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Bicycle Tours – Riding the TransAmerica Trail Across the USA

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By far one of the best known cross country bike routes, the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail famously began as an informal ride coined the “Bikecentennial”. Nearly four thousand riders gathered to ride the newly established trail in 1976, kickstarting the bike touring movement in the United States. Nowadays, the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA), founded in part by the original organizer of the Bikecentennial,  provides maps for close to thirty U.S. routes, from long distance ventures to more local loops.

The TransAm remains the most popular way to cross the states by bike, and the route is lined with small businesses and resources that support the hundreds of riders who roll through each year. Along the way, you’ll find a well preserved archive of decades-long touring history; notebooks, photographs and souvenirs left behind by travelers decorate many of the route’s cycle-friendly businesses.

The TransAm route

Running between the Pacific Northwest and the Atlantic Coast, the TransAm is the best way to experience a different slice of North America’s diverse landscape each week of your trip; you’ll be pedaling through mountain chains, national parks, woodland, and even high desert before reaching coastal climates. The route totals about 4,200 miles, meaning that most will need two to three months to complete it (this may vary based on your average daily mileage).

Though the route usually sees a higher number of cyclists heading west to east, the TransAm can be ridden in either direction, starting in Astoria, Oregon or Yorktown, Virginia.

Weather conditions

Though you’ll likely be doing the route during summer, always stay one step ahead of the weather, especially in mountainous areas and prairies prone to tornado warnings.

Expect low nighttime temperatures and possibilities of hail, freezing rain, and even springtime snow in parts of the Appalachians and Rockies. If you’ll be on the road into autumn, be prepared to wear layers and bundle up in a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures.

Early summer to early fall is prime touring season so expect to see plenty of fellow bike tourists going both ways on the route. Exchanging tips, stories, and gear is one of the best things about a historic route like the TransAm; every small interaction keeps the spirit of the route alive for generations to come. ACA’s route map set is a crucial resource for anyone traversing the country by bike for the first time; the twelve maps will guide you to camp sites, restaurants, bike shops and cyclist-only resources to keep you safe and stocked up during your trip.

Look out for “76” signs throughout your route; in honor of the original ’76 ride, these signs mark most of the tour and will guide you along with the physical maps.

If you’re a first time bike tourist, a route like this can be a huge undertaking, and you might not know exactly where to start. Getting comfortable on shorter, local multi-day rides can help you be better prepared for a long distance ride. Check out these tips on how to begin bicycle touring for more advice.

The TransAm route in detail

Starting in Yorktown, Virginia, you’ll jump right into a capital of colonial American history. Say goodbye to the coast by visiting Yorktown’s Revolutionary War sites before you get ready to pedal west. With the Chesapeake Bay in your rearview, you’ll head inland via gently rolling terrain. Expect greenery and Civil War history as you pass cities like Richmond and Charlottesville. Just past Charlottesville, you’ll begin to climb the Appalachian Mountains, starting with the Blue Ridge Parkway . Famous as a scenic drive, the parkway is a thrill to ride by bike, with views of the Blue Ridge peaks, high altitude forest, and a coasting downhill at the very end.

Following your descent into charming Roanoke, you’ll be well on your way to the Kentucky border via Breaks Interstate Park. Representing true Appalachian culture, Kentucky will be both beautiful and taxing; take in the dense foliage and hollows, but watch out for stray dogs as the area’s furry friends have a reputation for chasing down unsuspecting cyclists. After a steep uphill at Bighill (it’s all in the name!), you’ll reach Berea, a quiet college town that marks your exit from the Appalachians as you continue on to the Midwest.

Just before the town of Sonora, you can turn slightly south for a detour into Mammoth Cave National Park . Stay at the park campground and visit part of the longest cave network in the world. Mammoth Cave is one of the state’s natural treasures, and since it’s probably not every day that you’re deep in the heart of Kentucky, don’t miss the chance to stop by and spend some time off the bike before continuing on to the Ohio River. 

With your bike safely onboard the Cave-in-Rock ferry at the state border, a five minute boat ride across the river will drop you off in Illinois.

Though you’ll only be crossing a small swath of the state, Carbondale, Illinois will be a highlight; another small and friendly college town, Carbondale is a great spot to take a rest day or two before moving on to the Mississippi River at Chester.

From here, you’ll cross the Chester Bridge into Missouri (be aware of possible flooding and bridge closures). Missouri’s Ozarks will have you on what will seem like an endless series of ups and downs; the terrain is steep and surprising.

The area is heavy on recreation, so expect weekend traffic as well as plenty of tourist- friendly fun to take part in. Riding into Kansas, you’ll notice the dramatic change in terrain; the state will be the flattest portion of your trip. Sit back in your seat and relax; the scenery won’t be changing for a while. The sparse country will follow you into Colorado and onwards to Pueblo, another larger town that makes a good rest day destination.

