Missoula going west - TransAm or Lewis & Clark?

[salabes]

Hi all,
I am planning a self-contained solo ride beginning in May 2011 from Silverthorne CO along the TransAm heading north to Missoula MT. Once in Missoula I'm trying to decide between the TranAm to Florence OR or the L&C to Seaside OR. The L&C to Seaside would be about 128 miles shorter. Would prefer the L&C to Seaside over the TranAm but am concerned about ruggedness of terrain. Does anyone have experience on these two routes who can give me some insights as to how the terrains compare with each other. Ideally I would like to keep my mileage around 50 a day. I like staying at motels but camp when there is no motel option. Also would welcome company.
[email]salabes@hotmail.com

[staehpj1]

Hi all,
I am planning a self-contained solo ride beginning in May 2011 from Silverthorne CO along the TransAm heading north to Missoula MT. Once in Missoula I'm trying to decide between the TranAm to Florence OR or the L&C to Seaside OR. The L&C to Seaside would be about 128 miles shorter. Would prefer the L&C to Seaside over the TranAm but am concerned about ruggedness of terrain. Does anyone have experience on these two routes who can give me some insights as to how the terrains compare with each other. Ideally I would like to keep my mileage around 50 a day. I like staying at motels but camp when there is no motel option. Also would welcome company.
[email]salabes@hotmail.com

I was told that the L&C was easier by some guys who went that way before we met on the TA, but I have only done the TA there so no first hand comparison here.

[windrath]

Howdy -

I rode the L&C from Portland to Missoula a few years ago.  There are a couple of climbs to be aware of - Lolo Pass from Missoula is a "nice" climb.  There will be a couple of other climbs after you get past Lewiston and Clarkston - doable.  The road into Lewiston and Clarkston is NOT good and very dangerous for about 30 miles.  Adventuring Cycling recommends staying off some of these roads if possible.

The ride along the Columbia is nice if you get a tail wind (good luck) and hot.

Good motels might be scarce in some areas, but not out of the question.

Paul

[litespeed]

Expect headwinds - usually strong - if you go west along the Colombia River. It is usually a tough slog bicycling downriver. On the other hand I have crossed Oregon westward on 26, 242 and 126 to Florence and had no headwinds to speak of but that may have been luck.

You can save a lot of climbing by taking the Hiawatha Trail (tunnels) NW of Missoula but that might take you further north than you want.

MacKenzie Pass is really spectacular and not a bad climb. If you go over it on a clear day it will be a highlight of your trip.

[staehpj1]

Expect headwinds - usually strong - if you go west along the Colombia River.

Good point the guys we met who said the L&C was easier were east bound.

MacKenzie Pass is really spectacular and not a bad climb. If you go over it on a clear day it will be a highlight of your trip.

MacKenzie Pass is both interesting and beautiful.  We caught it when it was closed to cars and it was an awesome ride.  It certainly was one of the highlights of our trip.