Route

[bikeforkenya]

Hi Guys,

I am biking with a friend across the country this summer. We will begin
our intense training this January, for 6 months. I believe we will start in
San Francisco and end up in Boston. But, the question is, how to get
there. I have devised 5 routes that will be possible for our travel, west
to east. Regardless of where we start, what do you guys think is the
best route? The link to my photo page is below, and the routes are
numbered, 1 -5. Let me know what you think, and if you have any
suggestions on bikes, equipment, etc...

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again,

Peter

LINK TO PHOTOBUCKET PAGE:

http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii190/bikeforkenya/

[bktourer1]

If you plan to come through t he Springfield MA area on your way to Boston, send me a note via my e-mail address.  Check out warmshowers.org for hosts along the way.

[litespeed]

Generally speaking, the northern routes would be more scenic than #1 although #1 would let you take in some of the neat National Parks in southern Utah. Also, crossing Nevada in summer is tough - mighty hot with long, empty stretches.

#3 lets you take in Yellowstone and Jackson but crossing Kansas risks tough SE headwinds.

If you don't like the heat #2 would be good and you could even alter the route to take the ferry across the middle of Lake Michigan - a delightful ride and a break from pedaling.

If you take #5 keep in mind that major highways in Iowa don't have paved shoulders. Stick to back roads.

I wouldn't worry too much about training for the tour. I just ride a flat metric century - 62+ miles - every Sunday. When it's time to tour I just load up my bike and take off. By the third day I'm back in shape and doing fine.

This message was edited by litespeed on 12-24-07 @ 1:45 PM

[akdoula]

Hi. I'm planning for the same tour for this coming Summer. I'll be leaving mid-May and considering a Portland to Portland route. I think I'll be sticking to the most Northern states, in order to visit some pals, see the Great Lakes, and skip the hotter states (I'm from AK). I'd be up for sharing ideas and such if you care to. Best wishes!

[ptaylor]

Hi BikeFor.

I think you can really simplify life by following, in so far as is possible, one of the National Bicycle Routes .

I see you have done this, and I like your Route 2, with an important variation. Get off the Northern Tier in Minnesota: get on the North Lakes Connector. Take that to the Erie Connector in Michigan. Take that until it joins up again with the Northern Tier in Niagara Falls.

Paul

This message was edited by ptaylor on 12-31-07 @ 12:18 PM

[Peaks]

To continue Paul's message, you can get bike maps for New York state from the state DOT.  It shows one east-west route, and there is the Erie Canal towpath also.  For crossing Massachusetts, I suggest getting Rubel's maps.  

[bikeforkenya]

Hi Guys,

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've been very busy.

Our website is up now: http://www.bikeforkenya.org

I encourage you guys to visit it and spread the word. I have chosen the
Northern Tier route, and will look into the Niagara Falls route.

Thanks everyone for all your help.

Please continue the wonderful replies.

-Peter

[bikeforkenya]

Where would I get Rubel's maps?

-Peter

[bikeforkenya]

Email sent.

-Peter