1
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Northern Tier Section 10 Map 126
« on: June 02, 2026, 09:40:10 pm »
Any idea as to how long the construction will last?
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2
Gear Talk / Re: New lunar rover wheel.
« on: June 02, 2026, 09:37:38 pm »
I know absolutely nothing about this kind of material stuff but I would wonder if the extreme temp changes would mess with the spokes. I mean a 450*F change is pretty big difference and I could see the spokes becoming brittle in the extreme cold.
Tailwinds (or solar winds), John
Tailwinds (or solar winds), John
3
Routes / Re: Golden Gravel questions
« on: May 15, 2026, 01:01:47 pm »
I live near the GG in Oklahoma and was on it last weekend at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. If you are lucky, you can see hundreds of free-range bison but usually with just 5-20 near the unfenced roads. Do not be stupid and try to get a selfie while you pet a bison as they are wild here.
I was going to post a picture but the website does not allow a 3.1mb picture anymore for some reason.
The GG should be a wonderful route for those who enjoy gravel. The section between Cape Girardeau, MO, and La Junta, CO, should be a good introduction to gravel touring for beginners as it is much less climbing with much more resupply points compared to the western half. In La Junta, you can grab Amtrak or a bus or you can ride into Pueblo to get a plane, bus, or rental car.
Tailwinds, John
I was going to post a picture but the website does not allow a 3.1mb picture anymore for some reason.
The GG should be a wonderful route for those who enjoy gravel. The section between Cape Girardeau, MO, and La Junta, CO, should be a good introduction to gravel touring for beginners as it is much less climbing with much more resupply points compared to the western half. In La Junta, you can grab Amtrak or a bus or you can ride into Pueblo to get a plane, bus, or rental car.
Tailwinds, John
4
Alaska/Hawaii / Re: Alaska touring - need advice
« on: May 14, 2026, 01:42:12 am »
I just thought of another route. You could go Homer/Seward/Anchorage to Whittier then take the ferry to Valdez then up to Glenallen before heading to Anchorage. Or reverse. It would be around 450 to 500 miles depending on your route. The loop makes it easy and you could store your bike box somewhere probably.
Tailwinds, John
Tailwinds, John
5
Alaska/Hawaii / Re: Alaska touring - need advice
« on: May 14, 2026, 01:29:49 am »
Two to three summers ago, I rode from Homer to Fairbanks, then Prudhoe Bay to near Kitwanga, BC, before the forest fire smoke made me abandon my trip. I would suggest you do the Homer or Seward to Fairbanks ride. Reasons are much more services available (though admittedly limited in places) than the "eastern" part of Alaska. Also, winds are from the ESE through much of that corridor. If you have not finished by the time you have to get back, you can hop on the train with an unboxed bike in many places along the Juneau/Fairbanks corridor. Finally, you end up (after a train ride) back in Anchorage which is usually the cheapest and most direct place to catch a plane back to the lower 48. Oh, and you don't have to stress about hitching a ride.
I left Homer around May 30th. If you are looking for snow capped mountains, I would suggest in mid-May or the very earliest you can get a shuttle to Homer/Seward as the snow melts fairly rapidly as the summer comes on. Plus the mosquitos are less vicious compared to July. Note that it will be cool and you will need to camp a few times.
Traffic totally fine except for the stretch between 10 mile stretch south of Gateway. It was busy with a full shoulder but damn it was LOUD, probably the loudest I have ever been in. Could not figure out why either because it is wide open terrain there and the traffic type was the same as elsewhere. Just a lot more cars. It was a bit annoying around Denali but overall totally fine. Oh, all the roads were paved except for a few sporadic bits of road construction.
You should note that AK is fairly expensive, especially for hotels. When in Anchorage, I considered a hotel but a Motel 6, where 1/3 of the building was inhabitable due to a fire, was charging $295 + tax per night. Most hotels were in the $350-$450 range. WarmShowers is definitely something to consider in Alaska if they are available.
I saw some bears alongside the road but never had an issue or in the campgrounds.
Tailwinds, John
I left Homer around May 30th. If you are looking for snow capped mountains, I would suggest in mid-May or the very earliest you can get a shuttle to Homer/Seward as the snow melts fairly rapidly as the summer comes on. Plus the mosquitos are less vicious compared to July. Note that it will be cool and you will need to camp a few times.
