Topics

1

Routes / Washington State Hwy 101 S

« on: May 04, 2025, 01:57:56 pm »

Hey fellow travelers. I'm looking at a section of 101S between Lake Quinault and Aberdeen.  Google maps puts me on a couple of sort of parallel forest roads.  One is NF 2257.  Anyone with local knowledge of this gravel road?  Why would I do this? Yes I know 101 will not be particularly pleasant.  Condition of gravel, elevation gains? Thanks!

2

General Discussion / Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

« on: June 05, 2024, 11:44:24 am »

In spite of the document ACA has and what I read therein, I just spoke to someone at one of the state parks (Kohler SP) and here's what they told me...

Most state parks have just one hiker biker site.  First come. If that site is full, and all other campsites are full (weekends usually are), you will be turned away and not allowed to camp in the state park. They will not accommodate a hiker/biker if no designated site is available.  Just a heads up if you are going to Wisconsin expecting a no turn away response.

Anyone have recent first hand experience or more information, I'd welcome your comment.

3

Routes / Chicago to Wisconsin loop

« on: December 13, 2023, 05:44:02 pm »

I have heard good things about touring in Wisconsin and I've roughed out a route from Chicago, up to Door County in WI, then return via Madison then to Chicago, probably about 700 miles total.  Seems to be lots of rail trails.  Have you done a similar ride or have local knowledge? Thanks!

4

South Atlantic / Destination Raleigh from Surry VA

« on: August 23, 2023, 05:15:10 pm »

I'm riding from Pittsburgh to Raleigh NC and have route laid out pretty much (with help from Adventure Cycling and Warmshowers).

Anyone familiar with the roads/routes from Surry VA to Raleigh NC? This is the remaining section to route. I'll likely be camping if I can find church yards, parks, etc. willing to allow.

Thanks all.

5

Routes / Surry VA to Raleigh NC

« on: August 06, 2023, 04:12:56 pm »

I'm riding from Pittsburgh to Raleigh NC and have route laid out pretty much (with help from Adventure Cycling and Warmshowers). 

Anyone familiar with the roads/routes from Surry VA to Raleigh NC? This is the remaining section to route. I'll likely be camping if I can find church yards, parks, etc. willing to allow. 

Thanks all.

6

Routes / Richmond VA to near Salisbury NC

« on: March 16, 2023, 05:38:38 pm »

I'll be following ACA Atlantic Route Section 3 from WA DC (after I do the C&O and GAP) to Richmond VA. From there to, say, Wilson NC where I can get Amtrak to Salisbury, I'm looking for local knowledge.  I figure about 170 miles for this leg and Google maps suggests highways 5, 156, 636, 695, 618, and more country roads.  Passing in or near Templeton, Emporia, Roanake Rapids, and Dortches.  I have no knowledge of this area being from West Coast. 

Based on sketchy information I have provided here, any thoughts, ideas, recommendations about routing in this area? 

Thanks, all!

7

Great Lakes / Currently riding chicago to indianapolis

« on: May 16, 2022, 01:17:26 pm »

Hello fellow tourer. I'm on my way from Chicago to Indianapolis. Anyone else out here same route?

8

Great Lakes / Indiana Tippicanoe State Park Camping

« on: April 20, 2022, 11:40:28 am »

FYI...I called this SP and was told that to camp, I just have to come to the gate and ask for a hiker/biker site. No reservation needed. I know Indiana statewide has yet to implement hiker/biker no turn away, but seems as if Tippicanoe is doing just that.

9

Routes / South Bend IN to Dunes NP

« on: February 21, 2022, 05:29:57 pm »

Ok, another routing question...It appears to be less than 50 miles from South Bend IN to Dunes National Park. Google has 3 route options US 20, E 150 N, and US20/Chicago Trail. Any recommendations or alternatives?  US 20 looks to be pretty busy.

Thanks again.

10

Routes / Indianapolis to Cincinnati

« on: February 14, 2022, 08:00:21 pm »

Hello all. Part of my upcoming tour will be getting from Indianapolis to Cincinnati to pick up Ohio to Erie route.  I'll get to Indianapolis using an ACA route. 

Local info please:  US 52 is what Google recommends. I want to make it in two days. What's US 52 like? Any recommendations for a mid way point with possible camping?  I'm experienced camping in church yards and school yards, with permission.

All suggestions appreciated.  Thanks!

11

Routes / Chicago to Cincinnati?

« on: August 01, 2021, 02:44:05 pm »

Having finished my Missouri tour recently, I'm starting to think about next year.  Has anyone ridden from Chicago to Cincinnati then up to Cleveland?  I have come across several bike trails that I might be able to link together, but if you've done this route, any information is helpful. Also camping options?

Thanks!

12

Routes / Oregon coastal

« on: July 28, 2020, 09:58:02 pm »

Heads up....the State of Oregon has closed all coastal state parks hiker/biker sites. I was just at Honeyman SP several miles south of Florence and found out the hard way.
Thankfully I arrived after rangers gone for the day so I just helped myself to some other available space. I paid my 7.00 and spoke to ranger following morning.
She advised me that website says "hiker"sites are closed. Easily misinterpreted.
One can only camp by making advanced reservation for standard tent sites, about 20.00 per night.

13

Routes / Missouri touring in May?

« on: January 15, 2020, 05:29:18 pm »

I am working on some routes in Missouri, arriving by Amtrak to St Louis.  A big loop to include Katy Trail, Rock Island Spur, maybe part of Route 66, part of Trans Am...somewhere close to 800-1000 miles total. My concern is the weather in Missouri, like tornadoes and electrical storms.  Based on what I have read, May is the worst time to go.  Is this true?  I can stand some heat, but it's either all of May or middle of June until middle of July.

Can the forum enlighten me on the weather including will I find safe spots along the way?  Also, beyond the Katy Trail, I still want to camp most of the time. Is that possible?

Thanks!

14

Routes / Erie Canal Camping

« on: April 22, 2019, 01:43:25 pm »

I found an old forum from 2016 but wondering if there's new local knowledge regarding camping along the canal. Can I expect to be able to camp at locks? Are there campgrounds relatively close to the canal? Would you say it is pretty safe to camp in these areas?

I will be riding from Buffalo to Albany leaving June 10. I am planning on 40-70 miles, depending upon what interests me and resources.

15

Routes / Bike route from Erie Canal to Albany Airport

« on: April 10, 2019, 04:27:58 pm »

I'm planning a ride which will include riding east on the Erie Canal. Due to time constraints, I want to rent a vehicle in Albany, one way, to Buffalo. I will then continue my ride through Niagara Falls, then west via north shore of Lake Erie, to Cleveland, then catch the train back to Pacific NW.   I wanted to take the Maple Leaf Train, but was told by Amtrak that they do not take bikes.
Can I assume best locations to rent and return is at the airports?  I have found little information on best bike routes to/from these airports.  I would appreciate any local knowledge, suggestions, or alternative ideas.
Thanks for your assistance!