How We Created Our Own Incredible Bicycle Route AcrossThe United States

Most of us bicycle tourists love to hear about the routes that others have taken. Everyone has a fabulous surprise here or there, or maybe a warning of a particular stretch. It makes us all better bike tourists. So in this video I’ve recreated our route, so those of you who can’t get enough of routes and maps can follow along.
Probably the most frequently asked question we get on KZbin is “could you guys post a GPX of your route?”. We haven’t done that, because along the ride, sometimes I’d use Komoot, sometimes Google Maps, and didn't always save the routes (I know, I know. I'll get better at that) and Julianna’s Garmin had issues throughout the trip. So our records are lousy.
However, I’ve re-created the route on Komoot to the best of my memory (which is pretty good when it comes to navigation), and the link is included below, along with some of the trails and routes we patched together. I hope you find this video useful, and maybe even mildly entertaining!
Cheers!
Our Route on Komoot (Part 1-Rialto Beach, Washington to Great Falls Montana): www.komoot.com...
Our Route on Komoot (Part 2 - Kansas City, Kansas to Kittery, Maine): www.komoot.com...
Trailink: www.traillink....
Great American Rail Trail: www.traillink....
Olympic Discovery Trail: olympicdiscove...
www.traillink....
Burke-Gilman Trail: www.traillink....
Sammamish River Trail: www.traillink....
East Lake Sammamish Trail: www.traillink....
Preston-Snoqualmie Trail: www.traillink....
Snoqualmie Valley Trail: www.traillink....
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail: www.traillink....
Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes: www.traillink....
NorPac Trail: www.traillink....
Route of the Olympian: www.traillink....
Rock Island Spur of Katy Trail: www.traillink....
Katy Trail State Park: www.traillink....
Madison County (Illinois) Trails: www.mcttrails....
Ohio to Erie Trail: www.ohiotoerie...
www.traillink....
Erie Canal Trail: eriecanalway.o...
www.traillink....
Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail: www.traillink....
Northern Rail Trail: www.fnrt.org/
www.traillink....
Rockingham Recreation Trail: www.traillink....

[@ianclark2840]

Funny how things change. I have been reflecting on a cycle tour I did around the Rockies in Canada and the USA in1980. No google maps no Garmin just good old fashioned paper maps and advice from the Bikecentennial publications. It was great. Sometimes I lost my way and made wrong choices of rote but that was part of the adventure. Ian

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I know! I hitchhiked around the country in the 70s with no map, always knew exactly where I was. This mapping technology is great but it makes us a bit stupid.

[@amylipkin2116]

Roland and Julianna, I would like to thank you SO MUCH for taking the time and great effort to film this wonderfully made documentary of your trip!! I cannot convey enough the deep gratitude I have for sharing your adventures. I felt like I was on the back of your bike!! I still cannot believe you rode with COVID. You guys are friggin amazing and so so strong!! I am looking forward to more bicycle adventures (there will be more, right)????

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hi Amy, you're so welcome! Of course, we had a great time making it and do hope to do more. I'm in the beginning of editing our trip through France, which looks to be a pretty good series. Thanks for your kind words!

[@StarEssences]

I agree: when I resided in San Diego finding safer bicycle routes was a regular thing I did on my spare time. Maybe in the future Bicycle Advocates will do something more for the routes that lead cyclists onto dangerous roads (develop new trails etc). I shared with someone to develop a book on showing the connecting routes for cyclists that desire to ride across America or even a few states; the riders options of routes to ride on. :) (Always sharing ideas).

[@RichardWright3450]

Oh happy day - a Friday with Roland and Julianna. Thanks so much for this recap. Not sure we will ever ride it all but you have tkaen us thare and again, I hope yuou guys realiz how much of an inpiration you are. Cheers, Richard

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Richard. Once I was done with the video I thought to myself "I would love to do that again!". I'm not right in the head.

[@rogerlewis1295]

Congratulations to you two! My wife and I have devoted countless hours trying to piece together a transcontinental bicycle ride. We live in Missoula and bought all the maps and interactive app info from Adventure Cycling, sought out all the individual State Department of Transportation materials, watched countless KZbin videos but the fact are that a third of the ride across Montana/Dakotas/Wyoming/etc. offers little if anything remotely resembling a dedicated bike trail. So, what we’ve attempted to do is ride every scenic bike trail we can find realizing we were born too early and maybe, just maybe, someday a transcontinental bike trail may be a reality. Thanks!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! When you look at the distance between, say, Missoula and the start of the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska, it's a long way with no population, no real tax base, so no feasible way to pay for construction or maintenance. My guess is that we'll have to wait a very long time to see that happen.

