Bicycling The Southern Tier is a documentary about a solo cross country bicycle tour, by Jazz Byers. It was released in November 2016, by Rattle Clack Entertainment.
Great cycling film. Camera work, narration and music was in perfect balance. But most important, you had the positive attitude in the face of hardships which made this a pleasure to watch. I’ve just got into cycling and planning to do the trans America in 2022 for my 50th birthday.
I am a walker with a walkingtrailer. And dogs gives me headache.. Now I walk five months in Ukraine and Moldova and Romania. The project is called BAD ROADS GOOD PEOPLE FB kayak cobber But am now eying to cross the big water and do some bike trails in the US.
Can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching this video. I rode most of the Southern Tier the same year and same direction you did, just several weeks behind you. I started in Key West, FL, so I had a bunch of ground to cover before I got to St. Augustine. I recognized a lot of the places you videoed, and had some of the same experiences (sleeping through a late night thunderstorm in my tent in the panhandle of Florida). I rode over that same bit of flooded road in the Texas Hill Country - a different sort of rode engineering, lol. The Emory Pass was a complete gut buster. By the time I got to Silver City, the weather in Arizona was being forecast at 110 degrees during the day for a long stretch, so I ended the ride in Silver City; I learned that if you're going to do this ride, leave early enough that you can avoid the desert heat! Still got 3000+ miles in because of the Key West start. Thanks again for sharing this, makes me want to go out and do it again!
Appreciate that you stopped at some museums and other interesting sites. Also showing some of the "weird" things that happen (bike rack losing screws, key stuck in your lock, etc) on a tour.
Thanks! That will be an amazing ride for you. I really enjoyed riding through Texas and the western states. I would love to be able to do a ride with no end date... of course, maybe, I’d just never stop. 😊 I was making plans to go across the US, via the Northern Tier, this year. Got the bike loaded, the maps ready, etc... then I sprained my left ankle pretty bad. I’m hoping to still be able to do it... Best of luck to you. Enjoy the ride!
This is the best Southern Tier Video on CZcams. Im planning on riding this route in the fall, St. Augustine to San Diego. This video has many helpful hints and tips, great work. .....and my man is from The Burgh. Thanks again.
@@RattleClack . Ride safe bro.. In 2020 i plan on my first tour, the trans trail from my home town in Denver to Seattle , then down to San Diego. I can't wait, that's why I'm watching so many tour videos.. Cheers man.
Hello Jazz, I've just come across your video. I done this route a few years ago starting 1st Dec 2014 and got to San Diego 19th Jan 2015. Your vid bought back so many memories, I have the same pictures as your welcome to Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. I got caught out with bad weather one day riding from Comstock, Sharon who ran the stores and supplies in Langtry let me dry out next to the gas heater in just my shorts, 2 women from Austin came in and we chatted for a couple of hours, they paid for my food and said they were really proud of me, their kindness really touched me. Later that day I roughed it under a bridge in Loziers canyon , there was so much old wood washed up against the bridge supports that I had a the mother of all fires as I thought I was going to freeze that night. When I got to Sanderson the Police wouldn't let anyone go up the road as it was to dangerous, so I had to stay at the Outback Motel along with a load of truckers. I didn't go up into the Davis mountains from Sanderson but kept going on 90 to Marfa then onto Van Horn past the Prada shoe shop which I thought was a real shop to start with. My flight back to England was booked for 25th Jan so I was racing against the clock, this meant I couldn't go up through Silver City so I took a left at Las Cruces and headed for Tucson then up to Eloy then another left along I8 to El Centro, CHiPs stopped me in one part and told me to get on the unride-able frontage road. The road into PlasterCity has to be the worst road ever . From Ocitillo I got on the interstate again and rode up that never ending hill to Jacumba and slept at the back of the gas station. where they had English breakfast tea, 3 cups straight down. A bit more climbing the day after then it was all down hill to the pier at San Diego and my feet in the ocean. I stayed there for a day then left to head up to Santa Monica Pier where my adventure ended. I nearly cried when the hotel transport was taking me to LAX , I wanted to get back on my bike and head back to FLA. 6 years on, I still think of this at least a couple of times a week, when I cant't get to sleep, I roll over on my left side and imagine myself in Loziers Canyon in the freezing cold, fire going, the sound of ice rain hitting the tent and bang lights out, I'm asleep. I think of all the kind and generous people I met along the way, I still keep in touch with some of them. I think of those long roads, the hills, the crazy dogs, IHop, Denny's and the ice cream shop opposite Ocean Beach Hotel, I could go on... Thank you Jazz for sharing your experience, I really enjoyed your film, maybe one day our wheels may cross paths.
Thank you for the wonderful comment. I really want to ride this route again. You are absolutely correct about all of the fantastic people you meet on a journey like this. It’s really a life changing ride. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Keep pedaling! Cheers!
One of the best cross country vids I've seen. Great music edited in. I like the fact that you took the time to experience the things on your route, so many people just blast right by what I think is the whole purpose for doing something like this. Great job brother, hope your still riding.
Thank you. I enjoyed making it as much as I enjoyed the ride. It’s hard to put almost 3 months of a ride into an hour long video, but I hope I captured the spirit of the ride. I do still ride. I did the Katy Trail last year and am hoping to post a video of that soon. One of these days I want to tackle the Northern Tier. 🚲
Thanks. I love my bike. The only thing that I had to modify was the height of the handlebars. I added a “stem raiser” (I’m not sure if that is the proper name for it) to raise up the handle bars about 4 inches. That helped quite a bit. It’s been a solid ride.
Congratulations. Really enjoyed your movie! Completed TransAm ride this summer, with intent to ride East to West Southern Tier soon. Even more inspired to do so after watching your movie. Well done!
