TransAm Bike Trail Planning

[Gus]

How far in advance should you plan a ride like the TransAm? I would like to do it next summer. Always wanted to do it!  On average how long does it take with a touring bike?  East or West does it matter? When is the best time to start east? Or west?  Maps or GPS which is better? I live in North Carolina if it helps. Thanks

[John Nettles]

Gus, all these questions have been answered multiple times if you do just a little searching.  Answers will vary as to what is "best" as it depends on what is "best" for you.  Do a little research first then come back with some more specific questions.  Best!

[Pat Lamb]

How far in advance should you plan a ride like the TransAm?

Long enough in advance to get enough time off, get yourself in shape, and get your gear together.

On average how long does it take with a touring bike?

 

84.3 days.  Like 75% of statistics on the web, this one is made up.

East or West does it matter? When is the best time to start east? Or west?

  Debates are endless, enjoy reading through the forum archives.  Going west, most people start late April or early May.  Going east, June or July so the passes can open.

The biggest difference is that if you're a morning person, you'd be better off going west because the sun is at your back, and not in the face of motorists coming up behind you.  And vice versa.  FWIW, some of the best riding from Missouri through Wyoming is in the morning because it's generally cooler and the wind hasn't come up yet. 

Maps or GPS which is better?

  Yes. 

If you're going to camp and have a rechargeable GPS, use maps.  Unlike the cell phone which can be turned off most of the day making the charge last a week, your GPS needs to be on while riding.

[John Nelson]

I started planning 3 years before I started. Some people start planning the day before.
I took 70 days. I've seen people take as few as 40 or as many as 130.
I started in the East. Some start in the West. Probably more start in the East. If you are going to start in May, I recommend starting in the East. If you are going to start in June, I recommend starting in the West.
I used paper maps, but I like Pat's rule of thumb. Actually, I like all of Pat's answers, except I think his 84.3 is high.

[Pat Lamb]

John, so you think only 73% of statistical answers found on the web are made up on the spot? 

If I may be allowed on serious go-back: OP is advised to look at the Adventure Cycling How-to section at https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/how-to-department/

It's full of good information.

[BikeliciousBabe]

I liked the idea of riding to my front door, so when I decided to ride across the country I picked a tour that went west to east. When that ended, I rode south to my home. If you can arrange for that it also eliminates having to arrange transportation home for you and your bike.