I want do a Pacific Crest ride in Great Divide mode. Will they make a route?

[kathy]

I did the great divide a couple of years ago and it was wonderful - just right for me!
I want to do the Pacific Crest but the Sierra Cascade Route is too much pavement. 

Is there any hope that a dirt equivalent will be made?  How can we encourage such.
kathy

[FredHiltz]

Drop a line to Carla Majernik, who moderates this forum. You could use her link in the line just about your post here.

Meanwhile, the Utah Cliffs Loop might suit you.

Fred

[CMajernik]

We have discussed doing a mountain bike route along the Pacific Crest similar to the Great Divide Route. What has stopped us so far is that there is a lot more wilderness along the Crest as compared to the Continental Divide, so finding an acceptable route would be a lot more challenging. And a majority of ACA members want paved routes, not off pavement. So it's on the back burner while we concentrate on our next long distance route, Bicycle Route 66. 

[nerdwin]

Is anyone aware of any forest service roads that parallel this route that might be interesting? I'm thinking about doing Crater Lake to Lake Isabella in June, on my cross bike, and also love the idea of at least 50/50 (road/dirt). Thanks!

[Area45]

A few years ago some guys on ADVrider.com put together a route to follow the PCT as close as possible using as much dirt as possible. Here are a couple links that may help you find some roads to connect a route. Keep in mind that these were motorcyclists so they were able to cover more ground in between services. I don't know how the route will translate to cycling distances.

This is the planning thread with a .GPX file. 
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111885

This is the ride report with photos and info from the ride.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47645

Hope this helps!

[nerdwin]

This is great! Thanks for the links.

[knolltop]

Good to see us motorbikers were of assist!
:thumbsup:, Area45!

[Wheelclub]

Awesome idea! Been looking for a route for after TGDR. Pavement doesn't sound so good to me!

[MrBent]

Could be interesting, but as the moderator pointed out, huge sections of the Sierras especially are National Parks and/or designated wilderness--no bikes allowed.  The Rockies are much less regulated in this way--a great thing.

Scott