[@rogerlewis1295]

Finished watching episode 36 this afternoon and re-watched the “Route” video. It is too bad Adventure Cycling sent you toward Great Falls, dealing with the roads and smoke. We were on our way north through the Bob Marshall Wilderness heading for Glacier NP and we had to abandon our backpacking trip about the timing of your ride. We have completed the southern route you had planned taking out of Missoula and east to Highway 1, beautiful country but desolate and services are few and far between. Again, enjoyed watching you trip across the states. Thanks!

[@HikerBiker]

That section you decided to skip from Montana to Kansas City may have been a blessing in disguise considering some of the other set backs you encountered later that ate up your time (covid, storms) for riding or you may not have been able to complete your trip. Congrats and thanks for all the videos, it's nice seeing a wrap-up of your route. I haven't heard of Komoot so I'll be checking it out. I've been using Ride-with-GPS which has worked good for me. Will be saving this video so I can refer to it when planing my trips that coincide with your route. Ride safe and thanks for the enjoyment of watching you two ride across America.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Had we included that stretch on our route, we would've done a more direct route, probably through Iowa and the GAP to Washington to save on miles. As it was, when we landed in KC we knew we could wander, stretch out our days, and take a more leisurely approach.

[@johnsimms9015]

Thanks for putting this together. I am retiring in August and thinking about doing a ride across the US in 2025. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Awesome, I hope you make it happen. It's easily one of, if not THE most epic experience of our lives!

[@dorisleonardo1490]

Wow, can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching every video. Something about cycling on the rail trails. I am so blessed to have some nice trails in my central western part of Florida. We almost have the whole state covered for rail trails from central coast to coast of Florida that will be my first bike tour. If you ever could put together a video of how you pack your bikes, your dashboard, tips on getting your bikes ready. Would love it. You both are great, thanks for sharing your recordings. 🚴‍♀️🙌🚴‍♀️🙌🚴‍♀️

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Doris! We so appreciate you watching the whole shebang. I've been wanting to put together more how-tos, but I just get bogged down with creating the tours I don't have much time left! As soon as I catch up, I promise!

[@carmenraedelaney2795]

Excellent wrap up video of the route you took on your great adventure! I would love to ride some of those trails some day! Thanks for posting your trip on you tube and sharing your ride across America. I look forward to see where you go next. Happy cycling! Carmen from Fargo

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hey Carmen, I hope you get a chance to ride some of these trails as well. They are a great resource and I am so grateful for all the people who put these together. Next up: France.

[@fieldtripswithaview]

I just finished watching this entire series, and I want to thank you for creating it. In 2 months I am setting out on my first bike tour (Niagara Falls-Toronto-Montreal-Plattsburgh, NY) in nearly 40 years, and watching your trip inspired me (and maybe terrified me a little). I have also recently started dabbling in video creation, with an eye towards filming my ride, and there are many things about your production and style that I really appreciate. Thank you for creating such a great series, and congrats on a job well done.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much! I think the "terrified" is an appropriate emotion - going off into the unknown inspires some fear. I had a mentor who told me if you don't feel some fear you're just phoning it in... stepping outside the old comfort zone is where life happens. Have a great trip, sounds like a great route!

[@dongeorge714]

Thank you both for all the work put into this set of videos. My wife and I really enjoyed watching the entire series. The filming editing, narrating, and music integration made for an inspiring record of your travels across the United States. We look forward to watching your series on cycling in France.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank YOU for watching! Hope you enjoy France. We sure did, it was amazing!

[@morg52]

When I was planning my route across Montana, the two routes offered by Adventure cycling was the interstate along the Yellowstone river or Hwy 200 east from Great Falls. A friend from work who was a medic on the USAF line of missile silos across Montana, warned me about the hills I would encounter on that route. I chose the Mussel Shell river through White Sulfer springs, Harlowton, Roundup and Miles City.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That looks like a good route. Highway 12? I would love to get back and complete what we missed. But my sense is that on any highway in the plains of Montana, the speed of traffic and the lack of shoulders would always pose a certain danger. I should've done this in my earlier years when I was immortal.

[@morg52]

@@TheBicycleTourists The traffic was fairly light on that route, US Hwy 12.

