Topics

1

Routes / What route would you create next?

« on: February 04, 2026, 05:45:38 pm »

There are lots of posts about favorite route, which route to take, etc.  I was wondering if you were ACA and could decide where the next route would go, where would the route go and/or focus on.  Usually, I put a lot of realistic criteria like AADT counts, has to have available services, etc. but I figure this time I would let it go free style and see where it goes.

Of course, I would like the route to be realistic, i.e. NOT San Diego to Honolulu, and be somewhere within North America (and Mexico IS part of North America).   Oh, and let's make it at least 100 miles long (unless a connector route). 

I'll start.  I am thinking about doing a tour inside Northern Mexico in the Fall that goes from South Padre Island to El Paso.  While I know the route is not for everyone, I enjoy unique ferries and remote places and this has two ferries and lots of wide open space I have not see before.  Both ferries are non-motorized, meaning human powered.  One is near Big Bend as it crosses the Rio Grande (and has a tele-remote border station) and the other is near McAllen, TX, and is the last hand-pulled ferry in North America and the only hand-pulled ferry crossing an international border. 

This is a DRAFT of it so far https://ridewithgps.com/collections/1739503 so pardon any minor errors.  I haven't decided which direction to go but will probably go East to West after looking at the weather patterns. 

Anyway, would your new route be a connector route, say connecting the Northern Tier in Muscatine to the TransAm in Berea; a paved version of the Great Divide; a paved Baja California Route (Bikepacking.com already has the unpaved version); a historical one like the Trail of Tears; etc. 

Inquiring minds want to know.

Tailwinds, John

2

Routes / Southern Tier Pearl River Alternate

« on: January 13, 2026, 10:34:21 am »

Can someone provide me with the intersection where the main Southern Tier Route intersection near Gulfport, MS, with the Pearl River Bridge Alternate Route? 

Tailwinds, John

3

Routes / What is Your Favorite ACA Route & Why

« on: December 23, 2025, 08:43:39 pm »

 We are in a Joyous time of the year so I thought about bringing something lighter into the current conversations going on. You can select up to 5 choices.
 
If you have ridden or would like to ride all or part of an ACA Route, which one & why?
 
Because I don't want to type out all the names, I am just going to use the abbreviations in the poll.  See https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/interactive-network-map/ for the full names.  NOTE:  BR66 is at the bottom as I forgot to add it and the poll won't let me re-sort it.
 
Tailwinds, John 
 
P.S. Sorry the Poll choice is so long but that is a good problem to have!

4

Building Sale Discussion Area / Questions for Management

« on: December 15, 2025, 09:50:08 pm »

Hello, I have been a member for 45+ years (since the magazine was printed on newsprint).  I have several questions I would like an answer to if you would be so kind. 

1) Why does ACA not give ANY reasons for NOT selling?  As you know, the founders (the actual creators) of Bikecentennial / ACA, along with several other past "high level" members & employees including a past ACA Executive Director, are against the sell of the building at this time.  I am concerned the information the current ACA leadership is providing may not be all of the information available and that the members may not have the entire picture to vote accurately.  As you know, ACA leadership should endeavor to do what is best for its members and I would think the current leaders would want to address all concerns if the leadership is trying to be as transparent as reasonably possible. 

2a) Who is the second round of voting's independent third party administrator?  The first time it appeared to be a local, pro-cycling company that may not (not saying it is or isn't) be totally independent due to local connections/friendships, concerns, etc.  If the same company is the administrator, why not use a truly independent third party administrator that is not local? 

2b) Has or is anyone in the current or past leadership, in any way, connected to the vote's independent third party administrator?  If so, why do you not consider that a conflict of interest? I would think ACA would want to avoid even the appearance of a conflict, much less an actual one. 

3) Will the virtual Special Member Meeting be available for viewing later?  If not, why not, since many people may not be able to watch it in the middle of a work day for 2 continuous hours and the virtual meeting is for the membership so the membership can make an informed decision. 

4) What happens if the vote fails?  Maybe I am mistaken but I do not think ACA's Leadership has ever specifically mentioned what "Plan B" is. Seriously, what happens if the vote fails to pass?  Keep doing votes until it does properly pass?  Just close the doors and call it quits? Go until the money runs out?  Downsize to only items that pay for themselves?  What?  This is a very serious consideration for many and it has not been addressed in any specific way that I know. If I am incorrect, please provide a link or post the answer here. 

