USA touring routes - September?

[Guncutter]

Folks,
 
I'm looking for some advice on the best options for a 4-6 week cycle tour in the USA in September?
 
Just some pointers in the right direction before I start researching proper...
 
We will probably use modified MTB's and look to camp.
 
I have done San Francisco to LA before and would repeat this as my friend is keen to do it... but perhaps a longer stretch of the Pacific coast (all of it??) starting as far as Seattle this time of year? Or a loop involving Vegas/The Canyon??
 
Any ideas or other options very welcome!
 
Thanks

[FredHiltz]

I'll start with a plug for fall foliage in the Northeast. The Adirondacks Loop plus Green Mountains Loop would fit well into that time frame. The northern parts of both would see peak foliage early in the month and the southern parts late in the month. However, the timing is famously hard to predict. Most campgrounds stay open until Columbus Day.

Fred

[RussSeaton]

Where you live will likely affect where you want to start.  You mentioned the Pacific Coast so I am assuming you live near there.  Maybe not.  So Fred's idea of the NorthEast may not be good if you live on the west coast.  September would be a good time to see fall foliage in the upper midwest.  Maybe either the Northern Tier or Lewis&Clark routes.  Maybe start in Montana and go east on the Northern Tier to Minnesota or Wisconsin.  Wherever the Northern Tier crosses the Mississippii River route.  I think there is a route that follows the Mississippii River starting in Minnesota.  Follow that route down to St. Louis and hook up with the Lewis&Clark route.  Then follow the Lewis&Clark back to Montana.  September-October is pleasant weather in the upper midwest.  Generally not hot or cold.  Starting a bit into Montana and the Rockies should be behind you.  So no early mountain top snowfall to worry about.  The wide open, sparse, unpopulated, empty nature of these routes appeals to me.

[Guncutter]

Thanks Guys for the input so far.

I guess I should have said, I am in Ireland and will fly into a major city to start the trip - ideally not too much travel from there to get going.  Not sure I could handle trying to get the bikes onto multiple flights, it proved difficult before! 

I think we would like to end the trip in a big city to do some of the normal touristy things during the trip as well.

I am glad you both mention the North anyway for this time of year as a good option - I wasn't sure the weather would be OK, though obviously hard to predict...

I will look at both your suggestions tho, I loved New England when I was there years ago and always liked the open, sparse, empty nature of the US Russ! So different from home.

[RussSeaton]

Since you are flying in from Ireland, you have unlimited choices for starting location.  Another option might be to fly into Miami or Atlanta and then do the Atlantic Coast route up north.  Have to ride a couple days from Atlanta to catch the route.  You could end the ride in Washington DC, New York City, or Boston.  Depending on how much time you have and miles you want to ride.  All those towns have things for tourists.  You've seen the Pacific coast so this would give you a chance to see the Atlantic coast.  Should see plenty of tree leaves changing the further north you get.

[staehpj1]

The best part of the Pacific Coast is north of the part you have done, like from Astoria southward. Oregon and the California redwoods were great.

I wasn't too crazy about the ride in Washington State from Bremmerton to Astoria following the Adventure Cycling route.  The Ferry ride from Seattle to Bremmerton was nice though.  I think if doing the coast again I'd either figure a way to start in Astoria or take a more coastal route from Seattle or Bremmerton to Astoria.

The Atlantic Coast is both less interesting and more expensive for camping or rooms.  At least that is my opinion.  That said I have lived on the east coast my whole life.  Perhaps I'd find it more interesting if that were not the case?

[Wuwei]

You can take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, and cross the Hood Canal Bridge to ride to Port Angeles and Forks. The coast of Wa is nice along Highway 101 all the way down to Oregon and beyond.
The San Juan and Gulf Islands are great to tour as well. Sept is usually the best month for weather in the Northwest.

[Guncutter]

Thanks folks, very, very, helpful.

The East appeals to me but my friend has his heart set on West Coast for his first trip to the States.

I know exactly where to start researching now tho - flying into Seattle as a starting point, ferry sounds good, and then aiming for a coastal route and the 101 towards Astoria and beyond...

Sounds simple, right?!  Now to look into flights, maps, accomodation and all that other necessary business! 

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions...

[indyfabz]

Now to look into flights, maps, accomodation and all that other necessary business! 

Here is a handy publication for the OR coast:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/oregon_coast_bike_route_map.pdf?ga=t