[@David-fq1nj]

Thank you for your rather thorough documentation of your route. I've been on some of the same roads and bike trails. Your detour that skirted the Cowboy Trail was a blessing in disguise because the Cowboy Trail is weaksauce, with the exception of the trestle bridge just east of Valentine, NE. It's slower than the highway which it parallels and it is rife with goat head thorns in certain areas, which cause tire punctures. If you ever find yourself in Nebraska in the future, consider State Highway 12 as an west-east travel corridor that is superior to US Rt 30/Cowboy Trail. That highway begins at Valentine and goes east all the way to South Sioux City if you want to. It is sparsely traveled in most sections, and drivers are respectful by passing safely. Cheers to your future adventures!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hey David, thanks for the tip. I've heard the same complaints about the Cowboy Trail, its really a shame. At some point I will make another attempt at crossing the country. I love trails but only when they're better than the roads. Your suggestion of Hwy 12 sounds like a solid one.

[@frankcauthorn1472]

TY Roland and Julianna, Your journey is a great example of what happens on tour. Always be flexible and not in a hurry there's so many beautiful places to discover. Thank you

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yep. Bike tours are magical, as long as you roll with the punches.

[@garyseckel295]

Watched every video, and this one was enjoyable too. So relaxing and refreshing to see bicycle trails and their scenery!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I agree, I just love bike trails and never really get enough of them.

[@robfigulski1139]

Finally! A great video on bike touring across the country. This is very similar to the trek I want to take in 2024. Thanks a bunch!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad you liked it! Good luck on next year's crossing.

[@jamesmcmahon361]

Thank you Roland and Julianna! I’ve made it to Cle Elum following your route. Tomorrow I decide to go SE or N. I can’t thank you enough for putting this together. Saved me many times and I’ve only just begun.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Awesome! So glad we could be of service. Also jealous. Have a great trip. Keep us informed of how it goes!

[@jamesmcmahon361]

@@TheBicycleTouristshey, quick update: the route along Hwy 2 was mainly gravel. I had 5 flats in one day. With my size 30 tires I decided to take the highway shoulder instead (a bit sketchy at times but mostly fine). Made it to Spokane though. Looking forward to getting back into your route.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hmm. Trying to think of what road you might've been on. It followed U.S.2? We ended up on the shoulder of Hwy 2 (between the Columbia and Spokane), found it quite safe and fairly quiet. Only exception was between Davenport and Spokane, which was an old paved but severely aged affair called the Sunset Highway.

[@jamesmcmahon361]

@@TheBicycleTouristsyeah that was one of the roads I had a flat. There are major potholes on most of the Sunset Hwy east of Davenport. But the other gravel roads were a snafu on my part. My Garmin really didn’t want me on the highway and kept taking me off road. On the Wenatchee to Coulee City ride, after Waterville, I got onto “Road 3 NW” which was a big mistake haha.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ha. Looking for Road 3 NW on the map but no luck. A lot of desolate roads out there. All part of the adventure!

[@mervinswerve133]

Thanks for shaing❤

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hey, thanks for watching!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

Awesome info, it would nice to take one trail or a nonstop trail across this country, thank you very much, looking forward to future adventures!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

They say it's coming, but it seems like a long way off. I like how Europe puts their trails together, they connect trails with quiet roads that are practically as safe as trails.

[@ShawNshawN]

Very cool trip. Seemed fairly well planned out. Congratulations on finishing it.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks! It was a labor of love.

[@LisaRSArt]

Thank you for sharing. 💖💖👏👏

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You are so welcome!

[@rochrides8730]

Great video it’s nice to see you and your wife enjoy such a great adventure together

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's definitely our happy place!

[@tonyorme6446]

Thanks for the video…lots of great rail trails to ride and bucket list material.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You are so welcome!

[@amyherman2731]

Thankyou for this inspirational guide. I’m looking for ways to explore the US with my camper and electric bike. These trails are perfect!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's a great way to do it!

[@stevebailey7633]

Great summary. I followed on every episode and can say it was and is inspirational. I had no idea there was that much rail trail that could be followed to make it a cross country venture, so thanks for that learning experience. Can't wait to see where you head next.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

The Rail Trail system here in the states is really impressive. Our next series will be through France where the trail system is really well developed. But I don't think there's anything that rivals our rail trails in terms of length.The routes are all a patchwork of trails and quiet roads.