5) What programs, projects, etc. has ACA stopped entirely in order to save money so the building does not have to be sold?  Which have been reduced substantially? 

6) Has ACA Leadership in the past 5 years actually surveyed ex-members as to why they are no longer members?  Since a decline in membership is one of the reasons for the dire financial state ACA is in, I would think this would provide ACA Leadership valuable insight as to at least some of the causes of declining membership at ACA because surely not 100% of the drop in membership is solely due to "aging out". 

7) Why does ACA not engage other online forums regarding this topic, such as on BikeForums.net/Touring and other places?  Numerous people have serious concerns yet ACA has not commented on anything. 

I sincerely thank you in advance for providing answers to my questions.  John Nettles

5

Routes / Why did ACA change the Southern Tier

« on: December 05, 2025, 12:10:08 am »

I was wondering if anyone knew why ACA rerouted the Southern Tier so that it goes Safford, AZ to Lordsburg, NM, then up to Silver City, NM.  It used to go from Safford along AZ-78 & NM-78 to US-180 then down to Silver City.  I know it has been changed for several years, just wondering. 

The only reasons I can think of are that the updated route is less hilly (Climbing Index of ~48 compared to ~67), has more services, and has a transportation center while being only about a couple dozen miles longer.  However, the traffic is higher overall on the new route and scenery, at least to me, is much less interesting.  I remember reading some journals way back when that some people were nervous about about having to wild camp along the route so maybe that was it?? 

Anyway, does anyone know the reason? 

Tailwinds, John

6

General Discussion / World's Tallest Bicycle

« on: June 12, 2024, 02:26:19 pm »

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/06/10/france-Guinness-World-Records-tallest-rideable-bicycle/2841718052419/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

For those with a REALLY long inseam and just have difficulty finding a bike large enough

7

Connecting ACA Routes / Katy Connector Route Network

« on: June 10, 2024, 03:20:02 pm »

 A few of us on the various cycling forums gladly help many others with route advice.  Over the years, I have created literally thousands of short routes, usually using GPX files in Garmin's BaseCamp after someone has asked for route advice.  One of the most popular requests I have received is to connect from various ACA routes to other various routes in the center part of the country. 


As a result, a decade ago or so, I created the Katy Cutoff which went from the TransAm (TA) to Clinton, MO to connect to the Katy Trail.  Then people wanted to connect to the Katy Trail from the TransAm (TA).  I would gladly send them my BaseCamp files providing routes, tracks, and service data but today most people prefer something like RideWithGPS (RWGPS) to get their routes downloaded and shun BaseCamp for a variety of reasons.  To help with this I have over the past year or so, been slowly transferring the routes to RWGPS.

After a couple of dozen requests this spring for a route that goes from the TA to TA (both directions) to avoid the Ozarks in a RWGPS format,  I created the "Katy Connector Route Network" (KCRN).  While the original purpose was to connect the TA to the TA, I saw how easily it would be to expand that route so riders could connect to/from various ACA routes along the way using the Katy Trail as its “backbone”.   

The KCRN provides many options to connect to/from various ACA Routes. For instance, the TransAm to the Eastern Express, the Lewis & Clark to Bicycle Route 66, the TransAm to the northbound Great Rivers South, etc.  I have broken up the network into 40+ individual routes to give a wide variety of options.  You can see the entire eastbound KCRN here https://ridewithgps.com/collections/57717?privacy_code=7Hz7hdyP1cntdBrT and the westbound here https://ridewithgps.com/collections/1838413?privacy_code=VwkXD6IyPPcX4pFH .  You can also search on RWGPS for “Katy Connector” to see all the routes in both directions. Or to see other public routes a route author may have, click on their name within a RWGPS route they have created.

While I have a vast amount of service data (campgrounds, grocery stores, etc.) on the BaseCamp GPS files, I have not transferred the data yet to RWGPS as it is fairly time consuming.  I will start to transfer that data to the more popular routes first but it will not happen quickly. That said, note that all the routes have been researched with a "bicycle touring" mindset, i.e. low traffic counts, services available, less climbing, etc. As a result, these routes may not be the most direct due to traffic or lack of services. Until the services are transferred to RWGPS, Google is still a fairly good option to discover available services. 

