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Routes / Re: Illinois to Idaho

« on: October 14, 2020, 02:40:44 pm »

First post here

I have always dreamed of doing long distance cycling an I was training a few years ago when I got hurt at work an needed spinal surgery. Three years later an a lot of physical therapy, I'm back.
I plan on taking a trip from Dana, Illinois(dinky little farm town) to Boise, Idaho in late summer/early fall 2021. I am currently training on a treadmill, exercise bike an road bike. The thing I am mostly struggling with is finding a good path. I have looked through several maps but I can't seem to find a direct bike friendly way without going far out of my way. I don't mind riding on rural roads as long as the traffic isn't terrible. I plan on riding around 60 miles per day. I want to ensure i can find a campground or hotel as well as places i can buy water or refill bottles. I understanding finding everything i want wont always be 60 miles or exactly like i want it. Any help would be amazing. I really would love to see Boise but if anyone can recommend other beautiful places around the same distance(1600-2000 miles) i'm open to hearing ideas as well =).


Christopher

I just came across his post today...
I have done what you are asking about except I went the reverse way, Boise to Peoria.  It has been a few years but my experience may be of useful to you...

1)  I would suggest going west to east to take advantage of the prevailing wind.  (Except in Nebraska!?!?!?)
2)  My route was not a the most direct route as I wished to avoid large cities and cross major rivers on "bike friendly" bridges.   
------Illinois River at Henry IL, Mississippi at Muscatine IA,  Iowa at a point south of Iowa City, Missouri at Decatur NB.
3)  I also wished to cross major mountain ranges via lower passes using minor paved roads. 
------Crossed the Colorado Front Range via Pouder River west of Fort Collins CO then joined the Adventure Cycling Trans America Trail to Jackson Hole WY
4)  We never had any problems finding water, supplies, camping or lodging.  However you need to plan well in the mountain states because there are some stretches with lots of nothing.

Do it!!! You will be glad you did!
 

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General Discussion / Re: Maximum/minimum speeds

« on: October 14, 2020, 11:42:14 am »

Slowest - Many, many times at 3 mph while climbing on the Skyline Drive / Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fastest - Don't know, but do recall being surprised coming down east out of the Rockies how much wind resistance the panniers caused.

My slowest is also Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway. 
My first good ride after a long winter was climbing up from Front Royal VA.  I was fagged and making only less then 5 MPH.  After I reached to top I discovered my rear tire was rubbing the whole way!!!  (Hard lesson learned.)