Southern Tier route options on map 2

[chydesirae]

Hello! I will be cycling the southern tier come April and noticed on the new map 2 there are three route options when approaching Globe, AZ. There is the new route, which (I believe) follows US 87 and is 61 miles longer than the old route (which followed US 60). I don't have any idea what the new route is like (if anyone does please let me know!) I know the old route goes through the Queen Creek Tunnel, which sounds incredibly stressful. Then there is a third option, which is 37 miles shorter and follows SR 88, this route is on hard packed dirt. I'm leaning towards this third route, has anyone ridden it? My surly LHT can take a beating on the dirt road, but my father has a bike with smaller tires and I'm not totally sure how it will hang when loaded.
I'd love to hear more about the three routes if anyone knows more about them! Thanks

[John Nettles]

There is one journal over on CrazyGuyonaBike that has a day or two on the third option.  Jeff Kruys did it I think.  Take a look over there.  I too would do the third option.  Might be info on there regarding the updated routing also.

Hope this helps.  John

[chydesirae]

Thanks for the input! Ill try to look into that. Once I reach Silver City there is the option to follow the main route through Central or a 69 mile longer route through Pinos Altos and through the Gila Cliff Dwelling. The longer route option sounds really cool, has anybody done that way? Any opinions on which might be more scenic?

[John Nettles]

Numerous people have, especially recent Great Divide.  Again, just do a search on CrazyGuy on Cliff Dwelling and you should be able to find several journals.  You should note that the road between Gila Cliff Dwellings and Silver City is very hilly, both directions.  Northbound is longer but less steep, southbound is shorter climbs but steeper. You would be northbound coming from Silver City.