Messages

1

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!

2

Routes / Re: Katy Trail (Connections to/from St. Louis/KCMO)

« on: May 30, 2022, 12:18:59 pm »

Good resource is bikekatytrail.org. many businesses may be closed, since COVID.

Have fun!

3

Routes / Re: Katy Trail (Connections to/from St. Louis/KCMO)

« on: May 30, 2022, 07:03:37 am »

You will get some tarmac closer to towns but surface is mostly finely crushed rock, dirt, some mud, and white powdery stuff that could be crushed granite.

4

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?

5

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.

6

Routes / Re: Katy Trail (Connections to/from St. Louis/KCMO)

« on: April 15, 2022, 03:50:52 pm »

I rode east to west last year.  Keep in mind, if it rains much, the trail surface turns to this cement like stuff that will stick to your drive train.  Bring a brush in case you can't find water. Also, highly recommend staying at the hostel in Tebbets.  For almost-real time updates, check out the webstie, bikekatytrail.com.  Lots of great information including resources and downloadable charts. 

7

Routes / Re: Altoona PA to Raleigh NC

« on: March 02, 2022, 02:57:54 pm »

Wish I could help but my 2 cents is be cautious using Google maps.  I've had some disappointing routing from them....

Safe travels.

8

Routes / Re: South Bend IN to Dunes NP

« on: February 21, 2022, 06:15:21 pm »

Strava is a pain and I don't want to start their free trial.

But thanks for the tips and I'll look to navigate toward the Calumet bike trail and/or Lake Shore Drive. That I94 Emergency road looks pretty bad.  I think I can avoid it.  I will check out the Indiana Traffic Count information.

Half the fun for me is figuring out the logistics and routes. Thanks for the great information, John.

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 / Re: Indianapolis to Cincinnati

« on: February 16, 2022, 02:46:02 pm »

Thanks for the great info, John!  I'll see how I can make it all fit together.  Half the fun for me!

11

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!

12

Routes / Re: Chicago to Cincinnati?

« on: August 01, 2021, 11:03:37 pm »

Thanks for the great information!  I'll look into ACA route and will be using some form of mapping and routing details uploaded to my Garmin 830. Maybe by next year the chip seal will have smoothed out a bit!

13

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!

14

Pacific Northwest / Re: Seattle/Tacoma to Portland and horrible Longview Bridge

« on: May 06, 2021, 12:07:55 pm »

Hey, Day Tripper. I live in Vancouver WA and yes indeed the bike route is inundated with campsites, some right on the bike path. Watch for broken glass and needles. I have not encountered any aggressiveness, but have read of scattered incidents. Even if one made one's way east along Marine Drive route before turning south toward Portland proper, there are many homeless camps and more obstacles to watch out for.  An option might be to ride part way, to Expo Park Max station or Delta Park Max Station and take the train into Portland if for some reason that's where you are headed.  Local forum:  bikeportland.org may be helpful.

15

Routes / Re: Oregon coastal

« on: August 02, 2020, 06:28:23 pm »

For what it is worth, I can confirm that Willamette mission SP hiker biker sites are open.