[@markfeldman6509]

Incredible narrative. Thank you so much for taking the time and making the effort to outline your journey. One thing learned…..improvisation is the key to success and flexibility. Your travelogue was spectacular. Out of curiosity…what was your total mileage ridden? How many days did the trip take? And finally, if you don’t mind disclosing….approximately how much did this adventure cost? Once again…thank you so much and have a wonderful holiday season. Btw….I would love to see the Great American Rail Trail completed to make the journey more predictable and safer. I make my monthly contribution and year end annual gift. It is a must.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Out total mileage, I think, was just over 3000 miles. No idea what the cost was, I haven't had the guts to go back and see how bad the damage was. I agree about the GART, I also contribute and have imagined a trail cross-country. But when you look at the expanse from, say, Missoula through Montana and Wyoming, to Valentine Nebraska where the Cowboy trail starts, it just seems hard to imagine that ever getting completed, or funded. We'll see.

[@markfeldman6509]

@@TheBicycleTourists thanks for taking the time to supply details! One has to disregard cost when on an epic adventure! The kids will just inherit a few bucks less! I am currently leaning towards doing the several hundred mile trips along the many trails available to me in New England and mid Atlantic states as logistics is much easier. I am going to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island this summer for island cycling tour combined with golf at Cabot Cliffs on NS and the many courses on PEI. We are finally allowed into Canada more easily now! Happy holidays to both of you and thank you for sharing your incredible tours! If you ever make it back to New England be my guest on Cape Cod! The lobsters clams and scallops are on me!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Your trip sounds awesome. They have that new trail in Vermont opening next year. And I've heard the cycling in the Maritimes is awesome. We will take you up on that next time we're on the cape! Thanks! And safe riding!

[@Rino-bicycle]

Thanks for the nice videos, next spring I like to do the Bangor/Aroostock trial, the trial start in Van-buren, Maine, I live in New-Brunswick, Canada. Not very far.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Looks like a very interesting trail. Would love to do more touring in New England/Maritimes.

[@gsnyder2007]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip and especially how you put the route together. I'm preparing to embark on my own journey and you have inspired me!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad it was helpful! Happy trails and safe travels!

[@Biking360]

Good to see the route in more detail :)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I hope the link to the Komoot routes helped.

[@Biking360]

@@TheBicycleTourists It was all a big help. At times during the tour I got a little lost about exactly where you were so this cleared everything up nicely.

[@lukeynuthmann356]

Thank you so much for showing us your whole journey and how you did it. So helpful and so inspiring!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

So glad you enjoyed it, Lukey!

[@garysladek9110]

Cheers to you both. Some great information. Nice.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@avagadroa4065]

My wife are in our 50’s and love to bike in mid Ohio. We would love a video on how you ship/fly with you bikes and gear please!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I will try to put that together someday!

[@francisblackwell7597]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're so welcome!

[@skyliber]

Quiet the experience to share with us all. The series has great editing, excellent commentary, some history, tidbits, and more. Your NY, VT, and NH were probably my favorites as I know a lot of the places you went! Not sure I posted as much as I wanted to on each video as I let them play. Someday I'll get across America on a memorial ride carrying my mother's ashes from NYC to her birthplace in Iowa and then to where her heart was in Marin County north of San Francisco. I have been using Komoot and Google maps as well plus YT videos to try and plan the experience. I made two routes. One map is for when my wife goes with me using rail trails and another which is more adventurous on roads and backroads as I'm much more comfortable on the roads. Just got to figure out how to do it all with a 10th grader, a 2nd grader, and work that does need me to show my face every couple of days. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for your next adventure!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Love the idea of a pilgrimage with your mother's ashes. We took my dad's ashes to the top of Long's Peak, a 14,000 foot peak here near Denver. It about killed us! Yes, a lot of the route was planned to avoid climbs because Julianna hates those climbs with all the gear. She's a beast on hills on her road bike, but riding loaded is a muscle grinder, definitely not for everyone. Good luck with it! Sounds like a real adventure.

[@garryhatchett775]

Going back and riding the mickelson trail and cowboy trail would be worth doing; check those off in your mind. We’ve ridden Hiawatha and trails of coeur d’ Alene and love them. Congratulations on such an epic accomplishment. How’s Julianna’s hand? You probably looked into it but there is a good rail trail in southern Illinois called tunnel hill.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hey Garry, I have heard of the Tunnel Hill trail and hope to ride it someday! I love that part of the country. I've done the Michelson and loved it; heard most riders prefer the highway over the Cowboy Trail. Have you ridden it? What do you think?

