FAQ

Why are you doing this?

The Wheeled Migration is an expression of empowerment as much as a sign of health and happiness. The physical challenge of independently moving oneself a great distance is no less difficult than answering the moral and emotional calls necessary for creating a world that works for all.

The purpose of our tour is as diverse as the intentions our riders bring to it. While the Wheeled Migration route has been created to deepen our appreciation and awareness of various efforts to reclaim our cultures and restore the environment, each rider brings a unique purpose to this event.

In a genuine effort to respect our differences and honor our commonalities, we only ask that our riders travel with the courage to allow others to be themselves.

Who is going on this tour?

We are the growing network of students and citizens, dedicated to living and supporting the timeless methods of sustained health and harmony. Together, we are working for hopeful and just alternatives for our future while learning to live within our means using intelligence, creativity, determination, and joy.

We are students, educators, dreamers, professionals, activists, artists, healers, farmers, musicians, tradeswomen, craftsmen, vagabonds, leaders, and you.

How will I get home?

The Wheeled Migration is a one-way event, so plan your return trip now or be prepared to improvise. Greyhound and Amtrak both have a station in San Luis Obispo where you can on-load bicycles. Another option is to catch a ride with other conference goers. WM will work to help you locate possible return ride shares, so please contact us if this is a concern for you.

And of course, you could always ride home, but the headwinds blowing from the North are notoriously frustrating to cyclists.

What should I take?

Check out our Gear List for what will be useful to you on this bicycle tour. Remember everyone likes to tour differently, so think with your own sense and your own style, and don't take our word for how to do it right.

Should I train beforehand?

The Wheeled Migration is not a race, it's a tour. Bicycle touring is not like commuting around town, nor is it like riding real hard on the weekend; it's an experience that will challenge the endurance of your body, your mind, and your emotions- so for this, preparation is important. Using your migration as an opportunity to "get in shape" or to try out your new bicycle seat is not wise, nor is it fun, so please plan accordingly.

This year, some of us will average up to 65 miles of rolling California coastline each day, training with your ride in mind is crucial. Please remember that attitude is everything on the road and you will want to know that your body is ready for this quality of exercise before you depart.

Training steadily, with your body in mind is the best way to build yourself up for your migration. Please do not to push yourself too hard too fast as this may put you at risk of an injury which could only worsen as you hit the road.

The most important thing is steady, consistent saddle time, and to increase your mileage each week. If you don't have time to ride, then choosing a cross training program that increases your strength and endurance is key. Just about any activity will do so long as you love to do it, it keeps you growing strong, and it reminds you how precious a human body really is.

Is this a supported tour?

Wheeled Migration is not currently designed to support riders with water, snacks, mechanical assistance, emergency relief, or SAG support while on the road. It is possible a rider group will organize a SAG vehicle still, it is best to leave well coordinated or able to self-sustain while on this tour.

Will we ride together?

Everyone has their own riding style and likes to ride at their own pace. While we may not all ride together all of the time, you will be surrounded by your fellow riders both up and down the route. Rider groups will surly form between friends and riders of similar skill levels. Plus, we will have a designated "sweep rider" there to insure someone is always behind you and on the look out.

Is it safe to ride on the highway?

Absolutely not. But then, it's not safe to drive either.

There is an old adage in emergency medicine that says, "98% of life is risk, and the rest just aint worth doing." Take that as you will.

The safest, and most enjoyable way to ride among highway traffic is to ride with confidence and awareness.

As with operating any machine, a bicycle requires your responsibility to be aware of your physical conditions, your environment, the others around you, as well as good understanding how to conduct yourself through out changing circumstances.

It is commonly recommended one keep a bicycle and a half worth of space between yourself and the rider in front of you. Hand signals, verbal communication, mirrors, bright colors, flags, reflectors, and sheer numbers will help alert motorists of our presence on the road as well. This site has sound advise on conducting yourself safely in traffic, check it out.

Knowing how to operate your brakes on Highway 1 is crucial. It's easy to find your way into a frightening spot by letting your wheels spin a bit too fast, so always keep control of your speed.

When riding with others, do not feel enticed or intimidated into going faster than you feel comfortable. You may have great confidence on the downhill, but keep in mind your bicycle will act differently with loaded panniers, and that slower riders can smell more.

Always use your front and rear brakes simultaneously. Using only the front brake will cause you to sail over the handlebars, which could leave your bike lonesome for a very, very long time.

On the long downhills and the steep decents, try pumping your brakes to keep them from over-heating and preventing your rear wheel from locking up (that would be lame).

Remember to remain cautious though corners on the downhill. There is always a chance that loose gravel; potholes, photographers, and parked cars are waiting just around the bend.

Lastly, it pays to know your cycling jargon. It's helpful in making friends and keeping one another safe though out the day.

Standard calls include: "On your left (or right)" "Passing" "Car back" "Car up" "Clear" "Stopping" "Slowing" "Tracks" "Gravel" "Pothole" and "Let's get back on the road"

When you hear these key phrases, trust nobody is shouting "at you" they are shouting "for you."

And of course whistling, singing, bells, birdcalls, and barnyard sounds can also serve the same purpose, if you know who's riding with you.

Why the blog?

We believe this touring event has great potential to inspire connection, dialogue, and action. The WM blog environment creates a forum for participants to express their efforts, accomplishments, and make themselves visible during their migration. We believe it is a powerful tool to informally meet one another before the ride, to express our process while on the road, and to share our learning and experiences in memories.

The story of the Wheeled Migration is the story of our riders. The inspirations and motivations behind each individual give this event context, color, and meaning; the blog postings are your opportunity to write the "why's" of what is happening to you and how your adventure relates to the others.

There is also plenty of space to share your migration in pictures and video from your personal Flicker and YouTube accounts. Just upload them onto the WM group and they will appear on the homepage.

Have fun expressing yourself.

And how much does this cost?

Hardly anything really.
We will factor an individual cost depending on where you have started your migration and how many different stops you make along the main route. This will be based upon use of our hosts facilities and any meals they provide our tour.

What if I'm not registered, can I go?

Yes please!
We would love to see you, your family, your rider group, your critical mass, your bike polo team, racing team, tri-team, or personal tour show up and ride in the Wheeled Migration. WM has coordinated its capacity for each overnight stop so we will not be able to help you at the end of the day, but otherwise- let's share in some adventure together!

Still curious? Take a look at our Mission and Values.

If you have additional questions please write us at contact@wheeledmigration.org