendment. Always ask if you can stay on private property.
Points of interest:
- Ocotillo, CA, a beautiful desert village
- Imperial Sand Dune
- The experience of being in one of the largest deserts on the planet
Bike: Surly Bridge Club with Deore XT 9 x 2, wheels 700C with 40mm tyres
If you speak Italian and want more information, head over to Francesco's website: https://vivereviaggiando.ca/
