Ohio to California

[bsloan310]

Hey guys. A Couple of friends and I plan to make a trip from Ohio to California. I have been doing a lot of research and plan to take the the Trans America and branch off onto the Western Express. One of the Problems that I am Having is finding a Good direct route from Ohio to the Trans America. I know i could go straight south on the underground Railroad, but I would rather head south west through Indiana and such becuase I live about 30 min from the Ind. border. If anyone has any input or suggestions that would be great. Also If anyone has ever made a similar trip, Im sure that you could give me some tips. Thanks!

[litespeed]

You shouldn't have much trouble making your way to St. Charles, just north of St. Louis, where you could get on the KATY Trail. This will take you across most all of Missouri to Clinton.

From Clinton it's just a day or two to the Transamerica Trail on US 54 in Kansas.

The Western Express, US 50, across Nevada is as tough as it gets - very long, lonely stretches and blistering hot in the summer. If you are going in the fall or winter you might consider going down to the Southern Tier. It is much warmer with lower elevations.

This message was edited by litespeed on 10-7-08 @ 6:06 AM

[bsloan310]

Thanks this information should be very helpfull. we are planning to take our trip late may through june into july. Thanks again!

[Turk]

It would help to know where you're starting from in Ohio. Knowing you're 30 minutes from the Indiana line doesn't tell us much. A town name would help a lot.

In general, there are ways to get a route. One way is to use a routing CD like Microsoft Trips and set your preferences to less-travelled roads and/or set it for the shortest route.

Another way is to get county or state traffic count maps. I think if there are about 500 cars per day or less you should be OK. Road and shoulder condition and type also matter.

I have heard there is an internet site that will give you bike routes but I don't know the web address.

You could also ask at your local bike shop or find an experienced biker in your area.

[bsloan310]

Hey sorry for not specifing... but Im out of Brookville Ohio... about twenty min. north of Dayton. I think i have a rough idea on my route, but any input helps. Thanks again guys!

[bsloan310]

Hey sorry for not specifing... but Im out of Brookville Ohio... about twenty min. north of Dayton. I think i have a rough idea on my route, but any input helps. Thanks again guys!

[Westinghouse]

If you google bicycle paths in Ohio you should find a series of paths running north and south. Make it to the Katy trail, run its full length, and you can connect with the TransAm, go west to Pueblo and Denver, and then climb into the Rockies.

[Indianacharlie]

Let me know where you plan on entering and exiting Indiana. I can
provide info for back roads to keep you off highways. If you want to
plan more than that you can obtain my book "Back Roads of Indiana"
which shows almost all paved roads in Indiana plus several suggested
routes which I have used. Either way let me know how I can help.
Charlie Myer
cbike@verizon.net

Book available at Hodsons Bay Company West Lafayette, IN
765-743-3506

[bsloan310]

I live just outside of Brookville, OH. I will take rt 40 to Richmond then i think that i could take that to Indianapolis. From there I was planning on heading straight for St.Louis, MO. Im not quite sure if Rt. 40 is the safest, because most people take i 70. If you have a route that would be better and is pretty much a straight shot feel free to let me know Thanks alot Charlie!

[Indianacharlie]

Your last comment regarding a straight shot probably rules out the
routes I might recommend. My routes won't save you any time but they
will keep you off highways and on some of the prettiest roads in the
midwest.
Your assumption on US40 being less traveled is correct. It's four lane
with minimal traffic (well compared to other US routes). It's the route
that RAIN (Ride Across INdiana) uses each year. Fairly good services
and around 160 miles across the state.
Good luck on your adventure.
Charlie

[bsloan310]

Hey thanks a bunch Charlie. I appreciate your time. I would consider taking a longer route but we will be on somwhat of a time schedule, beucause one of the guys going is leaving for boot camp next summer and we have to be back in time for him to leave so... But thanks again!:)

         ~Brian