Since I recently got into biking seeing videos like this are amazing. Really puts a great perspective into what goes into a ride like this. Well done Jazz
I love how you corrected the distance on the sign at the end. Great choice of music throughout, and artistically edited. A monument to your great trip.
Nice video. I did the same ride in the same direction last fall. Well, half of it anyway. I couldn't have picked a worse time to go. Temperatures for the first 4 weeks were running 20 degrees above normal. It was in the 90s every day with brutal humidity. It was like that until I got past Austin when a cold front moved through and the high temperature dropped 40 degrees literally overnight and stayed there, raining nearly every day. By the time I got to Del Rio I'd had enough. Jumped on Amtrak and went home. I guess it could have been worse. Hurricane Florence was headed to Florida when I was there but it ended up going North. Then Hurricane Michael came through and wreaked havoc, but I was out of there by then. I doubt I'll ever go back and finish it. Too many other places I'd rather tour.
@@jessezarate4507 I started riding from St. Augustine on September 11th and got to Del Rio on October 18th, so 37 days total including 7 days off, so 30 riding days. It was 1532 miles, so 51 miles per day on average. I didn't stick to the Southern Tier a lot of the time so your mileage may vary if you stick strictly to the route. My blog is here, if you're interested: suntogold.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-cross-country-bike-ride-from-sunshine.html
What an excellent video. It's the first one of the Southern Tier I've seen, and it's a stunner, full of great adventure, spectacular shots, very personable narration and boss music. Thank you, Jazz! Subscribed.
Jack Kennedy, thank you for the kind words. The music is from my instrumental band “hALF wHEEL”. We have some videos on CZcams. I am hoping to do the Northern Tier in 2020, along with another documentary.
Dude, mad props! Had no idea you were so into biking, we could've biked around MN! If you find yourself in Cuyuna, you can ride with me. Nice job sir. Peace!
You did a great job with this video and it looks like you had an amazing adventure but after riding my bicycle across last year from Vancouver WA to Portland Maine and down to NYC and how incredible the west was specially Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and the west part of South Dakota, no way in hell I would ever do the southern tier. It doesn't look like it was fun but people love this route but no way. Thank you for posting to re=assure me that I have no interest in ever doing this route. Cheers...
I enjoyed it, mainly everything after and including the Texas Hill Country. For me that was the highlight of the ride. Having said that, there’s always usually something memorable from all of the different areas. I’m hoping to do the Northern Tier soon. Keep riding!
34:55 ' I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Yes, sir. Are you listening? Yes, I am. Tubeless. Exactly how do you mean? There’s a great future in Tubeless. Think about it. Will you think about it?'
I've had my eye on this route for a while now (gaining fitness, losing a little over 100 lbs so far...) and am thinking about taking my bike via Amtrak to SD and coming back across eastbound.
Do it. It will change your life! I really had a wonderful time on this trip. There were times that were challenging, but overall, it was an incredible journey. I’d love to do it again.
those rack bolts you lost are the same as the ones that hold a waterbottle cage on the frame. Pro tip would be to have taken off one cage and used the two bolts to secure the rack again, carry the bottle in your bag until you get some spare bolts.
Congratulations ❗️Great effort and trip. Enjoyed the vid. I don't know if you still see comments/questions after this much time but if you were to do the same route again would you try West to East❓Thank you!
Thx. I have no issue going either direction. The winds hit me from every which way. There would be two reason why I would go East to West again. 1) time of year. I went East to West because I had to start in February. I didn’t want to be in the high elevations early in the season. I wanted to give things a chance to warm up a bit. 2) being from the east coast, I really enjoyed biking out west. I enjoyed having that to look forward to. Having said that, I just like biking l, so I’d go East to West or west to East. I am hoping to do the southern tier and/or the northern tier this year, everything permitting 🤞🏻
Excellent points. I would like to do some version of the N Tier-would prolly start in OR and in some way go more 'through' the G Lakes or totally North. 🍀🍀👋
Great trip and video mate, love it. Can I ask how the camping was? Was there many wild camping spots or official hiker/biker campsites or were you mostly in hotels etc? Cheers, Mike from Ireland
I camped at a lot of campgrounds, and some public parks. Occasionally, I would camp in a field or wilderness beside the road. I stayed at hotels more often than I thought I would, just because it was more convenient at times.
Thank you. I generally had enough water. 4 water bottles. The only time I started to run low was when I was going through the desert. I packed extra, but it was a long day of pedaling.
@@robbieb2011 I’m going by memory, but I think the day I rode through the desert was 80-ish miles. I think. It was a very long day. I stopped in Glamis, but everything was closed. There was a soda machine and I bought 6-7 sodas and water. I considered staying there overnight (camping), but decided to move on. I got into the next city late that evening. I really liked that part of the ride. For me, everything west of the Texas Hill Country was amazing. I enjoyed all of the trip, but the western portion was my favorite.
Hey congratulations and thanks for an awesome vlog. Just noticed your saddle. Are you happy with it? Do you think it was more comfortable than conventional saddle for the long haul.? I’m only half way through the video but am looking forward to the rest. Thanks again.
Thank you. That’s a SpiderFlex seat. Very comfortable, once you have it positioned just right. Prior to this trip, it took me a while to get it perfect, but eventually I did. I really like it. So much so, that I have one on my Fat Tire bike too. For me, it allows me to move into different positions a bit easier. If you get chance, the Southern Tier is a great ride. Hoping to do the Northern Tier soon. I will also do a video for that one. Cheers!
