Messages

1

Routes / Re: Clearwater Fire Threatens PPP Highway near Yellowstone

« on: August 06, 2024, 02:15:23 pm »

You jogged my memory because I have driven through Thermopolis on 20 and I do recall how hot and desolate it is out there, and it sounds like the section on 16 would be type 3 fun.   😳

Thank you jamawani!   This info is so helpful!!!

2

Routes / Re: Clearwater Fire Threatens PPP Highway near Yellowstone

« on: August 06, 2024, 10:50:27 am »

My current thinking is to stay on the Transamerica from West Yellowstone down to Lander and then detour to the NE taking 26, 20 and 16 to Ten Sleep to reconnect with the PPP.   Anybody have thoughts on this alternative?

3

Routes / Re: Clearwater Fire Threatens PPP Highway near Yellowstone

« on: August 06, 2024, 10:30:59 am »

I am planning a west-to-east trip for 2025 and was hoping to connect the Transamerica to PPP in West Yellowstone, but it sounds like PPP Setction 1 is all-but-closed or at least inadvisable this season?

I am also concerned about the crowded highways and limited shoulders in PPP section 1 along with Cody Mountain Tunnel just west of Cody.   The camping and lodging spacing also seems like a possible challenge in a crowded national park like YNP.

Maybe I'll stick with the TransAm?   Any general advise on PPP section 1 would be appreciated assuming no fires.

4

Routes / Re: TransAmerica sections 1,2,3 versus Lewis and Clark Trail sections 6,7

« on: January 30, 2024, 11:05:08 am »

This is very helpful John & Jamawani!   I'll go with the TransAm. 

5

Routes / TransAmerica sections 1,2,3 versus Lewis and Clark Trail sections 6,7

« on: January 29, 2024, 07:33:59 pm »

I'm trying to decide between two routes between the Pacific coast and roughly Grangeville, ID where the TransAmerica and the Lewis & Clark Trails converge going east from the Oregon coast.

I'd appreciate any intel on how these two routes stack up in terms of general quality, scenery, camping, traffic, etc.   I'm perfectly happy to be riding some gravel roads too.

6

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: How to connect Transamerica (west) with Great America Rail Trail (east)

« on: November 13, 2023, 01:55:27 pm »

John:  I filled out the details for both route options 1 and 2 and Google Docs, and I'm leaning to option 2 at this point.

I'll go ahead and buy the physical and GPX maps from ACA.

Thank you!

7

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: How to connect Transamerica (west) with Great America Rail Trail (east)

« on: November 12, 2023, 11:26:07 am »

You got me thinking John:   One of my criteria is to incorporate the C&O Canal Trail and Great Allegheny at the end of my trip, so perhaps the good ole Transamerica route might be close to ideal?   I wouldn't mind seeing parts of South Dakota, but that is pretty far of course relative to the Transam, so I could forgo that part.   I think I'm drawn to the TransAm over the northern tier or southern tier routes.

What are my criteria:  See rural America, ride the C&O Canal Trail and Great Allegheny, try to ride safer, low traffic roads to the extend practical, and have an epic cycling experience.

8

Connecting ACA Routes / Re: How to connect Transamerica (west) with Great America Rail Trail (east)

« on: November 09, 2023, 01:52:08 pm »

Thank you John Nettles!

How do you plan on getting from O'Neill (or the PPP) to Pittsburgh?   My thought was to follows the Great American Rail Trail all the way to Pittsurgh and then on to Washington DC vai the GAP Trail and C&O Canal Trail.   I understand your comment about the CT -- perhaps it is not ready for prime-time.

I'm going to digest your advice above, and then rethink my route.  Possibly more to come on this ...

Any further suggestions are welcome!

9

Connecting ACA Routes / How to connect Transamerica (west) with Great America Rail Trail (east)

« on: November 09, 2023, 12:29:16 pm »

I am planning a cross country ride  and thinking about riding the Transamerica route on the West from Astoria, OR to somewhere in Wyoming and then trying to pickup the Great America Rail Trail in Valentine,  NE to pickup the Cowboy Trail (https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/bike-the-cowboy-trail.htm) following the Rail Trail through to Pittsburgh and then continue on the GAP trail to Washington, DC.

One challenge is how to connect the Transamerica route in Wyoming with the Rail-Trail in Nebraska.

Option 1:
One option is to riding east from Jeffrey City, WY through Casper and further across Nebraska to Valentine.   The route might follow Rt 20 all the way from Lusk, WY to Valentine, NE.   Does anyone have advice on this section?

Option 2:
Another alternative is to head east out of Buffalo, WY and more or less follow Interstate 90 east to Murdo, SD and drop south to Valentine, NE on Rt 83.   Does anyone have advice on this section?

I appreciate any and all advice from the veteran riders out there!