Topics

1

Routes / Curiosity: Why was the ST re-rounted via Lordsburg between Safford?

« on: October 14, 2017, 08:40:35 am »

Hey ACA, gotta question for you?

I had a WarmShowers guest recently who was doing BR66 late in the season (E-W) and was considering jumping to the ST due to the expected cold lows in northern New Mexico.  As I was showing him the ST on the ACA website, I noticed it had been rerouted onto NM-90 down to Lordsburg, NM from Silver City, then up on US-70 to Safford, AZ.  The old route went NW on US-160 from Silver City then left onto NM-78/AZ-78 then onto US-191 before connecting with US-70 east of Safford.

Just curious as to why it re-routed that way?  More services, less remote, easier, high quality roads, transportation,   There are definite pros and cons to each route so just trying to read your mind. 

Thanks for all you do!  John

2

Routes / Sticky

« on: May 11, 2017, 10:00:42 pm »

The forums frequently get requests for route suggestions.  However, frequently the poster may not know it is very helpful if additional information is provided.

Is it possible to have someone develop and post a "sticky" that tells potential route requesting posters to provide basic information such as specific dates (at least start & ending months), preferences & aversions (scenery, hills, traffic, fastest, historical/cultural, etc.),  lodging preferences (tent or hotel), cooking preferences (cooking or eating out solely), number of average miles per RIDING day, etc.?

This would greatly help out those of us that try to be helpful to others.

Thanks for considering this suggestion!

John

3

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / TransAm Sec 9: SR 51 Bridge Closed at Chester, IL & SR 3 on Levee Alt - May 2017

« on: May 05, 2017, 05:04:00 pm »

Just read that the bridge across the Mississippi by Chester, IL is closed due to flooding.  This is on the TA route.  Hopefully, the water/damage will subside soon.  Here is a link: 
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35325576/flooding-prompts-closure-of-chester-bridge

4

Routes / New ACA Chicago to NYC Mapped Route

« on: January 22, 2017, 04:53:38 pm »

Carla/ACA,

The Feb 2017 issue of Adventure Cyclist implies there is a new mapped route coming out, Chicago to New York City.  Can you let us know when the maps will be ready?  I "assume" it will be before the ACA van-supported Tour following the same route beginning in early June. 

Thanks for all you do, John

5

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / BR66 GPS Data

« on: March 05, 2015, 11:47:32 pm »

Out of curiosity, when will the BR66 GPS data be made available?  The riding season is rapidly approaching and some of us like to bring a GPS.  Thanks!

6

General Discussion / Donate to ACA through Amazon (no cost to you)

« on: March 02, 2015, 10:49:59 am »

Normally, I hate fundraisers but I enjoy both Amazon and ACA so I thought I would let you know about this.

Today, I had the option to use "AmazonSmile" http://smile.amazon.com/gp/charity/about.html/ref=pe_830720_114782360_smi_em_wel_ft_abt so I could donate to ACA.

From what I gather, if ACA decides to signup, they will get 0.5% of my purchases as a donation.  No additional cost is added to my bill, no special codes to enter every time*, etc.

If ACA chooses not to accept the donations or you prefer a different charity you can change at anytime.  There are a surprising number of local small charities also.

This is what AmazonSmile is:
"AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support."

*=The big caveat is that you have to begin the Amazon purchase (after you have signed up with AmazonSmile) with the smile.amazon.com website (as opposed to the regular amazon.com website).  I just changed my bookmark so it is no big deal.

Also, be sure to search for "adventure cycling" on the link as there are a few "primary" organizations so you have to search for ACA and select it instead.

Please note, I am not affiliated with Amazon or ACA other than a heavy user of Amazon and an avid touring cyclist who has been with Bikecentennial/ACA since the magazine was printed on newspaper-type paper (way back in the 70s which would be a really cool way to celebrate the 50th year by printing that issue in newspaper stock but I digress).

I hope ACA signs up (ACA, please let us know if you decide NOT to and why) and that you consider ACA if you use Amazon.

7

Be A Volunteer and Build Alliances / Volunteer in Oklahoma

« on: May 20, 2009, 02:16:41 pm »

I would be happy to assist in route development in my state/region.  I have been touring for 20+ years and have assisted with the development of many state-wide bike routes.

Thanks, John Nettles

8

Corridor Plan Updates & Routing Within Corridors / Any existing corridors mapped?