Hi . This route is on my bucket list . I did most of cycle touring in Europe , never been in US . Any tips and hints for cycling in US for the first time ? what about wild camping - is it allowed ? My plan would be to do this route in winter .As a foreigner i have only 90 days stay so should be enought to do this route i guess . Regards from Poland
Piotr St, cycling through the first few states (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and to a lesser extent Florida) was challenging at times because of narrow shoulders, or none, on the roadways. There were also a lot of big trucks, and dogs. Having said that, those states were still very enjoyable. Once I got to Texas, that changed and the roads generally were better. There were many places to camp, whether in campgrounds, parks, and along the route. I’m not sure if “wild camping” is permitted, but I did it. People generally leave you alone, if your not being a bother. I rode the route from Feb. 18 - May 3, and there were some cold nights, but in general, it was fine. Lots of wind in the western parts at times. Wind in all directions. Parts of the main route in Texas, had lots of debris, which posed a threat to tires. I would think that 90 days would be enough time to do the route, and have time to see some of the sights. That’s about what I had. Have a great ride!
What are your thoughts if I should ride eastbound or westbound for a Jan 1 launch date? I am thinking going westbound because that is the American way, young man. But I'd like to get the hard part (CA desert) out of the way first . I don't mind winter riding, either. Thanks.
I read somewhere that due to the elevation (west coast mountains vs. east coast lack of mountains) it’s better to go east to west that time of year. Personally, if... when I do that ride again, I’ll probably go east to west just because I really really enjoyed the landscapes, once I got to Texas Hill Country and beyond. I absolutely loved the Desert areas. To me it was rewarding that I went through that toward the end of the ride. Also, by then l accustomed to longer distances and harder riding conditions. I’ve heard people say that you should go west to east due to the winds, but honestly, I got hit with winds from all different directions throughout the ride. So... I like east to west, but I did pass a couple Adventure Cycling tours that were going west to east. They left about a month later than I did. Hope this helps. Good luck, and have a great journey!
Excellent thanks! great job describing and showing the route, highlights, challenges both mechanical and weather related, Tourist stops, etc. I am also hoping to make this trip next winter. Any reason you went East to West? thanks. ANDREW
Thank you. I mainly went East to West because of the timeframe in which I was able to ride. I left Florida in mid-February, with the idea that it would be warmer than if I was in the higher elevations in the west. I had some cooler evenings, but it would’ve been worse in the mountains out West. I didn’t want the extra weight of additional clothing, a heavier sleeping bag, etc. On a side note, I enjoyed going East to West because it saved (what I thought was) the best for last. I enjoyed the scenery and experience that each state/region of the country had to offer. Being that I live in the eastern part of the USA, most of the riding east of mid-Texas was similar to was used to. Once I hit the Hill Country of Texas, the scenery drastically changed and I really enjoyed the open spaces. I’ve heard people talk about headwinds and tailwinds, but on my trip, I had every kind of wind imaginable... from ALL directions. So, I think it’s (maybe) something to consider, but I wouldn’t let it be the main factor in which direction you go. Having said that, I can only speak from my experience, perhaps time of year plays into this... I will say, on the days that you do have a strong tailwind, it’s amazing. Headwinds... not so exciting.
Just tubes. I was warned about getting multiple flats on that one stretch of highway by some bicyclists that were going the opposite direction. They had many flats there as well. It’s kinda funny that I went that far with no tire issues and then had a bunch of flats in one day... although, at the time, I didn’t find it as humorous. 😊
Outstanding job on capturing this journey on video! I've read books about people taking this route...this brings it to life! (Some gently submitted feedback: I found the high pitch of the music distracting. It's great guitar playing, though. I enjoyed all of your commentary, though!)
Inspired by your trek! Can you tell us about your gear & bike? What gear you would take & what you would leave behind? Also what kind of tires & tubes you used (frankly I don’t want to use them!).
The tires were Schwalbe Marathon touring tires (of some sort... 32s, I believe). I don’t remember what the tubes were. They were decent enough, however there is the one stretch of Highway 10 (I think that was the highway) through Texas where my tires took a beating. I had stayed in a little 4 room hotel the night before I was on that section of highway, and I met 4 bicyclists going the other direction. They told me that between the 4 of them, they had repaired nearly 20 tubes that day from all of the shredded steel pieces from truck tires along the highway. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. When I originally started, I had a handlebar bag, an extra wallet, a bike repair book, and some other things that I threw away two weeks into the trip. After a while, anything that wasn’t needed, went away, but for the most part, all of the items in the video about my gear, was what I had.
Carlos Benjamin, I think they are called mustache handlebars. I was going to add a photo for you to see them, but CZcams doesn’t allow that. The bike is a 2015 Novara Safari. If you google it and check out the pictures, it should give you an idea of how they are set up. If you are interested, I did a video about my bike prior to the trip. It’s called “Riding the Southern Tier - My Bike” czcams.com/video/mbMBXNDo9rA/video.html
RattleClack thanks. I already watched all of the videos trying to get a better look. So it’s stock? Looks more like a butterfly, which is what I have, but I liked yours. I’ll head to their site to see what I can learn. Thanks! I appreciate the answer.
Yes. I would typically try to charge GoPro batteries and my phone and stuff when I had electricity at campgrounds or restaurants or wherever. I would supplement with the solar. I felt that I couldn’t always rely on solar charging. Too many variables involved when you’re riding. I would try to have the panels on my bike, but they didn’t alway work, due to weather or position of the Sun vs. position of my bike. They seemed to work better, when I could set up at a camp site in a more stable location.
