So, Jeef, Eric and I took the first annual (yeah, I said annual) Brewery Biking Tour of Southeastern PA or BBTSEPA as we in the know call it. A huge thanks goes out to Brett, Morgan, Pat, Mike, Mary, Sam and Julie for opening their homes and showers to us! Frankly, it went off with nary a hitch except for Eric getting 12 flats and Yuengling being closed to tours when we arrived. All 500+ miles were fun from start to finish and made me realize that I kinda wanted more. You have all heard me say by now that I am going off on a long tour throughout the Midwest and West and it is nearly time for me to bite the bullet!
I wanted to share with you the general route that I plan to take. In order to keep from totally discouraging myself, I broke it up into four different biking maps representing "stages". Also, if you put too much stuff into Google maps, it gets really difficult to manipulate after a while. (Note: Google maps will try at all costs to route you through Kansas. I just have this mental aversion to Kansas, although I'm sure southern Nebraska and eastern Colorado will prove to be just as flat. But I tried at all costs not to go through Kansas.)
These plans are subject to change slightly. Certainly there will be times where one busy road is paralleled by a tiny country lane. I will have maps along with me to make changes on the fly. For the most part however, I believe that this will be the direction I'm heading. For those of you who plan to ambush me in Vernal, UT or Ottumwa, IA, believe that I already know what you're planning so don't waste your time. As always, if you see some glaringly stupid route decision, I always appreciate feedback.
**Make sure you click the "View larger map" link because the maps are cropped**
This is the first leg from State College, PA to my brother's place in Columbus, OH.
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This is the second (significantly longer) leg from Columbus, OH to the Denver, CO/Rocky Mountain NP area.
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This is the third leg from the Denver, CO area to Salt Lake City, UT.
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At this point, my friend Jason and I will drive to Grand Teton NP in WY to climb after which I will undertake the fourth (ridiculously long and desolate) leg.
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From the western edge of Illinois, my route retraces the route I took on the way out. It was for expediency's sake but I will probably take a slightly different route on the return.
I think there is an error in your route... you don't go far enough west!! :(
ReplyDeleteI know, I know... I think I broke a few hearts with the route that I set, but unfortunately that's all the more time that I have this year. What I didn't mention is that I am planning a trip for 2012 and my goal is to ride the entire West coast and climb in the Sierras and Cascades. What are you up to then? ;)
ReplyDeletein the first stage you go through Triadelphia WV, near Wheeling. There is a skatepark off of the Triadelphia exit that is lighted and open 24/7. You're not supposed to camp out there but people do it all the time. - if your looking for a place to sleep in that area.
ReplyDeletehttp://wheelingwv.gov/wheelingskatepark.html
http://wheelingskatepark.com/
Thanks Joe, that helps immensely. I think that will fit pretty well with my third night out.
ReplyDeleteTom, I think you shouldn't try to cut out Kansas as much as you are. Having driven the entire length across Kansas and Nebraska multiple times each, I have to say Kansas is way better! At least you get rolling hills there... Good luck on your trip!
ReplyDeleteI have driven the length of each multiple times too. I guess it's just a case of the pot calling the kettle black. I'll report back to ya!
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