1
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: GD Canada Map D. Elk River Rd. Wildfire Closure. 8/25/23
« on: August 31, 2023, 05:42:20 pm »
Follow-up: This closure on Elk River Rd. has been lifted.
Nathan
ACA
Nathan
ACA
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2
Routes / Re: GDMBR change in Thompson Park (MT)
« on: August 29, 2023, 05:44:40 pm »
Bill-
Chimney Trail/Grading Camp has eroded out rather substantially the last couple years. Surface is composed of crumbly granite that characterizes the Pipestone area and weathers at a good rate. The NB descent has some sharp curves and sharp edges you'll want to keep an eye on, but the distance is short (~1 mi) and the grade isn't especially steep. You'll want to go slow especially through the boulder field where it comes out onto Milwaukee Road Tr.
The local Friends of Thompson Park group recently reached out to ACA and suggested Crook Camp Tr. as an alternative. This trail is twice as long and sports more climb (SB) than Chimney Trail, though they claim the surface is smoother and easier to negotiate fully loaded. This option may have appeal for you. You'll still miss the trestle bridge and two tunnels (the longer of the two tunnels can have ice even in summer so be cautious for anything resembling a watery surface). The bridge is a cool sight, but for now it will require an out-and-back. Getting down to Roosevelt Drive from the bridge is not something we can recommend since the terrain is so steep and rugged at that point.
Milwaukee Road Tr. is a fantastic riding experience and I wish more miles could be added to GDMBR. There's access issues on north end where the road leaves county maintenance and the landowner has gated and posted signs. And on the south end, from Pipestone Pass TH riders can either take to the highway or hop on the CDT. Maybe for future ACA can discuss linking Pipestone Pass TH with Highland Rd. via CDT and Lime Kiln Rd., but currently that equates to lots of singletrack, not necessarily the first choice for fully loaded GDMBR bikepackers.
Nathan
ACA
Chimney Trail/Grading Camp has eroded out rather substantially the last couple years. Surface is composed of crumbly granite that characterizes the Pipestone area and weathers at a good rate. The NB descent has some sharp curves and sharp edges you'll want to keep an eye on, but the distance is short (~1 mi) and the grade isn't especially steep. You'll want to go slow especially through the boulder field where it comes out onto Milwaukee Road Tr.
The local Friends of Thompson Park group recently reached out to ACA and suggested Crook Camp Tr. as an alternative. This trail is twice as long and sports more climb (SB) than Chimney Trail, though they claim the surface is smoother and easier to negotiate fully loaded. This option may have appeal for you. You'll still miss the trestle bridge and two tunnels (the longer of the two tunnels can have ice even in summer so be cautious for anything resembling a watery surface). The bridge is a cool sight, but for now it will require an out-and-back. Getting down to Roosevelt Drive from the bridge is not something we can recommend since the terrain is so steep and rugged at that point.
Milwaukee Road Tr. is a fantastic riding experience and I wish more miles could be added to GDMBR. There's access issues on north end where the road leaves county maintenance and the landowner has gated and posted signs. And on the south end, from Pipestone Pass TH riders can either take to the highway or hop on the CDT. Maybe for future ACA can discuss linking Pipestone Pass TH with Highland Rd. via CDT and Lime Kiln Rd., but currently that equates to lots of singletrack, not necessarily the first choice for fully loaded GDMBR bikepackers.
Nathan
ACA
3
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / GD Canada Map D. Elk River Rd. Wildfire Closure. 8/25/23
« on: August 25, 2023, 06:37:00 pm »
North of Round Prairie, the Mt. Bingay Wildfire has closed Elk River Rd. Here is the closure order and where to check for status updates: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/area-restriction-in-effect-for-mount-bingay-wildfire/
This is a tough detour since the Elk Valley has few southbound linkages into it if Elk Pass must be avoided. One thing is for certain: don't proceed southbound over Elk Pass until you are certain the closure has been lifted. Otherwise a rider could be stranded on the south side of Elk Pass.
A communications staff person at Regional District of East Kootenay, who also happens to organize a mtb event in the area, has suggested the following detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44200652
Southbound riders would leave main GD Canada route at the junction of Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Rd. and Kananaskis Lakes Tr. in Lougheed Provincial Park, and follow PR 40 over Highwood Pass south to Coleman, then west on Crowsnest Hwy/PR 3 to Sparwood to rejoin the main route. This detour will increase overall mileage, is on a mix of paved/unpaved roads, and has virtually no services between Kananaskis Lakes area and Coleman, a distance of about 100 mi. Coleman is an all service town.