I enjoyed your video! It’s a tough ride going solo... lots of time to think things through. I’ve done Boston-Key West-San Diego in 2017/‘18. Unfortunately bike was stolen in a little town just past the Mississippi State sign that was in your video. The locals were amazing and delivered me to Mobile to catch a plane back home. The Southern Tier can be brutal with the heat/humidity! The Greenway sucks in parts of the Carolinas! Some days I would build houses in my head, look for trash in the side of the road, anything for a distraction! Curious to how filming withGoPros worked out for you? I have two for my trip leaving Boston-San Diego August 2019. Wasn’t the panhandle of Florida beautiful! Loved Fort Morgan ferry ride, Dauphine Island and the huge bridge to the mainland. Maybe I’ll see you on the road! ✌️
Thank you. The GoPro camera worked well. I did, however, do some stabilizing in the editing stage of things. I was constantly thinking of different ways to mount the camera to try and keep things interesting. Safe travels to you. See you on the road!
Thanks for the GoPro info. I can’t seem to stabilize it even on the smooth roads of downtown Boston. It will work out. It’s crazy thing we do... 61 years old successful building contractor in Boston but this keeps creeping back in! Great life to you, Andrew
Wel I will try to walk the Southern Tier...as I walk with a walkingtrailer I often use bicycle routes. FB kayak cobber Will be a new challenge..a nice winter trip.
I think it’s an Avenir flex mirror, or something similar. (See link below) www.randombikeparts.com/products/avenir-clamp-on-flex-mirror-bicycle-bike-convex-shatterproof-black-flat-bar-new?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqvOqmIzD4AIVQQOGCh3wsQErEAQYGSABEgJ7O_D_BwE
I went East to West, due to the time of year I was riding. Starting in Florida, mid-February, and riding west allowed some extra time for the weather to warm up, once I hit the higher elevations out west.
Is there a way to NOT have to take a ferry? I want to ride from San Diego to Jacksonville Beach and I'm wanting to ride the full distance and not take a ferry. Any chance of that happening?
Still my favorite cross country cycling video. Deserves a lot more views.
Thank you
Great cycling film. Camera work, narration and music was in perfect balance. But most important, you had the positive attitude in the face of hardships which made this a pleasure to watch.
I’ve just got into cycling and planning to do the trans America in 2022 for my 50th birthday.
Thanks! I’m hoping to do the Northern Tier sometime, if my schedule permits.
One of the better ST videos out there. Nicely done!
I am a walker with a walkingtrailer. And dogs gives me headache..
Now I walk five months in Ukraine and Moldova and Romania.
The project is called BAD ROADS GOOD PEOPLE
FB kayak cobber
But am now eying to cross the big water and do some bike trails in the US.
I am already a month into walking the southern tier from the west...now a day break in SAFFORD...
Can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching this video. I rode most of the Southern Tier the same year and same direction you did, just several weeks behind you. I started in Key West, FL, so I had a bunch of ground to cover before I got to St. Augustine. I recognized a lot of the places you videoed, and had some of the same experiences (sleeping through a late night thunderstorm in my tent in the panhandle of Florida). I rode over that same bit of flooded road in the Texas Hill Country - a different sort of rode engineering, lol. The Emory Pass was a complete gut buster. By the time I got to Silver City, the weather in Arizona was being forecast at 110 degrees during the day for a long stretch, so I ended the ride in Silver City; I learned that if you're going to do this ride, leave early enough that you can avoid the desert heat! Still got 3000+ miles in because of the Key West start. Thanks again for sharing this, makes me want to go out and do it again!
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the video. It was an amazing journey and I hope to do it again. Keep riding!
Jazz, great job. Thank you for sharing your ride.
lloyd
Thank you
Thanks for taking me on your journey! Great video!
Bikin' Mike, happy to do so. Glad you enjoyed it!
Very nice movie and a beautiful bicycle route. You got me al inspired to do some bicycle touring in the USA.
sappeltje 66 do it! There are some beautiful places to see here.
Appreciate that you stopped at some museums and other interesting sites. Also showing some of the "weird" things that happen (bike rack losing screws, key stuck in your lock, etc) on a tour.
Great trip man. Very impressive ride.
I leave Aug 1st. On a no destination no end date ride to wherever heading northwest from Central Texas. Great video. You're an inspiration.
Thanks! That will be an amazing ride for you. I really enjoyed riding through Texas and the western states. I would love to be able to do a ride with no end date... of course, maybe, I’d just never stop. 😊
I was making plans to go across the US, via the Northern Tier, this year. Got the bike loaded, the maps ready, etc... then I sprained my left ankle pretty bad. I’m hoping to still be able to do it...
Best of luck to you. Enjoy the ride!
How did / How is that going?
Thanks so much for posting! I am planning on biking the ST route, but in the opposite direction, your video gave me a lot of confidence!
This is the best Southern Tier Video on CZcams. Im planning on riding this route in the fall, St. Augustine to San Diego. This video has many helpful hints and tips, great work.
.....and my man is from The Burgh. Thanks again.
I also plan to rode this Tier. 2023 after I retire. East to West.
Masterful videography in all segments!
Thank you. I had a lot of fun doing it. Hope to do the Northern Tier one day and make a video.
Watched your video again. Lol. What a great accomplishment!
Thank you
Awesome job on the video, that's quite an accomplishment...thanks for sharing with us all!
Good on you man, great ride, thanks for sharing
Great video, no equipment BS, no genre clichés, just great warts and all touring. Thanks for sharing your adventure with the world.
You did a great , one of the best touring videos I've watch👍
Rob O, thank you. I really enjoyed it. I plan on (hopefully) doing the Northern Tier in 2020. I have all of the music ready for it too!
@@RattleClack . Ride safe bro.. In 2020 i plan on my first tour, the trans trail from my home town in Denver to Seattle , then down to San Diego. I can't wait, that's why I'm watching so many tour videos.. Cheers man.
Hands down, the best touring video I have encountered. Expertly done. Thanks for posting.
Gary Burns, thank you. Hoping to do the Northern Tier (and a documentary) in 2020.
