What Gets Asked?

Here we will post answers to questions from our readers. Have a Question you want answered? Contact Us and it may turn in to an article that can help those that follow. Below are generic emails sent out to answer your questions. We appreciate everyone's questions, and try to do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

I frequently get asked about the Florida Road Bike Tour and especially about Miami and the Florida Keys:

Here are some notes on Miami:

The most challenging part about riding from Savannah, GA through Florida is dealing with traffic. Along the way roads without shoulders and pavement variations played a larger role in my adventure than I imagined. Hitting real traffic begins in Miami, but once you get out of town, a bus lane parallels US 1 for quite a while. I was unaware of back roads for Miami. I just stayed on AIA and US 1.

Entering the Keys:

Key Largo is 18 miles from Homestead, FL. I was told the best time to make this stretch would be in the morning (so you may want to stay in Homestead the nite before, there is a hotel with places to eat not far from the entry point). There is very little room on US 1 here between dodging the road reflectors on the shoulder and vehicles (tractor trailers included- this is the only supply route). The 7 mile bridge is where I gained my top speed along the adventure (the bridge has a wide shoulder). The Keys has a bike path, off and on, excluding the ride in to Key Largo. I rode the road, for the windy side path slows you down, but the cars passing yelled at me to use the "bike path".

I would want a friend to do this bike adventure again just for the respect of space from vehicles. I would suggest reading my bike journal for more detailed notes. When asking someone a question about the distance, I had a hard time relating the response to riding a bike, for the answers were usually given in minutes it takes to drive their car there. Sleeping arrangements in February are hard to find as all hotels are booked around Miami and Key West. The ride through Florida is beautiful and you will have a lifelong memory of an adventure.

Training for Riding:

As for training, in retrospect the only real training you need is the ability to sit on your bike for extended periods of time (I was fairly new to road bikes before my Bike Florida adventure). The type of bike may make a difference. I am currently corresponding with a lady from Canada who is planning on doing parts of Florida in April this year in a recumbent. I would suggest a month prior to leaving to ride 5 or more days a week. Since it was cold when I trained, I used a Cyclops trainer...and feel that it was sufficient for road conditions. I also rode on the road 1-2 times a week during this month- for road encounters (cars, traffic, stopping, pot holes, wind, gear test). Riding on the trainer I would train via multiple challenges: 1) 50 minute set: 10 minutes warm-up, 5 minutes of high cadence (105+), 5 minutes medium cadence (90 - 100) repeating for 3 sets, then 10 minutes of standing up and pedaling on hardest gear, and 10 minutes of cooling down. 2) Riding the bike on the trainer for 1-2 hrs without getting off, usually on the weekends. 3) I did "on road practice training" with a loop trail (around 26 miles) I created by connecting roads with elevation change.

Securing your possessions on a Bike Adventure:

Taking your first adventure will enlighten both you and your worried ones who stay at home in support. I took two strands of kryptonite wire and a u-lock for the bike adventure. I only needed one of the strands of kryptonite for the places I locked my bike up. I own a pretty expensive bike, and locked it up at night. I think if people are going to steal your stuff, then they are going to steal your stuff. Having clips for pedals, in my mind, should deter people who may not know about high end bikes, and most people who ride, have their seat at such a high height compared to "everyday" bicyclers. Please take in to account I do not know why, where, or how people are going to steal. Overall it may be hard, but know that you will be safe. Why would someone steal from someone on a bike (how many valuables can you carry on a bike)? When I hiked the Appalachian Trail, I learned to trust strangers within reason. America has great people still living here, and they are complete strangers to you. One thing that may be hard is to leave your equipment outside- i.e. a restaurant. I take my valuables in my pockets (camera, money, etc.). Leaving only my bike, backpack, tarp, sleeping pad, toothbrush, etc. Taking all my belongings into an establishment may make people who don't travel "on their back" somewhat upset with you bringing in dirty and smelly equipment in to their restaurant. They may find it strange enough that you showed up on a bike, try to ease their first impressions by being "extra" polite, and one way is to respect that people don't want you carrying in your dirty backpack; or possibly wearing revealing clothing. If you feel you must carry in your equipment, try and make it as small as possible. You'll also learn how to pick out restaurants where seating leaves you a good sight on your belongings outside. If you don't feel safe, you can easily ride on, but I've found some unique things happen when you give them a shot.