Please note I highly recommend you still purchase ACA's wonderful maps as these are not meant to replace their maps but complement them if you are seeking an unavailable connector from ACA.  While the KCRN may share routes with ACA in places, i.e. the Katy Trail, I feel since the KCRN provides connectors and/or alternate routes not supplied by ACA, I am not "competing" with them.  I do not make any money whatsoever from this. 

Feel free to comment or suggest changes!

Tailwinds, John

8

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / TransAm Section 5, Teton Pass is closed, 2024 (Teton Valley Alternate)

« on: June 08, 2024, 11:34:56 am »

It appears that the Wyoming Dept of Transportation has reported that Teton Pass (between Victor, ID & the ID/WY border) is closed indefinitely due to a massive mudslide that wiped out the road. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwydotjackson%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02pgMLAyfAYkPBZLkMkY53B5UDYSFzzxFfpiXoS2GD8XudEhDyeL4bScDhfyJy9BQbl&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" >

I believe this closure is on the Yellowstone Bypass (not sure of the official ACA title) that goes from West Yellowstone to Jackson via Idaho on the west side of the Tetons to bypass Yellowstone NP.  From the pictures, it does not appear you can get around the slide easily if at all.

Here is a possible detour but note that it will have greatly increased traffic due to the closure and there are little to no shoulders until you get to Hoback, WY where a bike path begins.  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47034658

If ACA comes out with an official closure posting, feel free to delete this posting.

9

Classifieds / Co-Motion American with Rohloff & Belt Drive for Sale

« on: May 17, 2024, 03:39:32 pm »

My lovely wife can no longer ride a regular diamond frame bike due to arthritis in her neck so we are selling her 2013 Co-Motion Americano with a Rohloff rear hub and Belt Drive.   

Here is a link to some pictures:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/oy8ytaymE5haiqmMA
Here is a link to the Americano’s info:  https://co-motion.com/products/americano .  It appears the bike has not changed that much since 2013.

The bike is a size 46cm (see above link for rest of the geometry) and is overall lightly used.  It has a pretty new belt (maybe 500 miles on it) and to help her up the hills, I updated the sprockets so the bike now has a low of 14.5 inches and a high of 76.1 inches.  It should be noted that this is an “unallowed” ratio by Rohloff but unless you are a very strong rider able to generate a ton of torque, you should be fine.  The high may seem too low but if you have a cadence of 100rpms, you are going 22.6mph according to Sheldon Brown’s Gear Calculator.  For her, that was fast enough when fully loaded with gear. Of course, the low is very low, but it makes climbing the hills easier. After 45+ years of touring, I have discovered this range of gears is wonderful for loaded touring. 

With the Rohloff and belt drive, there really is very minimal maintenance.  Basically, about every 5k miles or annual (whichever comes first) you change the oil which takes about 20 minutes and that is easy to do.  No other maintenance or adjustments except for occasionally washing the dirt off with a hose.  We have 4 bikes with belt drives and have never worn one out and strongly prefer them.  They supposedly get about 15k miles if you do not tighten the belt too tight.  This newish belt should last quite a few years since it is basically new.  Of course, you will need to replace the disk pads as needed.   

The bike comes with a SON generator hub and a Plug charger to keep your electronics charged.  Rims are Dyad which are plenty of strong.  The 32mm Schwalbe Marthon Plus tires have about 50% tread life on them.   

There is a working front light connected to the generator hub.  The wiring is in place for a rear light also, but the rear light quit working for some reason (bad light, bad cable, ) and I am not electrically minded to fix it.  Since she prefers a “blinky” light, I just trashed the rear light.   The bike has Tubus front and rear racks, water bottle mounts for 3 bottles (2 cages included).  The seat and pedals (Frog pedals) can be included if desired.  The leather handlebar tape will need to be replaced within a couple of years but since tape color/style tends to be a personal choice, I will leave that up to you.  A small Ortlieb handlebar bag is included with a locking mount & key.  The mount will work for all other Ortlieb handlebar bags. 

