Pennsylvania to Oregon

[VCGNP10]

So i was browsing some information on the topic and it led me to here. Hello all and thanks for reading this.

I'm interested in doing a long term tour on my road bike with a couple of enthusiasts such as myself, the only problem is... we don't know how to start mapping the route. We can handle all the gear, clothing, and bike related matters, but none of us have much experience riding more than riding for hours around our general area (direction wise).

I'd like to know if anyone here could kindly offer some advice on how we could (free or cheaply) map out our tour across the US to oregon.

Any replies are appreciated, thank you for taking time to read this!

[DU]

Check out the Transam route on this site. Also google the DOT website in each of the states you will travel through. Many offer free road maps and some have state bicycle maps and routes.

[staehpj1]

Check out the Transam route on this site. Also google the DOT website in each of the states you will travel through. Many offer free road maps and some have state bicycle maps and routes.

I would second that.  the TransAmerica is a great route and the maps have a wealth of information including lots of free places to camp, contact info for libraries, post offices, stores, bike shops, motels, hostels, camp grounds, police, and so on.  Well worth the price.  You can buy the maps and just start riding with zero route planning or research on facilities.

[DU]

You might also look at the Northern Tier Route which goes through Erie and ends in Anacortes, Washington. You could possibly combine that route with other ACA routes to get you to Oregon. An example would be to take the Northern Tier / connect with Lewis and Clark in Williston, N.D. and ride to Missoula, Mt. /and then take either the Transam or Lewis and Clark to Oregon. I agree, these maps are great way to go.

[Westinghouse]

Perhaps you could consider the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. I don't know what it is like, but it was the longest highway in the US before the interstates were built, and I believe it it still the 2nd of 3rd longest.

[handcycle]

I too am crossing the country this summer (June 20 - ??) but starting in York VA to Florence OR, and up the coast to my home in Seattle WA.  Adventure Cycling sells a series of maps which all say is a must.  Not only do they offer the route, in my case the Transamerica Trail, but the also note the hotels, campgrounds, bike shops, post office, etc.. that a touring bike needs to know.  I would also suggest logging into crazyguyonbike.com and read the mutible daily logs of past riders who went your route.  Good luck, when are you leaving?
Also, Adventure Cycling also allows one to download GPS datapoints for free, if using a GPS

[Westinghouse]

That is all good information to have. It is possible by googling and  through phone pages online to get much of that information on your own before starting your trip. It would be very time consuming. There were times when I was coming into some town with tape wrapped around a bulging rear tire a few miles from twisting off the rim, and no spare. I just lucked out quite a few times. It is a good idea to know what is available, where and when.
One of these days I am thinking about doing the transam. I have heard quite a lot about it. Everybody says it is the best. There is a book about the transam. Apparently, there are many small towns with showers, municipal swimming pools, and free or inexpensive camp grounds. It sounds really good to me. I wish I could do it soon, but I am working, and I have two girls, seven and eight, to support. The more I think about it the more I believe my next long cycling tour will the the transam.