[@garryhatchett775]

@@TheBicycleTourists I have not ridden the cowboy trail but I’ve heard it’s very straight and not much shade.🤔

[@joanoconnor8552]

Thank you so much for your whole series and I especially appreciate this synopsis of the route. I've done the Transam and should you consider doing the Nebraska trail, you could try going south from Missoula, through Wyoming and cut across Wyoming to NE. I found Wyoming roads to have plenty of shoulder and the drivers were generous. The only problem is wind.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks for that information! I do hope to complete the whole thing some day, and still peruse possible routes from time to time.

[@lindahowes5949]

Excellent recap! You are skilled at editing and sharing great information. I’ll be watching this and the previous video again and again. I’d love to share how to pronounce the Ottauquechee River and Concord 🤣🤣🤣. Looking forward to France! Happy Holidays to you both! 💕

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you LInda!

[@matthewyoung8853]

Very nice. You should go back and do the Mickelson trail. It's absolutely beautiful, especially the mining district. I've not ridden the Cowboy but while it looks like a nice trail (from what I've seen) it doesn't appear to be terribly scenic.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I actually rode the Michelson many years ago and would love to do it again. I'm curious to cross the plains on a bike. Riding always makes everything more scenic; I'd be curious if it does the same for Nebraska.

[@michelkluger]

thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're so welcome!

[@chuckhashbarger5690]

Hi R & J. Thanks for the fun and informative video! It was great. I plan to do the ride in 2024. What month did you leave WA?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

We were hoping to leave in mid-late June, but were delayed until mid-July.

[@tomm8660]

Loved this epilogue to your magnum opus chronicle. I too wish you had gone south from Missoula, but oh well. I did the Mickelson Trail this past summer (2022) and it is a fantastic trail and I found the people of South Dakota to be wonderful. The Cowboy trail across Nebraska has been on my radar for quite a while. I understand the State of Nebraska has allocated funds specifically to upgrade the trail, so I'm looking forward to that! Maybe we'll cross paths out there someday!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad you enjoyed it! I will have to check out the Cowboy Trail situation. I've heard bad things, so I'm glad to hear they're looking to fix some problems. I did the Michelson maybe ten years ago, and would love to do it again. Great landscapes. We'll keep an eye out for you. You never know!

[@shadesofgray5476]

Love this.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ahhh thanks!

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

AMAZING !! Thank You :)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

:-D

[@alantroy9902]

Such a fantastic video. Look forward to exploring the entirety of your route in more detail now that I have discovered your channel. I will be gradually building up some long distance bike packing routes over the next eight years or so before retirement. Interested in whether you or anyone else who follows your channel would recommend targeting the east coast greenway or cycling across the US West to East as the ultimate bucket list goal for an international visitor. I had the East Coast Greenway in mind, but have changed my mind after watching your video!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Alan! Appreciate the kind words. I would love to cycle the East coast Greenway and hope to someday. The differences between the routes: ECG is VERY urban (at least for the US), going through major cities throughout much of its run. Boston, Philly, New York, Baltimore, etc. so you will probably have good urban trail systems but I would guess a lot of busy roads in between where the trail isn't complete, lots of traffic. A ton of traffic throughout that whole corridor, with few exceptions. (we found that to be true in France as well. Along the coast is where the people and the cars are). Going across west to east, you get huge expanses of emptiness, a sense of solitude and nature (in the west at least), unlimited choices of which route to take (although some are certainly better/shorter/less hilly/ better for weather than others). Also, much more diversity crossing the continent, 3 mountain ranges, desert, plains, forests, and also urban centers as well. Apples and Oranges!

[@alantroy9902]

@@TheBicycleTourists thanks very much for that reply. At this stage a route such as yours is more appealing for all the reasons you articulate, but of course the east coast Greenway could change quite considerably (for the better) in the next few years. Will look forward to your videos of your French trip once I have crossed America, vicariously, with you! Hope to do the Lands End to John O groats cycle ride with a good friend in two years time and will see where I can spring board onto from there. Cheers Alan

[@TheBicycleTourists]

The Lands End - John o Groats is on the bucket list, along with the East Coast Greenway. So many choices, so little time.

[@alantroy9902]

@@TheBicycleTourists it’s a real dilemma! Having watched almost to the end of your discovering America videos I cannot imagine that the route that you chose from Kansas through to the very end could possibly be improved upon. But if you were doing it again, would the only change be to go more southerly from Missoula or would you choose a significantly different way to get to Kansas?

