Topics

1

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.

2

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!