DeLorme has some popular mapping programs (used several of them), also there's a Rand McNally branded program(never used), in addition to the Streets & Trips from MS that I mentioned.

You're probably talking $30usd or so....

This is the site that had the map I posted.
Planning

Thanks John. I'm on the lookout now for the best possible route planning software; it might be that the most useful software comes packaged with different brands of SatNav equipment -- does anyone recommend any SatNav/software packages that are particularly good for planning complex trips?

Or are there any particularly good computer softwares for this purpose that anyone can recommend?

Thanks again to everyone for all the help.

br

There are some maps at this link,
The Motorcycle Tourer's Forum
They are in the details, east, west and central.
The map program I like the best is the Microsoft Streets & Trips.
I have a Garmin 76csx GPS and for that I have to use the Garmin MapSource.

I would have suggested I 10 through the southern states, but this one is a little better. It follows I 40 (old Route 66) for a bit, then cuts up through the Navajo Reservation on Arizona 160 (I think its the 160), this route hits the 4 corners allowing Colorado and Utah, at least for a literal step or two; but still counts!

Iron Butt Association 48-10
 

You may get some good information from the Iron Butt Association web site.

Look under 48-10 which is 48 states in 10 days to receive an official certificate.

I beleive the record for 48 states is 7 days, 0 hours, 20 minutes held by Ron Ayres. Not sure about his milage or route but it may be on the site somewhere or they may have a forum.

Ron went on to include Alaska and I believe he also holds this record which they call 48 plus.

IIRC, Ron's record has been broken several times over the years, and by a good margin. All records are cool, and all records are meant to be broken....eventually.

I take my hat off to the Iron Butt guys -- they show grit and determination that I can't even begin to aspire to.

I have a trip planned to touch on all 48 states, but with the key control factor of fuel efficiency. I want to do it on as little fuel as possible. Not on a step-through 90cc or a 50cc scooter, but on a 'real' motorcycle.

So any tips on the shortest route that connects all 48 states in terms of miles travelled, will be much appreciated.

br

Shortest miles doesn't always equal best fuel ecomony, as you probably know.

Do you have rules set for this game?

There's a bike (not sure how many others) that runs on E85; should net you some excellent mileage if you just count the 15% gasoline part!

Edit:
Jumped the gun re:E85, but this is supposedly going to be released...some day!

Tank Sports, Inc. - News - 03/21/2007

If you want to make an attempt on the 48 state record you should get in touch with the Iron Butt Association. I think this is how things stand.

Mike Kneebone and Fran Crane established the record with a time of 7 days and a estimated mileage of 7350 miles.
Ron Ayres held the record with a time of 6 days and an estimated mileage of 7600 miles.
Rick Morrison held the record of 5 days, 12 hours with a estimated mileage of 7200 miles.
Morris Kruemcke has the existing record at 5 days, 8 hours and 42 minutes with an estimated mileage of 7000 miles.

Steve

My thanks to everyone for the pointers. My project has a fuel efficiency control factor rather than a 'fastest time' goal, so although lowest number of miles doesn't always mean least fuel used, the sorting out of the shortest route possible would be a good starting point.

Thank you Steve for the details on estimated mileage of the recent IBA record holders. I'll look into those.


br