TransAm Sections 135,136,143

[mmullins]

I've noticed these sections are pretty mountainous.  Can anyone tell me if they consist of repeated up and down climbing or a long climb that more less plateaus at the upper elevations.

[BobG]

I've led Adventure Cycling groups three times westbound through this section of Virginia. Here are my recollections-

143- A steep climb up to The Blue Ridge Parkway from Afton. The Parkway is continuous climb and descent. If there were any plateaus they didn't last too long!

136- A fast roll down the valley to Rural Retreat. A good climb out of there, then not too bad to Sugar Grove with some plateaus. A steep, steady climb out of Sugar Grove and a fast descent to Troutdale.

135- Steady climbing to Konnarock with some breaks. A gorgeous steady plunge into Damascus along a river with a few short ups and flats.

Westbound from Damascus into Kentucky the route becomes continually against the grain of the mountains and more challenging.

This message was edited by BobG on 2-29-04 @ 9:33 AM

[Gozr]

I have been doing a lot of research as of lately. I am planning to ride the Transamerica Trail beginning June 3rd. and found a good site with detailed pictourtoral of the entire route with an interval of on advarge 1 picture every 1/4 of a mile. Here is the URL http://trailmaps.lbl.gov/Transamerica/Transamerica.html
This is my first tour so I can't give you a personal account but thought this site might be some help to you.

[BobG]

Amazing!!! Their map ends in Florence, OR at 4063 miles. If there is indeed a photo every 1/4 mile, Lets see.........4,063x4= 16,252 photos of the Trans Am Trail! Thanks for posting this link!