Traffic totally fine except for the stretch between 10 mile stretch south of Gateway. It was busy with a full shoulder but damn it was LOUD, probably the loudest I have ever been in. Could not figure out why either because it is wide open terrain there and the traffic type was the same as elsewhere. Just a lot more cars. It was a bit annoying around Denali but overall totally fine. Oh, all the roads were paved except for a few sporadic bits of road construction.
You should note that AK is fairly expensive, especially for hotels. When in Anchorage, I considered a hotel but a Motel 6, where 1/3 of the building was inhabitable due to a fire, was charging $295 + tax per night. Most hotels were in the $350-$450 range. WarmShowers is definitely something to consider in Alaska if they are available.
I saw some bears alongside the road but never had an issue or in the campgrounds.
Tailwinds, John
6
Gear Talk / Re: Buckets as emergency bags.
« on: April 21, 2026, 01:20:31 pm »
I always worry about buckets catastrophically breaking if I crashed, especially after it has been in the sun while on tour for a couple of months. But I agree, as an emergency bag, your solution was great.
7
General Discussion / Re: Anyone have experience with the Better World Club?
« on: April 18, 2026, 07:31:47 pm »
AAA offers bicycle service in many states. My thinking though is you would have to wait an hour or more probably for someone to get to you and they may not know really how to change a flat and/or have the right tube (size, presta/Schrader) and/or tire and/or presta adapter. I can usually fix a flat in under an hour if not in the rain and I prefer not to wait around. So for me, BWC and AAA are not needed that much. Just my opinion, John
8
Routes / Re: Eastern Express Connector?
« on: April 18, 2026, 02:15:54 am »
Years ago, I drove the original EEC from St Louis to Pittsburgh (except for the bike paths of course) while on the way to visit a relative. To me, there were numerous parts of that had serious traffic issues in each state, the worst being between Terre Haute to Martinsville, IN, and Westerville, OH to Follansbee, WV. Basically, the issue with those areas are a combination of high traffic counts, no shoulders, and/or short sight lines.
As a result, I created my own EEC ( https://ridewithgps.com/collections/1838432 ). When I rode the main route in September of 2023, it was fine with only a few short sections of heavier traffic (maybe 10 miles total). Carla Majernik, the previous ACA Routes & Mapping Director before she retired, even called me for some section updates as ACA had received several reports of traffic issues on those sections mentioned above. So I drove the route the official route from Pittsburgh to Tierra Haute on my way home from the end of my tour and the traffic was even worse. Unfortunately, she retired before she could implement any changes though I think she was interested in those two sections most.
Additionally, if you can ride some gravel, north of Terre Haute is an alternate route that includes over a dozen covered bridges (I love them).
I am in the process of updating all the routes onto RWGPS but have all the data including a lot of services (campgrounds, hotels, grocery, etc.) on GPX files if you need them. There typically is camping available and if not, hotels, so no stealth/wild camping is required.
I especially enjoyed the section from Westerville, OH, to Steubenville as it went through a lot of Amish country. Unfortunately, the bridge crossing at Steubenville closed last year (indefinitely due to structural issues). As a result, I recently re-routed the section between between Bloomingdale, OH, and Follansbee so I have not ridden that portion. This re-route looks good (but hilly) on paper except for a ~3 mile section with heavy traffic (12k AADT) with minimal shoulder and rumble strips though the route has 4 lanes in that section.
Regarding other portions of the official ECC, I would go off route and use the rail trails between Boonville, MO, and Kansas City. Here ( https://ridewithgps.com/collections/57717 ) is another collection to help you get between Boonville and Platte City where you can reconnect with the ECC and/or Lewis & Clark Route. I agree with Jamawani/John that US-36 is not the best. Years ago, probably a dozen or more, I rode from Lindsborg, KS, (see collection above to get from KC to Lindsborg) to Fort Collins. VERY roughly, the route goes diagonally up toward Franklin, NE, then westwardly mostly following US-34. At the time, traffic was fine overall and usually had a shoulder if traffic increased. However, I do not know the current AADT or conditions. I have those GPX files also if you want them.
Whatever you choose to do, have a great tour!