[@francisblackwell7597]

fantastic video!! When you were riding (and not @ hotel/motel), was lack of cell coverage much of a problem?? If yes, did you then depend on satellite navigation with your bike computer (e.g., Garmin)?? When you came to the closed/gated trail, how did you decide your next move/option?? Keep making those videos!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Francis! Of course cell service is in and out, but for the most part we download our maps ahead of time, I use Komoot although Julianna rides with Garmin which helps in those situations. When we came to the gate we just turned around and started asking locals what the deal was. Nobody knew how to get through. We actually ended up trying to ride on a busy road and had an incident where a truck forced Julianna off the road. Ended up getting a ride with a kind stranger. Here's the video if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIS1YmCugZ2XotU

[@dondonner1095]

Fantastic

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Don!

[@kameokid528]

Loved watching all your videos. Would like to do something like this in the future. As part of your planning what is a rough estimate of cost calculated for such a trip? And how was it measured? I understand there are unexpected things that arise so what would you consider a high-low estimate for such a tour? Thanks for any info.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's a bit like asking how much does it cost to build a house. Do you want a tiny house? A mansion? You build what you can afford. Figure out how much you need at night to sleep. Many people sleep for zero dollars, J and I usually book a hotel. How much does it cost to feed your appetite every day? Then just multiply those figures by how many days you think the trip will take you. If you think you can ride 60 miles a day, that's half the cost of if you can only ride 30 miles a day, add maybe 10-15% and you have a rough idea of what it will take.

[@dsa5394]

Loved the video, I have been looking at some of these routes. We did the Route of the Olympian in 2019 and it was pretty rough, we did it again in 2023 and it was much better, only the Saltese Trestle was still rough but we have 55mm wide tires. We did the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route through Wise, MT in 2021, it was really smoky and I doubt if you could have done the more western section of that highway at that time. However, it wasn't too bad once you were south of it. You probably could have taken the Trans American route through that section. 2021 was a really bad time to go through there. It's funny. We live 3/4 of a mile from a trailhead on the Ohio to Erie and have yet to do the whole thing. Based on your review, we definitely need to get out there. You need to give Western Montana another chance but stay off the main highways. They are terrible.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, I feel bad that we didn't complete that section. The smoke that year was really nasty!

[@dsa5394]

@TheBicycleTourists the smoke that year cut our trip short too. My throat was getting raw. The Wise River fire was pretty bad. Unfortunately, it seems like it is getting harder to avoid smoke.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Sad but true

[@LifeTripped]

Ive been digging into planning a C2C route as well. At the end of the day, I think I'll think wing it and divert when and wherever possible. All trying not to ride too much on the main busy roads.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Best of luck! I hope I can find the opportunity to try this again.

[@LifeTripped]

@@TheBicycleTourists well neither do I but I'm going to make it an opportunity.. it's going to happen because I need an intervention LOL

[@TheBicycleTourists]

A coast to coast ride is an intervention for sure, however its defined.

[@LifeTripped]

@@TheBicycleTourists Yes for sure. I'm still figuring out logistics and waiting out the weather here in Oregon.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Trying to find the perfect window isn't easy with spring rain in the NW, late snow in the rockies, fire season, and the heat of the midwest summers!

[@jims6753]

Thanks so much for all the effort in putting this all together. Like others here, I watched them all. I have a ton of footage from a trip I did with my son, but not sure what video editing software to get. What do you use and would you recommend it?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I was in advertising (although film editing was new to me), so I used Adobe Premiere Pro, common among professionals. Pricey and subscription based. I started out with iMovie, a freeware I believe through Apple, and it's great if you're approaching it from a hobby perspective. There was a significant learning curve for me, and it is incredibly time-intensive! But I absolutely love it!

[@antp1125]

Great videos. Juliana, I am interested in your hat under your helmet. How did you manage to do that? A very good idea that I would like to use.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That is called a Da Brim, available online. Very handy accessory!

[@rockskipper5353]

I did a little bit of the eary canal trail .. but I was following a different map called (find a spring) .. I was going from spring to spring, refilling my water .... It was Definitely an interesting rout

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Interesting idea! It's all about the journey, so whatever drives the route, you can have a great experience.

