Planning to tour the US in 2012

Couple of us here in South Africa have started throwing around the idea of doing a trip to the US.
Obviously this will cost a fair amount of money, and take some planning , so we looking at doing it in mid 2012.

The main reason for the trip is disc golf, a chance to play some well known courses, and even perhaps play in some properly sanctioned events... bonus is we get to see the length of the USA.

The idea is basically to land in New York, and do a road trip down the east coast, then across to the west coast, stopping over at various towns and cities... mostly camping as this will cost the least. We will probably buy a vehicle in NY and sell it in LA.

We have a lot to learn in the next 2 years about putting this thing together, but will be a dream come true. probably spend around 2 months doing the tour.

Sure some guys on here have done similar trips, so tips will be appreciatted. Theirs also that movie about the DG road trip, what is it called?

[Peter Bonnel]

Sound like a lot of fun!
I would put a plug in for the Kansas City area. Home of the Worlds 2009. A lot of great courses!
I having had relatives visit from Europe and they did not have a understanding of how large the US is. It's eight time larger that South Africa so be prepaired for a serious amount of driving. For example, Kansas City north to Canada, one long (12 hours) of driving, south to the southern tip of Texas, 2days, East to the east coast, 2 long days or three shorter days, west to Califorina, 3 days.
Stop at some of the National Parks, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon come to mind but there are many more.

[Nic777]

Oh yeah, ive ROUGHLY calculated we would do about 80 hours of driving, but over a 2 month period thats very do able, we arent going in a straight line either.
Oh yeah, parks will definately be on the route, those are the 'arguments' we will be having over the next 22 months.

[Peter Bonnel]

I think you will be surprised how much time you spend driving. I think 80 hours is very low. In the larger cities you can spend an hour or more to drive from one course to another.
Another angle to think about, is to fly from major city to city and rent a car instead of buying and have to sell at the end of the trip. Also then, if the car breaks down, it not your problem to get it fixed.
Still I think this would be a great trip and a lot of fun!
Keep'm flying.

[Nic777]

Fair enough comment, we have alot of investigating and planning to do, only certainty is our plans will evolve.

[Tim]

One request...please leave your vuvuzelas at home... ;0)

[Nic777]

Not an issue, hate those things :)

[Jim Coonradt]

How is the disc golf scene in South Africa? What is the best place to throw? I was there in 1980 and spent a year in Stanger, one hour North of Durban. I would truly love to get back there some day as it is a very beautiful country and I would love to see how things have changed in 30 years.

[Nic777]

Sport is very much in its infancy.
We have 2 18 hole courses here in Johannesburg, we have baskets but are still awaiting permission to install them permanently, so unless its a tournament its a 2 foot marked area on trees you are aiming for ... but experienced players from the states have all loved playing the courses none the less.
Port Elizabeth also has a course, with shared baskets (9 baskets, 18 tees) Im getting myself down their in Decemebr to play it (Its 1000 km away).. that at this point is all we have.
We have just started the first proper DG club, and are in the process of becoming disc dealers, by growing the sport and selling discs we hope to help fund the 2012 trip.

[Jim Coonradt]

When I saw this picture of the Drakensberg region I could only think how wonderful it would be to chuck a few discs in such a beautiful place.

[Destraayer]

I have to say I'm quite envious of US disc golf tour.

Just check out dgcoursereview.com. With maps, rather accurate ratings and reviews(there are a few courses that get bias ratings), frequent updates on course conditions, and other important details like fees, or in your case, on site camping, you can't go wrong with using the website to help plan your excursion.

[Nic777]

yeah agreed, awesome site. Thanks

[Essential Discs]

Well, If you are not hitting the major midwest courses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, you are missing out on some of the best Disc golf there is in the states.

Also look us up when you get here I am sure we will have some room.