Planning

I've been thinking about the trip for some while and have some ideas about how I'd like it to work.  Not plans as such but notions about what is important.

It seems to me that the trick to planning a trip of this sort is to get the big essential stuff reasonably right without getting locked into a plan or involved with so many details that you don't actually get to go.

With that in mind here is the rough outline:

• Follow the classic Trans American Route - It's frequently enough ridden that there is considerable support infrastructure along the way.  The route is well known and there is a great deal of rider provided information about it.  Also, it's the 'original' classic route.
• Electric assist - While I'm in good health, I'm no longer 30 or 40 something.  In particular, my knees have seen better days and some assist, particularly going up hill is not just prudent, it's a clearly good idea.  Electric assist comes in lots of flavours and I'll need to do a bit of research to pick one that will work for me.  Also there are some legal issues depending on what state you are in.  Is it a bicycle or a motorcycle or what?  Do you need insurance, etc.?  Electric bicycles are still somewhat new in the US so there remain many open questions. 
• Ride a recumbent bike - I own and still ride several traditional diamond frame bikes.  When I ride much more that 20 miles or so my wrist, neck, shoulders, and but hurt.  It's not a big deal as I recover in a few days.  However, I don't want to ride hurting every day for several months.  Recumbent are VERY comfortable and that's a big plus.  For those not familiar with recumbents, they look more or less like this:
    
  
• Trike or bike - I'm still somewhat undecided but am leaning toward a trike.  There are several reasons. Trikes are statically stable.  You don't have to be moving to stay upright.  It's easier to stop and take a picture. On the downside trikes are a bit more expensive, a bit less bike like, a bit harder to get into room, and rather more difficult to transport to/from the start/finish.  Trikes look something like this:

  

  Trike.  Some fold making transportation easier.

• Full suspension - See above.  Once you've been on a well suspended bike that smooths out road noise and big bumps you'll understand why.  When planning to bike for 6 or so hours a day for several months it's about comfort.
• Mostly not camping - I'm still somewhat undecided about this but as a matter of comfort for these old bones I'd like a bed and roof whenever practicable.  That said, there are parts of the route where it's a long way to the next bed and some camping seems unavoidable.
• Unsupported - A number of companies offer partially or fully supported trips. On one hand it would be nice to have the support and others to ride with.  On the other I'd be locked into to someone else’s plan and whoever else is along for the trip.  On balance I think unsupported is preferable.  If I find companionable riders along the way great.  If not then it's really about the experience and people along the way.
• No real schedule. Take as much time as it takes - Most people take about 3 months.  That seems about right. But if it takes longer, it takes longer.  That said, there are some practical issues with weather as the route crosses several mountain ranges.  Some of these have serious weather and snow that is not good for a bike trip.  The route also goes through some very hot climates.  Also not good for biking.
• East to west or west to east - I'm of two minds and haven't really decided.  There are pros and cons for each.  East to west is attractive since the start in on the right coast, I can have some support early in the trip, and get to finish in the west with great scenery to share with others.  The downside is that the mountains need to be crossed in season so there isn't as much time flexibility.  West to east is attractive since I'd get to cross the mountains when the weather is known good, the trip starts with a lot of interesting things, and I get to finish nearer home.  The downside is that the most interesting part of the trip is at the beginning not the end, and there is little chance for early support. On balance I leaning slightly toward east to west.