Topics

1

Routes / LAX to connect with Southern Tier

« on: March 09, 2020, 12:42:12 pm »

Flying in to LAX to do Southern Tier.  I've seen the delights of San Diego and cycled from LA to SD before.  So, I'd like to head inland from LA to connect with the Southern Tier route, say at Blythe.  Anybody done that ?  Any ideas about a good routing with decent roads, traffic and as much cycle lane / trails as possible.  Also, how is it once you strike out east from humanity in to the desert areas heading towards Blythe.  Services etc ?  Any information will be useful for planning this first 250/300 miles.  Thanks.

2

Routes / Maps (other than ACA)

« on: March 06, 2020, 08:48:24 am »

A couple of years ago doing a trans-am route of Lewis and Clark, Northern Trail and various other bits, I used ACA maps.  However, one of the most useful little maps I found on line for Montana from their DoT was a map that showed traffic density and shoulder width on the state's roads. It was really useful for planning ahead, choosing routes and alternatives (especially when I took a wrong turn and went off in an unexpected direction for half a day).  In conjunction with ACA maps (which don't always tells you much about traffic density and shoulder width), it was very useful.

This late spring I'm planning on the southern tier route (coronavirus permitting !) and following the ACA route.  Anybody know where I could find state maps that show traffic density and shoulder width for each state ?  It's really useful information that, at the very least, forewarns of what you are going to ride in to.  Shoulder width info is particularly good to have.

I guess it would be really useful if ACA were able to provide this, if no on the maps, then perhaps on their website.

Thanks.

Chris

3

Pacific Northwest / Shoulder Widths / Safety

« on: January 01, 2019, 06:41:58 am »

Hello Lads and Lasses

Last summer I cycled trans USA west to east using a variety of routes - Lewis & Clark, Northern Tier, Chicago to NY.  Looking back, I am aware of the variation in how safe I felt cycling in different places.  If the road was not too busy (i.e. not too many trucks and not too many powered up monster pick-ups) and there was a decent shoulder, then the safer I felt.

One of the most useful things I picked up along the way was a Montana map produced by their State bicycle people which showed the traffic density on particular roads and the width of the shoulder.  It was very useful in choosing a route, or at least having some foreknowledge of what was ahead of you.  Very useful.

So, this summer I'm thinking of riding the Pacific Coast Route.  I'm just wondering if anybody knows of local maps which give information about shoulder width and traffic density for the PCR ?  The ACA maps really only give some general overall  information about the route.

Thanks.

Chris

4

Routes / Trans Am Route Using Trails Where Possible

« on: December 17, 2018, 05:55:42 am »

Hello Lads and Lasses

I rode west to east trans-American last summer 2018, using a combination of the Lewis and Clark route and the Northern Tier.  It was good.  But, I have to say that there were numerous places where the traffic was difficult and dangerous.  For some parts I came across bike trails which were wonderful.

So, I've been thinking:  While I accept that it would be impossible to use bike trails (usually old railway lines) completely, has anybody ever worked out a trans-America route that uses bike trails as much as possible ?  Just a thought.  It would minimize riding on roads and competing with traffic (some of which can be very dangerous).

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

Chris