@@RattleClack Looking forward to it. The ACA should throw you some $$ to use your video as a Southern Tier promotion!
Hello Jazz, I've just come across your video. I done this route a few years ago starting 1st Dec 2014 and got to San Diego 19th Jan 2015. Your vid bought back so many memories, I have the same pictures as your welcome to Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
I got caught out with bad weather one day riding from Comstock, Sharon who ran the stores and supplies in Langtry let me dry out next to the gas heater in just my shorts, 2 women from Austin came in and we chatted for a couple of hours, they paid for my food and said they were really proud of me, their kindness really touched me. Later that day I roughed it under a bridge in Loziers canyon , there was so much old wood washed up against the bridge supports that I had a the mother of all fires as I thought I was going to freeze that night.
When I got to Sanderson the Police wouldn't let anyone go up the road as it was to dangerous, so I had to stay at the Outback Motel along with a load of truckers. I didn't go up into the Davis mountains from Sanderson but kept going on 90 to Marfa then onto Van Horn past the Prada shoe shop which I thought was a real shop to start with.
My flight back to England was booked for 25th Jan so I was racing against the clock, this meant I couldn't go up through Silver City so I took a left at Las Cruces and headed for Tucson then up to Eloy then another left along I8 to El Centro, CHiPs stopped me in one part and told me to get on the unride-able frontage road. The road into PlasterCity has to be the worst road ever . From Ocitillo I got on the interstate again and rode up that never ending hill to Jacumba and slept at the back of the gas station. where they had English breakfast tea, 3 cups straight down.
A bit more climbing the day after then it was all down hill to the pier at San Diego and my feet in the ocean. I stayed there for a day then left to head up to Santa Monica Pier where my adventure ended.
I nearly cried when the hotel transport was taking me to LAX , I wanted to get back on my bike and head back to FLA.
6 years on, I still think of this at least a couple of times a week, when I cant't get to sleep, I roll over on my left side and imagine myself in Loziers Canyon in the freezing cold, fire going, the sound of ice rain hitting the tent and bang lights out, I'm asleep.
I think of all the kind and generous people I met along the way, I still keep in touch with some of them. I think of those long roads, the hills, the crazy dogs, IHop, Denny's and the ice cream shop opposite Ocean Beach Hotel, I could go on...
Thank you Jazz for sharing your experience, I really enjoyed your film, maybe one day our wheels may cross paths.
Thank you for the wonderful comment. I really want to ride this route again. You are absolutely correct about all of the fantastic people you meet on a journey like this. It’s really a life changing ride. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Keep pedaling! Cheers!
Fun touring with you. Thanks for the upload.
One of my favorite hobbies thanks for sharing w/us😀😀😘👱🏼♀️👍🏼
One of the best cross country vids I've seen. Great music edited in. I like the fact that you took the time to experience the things on your route, so many people just blast right by what I think is the whole purpose for doing something like this. Great job brother, hope your still riding.
Thank you. I enjoyed making it as much as I enjoyed the ride. It’s hard to put almost 3 months of a ride into an hour long video, but I hope I captured the spirit of the ride. I do still ride. I did the Katy Trail last year and am hoping to post a video of that soon. One of these days I want to tackle the Northern Tier. 🚲
That was a brilliant video and an amazing achievement. Well done and thanks for posting.
Enjoyed the video. I have the same bike, an REI Novara, and it is indestructible. Well done.
Thanks. I love my bike. The only thing that I had to modify was the height of the handlebars. I added a “stem raiser” (I’m not sure if that is the proper name for it) to raise up the handle bars about 4 inches. That helped quite a bit. It’s been a solid ride.
Fantastic video! I really enjoyed this presentation. Thanks for sharing.
AKASL1, thank you for watching. I am hoping to do a similar type video when (and if) I do the Northern Tier.
Congratulations! and thanks for such a great video!
Been thinking about taking the trip and this video gave me alot of insight and tips for preparing myself. Thank you for this awesome video
Do it! You’ll love it. It’s not always easy, but it is life changing.
Great video, great trip! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome achievement as well.
Thank you! I’m hoping to do the Northern Tier one of these days as well…
Congratulations on the ride and thank you for putting this together. It was very enjoyable and entertaining!!
What an amazing journey. Phew, that desert was brutal! I was really worried about you there. Congratulations on an amazing journey!
My wife and I really enjoyed watching your video. Well done. Seaching for a place to tour this winter.
That was AWESOME! Amazing and wonderful film!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ride.
jdcpac, glad you enjoyed it. I’m planning on riding the Northern Tier in 2020.
AWESOME video dude !!!
Love this video, plan to ride the Southern Tier this summer starting in Louisiana and all the way to California. This video is an inspiration!
Thank you. The ride will change your life. It’s an incredible journey.
Loved the video, I envy you would love to do this myself. Thank you again for a great video.
Great job on the video. Good story. Well done.
Thank you
Congratulations. Really enjoyed your movie! Completed TransAm ride this summer, with intent to ride East to West Southern Tier soon. Even more inspired to do so after watching your movie. Well done!
Tony Pickering, thank you! I really enjoyed the ride. I want to do the Northern Tier soon.
don't leave in May like we did....cycling through Arizona and So Cal in June is hideous compared to what it must be like in January or February.
Since I recently got into biking seeing videos like this are amazing. Really puts a great perspective into what goes into a ride like this. Well done Jazz
Thank you sir!
@@RattleClack No problem!!!
Fantastic video!
I enjoy your video, well done, and you are funny, great trip. Hope one day I can do a trip like that.
Very informative thank you for sharing kudos to you brother
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time on the adventure.
I love how you corrected the distance on the sign at the end. Great choice of music throughout, and artistically edited. A monument to your great trip.
Thank you. It was a really fun and life changing adventure. I really want to do the Northern Tier next, but things keep getting in the way… one day.