Nathan
ACA
This is a tough detour since the Elk Valley has few southbound linkages into it if Elk Pass must be avoided. One thing is for certain: don't proceed southbound over Elk Pass until you are certain the closure has been lifted. Otherwise a rider could be stranded on the south side of Elk Pass.
A communications staff person at Regional District of East Kootenay, who also happens to organize a mtb event in the area, has suggested the following detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44200652
Southbound riders would leave main GD Canada route at the junction of Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Rd. and Kananaskis Lakes Tr. in Lougheed Provincial Park, and follow PR 40 over Highwood Pass south to Coleman, then west on Crowsnest Hwy/PR 3 to Sparwood to rejoin the main route. This detour will increase overall mileage, is on a mix of paved/unpaved roads, and has virtually no services between Kananaskis Lakes area and Coleman, a distance of about 100 mi. Coleman is an all service town.
Nathan
ACA
4
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Sierra Cascades Sec02 FR 25 closure 8/2023
« on: August 22, 2023, 03:16:42 pm »
FR 25 has been closed as a through-route due to a significant landslide causing the road to be impassable at 3 different locations. This affects SC02 route miles on map panels 17-20 between Randle and Cascade Locks. Here is the Gifford Pinchot NF alert with further details and closure map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices/?aid=80749
From Randle, a detour exists following Cispus Rd./FR 23 south to Trout Lake, then SR 141 south to near White Salmon, then SR 14 west to Carson where you'll rejoin the route. FR 23 is largely paved and often narrow forest lane that should have appeal for cyclists. However, the Mt. Adams Ranger District warns riders to be aware that this road needs resurfacing and there is a ~10 mile stretch near the Mt. Adams Wilderness boundary that is unpaved and rough in places. Also, this detour will add several miles and many feet of climbing, so be sure you are well-stocked with food and supplies leaving Randle. Camping opportunities abound but few other services are available. Trout Lake has limited services including lodging and a small store.
Here is the detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44161936
Mt. Adams Ranger District (509)395-3400
Nathan
ACA
From Randle, a detour exists following Cispus Rd./FR 23 south to Trout Lake, then SR 141 south to near White Salmon, then SR 14 west to Carson where you'll rejoin the route. FR 23 is largely paved and often narrow forest lane that should have appeal for cyclists. However, the Mt. Adams Ranger District warns riders to be aware that this road needs resurfacing and there is a ~10 mile stretch near the Mt. Adams Wilderness boundary that is unpaved and rough in places. Also, this detour will add several miles and many feet of climbing, so be sure you are well-stocked with food and supplies leaving Randle. Camping opportunities abound but few other services are available. Trout Lake has limited services including lodging and a small store.
Here is the detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44161936
Mt. Adams Ranger District (509)395-3400
Nathan
ACA
5
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / GD Canada Map A. Forestry Trunk Rd. construction. 8/10/23
« on: August 10, 2023, 03:10:24 pm »
Between Coalspur and Cardinal River Rd., there is construction work on Forestry Trunk Rd./PR 40/734. The road has been reduced to one-lane alternating traffic. Expect congestion, flaggers on-site, slower speeds, or the need to stop entirely and wait for a turn to pass. Currently there are no closures but riders should budget extra time to get through the worksite area.
511 Alberta has more information: https://511.alberta.ca/
Currently a timeframe for the project is unknown.
Nathan
ACA
511 Alberta has more information: https://511.alberta.ca/
Currently a timeframe for the project is unknown.
Nathan
ACA
6
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Great Divide Section 1 Map B. Colt Wildfire roads closure 7/2023
« on: August 07, 2023, 05:57:32 pm »
Update 8/7/2023: The Colt Fire closure areas remain on the west side of SR 83 and so currently there are NO route closures impacting Great Divide Section 1. The temporary road closures for FR 4353, 4370, 667 and 720 have been lifted. This information is susceptible to change.
