Atlantic Coast to Atlanta to Southern Tier

[jrules]

I am planing a ride from New York City to Atlanta and then on to California. So far I am thinking of taking the Atlantic Rout to Wilmington and cut across to Atlanta. From there I think its just drop down to the Southern Tier Rout and fallow that to California. I am looking for any help or advice on getting to and from Atlanta. Any routs from Atlanta to Baton Rouge? Thanks

[mh5]

The Georgia department of transportation publishes maps of bike routes in the state.  They can be found at:

http://www.dot.state.ga.us/travelingingeorgia/bikepedestrian/pages/Maps.aspx

What part of the Atlanta area are you heading to?  You may want to pick a route to avoid as much of the metro area as possible. 

[sedges]

The GA DOT bike routes can be awful.  One near me has no shoulders, and is very busy with fast moving unfriendly traffic.  Nothing has ever been done to improve conditions for bicycles on these routes.  Someone just drew lines on a map and declared them bike routes.  In many instances the routes have become worse over time with increases in traffic since the routes system was declared.

Make sure you double check your route with google maps and also be prepared to look for alternates if you end up on a route that is just too dangerous.

There are lots of state, US and county roads that provide bike routes across GA.

Approaching and leaving Atlanta will be an adventure for sure.

[JHamelman]

The map an earlier commenter refers to does show traffic volumes and shoulder information so whether you're looking for a designated route or making your own, the maps found on this page (http://www.dot.state.ga.us/travelingingeorgia/bikepedestrian/Pages/Maps.aspx) can be very useful for planning. If you have questions about your specific choices, you could also correspond with the Bicycle/Pedestrian office. The more they know that people are interested in traveling by bicycle in their state, the better for the future of cycling in Georgia.

.Jennifer.

[Jason]

J rules

thought I'd chim in

I'm from Atlanta (currently on the Trans Am); have ridden from Atlanta to San Diego, via the S. Tier; and also the East Coast, from Atlanta..  Here's my suggestion:

I would take the Atlanta Coast Route to Statesboro, from there, head west.  Part of the reason is you'll be in rural GA, where services/camping should be better.  Too, you can make a stop in Athens which is a pretty cheap town for a lay over if need be. There are good bike shops in Athens too, if you need one by that time.

If you end up in Athens, there's the MS 150 ride every year, from Athens to Atlanta - which is mapped.  The routes not perfect, but it's out of the way of 78 or 316 which are both main stretches to and from Atlanta/Athens.  By taking this route, you'll end right downtown Atlanta - at the capital.  If you up for staying in Atlanta - there's a hostel there which is awesome (not well advertise in the US, strangely, but it's a good place - http://www.atlantainternationalhostel.com/)

This should give you an idea of the MSA 150 route - again, the route was updated for 2012:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/gaa/fundraising-events/bike-ms/atlantatoathens/downloads-and-resources/download.aspx?id=40269

Once you get into to Atlanta, I would suggest heading south west - toward Columbus.  There are a ton of back roads - grab a state road map, find anything that borders 85 (more services.)

When I left for San Diego in 2009, I took the silver comet trail to Alabama.  Was fine, but, only after which, I had to cut through Alabama south to Graceville FL.  Alabama's an awesome state (people are amazing - seriously) just that you'll end up doing the state-park tour (provide you want to camp) which isn't the easiest.  Although, too, in thinking about it, rural Alabama is super fun.

By heading southwest toward Columbus, you'll be out of the metro-Atlanta area fairly quick, but too, can pick up the S. Tier in Florida faster south of Columbus, than you can taking the silver comet trail west, then south through Alabama - if that makes sense.

After you hit Florida - say in or around Defuniak Springs, you can follow the South Tier direct to Lousiana.

I'll try and check back in a few days.  If you need specific info, or have specific questions - so me a private message,

Cheers,

Jason