[@rockskipper5353]

@@TheBicycleTourists I like to think water is life .. if I drink good water , I should have a good life

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Good philosophy.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I rode the Pacific coast & rode from Southern California to Missouri. I used AAA paper maps & Google maps on my phone. I never had a planned route. I've never been a good planner. I just kinda go wherever. I did find myself accidentally on a raised elevation interstate highway in Wichita. That was a big mistake. There were a lot of pleasant mistakes too, though.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, I've been dumped onto an interstate or two, the worst were those highways in Montana, super high speeds with no shoulder was very concerning... but overall I stumbled onto beautiful routes way more often. There are enough trails now that a lot can bbe ridden without cars, which gets more and more attractive to me these days.

[@chrisharley4353]

When did you start, and how many days, minus a week off, did it take you? Thanks for sharing. It looked amazing.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, let's just say we took our time. Left the West Coast on July 9th, I believe, finished on October 31st. We lost about a week in Great Falls and Kansas City, and about two weeks in Vermont isolating with Covid.

[@chrisharley4353]

@@TheBicycleTourists Sometimes, taking time to enjoy the ride is the best. Thanks for the reply!

[@daniell6317]

Hello, just came across your channel. I am planning a solo trip across the US except I will have a follow vehicle, so only minimal stuff on the bike. Anyway my question is inregards to maps, have you used Organic Maps, Ive been curious about it? Thanks Daniel

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I use paper maps, if that's what you mean, when getting the big picture only. Since I try to ride on as many off-road trails, I have to refer to online maps (Google, Komoot) for up-to-date information.

[@c_steve_j]

Loved your bike across America series. I am in the planning stages of my transamerica ride. But I'm also working on some rides before the Big One. I live in the Columbus, OH area, and totally agree the Ohio to Erie route on the south end of Columbus needs some work. Especially the navigation signs. There are much better routes thru Columbus but the OTE organization doesn't seem to want to hear them. Anyway, my question, when you rode into the Cleveland, OH area where did you break off the OTE to start riding the Lake Erie coastline? I want to ride to the Niagara Falls area with a short ride in to Canada and then back across the border and home. Would be very interested in any information you have time to share. This video was so good. I hope I can plan and navigate half as well as you and Julianna. ... Ciao

[@TheBicycleTourists]

In Independence, we followed the canal trail to about 71st, then broke north, eventually finding a parkway, I believe Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, that took us up to the lake. I think we were following a Komoot route, and we decided against riding into the heart of the city because we knew we were going to head northeast along the lake. I do think taking the OTET to the lake would make more sense if you have the time. We went through some rougher neighborhoods in that stretch, but it was all good.

[@DougSuna]

First off this series is just extraordinary. Love every minute of it. Second off take the Ohio to Erie all the way to the Lake. It is absolutely fabulous the whole way, especially how urban planners designed a continuous trail the whole way. Through parks, by really interesting industrial sights, great views of downtown, by the awesome Tremont neighborhood. And then once you’re on the lake you’ll go by the R and R hall of fame- worth cycling by.

[@jims6753]

During your ride you were telling people that you were going to Portland Maine, but ended up in Kittery Maine. Did you change your mind/plan after deciding to finish the ride after getting Covid and just wanted to get to the coast as soon as you could but still be in Maine? If you did originally plan on going to Portland ME, was your plan to originally take the path that you did up to Tilton NH and then head East/Northeast to the Cotton Valley trail and then Southeast to the Sanford-Springvale trail and then farther east to the Eastern Trail which would then take you up into Portland? Or were you thinking of going some other way?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Other than when using major rail trails, we tend to follow our guts and Komoot or Google Maps. And figure it out as we go. Once we left Vermont we knew we just had to get to the coast as quickly as possible. So we never really plotted out our approach in Maine. Sounds like a nice series of trails though!

[@beerman1957]

My partner and I have enjoyed all the videos you guys make. It’s been such a pleasure and a helpful process

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I'm so glad you guys are enjoying it!

[@GordoGambler]

Interesting video, but hey get real, you did NOT cross the country. Yah, it was a horrible year for smoke. I'm glad I stayed home. Anyway, WTH is the fascination with BORING rail snail trails thru endless trees and one horse towns?? LOL. That part of Hwy 2 Montana looks nasty alright. I had NO trouble riding N from Cd'A to Cranbrook. I'd sooner have a smooth 3 foot+ shoulder highway any day. My last tour in 2018 was a 3,900 mile loop from Edmonton thru Calgary, Banff, BC, WA, OR, WA, ID, BC, AB. I don't camp, so I went thru all the BIG cities. NO problem. My bike is 120 lbs with a Rohloff14. I rode the last 90 miles/ 2 days to Vancouver on the Trans Canada FREEWAY. LOL A couple days on the I 84 too. Hwy 99 a bunch around Seattle. I did get a couple truck rides the last month, because of flats and broken pumps. I had way more too hot days than rainy. I ride busy highways around home lots, so I'm used to it. Most days I see zero others, even on 115 miles rides. LOL.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

No, we did not cross the country.