Here is the incident webpage: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-colt-fire
And here is the map of current closures: https://inciweb-prod-media-bucket.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-08/Colt%20Fire%20Area%20Closure%20MAP.pdf?VersionId=NZkCf6Y2YSZl01Z7Ak2bCZadd1Grtdtu
The best number to call for status updates is the Seeley Lake Ranger District: 406-677-2233
Nathan
ACA
Here is the incident webpage: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-colt-fire
And here is the map of current closures: https://inciweb-prod-media-bucket.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-08/Colt%20Fire%20Area%20Closure%20MAP.pdf?VersionId=NZkCf6Y2YSZl01Z7Ak2bCZadd1Grtdtu
The best number to call for status updates is the Seeley Lake Ranger District: 406-677-2233
Nathan
ACA
7
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Lewis & Clark Sec01 Road Closure 9/13/22
« on: September 13, 2022, 03:30:30 pm »
On LC 01 map #19, Western Ave. is closed between Bartlett and north of Percival due to two separate incidents related to flood damage and a vehicle accident. Local county officials claim that the road has been planned to re-open with a standard chip-seal surface, but progress is mired in bureaucracy between FEMA, the railroad, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Therefore the current timeframe for re-opening is indefinite. In the meantime, it is suggested to use the Hamburg Option alternate routing to the east. For cyclists who do not want to go all the way south into Hamburg, it has been reported that 155th St. west of Thurman can be used to cross back over, and the route is open to the south from there. See attached image below.
There is little info posted online regarding this closure. For updates, the Fremont Co. Secondary Roads department can be reached at 712-374-2613
Nathan
ACA
There is little info posted online regarding this closure. For updates, the Fremont Co. Secondary Roads department can be reached at 712-374-2613
Nathan
ACA
8
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Great Divide #6 map B. Black Fire, FR 150 closure. 5/16/2022
« on: September 08, 2022, 02:59:59 pm »
Update: as of 9/8/22, FR 150 remains closed. According to managers, "There is no immediate plan to lift this closure, it will be weather dependent as public safety dictates." There is a good chance that the detour posted above will be applicable through the rest of the 2022 riding season.
For further info, here is the incident webpage again: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/
Nathan
ACA
For further info, here is the incident webpage again: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8103/
Nathan
ACA
9
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / GD Canada-Map D-south Flathead Alt wildfire closure 8/16/22
« on: August 16, 2022, 07:39:16 pm »
Segments of the GD Canada Flathead Alternate route are closed due to the Weasel Fire. The affected roads are Cabin Rd., Wigwam Rd. and Phillips Rd., and include Cabin and Galton passes, and the famous "Wall" passage above the Wigwam River. Here is the order from BC Wildfire Services: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/updated-area-restriction-in-effect-for-weasel-creek-wildfire/
Travel through the Flathead Valley along the alternate is still possible following a portion of the Tour Divide race route. Southbound, from near junction of Flathead Rd. & Lower Harvey Rd., cyclists can turn right onto Lodgepole Rd. and intersect the Elk Valley Trail (main route) south of Morrisey at turn I. Or continue south onto the old route along PR 3 to Elko.
Here is that detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40612348
Nathan
ACA
Travel through the Flathead Valley along the alternate is still possible following a portion of the Tour Divide race route. Southbound, from near junction of Flathead Rd. & Lower Harvey Rd., cyclists can turn right onto Lodgepole Rd. and intersect the Elk Valley Trail (main route) south of Morrisey at turn I. Or continue south onto the old route along PR 3 to Elko.
Here is that detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40612348
Nathan
ACA
10
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: GDMBR Sec. 1 map A. FR 114 maintenance closure Aug. 2022
« on: August 11, 2022, 05:48:19 pm »
Or for those so inclined, this routing has the least overall amount of miles riding US 93:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40551235
Nathan
ACA
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40551235
Nathan
ACA
11
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / TransAm Sec 11-Devastating Floods in Eastern Kentucky-Aug 2 2022
« on: August 02, 2022, 04:13:46 pm »
The results of the tragic floods in eastern Kentucky are still being assessed and information is beginning to come out, but very slowly.
The following is from https://ekytransportation-kytc.hub.arcgis.com/, a website for Eastern Kentucky Transportation Updates impacted by the flooding:
UPDATES
August 1, 2022
The Pikeville highway district (District 12) includes six of the 13 disaster counties – Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Martin and Pike. All state routes are passable.
In the Jackson highway district (District 10) – which includes Breathitt, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties – repairs to roadways will begin today with the help of contractor crews.