Pretty rad. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I'm planning on a tour across the southern tier as well. Nicely done
Thank you. You will love the ride. It’s truly life changing.
Nice job! Very inspiring. And loved the music.
Nice video. I did the same ride in the same direction last fall. Well, half of it anyway. I couldn't have picked a worse time to go. Temperatures for the first 4 weeks were running 20 degrees above normal. It was in the 90s every day with brutal humidity. It was like that until I got past Austin when a cold front moved through and the high temperature dropped 40 degrees literally overnight and stayed there, raining nearly every day. By the time I got to Del Rio I'd had enough. Jumped on Amtrak and went home. I guess it could have been worse. Hurricane Florence was headed to Florida when I was there but it ended up going North. Then Hurricane Michael came through and wreaked havoc, but I was out of there by then. I doubt I'll ever go back and finish it. Too many other places I'd rather tour.
@@jessezarate4507 I started riding from St. Augustine on September 11th and got to Del Rio on October 18th, so 37 days total including 7 days off, so 30 riding days. It was 1532 miles, so 51 miles per day on average. I didn't stick to the Southern Tier a lot of the time so your mileage may vary if you stick strictly to the route. My blog is here, if you're interested: suntogold.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-cross-country-bike-ride-from-sunshine.html
Really enjoyed this-nice job. And thanks. I also like to rock the bandanna on the neck look.
Thank you. The bandana really helped to protect my neck from the sun... in addition to the look. 😊
What an excellent video. It's the first one of the Southern Tier I've seen, and it's a stunner, full of great adventure, spectacular shots, very personable narration and boss music. Thank you, Jazz! Subscribed.
Jack Kennedy, thank you for the kind words. The music is from my instrumental band “hALF wHEEL”. We have some videos on CZcams. I am hoping to do the Northern Tier in 2020, along with another documentary.
@@RattleClack I will check out all your vids. Godspeed on your plans for the NT in 2020!
That was great. Nice to see something other than higher latitude rides. Guess I'll have to do it now 😮
Nice trip! Thanks for uploading! Great to see family and friends at the end.
Dude, mad props! Had no idea you were so into biking, we could've biked around MN! If you find yourself in Cuyuna, you can ride with me. Nice job sir. Peace!
Def an invaluable resource. I want to do the ST after I graduate with me masters mon! Lovin it!
When
Wow, that's inspiring! I hope to do this one day.
You did a great job with this video and it looks like you had an amazing adventure but after riding my bicycle across last year from Vancouver WA to Portland Maine and down to NYC and how incredible the west was specially Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and the west part of South Dakota, no way in hell I would ever do the southern tier. It doesn't look like it was fun but people love this route but no way. Thank you for posting to re=assure me that I have no interest in ever doing this route. Cheers...
I enjoyed it, mainly everything after and including the Texas Hill Country. For me that was the highlight of the ride. Having said that, there’s always usually something memorable from all of the different areas. I’m hoping to do the Northern Tier soon. Keep riding!
Thanks for the journey!
Great video. Gave me hope for my Novara to make it and myself to.
Wes Jones I think you can do it! (I love my Novara)
Your right! Sometimes the hardest days are the best days.
Way to go !!!!
congrats!! you really captured it!
Thank you. It was a great experience. I hope to do one for the Northern Tier sometime soon too.
Epic ride Dude!
Omare Alvarado thanks. It was a life changing ride!
Great video works :D Hi ! from Hokkaido Japan .........
34:55
' I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Yes, sir.
Are you listening?
Yes, I am.
Tubeless.
Exactly how do you mean?
There’s a great future in Tubeless.
Think about it. Will you think about it?'
SUPER !!!
great ride my friend really enjoyd it . cograts i wana do it to .
I've had my eye on this route for a while now (gaining fitness, losing a little over 100 lbs so far...) and am thinking about taking my bike via Amtrak to SD and coming back across eastbound.
Do it. It will change your life! I really had a wonderful time on this trip. There were times that were challenging, but overall, it was an incredible journey. I’d love to do it again.
Well done.
West to East for sure, get those winds to your back.
JAZZ, GREAT TOUR, GREAT VIDEO, AND GREAT MUSIC W IT!!
CONGRATS!!! B.R.A.A.D
Thank you!
czcams.com/video/IuSj2Yb8OXc/video.html
those rack bolts you lost are the same as the ones that hold a waterbottle cage on the frame. Pro tip would be to have taken off one cage and used the two bolts to secure the rack again, carry the bottle in your bag until you get some spare bolts.
That bike saddle looks wild, what saddle is it?
Congratulations ❗️Great effort and trip. Enjoyed the vid. I don't know if you still see comments/questions after this much time but if you were to do the same route again would you try West to East❓Thank you!
Thx. I have no issue going either direction. The winds hit me from every which way.
There would be two reason why I would go East to West again.
1) time of year. I went East to West because I had to start in February. I didn’t want to be in the high elevations early in the season. I wanted to give things a chance to warm up a bit.
2) being from the east coast, I really enjoyed biking out west. I enjoyed having that to look forward to.
Having said that, I just like biking l, so I’d go East to West or west to East.
I am hoping to do the southern tier and/or the northern tier this year, everything permitting 🤞🏻
Excellent points. I would like to do some version of the N Tier-would prolly start in OR and in some way go more 'through' the G Lakes or totally North. 🍀🍀👋
Great trip and video mate, love it. Can I ask how the camping was? Was there many wild camping spots or official hiker/biker campsites or were you mostly in hotels etc?