I am asking $4,000 plus actual shipping costs from Zip Code 74105.  Payment via cash, check, wire transfer, or PayPal.  I don’t accept other payment methods. 

The bike is in Tulsa, OK, and while I prefer a local pickup, I am willing to box it up and ship it to you at cost via your preferred shipping method.   

Private message me with any questions.  Tailwinds, John

10

Classifieds / Companions Wanted Section

« on: May 13, 2024, 09:44:38 pm »

PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE POSTING OR REPLYING!!

ACA has finally updated the website to include a "Companions Wanted" area. 

Please see https://www.adventurecycling.org/companions-wanted/ to post a new or updated listing.   

This thread will be deleted entirely by the end of September so that the current postings have a chance to move their post to the new site.

Tailwinds, John

11

General Discussion / For when you want to ride AND swim

« on: May 13, 2024, 08:58:34 am »

Riding the southern tier in the summer and day dreaming about swimming?  What if you are an avid swimmer but want to ride but don't want to give up swimming?  What if you tour around the ocean?  What if you don't want to give up biking but the knees are killing you so you have to take up swimming?

Now you can do it all for only a little over $300.

https://newatlas.com/marine/seabike-swimming-propeller/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter
If you buy now, you could be the first to tour on it and post a journal and your name would be in the record books.  Heck, they might even sponsor you with a free one!

Tailwinds, John

12

General Discussion / POLL: What services are most important to you on a map?

« on: January 18, 2024, 07:15:09 pm »

Over the years, I have research and created over 1,500 routes.  They are in various stages of development.  The finished ones have been thoroughly researched for traffic, services, scenery, suitability, etc. while others only in the "want to do" stage.  Probably 80% have been researched for traffic counts. As I get nearer to completion to a route, I research and input the various services. 

I have 48 services I research and input ranging from grocery, restaurants, various types of outdoor lodging and indoor lodging, bike shops, etc.  Since it takes a ton of time to do that research (you really should thank ACA for their great maps!), I have consider reducing it down to the top 20 or so. 

So when you are touring, what are the 5 most important services you would like to see on a map/cue sheet?

Tailwinds, John

13

General Discussion / Farewell for a while

« on: May 18, 2023, 09:23:53 am »

I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful summer, hopefully full of great tours!

I am heading out tomorrow on a 5+ month tour I have wanted to do for about 45 years; Alaska to Mexico (actually the dream is to Argentina but oh well).  I read an article in National Geographic in junior high about the founders of ACA and their "Hemistour".  It is what got me into touring. One benefit of waiting so long is much of their gravel road is now paved.

Since I prefer to mostly electronically disconnect while on tour, I will be away from the wonderful ACA Forums until October.

Of course, since I have done my typical "no training allowed" training schedule and only have about 100 miles (literally) for the year, I may blow my knee and be back in a month.  Lesson is do as a say and not as I do. 

Anyway, tailwinds to everyone!

John

14

Routes / Just one more thing to worry about while riding

« on: April 18, 2023, 01:21:25 pm »

Oh, the joys of cycling and getting close to nature.  I just don't want to get this close if I ride the Southern Tier near Alpine, CA:
https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/deer-escapes-mountain-lion-attack-california?dicbo=v2-46MJNzy

The problem with mountain lions & cougars is they give no warning before they pounce.  At least a bear huffs and puffs while you pull out your bear spray (and pee in your shorts).
Tailwinds, John

15

General Discussion / Reservations along the Icefields Highway?

« on: April 01, 2023, 10:30:54 pm »

I will be riding the Icefields Highway (Jasper to Banff) as part of my tour this summer.  Since I am starting in Alaska, I won't know the exact arrival dates in Jasper until a few days or so out but anticipate arriving in Jasper around Thursday, August 3rd +/- a day or two. 

I have not been to this area since 2001 and have heard it is really hard to get a campground in an RV/Car without a reservation.  But how about bikes? I called them and they of course said to get a reservation and they do not have a "no turn away policy" or hike/biker sites.  That is what I really wish ACA would do with their advocacy! 

For those that have ridden the Icefields Highway in the past few years, did you have reservations every night, just showed up and all OK, or what?? 

Tailwinds, John