Cycling across North America
 

With my Beemer I'd have no probs planning a couple of months ride all over North America. But, no, I'm thinking of just such a journey by bicycle... :innocent:


In this case you have to think economic regarding kilometers. Has anybody crossed the USA from east to west in a leisurely sort of way - not in terms of the "Race across America"?

I'm interested in suggestions & ideas as to which route (from Washington/Maryland) to finally Alaska would be most rewarding for cyclists.


Thx in advance.
Hans

This is a good place to start.

America’s Bicycle Travel Inspiration & Resource - Adventure Cycling Association

Assuming you are planning a mainly paved route, I would cross the northern US states basically east to west, then head north in Montana. The Banff park area on the border od Alberta and British Columbia is popular with long distance cyclists.

Thx, guys. Two interesting links. In the meantime I found this link which is also quite promising: American Discovery Trail: Trail Directory

No, not necessarily only paved roads, because I'm riding a mountainbike fitted with pannier racks and fat tires. Came quite useful on the gravel roads in Patagonia :mchappy: So, dirtroads are allright, but on longer distances single trails in rough terrain might prove a problem.

I have indeed cycled east to west across the USA, I did it in 98 with my friend Dylan.

We rode from washington DC to Seattle and it took us about three and a half months, quite an easy pace, some days about 40 miles, right up to about 100 other days. We had lots of days off and holidays too.

we were pretty fit though as we had both been london cycle couriers before hand and were used to cycling 100 miles a day.

We did absolutely no planning for the trip ( in typical style, we never plan our motorcycle trips these days) but the trip was excellent.

Oh, good! But you didn't follow one of the above routes?

I've done a bit of research, trying to get aquainted with the area the above two trails pass through. The TransAm Trail is completely cycle-orientated, whereas the AmDiscovery Trail seems to be partly, esp. in the west, rather more a hiking trail. Not that the altitudes are scary (over 12,000ft), but the track surface in parts would mean to push or even carry the bike :funmeterno: The landscape should be absolutely stunning though!

Anybody done the ADT in the area of the Great Divide?

Hans

Here's a very interesting forum on bicycle touring: Bike Forums

A wealth on information! :D

I'm on couchsurfing and I put up a guy who did this. His name is Sam. You might want to join CS and ask him. He's got a lot of good info.

Sam: CouchSurfing - Sam Rabourn

Me: CouchSurfing - Dave Smith

--Dave

X-USA to Alaska
 

If this isn't too late, consider where you want to cross the Rockies on your way to Alaska. When I rode across the USA on bicycle I crossed the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park. The Going to the Sun Highway is one of America's true "must ride" roads.

This means you will not spend much time on the coast in the USA but the distance to Alaska is so great, this is a good thing.

All the best. - Fabini