Waiting for a bike ride

[Ethan William]

Hey guys, I have two queries.
             
               1.Is it possible to travel to the US on a bike?
                  I have never tried it before. I'm just crazy about bikes and bike rides. I stay in Toronto. Every year I organize more than two long bike drives with my colleagues. By the end of this year, we are planning for a ride to the US. Has anyone been there on a bike? If so, I there might be many things to share. Feel free to share the details.
                 a.How many days will it take?
                 b.Would like to visit few of the places. Need suggestions.

               2.Is the US entry a difficult task?
                   I have heard that the US entry procedures are having much difficulty when compared with the other countries. Is it so? What do you think? Once when I was driving to Quebec, I was convicted of a DUI. And my license was suspended. This incident was two years ago. Will it be a great issue? Would like to know your suggestions and opinion. When I checked it online, I came across a criminal record check and I could make out that I can get a pardon from my case.

If we can travel to the US on a bike, I would also like to get the shortest route map. All of your information and opinions will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
                   

[Ethan William]

Thanks a lot for the reply. Will sure check for the route maps.

[John Nettles]

Ethan,

If you have not done so, check out the maps online here at Adventure Cycling.  Also, check out Canada's Route Verte to see if they have anything around Toronto.  As far as the DUI, I doubt that would be an issue.  Assuming you have a valid Canadian passport, you really should not have any trouble.  Best, John

[canalligators]

As I understand it, US residents with felony DUI convictions are barred from entering all/parts of Canada - even if they're not driving.  I don't know if the same applies to entering the US, or on re-entering Canada.  You should be able to check this on the US INS and Canada Customs websites, with a confirming phone call or two.

Barring any complications such as this, as long as you have a valid passport and can otherwise legally do so, there are no cycling-specific issues with entering the US.

If you are entering via a bridge, check the website for the intended bridge for the correct routing via bike.  At Niagara Falls, note that bikes may cross the Queenston, Rainbow and Peace bridges.  Bikes are disallowed on the Whirlpool Bridge.

One tour that might work is to circle Lake Ontario.  It took us eight days.  Or ride the Erie Canal and fly or bus back from Albany.  (Amtrak does not accomodate non-folding bikes on either Toronto or Montreal trains from Albany.)

[jcostanz]

As for coming from Toronto, you have several options to get to the US.  2-3 days is not unreasonable to get to Niagara Falls.  Follow the Waterfront Trail.  Another option is to use the GoTrain Excursion trains from Toronto to Niagara falls On, these run Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and holidays thru September.  The excursion train allows one to roll the bike on to the train. 
As for crossing the border in Niagara Falls area, you can use the

 Peace Bridge in Buffalo/Fort Erie, this bridge you cross using the pedestrian sidewalk, there are signs on the road under the bridge on the Canadian side for pedestrians and cyclists. 

The rainbow bridge in Niagara Falls, you cross with the cars and enter from the street, the sidewalk is closed to bicycles.

The Lewiston-Queenston bridge in Queenston/Lewiston, on this bridge you cross with the cars and the bicycle entrance on the Canadian side is under the bridge on the Niagara Parkway, there are signs  It requires you to go thru the parkinglot for the bridge offices and then cross the traffic into Canada between the Customs booths and the Toll booths and then merge with the US bound traffic.  After the US Customs inspection you take the first exit ramp and then the first exit onto Lewiston RD RT104.  The Canada bound route is to take the on ramp at Military RD/Upper Mountain rd to Canada and then at the toll booths in Canada take the right most open toll booth as you will then hop onto the sidewalk on the toll boths and follow the sidewalk around to the right and the parking lot for the bridge.  Do not go straight after  the toll booths as you will be on the QEW!

The whirlpool bridge is closed to all traffic except cars and everyone in the car must have the NEXUS card including any children.  Even if you have a NEXUS Card, the Whirlpool bridge is closed to cyclists.

I would suggest using the Rainbow bridge as being the most bicycle friendly/accessible.

[canalligators]

...  a long trip like yours is still a dream.

You can (and should) start with an overnight trip.  Find a place that's a comfortable riding distance away, ride out, spend the night, and ride home the next day.  You can stay in a motel or bed and breakfast, or bring gear and camp.  Don't bother with cooking, eat in restaurants or buy food at a grocery store.  Do that a time or two, then try a weekend trip.  Maybe add cooking if you're interested.

Starting out short and easy is a fun way to learn and build confidence.