New Orleans to Chicago

[alanadyhrkopp]

Hi yall I'm planning to bike from New Orleans to Chicago this summer. I am thinking of heading up the Mississippi till Natchez then taking the trace all the way through till Nashville. From there though I am uncertain the best way up to Chicago. This will be my first time doing a tour and I will have a car assist. Planning on riding about 80-110 miles a day as well. Let me know if you have any advice! The goal is 14 days. anything helps

[TCS]

Great Rivers South and Route 66 will get you there:

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/interactive-network-map/

[John Nettles]

I am thinking of heading up the Mississippi till Natchez...

First, welcome to the ACA Forums!

Since you are going to Natchez and since you are car-supported (I assume you are riding an unloaded bike),  I would suggest you use LA-15 from near Lettsworth, LA to Vidalia before crossing into Natchez.  LA-15 is much quieter than US-61 which has fairly heavy traffic with no shoulder though it is 4-lane.

Another option is to head north from Gloster, MS, on MS-33 before taking Liberty Rd.  (~8mi south of Roxie) into Natchez.

Assuming you follow the Great River Route, if you want to stay on the east side of the river around St. Louis, private message me for a route going from Murphysboro to Edwardsville, IL, where it connects to Bike Route 66.

Tailwinds, John

[aggie]

Another option is to use the Mississippi River Trail until you hit the Bicycle Route 66 in St Louis.