[@alexpline]

Thanks for the research, I'm planning a "GART-ish" trip next summer. One question, not sure where you started from but how did you get to Rialto to start? I'm looking for a way to get from SeaTac to the coast with my gear.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, now that’s where it gets tricky. My daughter volunteered to drive us there from Denver, and return the car after dropping us off. a chance to take a part of our adventure. I’m not sure what we’d have done without that.

[@alexpline]

@@TheBicycleTourists thanks! About the best thing I could come up with is renting a car one way to Port Townsend (a place I want to visit anyway) and starting there.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

One thing we discovered on our cross country trip is to ask for help. something neither of us would've been comfortable to do before. I would look at maybe facebook groups or something around Port Townsend for someone who can shuttle you. Also there might be shuttle services. Rural communities are often full of people with a pickup who wouldn't mind making an extra buck. You do not want to miss the section of the Olympic Discovery Trail, possibly the prettiest stretch we rode of our entire ride. I would ride out and back before skipping it. Good luck and let me know.

[@alexpline]

@@TheBicycleTourists this spurred me to see if my wife wanted to come with me to Seattle (we live in Annapolis MD) for a little vacation before the trip (she is not interested in riding) and she would drive me there! I'm so looking forward to the this trip, but am frankly a little scared. But that's the challenge of it!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's not a bad plan at all. I had a boss in the day who always said if you're not scared you're not challenging yourself. Bravery isn't fearlessness, its facing your fears. And, I'd have to say taking this challenge on was one of the bravest things we've ever done. Part of what makes it so rewarding. BTW, Annapolis is where all of my exploratory plans for the next cross-country trip always end up. Beautiful city.

[@bikerstew]

Do you have your routes on "Ride w/GPS Mapping System?" If so, how can I get your routes? Specifically looking from Kansas City to St. Louis on the Rock Island and Katy Trails. Thanks

[@TheBicycleTourists]

We do not have it on Ride with GPS but here's the link to our eastern portion of the ride on Komoot: www.komoot.com/tour/959054672

[@knowbuddycares6168]

about to leave michigan to Minnesota not for fun , have to life events lead to me being homeless (everyone really is just a few paychecks away) and honestly I am terrified but seeing people MUCH older than I am doing much longer routes than I have to do , DOES take away a lot of crying in the middle of the night but I am terrified imma run out of food and water or my bike tire will pop and i will be walking the whole way any suggestions?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Sounds like you're not prepared for this kind of ride. You need a safer plan.

[@raymondtroyer2588]

So are you allowed to bike on interstate roads in some states? I know we can't in Ohio

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It IS allowed from place to place, I'd guess only in the west where no alternatives exist. Although I believe Montana allows it across the state.

[@Bunny-Power]

You can ride from Portugal across Europe and Asia all the way across China. Or across Africa from North to South. But to get across the USA you have to fly part of it to not get run over. Too many people in the USA don't want bicycles on their roads.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's really too bad. Unlike Europe, the US does not put a lot of money into this kind of thing. But part of that also has to do with the fact that for hundreds of miles across the US there is extremely low population and no real tax base. Most of these trails are paid for by locals to invest in tourism. Where would they get the money for a trail between Missoula and Omaha?

[@Bunny-Power]

@@TheBicycleTourists The European countries are helping other developing countries, too. Maybe they can chip in. Just like Germany recently paid for a nice bike path in Chile.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Interesting!

[@michael7324]

Great video. But lake George is not a little lake.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@StarEssences]

Drivers here in Vegas are like that too; Not polite at all.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's hard to find routes that don't have you some times encountering bad drivers or bad cycling infrastructure.

[@bobfoster687]

Dogs?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I have never been chased by a dog. I know. I can't explain it.

[@bitsandgigs]

Hi I just discovered your channel and I’m enjoying your Danube ride. I’m going to enjoy more videos also picking up a few tricks along the way for our own bike adventures in Australia @bitsandgigs

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad our little videos can be of use to you! Best of luck in your adventures!