Cheers, Mike from Ireland
I camped at a lot of campgrounds, and some public parks. Occasionally, I would camp in a field or wilderness beside the road. I stayed at hotels more often than I thought I would, just because it was more convenient at times.
wonderful video! Did you put Slime in your tubes to help correct small tread punctures?
tj Rioux Thanks. I did not use anything in the tires other than air, and patch kits. I have thought about trying slime, but have never pursued it.
Great job and great video. I enjoyed this. Was considering doing this but I'm paranoid about not having enough water.
Thank you. I generally had enough water. 4 water bottles. The only time I started to run low was when I was going through the desert. I packed extra, but it was a long day of pedaling.
@@halfwheelband thanks for the response. What was the longest distance you went through the desert without a store or gas station with food and drink?
@@robbieb2011 I’m going by memory, but I think the day I rode through the desert was 80-ish miles. I think. It was a very long day. I stopped in Glamis, but everything was closed. There was a soda machine and I bought 6-7 sodas and water. I considered staying there overnight (camping), but decided to move on. I got into the next city late that evening. I really liked that part of the ride. For me, everything west of the Texas Hill Country was amazing. I enjoyed all of the trip, but the western portion was my favorite.
Thank you for creating this video! What kind of bike is that? What months and year did you do this?
It’s a Novara Safari (REI’s bike brand, which is now Co-op, I think.) I did this trip Feb. 18 - May 3, 2016.
What kind of seat is that? Is it comfy?
It’s a Spiderflex seat. Very comfortable once you get it positioned just right.
Hey congratulations and thanks for an awesome vlog. Just noticed your saddle. Are you happy with it? Do you think it was more comfortable than conventional saddle for the long haul.? I’m only half way through the video but am looking forward to the rest. Thanks again.
Thank you. That’s a SpiderFlex seat. Very comfortable, once you have it positioned just right. Prior to this trip, it took me a while to get it perfect, but eventually I did. I really like it. So much so, that I have one on my Fat Tire bike too. For me, it allows me to move into different positions a bit easier.
If you get chance, the Southern Tier is a great ride. Hoping to do the Northern Tier soon. I will also do a video for that one. Cheers!
Great video. I have the Novara as well. What saddle is that?
Thank you for the compliment. I love my Novara. My seat is made by Spiderflex.
www.spiderflex.com
great sound track
www.halfwheelband.com
@@RattleClack who to talk to about using the sound tracks for my futuring bikepacking videos touring that i am planing thanks
@@Bikepacking contact info@rattleclack.com
멋지네요. 영상 잘 보고 갑니다.
Hi . This route is on my bucket list . I did most of cycle touring in Europe , never been in US . Any tips and hints for cycling in US for the first time ? what about wild camping - is it allowed ? My plan would be to do this route in winter .As a foreigner i have only 90 days stay so should be enought to do this route i guess . Regards from Poland
Piotr St, cycling through the first few states (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and to a lesser extent Florida) was challenging at times because of narrow shoulders, or none, on the roadways. There were also a lot of big trucks, and dogs. Having said that, those states were still very enjoyable. Once I got to Texas, that changed and the roads generally were better. There were many places to camp, whether in campgrounds, parks, and along the route. I’m not sure if “wild camping” is permitted, but I did it. People generally leave you alone, if your not being a bother. I rode the route from Feb. 18 - May 3, and there were some cold nights, but in general, it was fine. Lots of wind in the western parts at times. Wind in all directions. Parts of the main route in Texas, had lots of debris, which posed a threat to tires.
I would think that 90 days would be enough time to do the route, and have time to see some of the sights. That’s about what I had. Have a great ride!
Thank you for the info ! I really enjoy your video , good job . You should come to Europe one day for some bike touring . Take care
What are your thoughts if I should ride eastbound or westbound for a Jan 1 launch date? I am thinking going westbound because that is the American way, young man. But I'd like to get the hard part (CA desert) out of the way first . I don't mind winter riding, either. Thanks.
I read somewhere that due to the elevation (west coast mountains vs. east coast lack of mountains) it’s better to go east to west that time of year. Personally, if... when I do that ride again, I’ll probably go east to west just because I really really enjoyed the landscapes, once I got to Texas Hill Country and beyond. I absolutely loved the Desert areas. To me it was rewarding that I went through that toward the end of the ride. Also, by then l accustomed to longer distances and harder riding conditions.
I’ve heard people say that you should go west to east due to the winds, but honestly, I got hit with winds from all different directions throughout the ride.
So... I like east to west, but I did pass a couple Adventure Cycling tours that were going west to east. They left about a month later than I did.
Hope this helps. Good luck, and have a great journey!
Excellent thanks! great job describing and showing the route, highlights, challenges both mechanical and weather related, Tourist stops, etc. I am also hoping to make this trip next winter. Any reason you went East to West? thanks. ANDREW
Thank you. I mainly went East to West because of the timeframe in which I was able to ride. I left Florida in mid-February, with the idea that it would be warmer than if I was in the higher elevations in the west. I had some cooler evenings, but it would’ve been worse in the mountains out West. I didn’t want the extra weight of additional clothing, a heavier sleeping bag, etc.
On a side note, I enjoyed going East to West because it saved (what I thought was) the best for last. I enjoyed the scenery and experience that each state/region of the country had to offer. Being that I live in the eastern part of the USA, most of the riding east of mid-Texas was similar to was used to. Once I hit the Hill Country of Texas, the scenery drastically changed and I really enjoyed the open spaces.
I’ve heard people talk about headwinds and tailwinds, but on my trip, I had every kind of wind imaginable... from ALL directions. So, I think it’s (maybe) something to consider, but I wouldn’t let it be the main factor in which direction you go. Having said that, I can only speak from my experience, perhaps time of year plays into this... I will say, on the days that you do have a strong tailwind, it’s amazing. Headwinds... not so exciting.
My goodness! Do you run tire liners inside Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires?
