Messages

1

Routes / Re: Does anyone have experience with Illinois to Florida tours?

« on: January 24, 2009, 05:28:47 pm »

Thank you all for such wonderful input. It has been very helpful.
I am still undecided as to which route to take however.
I am certain that both will be very scenic and I am also certain that both will have their bad points.
I am very concerned about the terrain in Tennessee and Kentucky. I can climb just fine, I'm just worried about safe camping in this area.
It will all work out soon enough.

Thanks for all of the help.

2

Routes / Re: Dedicated Across America Bicycle Path

« on: January 16, 2009, 01:49:32 pm »

I thought there was a coordinated effort to restructure the abandoned and exempt Rail Road beds throughout the country for this purpose.
I know there has been an effort here in Illinois.
The rock Island trail is a great example of reclamation of an exempt track.
I wish there were more....

3

Routes / Re: Does anyone have experience with Illinois to Florida tours?

« on: January 16, 2009, 01:42:05 pm »

This is the link to the basic Google Maps "Walking route"
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-bk-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20maps

4

Routes / Does anyone have experience with Illinois to Florida tours?

« on: January 16, 2009, 01:09:20 pm »

Hi,
I'm planning a tour in spring from Central Illinois to Cape coral Florida.
This tour will be self supported and i will camp and stay at supporting church locations.

I have two routes to consider,

• Illinois to the lower third of the UGRR route connecting with the Southern tier to DeFuniac Florida and then on to Cape Coral
• A modified Google map with "Walking" directions

The Google route is fairly sound through Illinois, as I have experience there, but I am lost from Kentuck on through to Georgia. The Florida route seems good as well with just a few modifications. The google route also is the shortest by far. I must admit that the Tennesee region scares the heck out of me... LOL!

I am getting from reading this forum that the UGRR and Southern tier are nice but present a few challenges as well. I have ordered the approriate maps from Adventurecycling .org and become a member as well.

If anyone has advice or knowledge on these routes and would care to share... I would certainly appreciate all that you can give.

Peace.