Tailwinds, John
As a result, I created my own EEC ( https://ridewithgps.com/collections/1838432 ). When I rode the main route in September of 2023, it was fine with only a few short sections of heavier traffic (maybe 10 miles total). Carla Majernik, the previous ACA Routes & Mapping Director before she retired, even called me for some section updates as ACA had received several reports of traffic issues on those sections mentioned above. So I drove the route the official route from Pittsburgh to Tierra Haute on my way home from the end of my tour and the traffic was even worse. Unfortunately, she retired before she could implement any changes though I think she was interested in those two sections most.
Additionally, if you can ride some gravel, north of Terre Haute is an alternate route that includes over a dozen covered bridges (I love them).
I am in the process of updating all the routes onto RWGPS but have all the data including a lot of services (campgrounds, hotels, grocery, etc.) on GPX files if you need them. There typically is camping available and if not, hotels, so no stealth/wild camping is required.
I especially enjoyed the section from Westerville, OH, to Steubenville as it went through a lot of Amish country. Unfortunately, the bridge crossing at Steubenville closed last year (indefinitely due to structural issues). As a result, I recently re-routed the section between between Bloomingdale, OH, and Follansbee so I have not ridden that portion. This re-route looks good (but hilly) on paper except for a ~3 mile section with heavy traffic (12k AADT) with minimal shoulder and rumble strips though the route has 4 lanes in that section.
Regarding other portions of the official ECC, I would go off route and use the rail trails between Boonville, MO, and Kansas City. Here ( https://ridewithgps.com/collections/57717 ) is another collection to help you get between Boonville and Platte City where you can reconnect with the ECC and/or Lewis & Clark Route. I agree with Jamawani/John that US-36 is not the best. Years ago, probably a dozen or more, I rode from Lindsborg, KS, (see collection above to get from KC to Lindsborg) to Fort Collins. VERY roughly, the route goes diagonally up toward Franklin, NE, then westwardly mostly following US-34. At the time, traffic was fine overall and usually had a shoulder if traffic increased. However, I do not know the current AADT or conditions. I have those GPX files also if you want them.
Whatever you choose to do, have a great tour!
Tailwinds, John
9
Routes / Re: What route would you create next?
« on: April 18, 2026, 01:09:31 am »After my trip from Tucson to Glacier I contemplated several other routes in North America.I like the idea of the French Connection. Most of the routes are already done so it should be relatively easy to create a new route.
One I definitely liked most was Montréal to New Orleans - The French Connection
Montreal - Toronto - Niagara Falls - Cleveland - Ohio to Erie Trail to Cincinnati - Mammoth Cave NP - Nashville - Natchez Trace Parkway and New Orleans
Tailwinds, John
10
Routes / Re: Michigan Loop Tour
« on: February 19, 2026, 11:17:24 pm »
There is a lot of info you leave off like only paved, camping/hoteling it, how much traffic you are comfortable with, etc. Unfortunately though, I don't have a route to provide. However, if I were researching one, I would first look at Michigan's Bike Resources website: https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdot/Travel/safety/Road-users/Bicycling .
Then if I see one of their routes that I like, I would check out the heat map of RWGPS (may need to be a paid member) or Strava (https://www.strava.com/maps/global-heatmap?sport=Ride&style=dark&terrain=true&labels=true&poi=false&cPhotos=false&3d=false&gColor=hot&gOpacity=100#8.96/43.4651/-84.7963 ) to see if they are popular routes. If you need a certain type of lodging, check that as you go because it doesn't really help how good the route is if there are no lodging or camping opportunities.
After that, I would confirm the traffic count was acceptable to me by looking at Michigan's traffic count map: https://mdot.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Mdot&mod=TCDS and then if all that looked good, spot check the route on Google Streetview to ensure it stays good.
Sometimes, you will get halfway down the route and hit a dead-end so to speak and have to back up 10-20 miles to try to re-route. This is where the heat maps come in handy. Keep plugging away at it until you are successful.
Tailwinds, John
Then if I see one of their routes that I like, I would check out the heat map of RWGPS (may need to be a paid member) or Strava (https://www.strava.com/maps/global-heatmap?sport=Ride&style=dark&terrain=true&labels=true&poi=false&cPhotos=false&3d=false&gColor=hot&gOpacity=100#8.96/43.4651/-84.7963 ) to see if they are popular routes. If you need a certain type of lodging, check that as you go because it doesn't really help how good the route is if there are no lodging or camping opportunities.
After that, I would confirm the traffic count was acceptable to me by looking at Michigan's traffic count map: https://mdot.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Mdot&mod=TCDS and then if all that looked good, spot check the route on Google Streetview to ensure it stays good.