« on: May 20, 2009, 02:02:55 pm »

Hello,

I was looking at the U.S. Bicycle Route System route map and wondered if Corridors 37, 55, 66, 80 or 84 are actually “mapped”, even if in draft or cue sheet form only?

During the past two years I have been developing two multi-state bike routes that connect various ACA map ending towns.  The routes fairly closely track all or parts of these corridors.

One is from Brownsville, TX/Mexico border north to Canada that is fairly close to Route 55.  The route I have goes through Navasota, TX; Girard, KS; Atchison, KS; Council Bluffs, IA; and Fargo, ND to connect to various ACA route terminus points.

The other route goes from Las Cruces, NM to Girard, KS.

I have been contacting towns along the way verifying services, reviewing traffic counts to ensure low-traffic roads and/or shoulder suitability, etc. and if a similar route has been already developed (even initially) but not “mapped” for development by some official agency, I would like to know so I don’t duplicate the effort ACA/ASHTO is doing as you know it is a long and arduous process.

As a side note, if you need/want a “local” aide to Oklahoma, I would be happy to help.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

John Nettles

9

Routes / Florida Connector Hotel recommendations

« on: March 20, 2009, 02:43:43 pm »

We are getting ready to depart on a hotel-based (wife doesn't want to camp!) Florida Connector tour.  I have read about some conflicting hotel reports in a few towns and was wondering if anyone happened to have recommendation based on first hand knowledge (at least seen if they look okay as riding by) of motels/hotels/B&Bs in Port Charlotte, Wachula, Haines City, and Deland, Florida.

We don't need a Ritz-Carlton but don't want a dump either.

Thanks!

10

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / General GPS How To Sticky?

« on: February 13, 2009, 06:08:29 pm »

While I don't see it, is there a general, basic primer on GPS on here?  I have found lots of stuff but it is getting me confused again.  If not, perhaps someone could put something together??  Thanks!

11

Connecting ACA Routes / Connect from TransAm to Southern Tier

« on: May 17, 2007, 10:52:14 pm »

I am in the early stages of planning a connector route that will connect the TransAm & So. Tier in the center of the country, i.e. Kansas to Texas.  I see this route as a solution to those starting the trip a little late/early and need the southern route to complete a cross-country trip or another north/south cross country route (assuming you connect with other routes).

I hope to complete this by 2008 Spring.  I am trying to work with the involved States so this route can be made an "official" route (at least get free map, signs, etc.).

My question is which do you prefer as the starting & ending points?  If you pick "Other" please give the route start/end points.

Now is your chance to help develop a route!!  The top spot in both directions will be strongly considered.

Please feel free to give your comments, thoughts on what the ideal route would include (other than downhill, free campgrounds, etc. ), suggestions, etc.!!

12

Youth Bicyle Travel / Boy Scouts on Katy Trail

« on: October 06, 2006, 05:12:27 pm »

Wow, I get to do the honors of being the first to ask a question on this forum.

My son is in Boy Scouts and his troop is considering a multi-day trip along the Katy Trail in Missouri next summer.  What do I need to consider (other than my sanity) if we do take 10-25 twelve to fifteen year old males on a trip like this.  Most are not that experienced so some of the obvious (lower miles, get bikes in shape, etc.) will be factored in.

What about stuff "you wish you knew before you had done this" type stuff?

Thanks in advance!

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

13

Underground Railroad / Topography from Erie to Pittsburg

« on: March 10, 2008, 02:13:20 am »

I am thinking about doing a trip from Erie to Washington via UGRR and the GAP/C&O paths. While I am not worried she could handle the rail trail, what are the conditions between Erie and Pittsburg like as we would want to start in Pittsburg.

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

14

Classifieds / WTB: Southern Tier & FLorida Connector Maps

« on: March 09, 2008, 07:35:17 pm »

Looking to finish my perimeter tour and want to get an idea on what it will take to go from Key West to San Diego.  Prefer recent maps but will take 2005 and younger maps.  Please let me know the price with shipping if possible.  Thanks!

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

15

Classifieds / WTB: Southern Tier Maps

« on: October 11, 2005, 04:32:54 pm »

Want to buy Southern Tier Maps.  Prefer no older than 2003.  I can be emailed at nettles@cox.net  Thanks!  John

This message was edited by TulsaJohn on 10-11-05 @ 6:25 PM