By Pueblo, you’ll have completed exactly half of the TransAm; the Rocky Mountains coming into focus on the horizon will cement that notion. Climbing the Colorado Rockies will not be easy; however, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the challenge having traversed the Appalachians.

The Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass stands at over 11,500 feet, and will be one of your greatest Trans Am accomplishments. Surrounded by white peaks, this is the highest point of the whole route. Descending into Breckenridge and finally Kremmling, you’ll gradually leave the alpine landscape and enter the high desert of Wyoming.

Uninterrupted and unforgettable, the part of the route that crosses Wyoming has longer stretches between resources, so plan ahead and always carry extra supplies. Heading steadily northwest from Rawlins, you’ll ride into Grand Teton National Park , sitting just below Montana’s Yellowstone National Park . You’ll be riding out through one park and into the other, crossing the state border as you go. The two parks encompass some of the Mountain West’s most dramatic natural beauty, and you’ll want to stay an additional day or two to experience it all on a deeper level.

Montana means Missoula, and if you’re not familiar with it, Missoula means cycling haven. The ACA headquarters is located in this university town, along with tons of bike resources, restaurants, and creative businesses. Make the traditional visit to the ACA headquarters before moving on to Lolo Pass.

A sliver of Idaho will offer gorgeous riverside riding, and before you know it, you’ll be in Oregon; the final state of the route. At odds with general perceptions of the lush Pacific Northwest, this section of Oregon features more high desert; dry sagebrush and rocky terrain will make this stretch feel lonesome but nonetheless beautiful. Pioneer history is strong here, and Baker City can teach you all you need to know about the infamous Oregon Trail.

Distant views of the Cascades will accompany you as the landscape changes into a much greener Western Oregon. If you have no plans to make a mad dash for the finish line, both Sisters and Eugene are eclectic towns with vibrant communities to take some time to explore. Just past Eugene, you can make the choice whether to continue northwest to Astoria, or make a slightly shorter detour and meet the Pacific in Florence, Oregon. After weeks of desert, steep alpine ascents and remote riding, the rugged coastline will be a warm but bittersweet welcome to the final few miles of your cross country tour.

Despite the various challenges the TransAm is sure to throw your way, you’ll be certain to encounter extraordinary kindness on the road, whether it be from supportive drivers, fellow cyclists, or locals who run the many restaurants, campsites, cyclist lodgings and other business along the route.

Make sure you sign every cyclist log you come across as you flip through entries from riders who took the same path twenty or thirty years ago.

As the first established cross country bike route, the TransAmerica trail is a symbol of cycle touring as a community; completing the trail, or even a section of it, makes (and your rig) you a part of living history.

TRANSAMERICA LCM SAS

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TRANSAMERICA LCM SAS (Cartagena, Colombia): Hours, Address - Tripadvisor

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TransAmerica Trail

• Riding Conditions
• Updates & Corrections

History of the Trail.

The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail began in 1973, during our co-founder’s ride from Alaska to Argentina, as nothing more than an ambitious idea for a way to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 200th birthday. By June of 1976, the Trail was ready; the maps and guidebooks were published thanks to an enormous effort. Now cyclists were needed to ride it across the country. Given the name “Bikecentennial,” organizers publicized the event and thanks to strong word-of-mouth and its fortunate, prodigious publicity, 4,000 cyclists showed up for the ride.

Most of the riders were in their 20s and had no experience with long-distance cycling. They traveled in groups of 10 to 12 with leaders trained by Bikecentennial. There were few helmets to be seen and the bikes were often discount-store quality.

But the equipment scarcely mattered. This group of people set out to have the experience of a lifetime and for the most part they did, learning about America and about themselves in a profound way.

Indeed, many cyclists who rode across the country in 1976, and those who ride the Trail today, say essentially the same thing about the experience, “I learned more about this country in 90 days than most people learn in a lifetime.”

The classic route to cross America by bicycle.

Grand parks along the TransAmerica Trail include Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, among the best in the United States. One additional treat: because this route has been ridden by cyclists for years, many of the cafes, restaurants, and overnight accommodations along the route have kept journals consisting of entries written by cross-country riders from previous years, providing you with a cyclist’s history of the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing.

Astoria, Oregon, with the hills of a miniature San Francisco, is the official beginning-of-the-road. The view from atop the Astoria Column is well worth the uphill pedal. Stretches of beaches, outstanding state parks, steep ascents and descents, and great seafood abound during your first days of riding before you turn inland to the Willamette River Valley. Eugene is the largest city along the route. Other sizable cities along the way are Missoula, Montana; Pueblo, Colorado; and Carbondale, Illinois. The lush, green western side of the Cascade Mountains is a startling contrast to the dry terrain you’ll be riding into after McKenzie Pass. The road over McKenzie Pass literally cuts through an ancient lava field and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and other snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Central and eastern Oregon is made up of dry, mountainous terrain and is good place to carry extra water. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of Baker City is a must-see, and after completing your trip crossing the country, you’ll have no trouble relating to the experiences of the early pioneers.