Just tubes. I was warned about getting multiple flats on that one stretch of highway by some bicyclists that were going the opposite direction. They had many flats there as well.
It’s kinda funny that I went that far with no tire issues and then had a bunch of flats in one day... although, at the time, I didn’t find it as humorous. 😊
hot adventure! 🙏😍
Outstanding job on capturing this journey on video! I've read books about people taking this route...this brings it to life! (Some gently submitted feedback: I found the high pitch of the music distracting. It's great guitar playing, though. I enjoyed all of your commentary, though!)
pedalinjoy paulajoy thanks!
Can you tell me your start and finish date please?? Great vid
Feb. 18 - May 3, 2016... sorry for taking 2 years to answer this, I just now saw it.
We are about to do the same route! How did you you get the printed copies of the map?
I got them from Adventure Cycling’s website. For the most part, I followed them, but occasionally I would deviate from them.
Inspired by your trek!
Can you tell us about your gear & bike?
What gear you would take & what you would leave behind?
Also what kind of tires & tubes you used (frankly I don’t want to use them!).
Guy Pierce, here is a link to the gear that I took.
czcams.com/video/qwjCMycc6OM/video.html
The tires were Schwalbe Marathon touring tires (of some sort... 32s, I believe). I don’t remember what the tubes were. They were decent enough, however there is the one stretch of Highway 10 (I think that was the highway) through Texas where my tires took a beating.
I had stayed in a little 4 room hotel the night before I was on that section of highway, and I met 4 bicyclists going the other direction. They told me that between the 4 of them, they had repaired nearly 20 tubes that day from all of the shredded steel pieces from truck tires along the highway. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.
When I originally started, I had a handlebar bag, an extra wallet, a bike repair book, and some other things that I threw away two weeks into the trip. After a while, anything that wasn’t needed, went away, but for the most part, all of the items in the video about my gear, was what I had.
What handlebar is that and how do you have it set up as far as shifters and brakes? I can’t quite make things out.
Carlos Benjamin, I think they are called mustache handlebars. I was going to add a photo for you to see them, but CZcams doesn’t allow that. The bike is a 2015 Novara Safari. If you google it and check out the pictures, it should give you an idea of how they are set up.
If you are interested, I did a video about my bike prior to the trip. It’s called “Riding the Southern Tier - My Bike”
czcams.com/video/mbMBXNDo9rA/video.html
RattleClack thanks. I already watched all of the videos trying to get a better look. So it’s stock? Looks more like a butterfly, which is what I have, but I liked yours. I’ll head to their site to see what I can learn. Thanks! I appreciate the answer.
Try genetic zygote bars
Did you use small solar panels to charge a phone, tablet and camera ?
Yes. I would typically try to charge GoPro batteries and my phone and stuff when I had electricity at campgrounds or restaurants or wherever. I would supplement with the solar. I felt that I couldn’t always rely on solar charging. Too many variables involved when you’re riding. I would try to have the panels on my bike, but they didn’t alway work, due to weather or position of the Sun vs. position of my bike. They seemed to work better, when I could set up at a camp site in a more stable location.
I enjoyed your video! It’s a tough ride going solo... lots of time to think things through. I’ve done Boston-Key West-San Diego in 2017/‘18. Unfortunately bike was stolen in a little town just past the Mississippi State sign that was in your video. The locals were amazing and delivered me to Mobile to catch a plane back home. The Southern Tier can be brutal with the heat/humidity! The Greenway sucks in parts of the Carolinas! Some days I would build houses in my head, look for trash in the side of the road, anything for a distraction! Curious to how filming withGoPros worked out for you? I have two for my trip leaving Boston-San Diego August 2019. Wasn’t the panhandle of Florida beautiful! Loved Fort Morgan ferry ride, Dauphine Island and the huge bridge to the mainland. Maybe I’ll see you on the road! ✌️
Thank you. The GoPro camera worked well. I did, however, do some stabilizing in the editing stage of things. I was constantly thinking of different ways to mount the camera to try and keep things interesting. Safe travels to you. See you on the road!
Thanks for the GoPro info. I can’t seem to stabilize it even on the smooth roads of downtown Boston. It will work out. It’s crazy thing we do... 61 years old successful building contractor in Boston but this keeps creeping back in! Great life to you, Andrew
Wel I will try to walk the Southern Tier...as I walk with a walkingtrailer I often use bicycle routes.
FB kayak cobber
Will be a new challenge..a nice winter trip.
Weren't you able to chain and lock your bike to something strong and secure? I'm sorry that happened to you.
@@guymorris6596 I would never leave my bike if going xc. Unless you're loaded and can go buy a new one and new gear.
Nice job.
Please tell me about the rear view mirror you have on your handlebars. Thanks.
I think it’s an Avenir flex mirror, or something similar. (See link below)
www.randombikeparts.com/products/avenir-clamp-on-flex-mirror-bicycle-bike-convex-shatterproof-black-flat-bar-new?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqvOqmIzD4AIVQQOGCh3wsQErEAQYGSABEgJ7O_D_BwE
Nice video. But why oh why did you travel east to west? Could you not have taken advantage of prevailing westerlies by starting in CA?
I went East to West, due to the time of year I was riding. Starting in Florida, mid-February, and riding west allowed some extra time for the weather to warm up, once I hit the higher elevations out west.
Ya that was really good. Will you post the route?
Robert Botta, it’s the Soutern Tier Route. The maps and information regarding the route are from Adventure Cycling.
Is there a way to NOT have to take a ferry? I want to ride from San Diego to Jacksonville Beach and I'm wanting to ride the full distance and not take a ferry. Any chance of that happening?
I’m going by memory, but I seem to remember some people saying there was an alternate route that by passes the ferry… but I am not 100% certain.