Contrasting the ACA route and any way you want to go.

[davidbonn]

My rule is that any mile not on a highway is a good mile.  Or at least better than a mile not on a highway.

That is a safe bet nine times out of ten.

[BikeliciousBabe]

My rule is that any mile not on a highway is a good mile.  Or at least better than a mile not on a highway.

That is a safe bet nine times out of ten.

+1.  I have been incorporating more and more dirt road options into my routes over the years. I am rarely disappointed.  One downside is that I often stop more to take in the views and enjoy the sounds.

[davidbonn]

.... I am rarely disappointed.  One downside is that I often stop more to take in the views and enjoy the sounds.

The whole point of traveling by bicycle is to go slow.  So stopping to take in the views and enjoying the sounds is what its all about!

[BikeliciousBabe]

.... I am rarely disappointed.  One downside is that I often stop more to take in the views and enjoy the sounds.

The whole point of traveling by bicycle is to go slow.  So stopping to take in the views and enjoying the sounds is what its all about!

It was a joke...but the point of bike touring is what about each individual wants it to be.

[Westinghouse]

People in a big hurry to travel long distances, generally speaking, do not use bicycles or sailboats for transportation. At least not in the United States of America. Bicycling long distance should be considered a slow, easygoing, more in tempo with the natural rhythms of nature kind of traveling.

[BikeliciousBabe]

Bicycling long distance should be considered a slow, easygoing, more in tempo with the natural rhythms of nature kind of traveling.

Source for that "should"?

[Westinghouse]

I’ve done a couple long rides across the U.S., some mostly on ACA routes, others just kind of figuring it out as I went. The ACA maps definitely take a lot of the guesswork out and steer you onto roads that are safer and less stressful, which is a big plus when you're already dealing with weather, gear, and fatigue. But honestly, some of my most memorable moments came from going off-route, random diners, curious locals, even a free place to crash once just because someone hadn’t seen a touring cyclist in years. That said, I’ve also ended up on sketchy roads with no shoulder and way too many trucks. It really depends on your comfort level and how much risk you’re okay with. Personally, I like using the ACA routes as a loose framework, then drifting off when something catches my eye or I need better food options.

Some roads are to be avoided. Many roads are good and safe for long-distance bicycle touring. Those are not included in the pre-mapped bicycling routes. They can be just as good as any designated route, also better. What ever roads are taken, it is one hell of a long way on a bicycle from the east coast of the United States to the west coast.

[David W Pratt]

Here in Vermont, winter planning for summer trips is a pleasant occupation.