Sometimes, you will get halfway down the route and hit a dead-end so to speak and have to back up 10-20 miles to try to re-route. This is where the heat maps come in handy. Keep plugging away at it until you are successful.
Tailwinds, John
11
General Discussion / Re: An Open Letter to the Adventure Cycling Board and Past Leaders
« on: February 13, 2026, 02:20:36 am »
To me, the biggest issue is the perception that ACA has become irrelevant. While I agree they have mightly missed the boat in places, i.e. look at Bikepacking.com's website vs. ACA's and which gets you more motivated to ride/tour.
However, they CAN compete in other places by offering value and benefits to its members. I would think if they seriously pushed the discounts (hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, etc.) along ANY major route (including Bikepacking), the discounts received would pay for the membership.
I also wish they would actively start pursuing Short Routes and/or Member submitted and peer-reviewed routes (short or long). It would be nice if they could start coordinating local/regional "touring groups" that are cultivated only amongst ACA members, i.e. all ACA members in X state are invited to a 3-day tour in that state that the members arrange themselves and you must be an ACA member to participate.
Finally, they could significantly increase the touring-specific advocacy (no turn away camping policy, rumble strips, etc.).
As a side note, I was encouraged they are looking to add 3 Board Members. I would volunteer but I have very little non-profit experience. I think they need a wide variety of Board Members though.
Just my 2 cents. Tailwinds, John
However, they CAN compete in other places by offering value and benefits to its members. I would think if they seriously pushed the discounts (hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, etc.) along ANY major route (including Bikepacking), the discounts received would pay for the membership.
I also wish they would actively start pursuing Short Routes and/or Member submitted and peer-reviewed routes (short or long). It would be nice if they could start coordinating local/regional "touring groups" that are cultivated only amongst ACA members, i.e. all ACA members in X state are invited to a 3-day tour in that state that the members arrange themselves and you must be an ACA member to participate.
Finally, they could significantly increase the touring-specific advocacy (no turn away camping policy, rumble strips, etc.).
As a side note, I was encouraged they are looking to add 3 Board Members. I would volunteer but I have very little non-profit experience. I think they need a wide variety of Board Members though.
Just my 2 cents. Tailwinds, John
12
Routes / Re: What route would you create next?
« on: February 07, 2026, 01:56:46 pm »I liked the CNYC route. I think it would be good to have a few more routes connecting major cities. Maybe St. Louis to Denver, or Salt Lake City to Phoenix, or Dallas to Atlanta. Big Cities at the ends simplify travel, and provide a great place to celebrate the trip.Those are some good suggestions. I would like to see a continuation of the AC/NT routes from Bar Harbor over to St Johns, NL, or say from Niagara Falls to Vermont/Maine on the Canadian side.
I’d also like to see an official ACA TransCanada route.
13
Routes / Re: What route would you create next?
« on: February 07, 2026, 01:54:44 pm »well, i'm a ~40 year member. just haven't posted much. i do both on my co-motion pangea.I meant for the Phoenix to Antelope Wells trip. And out of curiosity, why Antelope Wells? Douglas I can see but there is basically nothin' in Antelope Wells as you probably know. No complaining, just curious. Do you have a route in mind after Tuscon, i.e. ride dirt on Montezuma Canyon road and/or Chiricahua Nat'l Monument to Portal (loved it but that was before the fire) or paved via Douglas. I love Arizona and its wonderful diverse scenery.
Tailwinds, John
14
Routes / Re: What route would you create next?
« on: February 06, 2026, 09:22:59 pm »phoenix to tucson to antelope wellsFXT44, welcome to the forums!
Are you doing pavement only or dirt or both?
Tailwinds, John
15
Building Sale Discussion Area / Re: The Second Vote to Sell the Building did not Pass!
« on: February 06, 2026, 04:02:29 pm »does that mean that the building was already sold before the vote?I am not familiar with Montana real estate law but most likely, the contract just means an agreement was made if certain conditions were met, i.e. inspection of the property, members approve the sale, etc.
That's not really according to Hoyle.
Since at least one condition was not met, the contract became null and void.
That is why you always see "Pending" on real estate sales or when companies say they will close the transaction next quarter. It is not a done deal but more of "done deal if X, Y, & Z are met' deal.