Foothills Trail in South Carolina:

Is the Foothills Trail marked well enough to follow without getting lost? The trail is not particularly well-marked in the sense of "blazes". The trail has a number of different "blazes" (the traditional two-inch by six-inch vertical paint marks, nailed in signs, and wood signs). I would say that there are not as many blazes as on the Appalachian Trail. However, the trail is well-marked for your feet (meaning the trail is wide and clear and easily recognizable without the blazes). Some of the walking is old logging roads, and will not be marked very well, just know that you are on the trail.

Does the guide help much and is it mandatory equipment? Is the map necessary to carry? If you are referring to the FTC book (http://www.foothillstrail.org/permanent/guide.htm)...I like it. I took the guide apart and only carried information necessary. There is also a waterproof fold-out map hikers use. I have hiked the trail without either, because water is so abundant. I have only briefly seen the map, and as long as you know where water is, it should not be that big of a deal. Should I bring a pocket GPS? I have taken a GPS on the trail and find it not worthy of my time or pack weight. My Garmin Etrek did not have the country roads listed, nor any of the rivers in the region, etc...the GPS is basically like you are in space and can be used to mark where you have been. Unless there is a specific download for the trail, I wouldn't find it useful. Did you ever have any concerns about animals invading your camp and did you hang your food nightly? I do not burn camp fires and usually sleep away from others. I just hang my food bag off a broken branch stub on a tree. I am more worried about ground animals and have never had my food invaded that I know of. I sleep on the ground without a tent, and have not had the local animals bother me. I did have an ant issue in one campsite, but that's the extent. Is carrying 5 days of food an issue? One of the good/bad things about the Foothills Trail is there is no resupply point without hitching a good distance. My body does not recognize the "thru hiker" hunger within a 5 day period. I would lessen my food weight on the first day and the last day. Water? The trail is great for Water. It's practically everywhere. You shouldn't need to carry much. Before you get into Table Rock state park I did notice a little longer stretch for water crossings.

Additional Remarks:

The Foothills terrain is similar to hiking the Appalachian Trail. I would suggest 5-7 days to hike the 76 mile trail. 15 miles per day with scenery intake and atmosphere will easily make a full day. You may even want to spend time fishing or seeing side trails.

September should be a great month to hike the trail. The nights will be cooler on the trail. Gnats are an issue near some water supplies.

Unfortunately, I have never seen a bear on the trail. If you camp in designated camping sights, I would hang my food from scavengers. I solo on the trail most of time. The trail is quiet and you should not see many thru hiker, just day hikers and weekenders.

Water- The trail is great for Water. It's practically everywhere. You shouldn't need to carry much. Before you get into Table Rock state park I did notice a little longer stretch for water crossings.

I pretty much carry the same gear on every hike. The only added extras / minuses are for cold weather or hot summers. In September you're in the middle. So I would take a rain jacket and some sort of insulating jacket. You may want pants.

Is April 15 too late to Start an Appalachian Trail Thru Hike:

April 15 isn’t too late, and will actually make the beginning of the trip easier. Don’t worry about finishing in late September, early October…you’ll be able to deal with whatever the trail has to throw at you (eg: the “cold” weather) by the time you are that far north. Other options are splitting it in to two years; or doing a “flip-flop” (eg: GA-Harper’s Ferry, ME-Harper’s Ferry). As far as age, it may make it harder physically, but the hike is mainly a mental challenge; and success depends on one's willingness to complete the hike. Mental aspects - dealing with: rain, cold, food, cleanliness, shelter, etc. may be easier for you with your experience, than for a younger person. Plenty of others your age and beyond have successfully completed the hike. Keep this in mind, take the time to prepare well, and know that the trail is worth every step, easy or hard.

