US Route 83

[scarcellagv]

Has anyone travelled on US Route 83?  I'm wondering how suitable it is for cycling?

The cue sheet for this route would be amazing:
1.  Turn South on US Route 83
2.  Stop at the Mexico border.

 U.S. Route 83 runs 1,885 miles from the Canadian border just north of Westhope, N.D. to Brownsville, Texas, on the Mexican border.   It is one of the last and longest stretches of highway in America and little of it is spoiled by soulless four-lane Interstate. It passes through North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It also continues into Canada as Manitoba Highway 83 to its northern terminus just east of Swan River.  Along with US 83, Manitoba 83 is part of the longest continuously numbered north-south highway in North America with a combined distance is 3,450 kilometers (2,140 mi).

[John Nettles]

Last week, I DROVE US-83 between Carrizo Springs and Laredo.  It was Monday afternoon.  Traffic was really heavy.  While there was a 3' shoulder, it was just too much truck traffic and cars trying to pass for me to want to tour on it.  Traffic was almost continuous.  So that you know, I have toured extensively for 35 years and am not easily frightened.  All that said, it is ridable, just certainly not enjoyable or overly safe.  Sorry for the non-glorious ending to your tour.

As a side note, why go North to South when the winds definitely tend to be S-N?  I did a tour from Brownsville to Winnipeg several years ago and had many more tailwind days than headwind days.  Plus if you start in early to mid May, you might be able to time it so you have consistently decent temperatures as you ride north.  Just a thought.

Like the cue sheet

[jamawani]

Looks like you are fairly new here -
And it looks like you pulled your quote from US83.com -
Which is, basically, a tourist promotional for communities along US 83.

US 83 is just a number -
If you are heading north to south or south to north in the Great Plains -
There are far, far better route options.
In fact, US 83 is one of the WORST choices if you are doing such a tour.

Why?
US 83 has far more traffic - and more through truck traffic - than nearby roads.
Although US 83 often has shoulders - where it doesn't is really dicey.

Take Nebraska, for example -
From North Platte to Valentine you can take US 83 or you can ride Hwy 97.
US 83 has 10X more traffic - Hwy 97 is practically empty.
Both route traverse the Sandhills region -
But on Hwy 97 you can be transported to another world.
On US 83, it's nice, but you have the steady whirr of traffic.

Nebraska Traffic Count Map -
http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/maps/Statewide%20Traffic%20Flow%20Maps/2012-Statewide-Traffic-Flow-Map.pdf

Nebraska Bicycling Map -
http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/docs/bicycle-guide-current-2.pdf

PS - Winds and heat are a big factor in the Great Plains.
In the mid Plains winds are almost always either southerly or northerly.
Southerly winds prevail in the summer - alternating spring and fall.
Biking against a 25mph headwind is brutal and nearly impossible.
In mid-summer - temperatures above 100F are not unusual - even in the Dakotas.
Shade is rare, water is dear, and towns are far apart.

[John Nettles]

Jamawani,

Your P.S. makes me believe you won't be employed by the Great Plains tourism bureau .  I know you truly do love the Great Plains but dang you made it sound like a ride through hell.  I'm still chuckling.

[jamawani]

I was biking north on Hwy 47 near Hoven in northern South Dakota - heading towards southern North Dakota.
There was a brutal north wind. I was huffing and puffing along in my granny gear.
When I stopped at a corner store to take a break and have a Coke, I told the woman there,
"Man, I'm beat - been heading north all day."
She responded, "Must be tough riding north since you're going uphill all the time."

Sad, but true.

[scarcellagv]

Thanks for all of the replies and information. 

Guess it was too good to be true for such a simple route sheet through the middle of the country.

As we know from the ACA routes, it takes a lot more research to plan a route like this.

Thanks,
Gary.

[John Nettles]

If you are set on following US-83 closely, you really do not need a cue sheet as there are few if any "detours".

Any town over 1,500 will definitely have a grocery store.  Between 500 and 1,500, you might or might not have one.  Less than 500.  Probably not.  Should hit a combo convenience/pizza/sandwich store (with limited groceries) in almost every town with at least 500.

Occasionally you will see them elsewhere.  The Plains have great people with great hospitality.  Camping in the city park should not be an issue until you get down to Oklahoma and Texas as long as your are respectful.  Showers at the local pool (between Memorial and school starting) typically in or near the city park.

 Be sure to look ahead a few days to ensure you are passing through a big enough town to resupply.  Carry an extra meal or two in your packs.  You will be fine.