Four state routes in Perry County remain closed or partially closed.
Detours are available on three of those routes. The lone exception is Kentucky Route 1146, which runs through the Lost Creek area.
13 crews from the highway districts at Bowling Green, Somerset, Flemingsburg and Manchester are in Breathitt County to assist in clearing county roads.
Bridge inspections are continuing as inspectors are able to gain access.
So far, 627 bridges in the declared disaster counties have been assessed.
Inspectors have found 21 bridges with issues that range from being impassable because of debris to being completely washed out. They include county bridges as well as state bridges.
Transportation Cabinet personnel and vehicles are engaged in transporting supplies and equipment throughout the flood zone (like water, cots, ready-to-eat meals, travel trailers).
Crews are coordinating with the Division of Emergency Management to set up travel trailers for temporary sheltering for displaced families.
Very generally, the big impacts on the TA Section 11 route includes the Kentucky River basin and tributaries from map #129-131. The closures and washouts include, but should not be considered limited to: SR 451 between Chavies and Hazard (map #130), SR 899 between Hindman and Bevinsville (map #131), and possibly others brought to light in the coming days.
Some areas have posted detours around closures, while others will consist of lengthy delays in traffic. As per Kentucky DOT, travelers should use caution and discretion when traveling on these routes, and avoid travel if possible in the affected areas. ACA stands by this recommendation at this time.
For bike travelers on the TA looking to pass through central Appalachia in the coming days, we suggest a different route that avoids eastern Kentucky. The Eastern Express Route is a significant departure to the north, has nearly 300 miles of unpaved surfaces along the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage, and passes through fairly remote areas between Washington DC and Pittsburgh. It also has the advantage of being a vetted, quality bike route that is commonly ridden by others (and glowingly referred to afterwards) during long-distance bike tours. Also, the route has documented resources including cyclist services, route maps and other helpful details. Eastbound, connections to the Eastern Express can be made from TA Section 8 in eastern Kansas, or further along using various ACA routes (Route 66 Section 2, or Underground Railroad Sections 2-4). The TA Trail can be rejoined south of Washington DC on Atlantic Coast Section 3.
https://www.easternexpressroute.com/
We welcome any other shorter detour options posted here, either from local in-the-know riders or re-routed bike tourists.
Nathan
ACA Cartographer
The following is from https://ekytransportation-kytc.hub.arcgis.com/, a website for Eastern Kentucky Transportation Updates impacted by the flooding:
UPDATES
August 1, 2022
The Pikeville highway district (District 12) includes six of the 13 disaster counties – Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Martin and Pike. All state routes are passable.
In the Jackson highway district (District 10) – which includes Breathitt, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties – repairs to roadways will begin today with the help of contractor crews.
Four state routes in Perry County remain closed or partially closed.
Detours are available on three of those routes. The lone exception is Kentucky Route 1146, which runs through the Lost Creek area.
13 crews from the highway districts at Bowling Green, Somerset, Flemingsburg and Manchester are in Breathitt County to assist in clearing county roads.
Bridge inspections are continuing as inspectors are able to gain access.
So far, 627 bridges in the declared disaster counties have been assessed.
Inspectors have found 21 bridges with issues that range from being impassable because of debris to being completely washed out. They include county bridges as well as state bridges.
Transportation Cabinet personnel and vehicles are engaged in transporting supplies and equipment throughout the flood zone (like water, cots, ready-to-eat meals, travel trailers).
Crews are coordinating with the Division of Emergency Management to set up travel trailers for temporary sheltering for displaced families.
Very generally, the big impacts on the TA Section 11 route includes the Kentucky River basin and tributaries from map #129-131. The closures and washouts include, but should not be considered limited to: SR 451 between Chavies and Hazard (map #130), SR 899 between Hindman and Bevinsville (map #131), and possibly others brought to light in the coming days.
Some areas have posted detours around closures, while others will consist of lengthy delays in traffic. As per Kentucky DOT, travelers should use caution and discretion when traveling on these routes, and avoid travel if possible in the affected areas. ACA stands by this recommendation at this time.