Idaho offers a wonderful ride along the Little Salmon and Salmon rivers, and some interesting Native American historic sites to visit. The route then follows the winding, scenic Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers for the longest gradual ascent of the trip (around 70 miles). You’ll climb up and over Lolo Pass, enter Montana, and soon reach the spur into Missoula. Missoula, a college town, provides one of the highlights of the route, featuring Adventure Cycling headquarters with its “cyclist’s lounge” and other amenities, along with whatever services you may require in town. Beautiful panoramas, wide valleys and mountain passes await you in Montana.

The views in Yellowstone National Park and of the Grand Teton Range in Wyoming are incomparable, and memories will last a lifetime. It’s worth an extra day or two off the bike to experience as much as you can of these two phenomenal national parks. Towns such as Dubois and Lander remind you that you’re in the west, with their historic architecture and western-style cooking.

The scenery quickly changes from dry, high desert to alpine as you reach Kremmling, Colorado. Touristy Frisco and Breckenridge in Summit County is another great place for a layover day. You begin a long climb to crest the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, 11,542 feet, up amongst snow-covered peaks. As the route leaves the Rockies, Royal Gorge Park offers a fun layover day, either for hanging out at the Arkansas River bridge or taking a helicopter ride over or a raft trip through the gorge. Pueblo offers bike shops and great places to eat; it also serves as the halfway point of the TransAm Trail (time to celebrate!). It’s a good place to stock up – it’s the largest city you’ll pass through until Carbondale, Illinois.

Things start to dry out as you get into the eastern part of Colorado and cross into western Kansas. Carrying extra water is a good idea here – this is hot, barren country. Right around Haswell, Colorado, you’ll see your last hazy glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. Overnights at city parks in Kansas are usually accompanied by cool dips in the city swimming pools. You might have to do some early morning and early evening riding to escape the midday heat. Don’t miss the pies at Cooky’s in Golden City, Missouri! The flat-as-a-pool-table terrain of the Great Plains will change quickly into the roller-coaster riding of Missouri. You’ll find Missouri offers Civil War history, terrific canoeing at Eminence, and an excellent swimming hole at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

The route crosses the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois, and heads into Carbondale, another fun college town. A ferry takes you across the Ohio River into Kentucky, where you’ll enjoy the evening fireflies at your campsites. Kentucky offers rolling white-fenced farms and woodlands until reaching Berea, the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. A loop south of the route will take you to see Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Past Berea, you’ll spend some time ascending and descending the mountains of the Appalachians, and riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The mountains turn to rolling hills and then flat riding through lush plantations and farmlands. The last stretch of the route is rich in the history of the American Revolution, with Colonial Williamsburg as the highlight. Yorktown, situated on the Chesapeake Bay, is the route’s end.

Photo by Chuck Haney

Some stretches of the western portion of the route follow large river valleys and can be generally flat, but expect some climbing almost every day between Astoria, Oregon, and Pueblo, Colorado. The passes throughout the Rocky Mountains are generally long but not terribly steep. The descents from these passes are, of course, a blast. Most of Kansas is beautifully flat. Missouri through the Ozarks and eastern Kentucky through the Appalachians offers short, steep climbs. You might even have to walk up some hills. The Virginia portion of the route, surprisingly, has more total elevation gain than any other state.

This route can be ridden from May through September. Note that snow can occur at any time in the Rocky Mountains, and the highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet in Colorado. Although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route. Plan on around three months (give or take) for the crossing. Some traverse the route quicker, but this leaves less time for sightseeing.

Camping choices will vary across the country between small private campgrounds, city parks, state and national parks, national forests, and the occasional back yard. The northern Oregon coast is a heavily traveled tourist route and is flush with camping and service opportunities. From Oregon eastward through Kansas, you’ll find services limited mainly to the towns along the route. Carrying extra water in the west is a good plan. Camping options improve once you’re in the Rockies, but you should still expect some long stretches between accommodations and services. Options will increase near tourist areas such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Kansas is legendary for its hospitality. Camping in city parks is the norm through Kansas and Missouri. Food, water, and overnight accommodations are abundant from Missouri to Virginia.

Some campgrounds will charge a cyclist traveling alone less if they have hiker/biker sites, but often they will charge the price of a regular tent site, and that can easily be $10-$20/night. The maps list churches that have opened their doors to cyclists, but they aren’t all that closely spaced. If you’re friendly and ask around, you can often get yourself invited to camp in a yard. In national forests you are allowed to camp anywhere on national forest land as long as you “pack it in, pack it out.” Many city parks are free to camp in.

You may also wish to sign up with Warmshowers , a reciprocal hospitality site for bicycle travelers, for other overnight options.

Route Highlights

Transamerica trail highlights.

• