By: Dean DeVito


Overview-

For those that may not be familiar with it, the Trans America Trail (TAT) is a ride that has its genesis in Tennessee, and winds across our nation in an array of back roads, country roads, dirt roads, gravel roads, and road-less expanses that have been traveled recently only by brave goats and people with a penchant to see this country of ours in a remarkable fashion. Eventually, it ends at the Pacific Ocean, crossing 10 states and winding for some 4800 miles. 

Trip prep-

This adventure begins like so many before it; as a group of friends with a common obsession. Simply stated, a member of my Sunday morning ride group says, “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool to take a dirt bike across the country.” This is the kind of statement dreams are made of, and immediately we began making plans and doing our research.  Thanks to the wonders of the World Wide Web (an Al Gore invention, you know) we stumbled across a gentleman named Sam Correro. He maintains a website, www.transamtrail.com that provides detailed maps, roll charts, and advice for such an excursion.  Our navigator, Tim, purchased the required materials off of Sam’s web site, set up a roll chart holder and we began our submersion into our half year long obsession with this trip.

With the route in hand, and modest off road skills continually being polished on Sunday mornings in the hills of Northern Georgia, we turned our attention to packing and preparing our bikes for the adventure ahead.

Volumes could be written about all of the thought and attention we paid during this phase of planning, but I’ll spare you the details and try to sum up our efforts in a few sentences. Thankfully we all have supportive wives that did not protest nearly as much as our checking accounts. A few worthy considerations follow:

1. Pelican cases are awesome!  They pack well, are super durable, waterproof, have solid latches, and hold up to the occasional tip over.
2. Divide to conquer: There is no sense everyone carrying tools, first aid kits, tubes (if they are a common size), etc….  Decide who will carry what to keep the load as light as possible
3. Synthetic underwear and clothes:  The dry quickly, can be washed easily at camp sites, and layer easily as the temperature fluctuates.
4. Camelbacks: The easiest way to carry a gallon of water and stay hydrated all of the time.