For bike travelers on the TA looking to pass through central Appalachia in the coming days, we suggest a different route that avoids eastern Kentucky. The Eastern Express Route is a significant departure to the north, has nearly 300 miles of unpaved surfaces along the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage, and passes through fairly remote areas between Washington DC and Pittsburgh. It also has the advantage of being a vetted, quality bike route that is commonly ridden by others (and glowingly referred to afterwards) during long-distance bike tours. Also, the route has documented resources including cyclist services, route maps and other helpful details. Eastbound, connections to the Eastern Express can be made from TA Section 8 in eastern Kansas, or further along using various ACA routes (Route 66 Section 2, or Underground Railroad Sections 2-4). The TA Trail can be rejoined south of Washington DC on Atlantic Coast Section 3.
https://www.easternexpressroute.com/
We welcome any other shorter detour options posted here, either from local in-the-know riders or re-routed bike tourists.
Nathan
ACA Cartographer
12
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Great Divide #5 & #6 New Mexico National Forest closures 5/18/22
« on: July 19, 2022, 11:29:59 am »
And as of 7/19/22, Carson NF lands traversed by the GDMBR have reopened.
Nathan
ACA
Nathan
ACA
13
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: Southern Tier #6, map 86 - tornado damage New Orleans. March 2022
« on: April 06, 2022, 02:46:05 pm »
Follow-up on tornado impacts 4/6/22:
We have received reports that the shoulder of US 90 between the Mississippi/Louisiana state line and New Orleans is riddled with debris and other "junk", thereby causing a cyclist to take the lane. The timeline for clearing the shoulders is unknown. In the meantime, exercise extreme caution on this stretch.
Between Pass Christian and Biloxi on map #88-89, it has been reported that the boardwalk path is covered with wind-drifted sand in many locations. It is not advised to follow Beach Blvd./US 90. If a boardwalk is not navigable, it is suggested to follow the many residential roads directly north and parallel to the boardwalk. For more info, the Tri-Hard bike shop in Ocean Springs has proven to be a great resource for local routing.
http://trihardsportsms.com/
(228) 215-1199
Nathan
ACA Cartographer
We have received reports that the shoulder of US 90 between the Mississippi/Louisiana state line and New Orleans is riddled with debris and other "junk", thereby causing a cyclist to take the lane. The timeline for clearing the shoulders is unknown. In the meantime, exercise extreme caution on this stretch.
Between Pass Christian and Biloxi on map #88-89, it has been reported that the boardwalk path is covered with wind-drifted sand in many locations. It is not advised to follow Beach Blvd./US 90. If a boardwalk is not navigable, it is suggested to follow the many residential roads directly north and parallel to the boardwalk. For more info, the Tri-Hard bike shop in Ocean Springs has proven to be a great resource for local routing.
http://trihardsportsms.com/
(228) 215-1199
Nathan
ACA Cartographer
14
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Great Divide Canada-Map D-Elk Valley Trail Closure-1/12/22
« on: January 12, 2022, 12:49:14 pm »
Ongoing logging activity on GD Canada/Elk Valley Trail between Fernie and Hosmer has made following the existing route on bike untenable for the time being. Trails BC has recommended a detour using mainly parts of PR 3 and Dicken Rd. See attached image for route section affected and rough guide to the suggested detour.
Trails BC announcement posted here, and also good place to check for future updates:
https://trailsbc.ca/tct/east-kootenay/fernie-sparwood
And here is the suggested detour in RWGPS format:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38341132
Nathan
ACA
Trails BC announcement posted here, and also good place to check for future updates:
https://trailsbc.ca/tct/east-kootenay/fernie-sparwood
And here is the suggested detour in RWGPS format:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38341132
Nathan
ACA
15
Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Great River South Sec02 #23 and UGRR Sec02-Waverly, TN Flooding- Aug 2021
« on: August 25, 2021, 12:30:23 pm »
Despite the devastating flooding in Waverly, TN, current GRS Sec02 and UGRR Sec02 routing remains passable based on this map of Tennessee road closures: https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic?features=incident,traffic&position=36.09197477,-87.71706497,13
See attached pic for closure info circa 8/25/21.
However, touring cyclists can expect traffic delays, emergency vehicles, closed or stressed services, and other impediments to moving through the area. As such, it is probably best to avoid the area for the time being.
Nathan
ACA
See attached pic for closure info circa 8/25/21.
However, touring cyclists can expect traffic delays, emergency vehicles, closed or stressed services, and other impediments to moving through the area. As such, it is probably best to avoid the area for the time being.
Nathan
ACA