Routes / Re: Western Express versus TransAmerica
« on: August 30, 2022, 03:08:01 pm »One thing you could consider; from Missoula, proceed to the Northern Tier route and ride it to it's completion at Anacortes, WA. I don't have a recommendation for the best way to proceed from Missoula, but if you wanted some spectacular scenery, you could work out a route north towards St. Mary's and then ride up to Logan Pass. This puts you on the Northern Tier route just in time to enjoy Going-to-the-Sun road. Then you get to enjoy the mountain passes through Washington state - the climbing is no more difficult than the climbing you would have already encountered in the Rockies, and it's much easier than what you would have experienced in the Appalachians.
When you reach Anacortes, it's easy to get to the Seattle airport. The Belaire Shuttle (it's actually a full-size bus) will pick you up in Anacortes and take you to the airport for a low cost. If you want to ship your bike home from Anacortes, there are 2 bike shops that will pack it for you and help with those arrangements. Leave at least a day if you can to enjoy Anacortes before departing for home.