Dreaming of Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the near Future:

Great to hear you’re thinking about doing the Appalachian Trail. It’s a great experience and a Great education. For the physical aspects, you probably don’t need to prepare much physically because of your age, unless you are looking to do the AT quickly (eg: under 4 months). So long as you have a reasonable basic level of fitness, you shouldn't have any problem adapting to the trail. That said, the more you prepare, the easier it will be in the early days. A bigger consideration might be your equipment. What you’ve used in the past (scouts) may not be the most suitable for a thru hike. So many people change their equipment as they go (spending $$$), and it's much better to start with something close to the "right" gear from the start. Gear varies with each person, but we find that having little and learning to answer the trail’s questions with little, makes the trip that much more enjoyable. We can't stress enough how big a deal weight is to most hikers after a few days, so work on getting your load as light as possible. Be sure to check out the gear pages on PureBound.com to see what we use. On the Pacific Crest Trail right now, we are only carrying: a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, down vest, gloves, hat, 2 socks, cooking pot, spoon, toothbrush/paste, stove, tarp, bug netting/groundsheet, headlamp, guidebook…you really don't need any more. You don’t always need to go with purchasing the "top of the line" gear (much of our gear is homemade or one-offs)…our sleeping bags are the only things we spend $$$ on.

Hiking Shoes and What Ben & I use for hiking:

I like New Balance, but don't want you to think that is your only alternative for hiking. NB still says that they make part of their shoes in America. If you're looking at NB- NB almost yearly redesigns their trail runner. NB now has the 809 out in a variety of colors. For the AT I bought numerous pairs of the 809s equivalent...the 806s. The year after that, NB made the 807s, etc...now NB is at 809. That's how NB labeling works...You want the 800 series (so if you see some on sale you may be looking at last years, and it's basically the same shoe for less). For the Pacific Crest Trail I was unable to purchase NB along the way. On the AT you won't have such a problem. However with NB, there is a "problem" they have not fixed in all the NBs I've owned. The heel on the inside of the shoe will rub off in time revealing a plastic guard that forms the curve grabbing your heel. Once you wear down to the plastic on the trail...you're looking at pretty nasty blisters on your heel. An alternative I like that's usually $10-15 less is Nike's trail runner- Air Max Assail III. Also this year I wore Montrails & Vasques. These shoes I would not buy if I had the choice of Nike or NB, but they will sustain 500 miles on them. Montrails and Vasques are too heavy for my liking.
Be Sure to check out Ben's Article on Footwear in the Gear Section.

I was just wondering, how do you and your buddy finance your trips? I mean, presumably you work (or heist) in between these adventures - but do you both have 'careers' with very patient employers or do you job-hop?:

Major Point: The trail(s) did not change my life; rather my adventures strengthen my beliefs on how I choose to live. Ben and I wrote a pretty good article on the site: Why go hiking? In a World in which so many struggle to find purpose amidst the complexity of modern life, long distance hiking offers an escape to a simpler existence - one in which the goals are challenging, yet clearly defined, the obstacles numerous, but always surmountable through individual effort, and one's worries few and tractable. It is an existence that is at once both wholly contrived and perfectly natural. The goals are arbitrary - set by none other than the individual himself - and that same individual is largely free from pressure to conform to prescribed right and wrong as to how he sets about achieving these. In this simplified existence, progress and well being can be defined by a few simple variables - these alone giving a measure of the quality of one's actions. It is an environment in which the effects of one's moral code are clear to see. The ideas and values held for a lifetime are thrown into stark relief by the experience, and are replaced, discarded, reaffirmed or added to as the journey progresses. More often than not the validity of these adjustments holds true when we return to our 'normal' lives. The person who achieves his goals and does so in a manner true to his own innate sense of 'right' can only return a stronger and more self-reliant individual. It is different for everyone. Some ways to accomplish your Dream: 1) plan the trip far in advance, and save the exact amount of money needed for the trip. A thru hike is about $5,000 for a “quality/luxury” hike. (Dave Ramsey, finance guru, has good advice on saving quickly). 2) quit your job and finance the trip with credit. (bad choice, but still an option. Along with some savings, I think Ben used his credit card to finance a portion of the trip.) 3) sell all belongings and have no responsibilities. Raise money for trip with part-time job. What we did: Ben moved back home with his mother, and took a part-time job for the Appalachian Trail. For the Pacific Crest Trail, he used his saved up money from his jobs after the A.T. He has switched jobs every trip. He lets people know that every time he gets a new job, it’s lower than the previous. His best job came after college and it has slowly dwindled since. But he now wants to be his own boss. I live a life where I do not want to have possessions I have to “move”, or “ care” about. I want to be free. If I want to move to Africa next week, I can. I don’t take the idea of owning a house as something I want to do until I know exactly where I want to spend the rest of my life. I do not want to take 30 years paying for my house for the market to tell me if I am in a good neighborhood or not. I work with my family, and have developed a wide variety of skills and would be willing to work at McDonald’s if it gave me the freedom I desire. I don’t waste money on things that will not be here tomorrow. Any option you choose, needs to make sure the trip (your happiness) is worth the possessions you may or may not have to give up. For me, Life is a day at a time. I’m not saying to not plan down the road - Always contemplate your actions affecting you in 5, 10 years, and for the rest of your life in everything you do. I’ve watched others retire and wished they would have done something when they were younger…I don’t want that. So I have saved over half of my earnings and kept my expenses to a minimum. I don’t want a material lifestyle (homes, cars, expensive vacations) when I’m 60 that I have to afford by working the rest of my life, so I may be using my retirement money today by not being able to purchase abundantly when I retire except for the necessities. And as stated above…I Live My Life at Home and on the Trail in the same way: “The goals are arbitrary - set by none other than the individual himself - and that same individual is largely free from pressure to conform to prescribed right and wrong as to how he sets about achieving these. In this simplified existence, progress and well being can be defined by a few simple variables - these alone giving a measure of the quality of one's actions.”

