Norfolk to San Antonio

[golf1025]

Hi,
I'm looking for any route suggestions for a trip from Norfolk to San Antonio
through the eastern states, not necessarily right along the Atlantic coast but
more inland. PLanned for the summer of 2009.
Any tips for selfcontained or supported groupride are greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Jan de Boer (Amsterdam/Netherlands)
Cycled: Canada, Argentina, Malaysia, most of Europe.

[Westinghouse]

I would not know what to tell you about a trip like that. It seems like you might have to cross the Appalachians or Piedmonts unless you go south around the southern end.

Actually, you could follow the Atlantic route south to Jacksonville, Florida, and take highway 90 through to Austin. However, once you hit the border between Florida and Alabama, 90's surface and what side lanes still exist deteriorate quite a bit. Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana have very poor road surfaces compared to 90 in Florida. Sure, the road surfaces are improved here and there, but the picture is more what you might expect to encounter in developing and third-world countries. I think it has to do with the fact that that part of the country, mainly Louisiana, is a flood plain on top of 7000 feet of silt (New Orleans anyway). They have a gargantuan problem maintaining water levels, and controling the shifting of the mouth of the Mississippi river. The unstable, marshy, ground messes up their roads.

This message was edited by Westinghouse on 10-20-08 @ 4:30 PM

[golf1025]

Thanks for your reply Westinghouse. Didn't realise the
Hwy's are that bad. But I was thinking more of riding
backroads on an even more inland route like Norfolk-
Charlotte-Atlanta-Birmingham-Tuscaloosa-Jackson-
Alexandra-San Antonio. Any thoughts on this?
Regards,
Jan

[staehpj1]

I am sure that you can find suitable roads for that route, but don't know the route well enough to give specific advice.

If it was me, I think that if the most direct route was not the goal I would be inclined to go west sooner.  Maybe follow the Trans America to the Blue Ridge Parkway and take that south.  Or possibly go a bit farther west and down through Tennessee and Alabama.  The Appalachians in Virginia are tough, but pretty.  Tennessee and northwestern Alabama are nice rolling hills the way you would probably go.

Another possibility would be to go even farther west on the Trans America and then down the Mississippi valley.  It would be a good bit longer though.

[billy50]

Consider the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast for a great ride on your journey to San Antonio.  Roads and bridges were in good shape as of May 08.  Good riding

[Westinghouse]

Your chosen route may be very good. Because I am not familiar with the roads and terrain you mention, I will have to pass on saying anything at all about them. The Atlantic route to 90W in Jacksonville is the best I can come up with at the moment.

This message was edited by Westinghouse on 10-22-08 @ 9:12 AM

[litespeed]

For years I've wanted to bicycle tour the Natchez Trace - Nashville TN to Natchez MS - but it has never been on my route. This is your big chance. Over 400 miles of beautiful, historic, relaxing, mostly low traffic bicycling. I suggest ordering the excellent "Guide To the Natchez Parkway" by F. Lynne Bachleda. It should still be available on Amazon.com.

[golf1025]

Hello all!
I would like to thank you all for you kind input so far. I'm still in the early stages of planning, so please keep your
suggestions coming. So far, the only fixed item in the itinerary is the destination, San Antonio (Tx). I'm planning to
spend 4-5 weeks on the road, covering 3000-3500 klicks. I'm not specifically keen on doing the so-called 'tourist
hotspots' but enjoy rural scenery much more. My startingpoint isn't really decided: it should be in the East and no more
than two hops by plane from Amsterdam (otherwise I fear my bike might get lost in transit). Not having bought any detailed
maps yet, I find it difficult -using Google Earth- to find the most suitable startingpoint and most interesting route on
the ground considering my planning parameters. So my real priorities are: beautiful scenery, mostly rural countryside (of
course places like Nashville would be a treat!) and quiet country lanes...
Regards,
Jan

Regards,
Jan (Amsterdam/Netherlands)
Cycled: Canada, Argentina,
Malaysia, Most of Europe

[staehpj1]

Norfolk is a reasonable starting point, but you might consider one of the Washington DC airports, Dulles maybe, or if you actually want to see Washington DC maybe one of the others.

A DC start would be a good way to go if you want to ride Skyline Drive and the Blueridge Parkway.  Coordinating places to stay is a bit tricky on the BRP unless you go off the parkway which will involve a steep climb back up.  If you go that route be prepared for the not so long, but very steep climbs in the Appalachians.