NY to California route

[Vader119]

Looking for the best route for the trip from NYC to California. Not concerned about terrain. Any help would be appreciated

[John Nelson]

Of course there are a near-infinite number of possible routes. Which one you choose would depend on your priorities, such as how much time you have to do it and whether there are any particular sites you want to see along the way. Other factors include whether you prefer a route that encounters civilization frequently, or whether you like to be farther off the beaten path.

I like ACA routes. We are, after all, on the ACA web site. Following an ACA route simplifies much of the planning, and it gives you a framework to plan around. Some people, however, prefer a more "invent it as you go" method.

My suggestion would be to follow the ACA CNYC route from New York to Chicago, and the Bicycle Route 66 route from Chicago to Los Angeles. I've done both of those routes and both are fantastic. CNYC offers the C&O and GAP, wonderful cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, history of Gettysburg, fascinating museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Air Force Museum, the Wright Brothers museum, and the Andy Warhol museum. R66 offers a full plate of old motels and bridges, and is a blast from the past. Even the Mojave Desert, harsh as it is, can be a wonderful experience.

[John Nettles]

First, welcome to the ACA Forums.

You don't say what is "best" for you or what time of year or how long you have.  However, one set of routes you may wish to explore is ACA's Chicago to NYC Route connecting to Bicycle Route 66. 

However, depending on the time of year and/or how much time you have, other routes may work also.  Check out this ACA map showing you what routes are available https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/interactive-network-map/ .  Remember that each route is comprised of multiple segments so you do not need to purchase the entire route.

Tailwinds, John

[Vader119]

I am aiming for spring/summer. Not really interested in visiting museums, just looking to ride as much as possible during the day. 100-200 miles daily. The NY to Chicago and meet Route 66 sounds great. How would I download those 2 maps into my garmin?

[John Nettles]

You would need to purchase them.  Then ACA sends you a link.  If you are buying a lot, it might be beneficial to purchase a membership as that gets you a roughly 20% discount I think. 

Have you toured before?  While 100 miles is doable for a strong rider, 200 miles a day, day after day, might not be achievable due to lack of sunlight or stamina.  In 47 years of touring, I can't recall anyone averaging 200 miles. The most I know of is about 135 on average and he was one strong rider who ended up hating the tour because all he did was ride.  Food for thought.

[Vader119]

Thanks for the reply and insight. 200 on a good day. I’m confident with my fitness and ability. Trying to figure out how to just purchase those 2 maps. Thank you again!

[John Nelson]

You can purchase the paper maps from the ACA and create the digital routes from them. This is time-consuming, but it allows you to customize your routes into daily segments and to include any side trips you want to make, including routing you to your choice of motel or campground.

You can also buy the digital maps from the ACA, but be sure to read the fine print so that you'll know exactly what you are getting, how it can be used, and what it provides.

• ACA has a recent partnership with RideWithGps, but it only includes a few routes so far (not including BR66 or CNYC yet). Other routes are coming in the next few months. But there are some limitations you should understand before you buy.
• You can also buy GPX files for most routes. But these files are typically just large files that cover around 500 miles each. On most devices, these files will not result in turn-by-turn directions on your bicycle computer, and ACA intends to phase these products out. I don't like this option.
• You can also use the Bicycle Route Navigator, but this is intended for use on a smartphone, not a bicycle computer.

I haven't yet tried the RideWithGps products (what the ACA calls the "Ride with GPS Experience"). It may be that this is the best option (when available for the route you want). If you need something to load on your Garmin before then, my recommendation would be to create your own from the paper maps. But, as I said, this is time-consuming (but it's what I do).

Riding through the Mojave Desert in the summer can be challenging, but also wonderful. At your pace, it will take you about two days (it's 200 miles from Needles to Victorville). With the right preparation, it's doable. Carry gallons of water and drink it all. Be familiar with the symptoms of heat stroke.

[Vader119]

Wow thank you for the great advice and pointing me in the right direction. Seems like I may want to wait for the GPX routes come out