"Homemade Groundsheet" with Bug Netting

Making your own Bug Netting:
You need to decide how long you will be spending each day in your bug netting. Ben and I differ as to how large the area should be. I want to be comfortable and have no bugs with me at night; Ben just wants to keep the mosquitoes off. I require that I have the ability to sit up and cook, write, and just be comfortable. You slide in to Ben's bug netting from the toe. I have about a three foot zipper on my bug netting.

Getting the Measurements:
I made the bug netting two shoulder lengths in width. So it can sleep two people if you are willing to be close. The length of the bug netting is my height plus one and a half feet. The extra length provides storage for shoes and a pack when I am in a situation where I do not want to deal with the ants or rain and have the ability to just hop out of the bug netting and start hiking in the morning. On long multi month hikes, the bug netting gives me enough extra room to live life of luxury and seems worth the extra bulk. As adding an extra shoulder width adds twice the amount of Tyvek. Tyvek does not compress very well. I can flip around depending on tree roots and rocks and not have to move the bug netting. In a small tarp this becomes useful in that you do not have the ability to just put your bug netting in any location once the tarp is up.

Flooring:
We use Tyvek. Some people use Sil Nylon. It's a personal choice on the flooring. You'll have varying pros and cons.

Updates to the Original Bug Netting:
While hiking we always come up with better ideas. I have yet to take the time to make a better bug netting. My bug netting has been on every adventure I have accomplished. But if I did take the time and rebuild- I would reduce the width to one shoulder length (in order to reduce bulk). Keep the length the same. I would make the bug netting slope from the head to the foot (I would only be able to sit up on one side of the bug netting).

If I changed the original version- I would add tie-outs to pull the bug netting away from you when there are two people living inside. This reduces the chances of mosquitoes having the ability to reach you, and increases the inside area dramatically.

Cameras for Adventures:

Camera selection: Cameras I would look into- Olympus, Nikon, Canon. I like all these cameras, and have used various models. Most recently I have been purchasing Olympus for family members. I just got a family member the Olympus FE-190 for Christmas (a great budget camera with simple controls for a novice). All these cameras are "top of the line". The only real difference being your price range and how many megapixels you desire. Be sure to visit Cnet.com for researching the pros and cons of cameras, also check out dpreview.com. My biggest problem with cameras is the blur: from both low light, and shaking of your hands. Most high-end now have stability control, but I find it doesn’t always work. Where to buy: I have bought the majority of my cameras from Best Buy. Best Buy seems to have a great return policy. On the AT, I replaced my 3.2 megapixel camera 4 times. On the PCT I had to replace my 720 SW camera once before I left for the trail. All times Best Buy was willing to replace my camera for a stocking fee or free; however, this is an issue when you’re in the middle of nowhere and your camera doesn’t work. Weeks can go by waiting on shipping. My cameras: The Olympus stylus 3.2 is a great camera. It took amazing shots in all kinds of weather: fog, rain, snow, sun and all pictures turned out clear. I used the 3.2 for the AT. The lense cover for the 3.2 would bend; and now Olympus has changed the design on their retractable slide lense covers for the Stylus models. The Olympus 720 SW (S is for Shockproof, W is for Waterproof) sounds like a great concept for an adventurer. Olympus brought this camera out in 2006, so I took it on the PCT. The 720 is very reliable, and absolutely had sand in every compartment and never failed to work. With no retractable lense, the 720 does have three times optical zoom! Great for not getting the lense jammed on past models. The 720 sounds like a great camera, but on an adventure I would have preferred my 4 year old 3.2 megapixel to the 720 if not for the megapixels. The 720 shoots blurry shots. The 3.2 can shoot anything and capture it clearly. Practice, Practice, Practice in the store if you have the opportunity. Take it to a low light area and try to get a clear shot without using flash. Zooming all the way in will show you the clarity...the blurring may not be immediately seen just by looking at the LCD screen. If you are on a budget crunch, look at Fuji, basically Fuji is a low-end Olympus model you can pick up at Walmart for $150 with 5 megapixels. Be sure to purchase two sets of batteries...it's worth the money and the weight. I don’t like to trash batteries so I get a rechargeable camera, but for longevity and ease-of-use, “AA” batteries are the way to go. Hopefully I will post my weather-resistant camera case I designed for my adventures online so others can make themselves one. Further, Olympus brings out their new cameras in March of each year. If you are going on your trip after then, you may want to be the guinea pig with the latest release. Be aware, sometimes, Olympus will bring a better model in April. But cameras are so cheap, it’s kind of hard to go wrong if you stick with Olympus, Nikon, Canon. Look to spend $250 - $500.

How do you deal with the sections that require approved bear cans?

We do not carry bear canisters. There is a lot of mixed thought behind the canisters/bags. So you'll have to come to your own conclusion. Bears who bother people bother them in certain areas (where food is found); meaning, we don't sleep in populated campsites. We eat, then travel further down the trail to sleep.

For us it is entirely a weight issue. We are willing to sacrifice our food over a bear canister. The only bears "in the wild" (meaning not in populated tourist sections i.e. Yosemite) run in the opposite direction from you at quite an alarming speed- not in the least bit having any feelings of checking you out for food. And in places frequented like Yosemite, we would avoid camping anywhere there is not a provided bear box. Anywhere there is a "bear issue" there are bear boxes/cables; this may alter your pace, but you should be able to feel safe about your food in these sections.

Cell phones, payphones, or calling cards:

We use calling cards while on long distance hikes (you don't even physically have to carry the card to use it! So NO extra weight!!! They can easily be recharged.)

Calling out of the country is generally where you get ripped on calling cards.

Information below provided from Clark Howard (a savvy human being)-

Calling cards:
Costco/Sprint - Costco has teamed up with MCI to bring you a pre-paid calling cards. You can buy one or buy in bulk and get the 3.47 cent rate. The offer is somewhat tough to find on Costco's Web site. To get there from Costco's home page, click on the "electronics & cameras" link in the list. On the rendered page, click on the "Telephones" link. You will be see the Sprint card at the top of the next page.

Sam's Club/AT&T - Sam's Club and AT&T have teamed up and they are offering you several pre-paid cards, including one with 1500 minutes or packs of cards with minutes. The rate: 3.47 cents a minute. To get to the offer, click on the "phone cards" link on the left of the page. You will see the offers on that page.

Also check out callingcards.com for the best rates.

Appalachian Trail vs. Pacific Crest Trail

Your question is a very popular one...and I must admit varies unanimously. To start from the beginning- I don't believe any trail is better than the other one. All adventures stand alone and are amazing unto themselves. When debating an issue I figure out the arguments or reasons on either side. So to help you, I have listed some Pros & Cons as to how I would describe the "best" experience between the AT and the PCT (Please note you will have varying opinions and possibly an opposite viewpoint):

Appalachian Trail
Pros:
My first long trail ("first love")
Near my home for support, friends, family, and getting off if necessary
More people hike if you need support, safe being, or companionship (Bigger hiking community)
Traditional hiking (varying seasonal weather, shelters, H20 supply)
Towns, Resupply, & Gear are available and well documented (Towns are located closer to the trail)
Trail is well marked, & documented through literature

Cons:
Large population of hikers and visitors
Rains (a lot in some years)
Trail is sometimes referred to as a "Green Tunnel" (no viewpoints on many ascents)
Trail is physically harder (more energy) to hike

Pacific Crest Trail
Pros:
Scenery (abundant the entire way)
Snow
Your alone if you so choose to be
Seeing and Living where few have gone before

Cons:
Colder Temperatures
Mosquitoes
Trail is not marked anywhere near as often as Appalachian Trail (You'll get lost)
Trail Info can be lacking and vague
Your alone if you so choose to be (Rescue)
More Money to hike (Town expenses)
More Regulations (Bear canister, Hiking Permits)

What do you use for a food sack? Do you hang it in a tree to keep mice and bears out of it? I am thinking of a water repellant stuff sack tied to about 25 feet of parachute cord with some sort of disk about 1 foot from the sack. Sound too complicated/much?

We use a silnylon "stuff sack" made by Equinox or Sea to Summit. You can find Sea to Summit at hiking stores (REI). Sea to Summit waterproofs their bags with tape on the seam and has come off on some of my bags. I prefer Equinox because you apply the sealant to obtain "waterproofing". I "hope" a waterproof bag holds in more of the smell.

We use the same silnylon bags for stuffing our sleeping bags and extras clothes. So we have 1 bag for food (holds 3-4 days...more in a pinch) and one keeping our sleeping bag and other valuables dry.

We don't use a pack cover because of the bags...and we have never had an issue to carry a pack cover....and it's rained...and rained....and rained.

Generally you need to get your food off the ground. I usually hang it from a broken branch on a tree I can reach. Rats/Mice/small animal are the trouble makers. Keeping the bag off the ground; and camping where others don't leave trash behind leaves you with food in the morning.

In bear country most places provide any kind of storage against the bears. Rope can't do much to stop a bear, neither does a tree. You'll have to hang the bag in between two trees and hope for the best. We've never had bear issues. Again we don't sleep where others are known to camp often and provide an easy target for the bears. We eat, and then travel on to avoid any cooking scents.

Carrying a 25' rope doesn't sound bad. If you can get your hands on some MSR tent rope...it's worth the money and reflects in light. You could use the rope for your tarp, extra shoelaces, drying line, etc... Most shelters provide/installed by fellow hikers any "rope and disk" if there is an issue.

Again, 98% of the time I just hang my food bag from a stub on the tree in a silnylon bag. I still use the same bags I used back in 2003 for thru hiking the A.T.

I saw no mention of cleaning your pot and spoon. What do you use for scrubbing out the pot? Soap and scrubber? I saw no mention of body soap or TP. What do you use for 1. cleaning your hands/face (same as #1 above?) and 2. wiping your arse?

We use an "all-in-one" soap to wash our hands and our pot (found in our hotel or at a convenient store). The problem with carrying specific soaps (items) is that you cannot resupply very easily. So we avoid taking/using any items that are not found in a hotel. Food items in the pot will be boiled. When finished we use a small amount of water to rinse the pot as we scrub any remaining remnants with our spoon, hands, sometimes leaves; put the lid on, and shake vigorously; repeat, air dry. In town we scrub the pot in a bathroom sink with hand soap and fingers then air dry.

TP is any that is available. Again no specific brand. You may want to keep your TP in a ziplock; or your waterproof food bag. Determine your resupply point to figure out the amount of TP to carry.

The key to our success is finding ways to get a way with less. You just need hand soap and TP and you'll survive.

To let you know, I have carried a scrubber for my pot, and find that it stays wet and collects food that's hard to remove. Leaves and sticks replaced the scrubber. We generally do not shower in the wild, but if we need to, any soap will do the job.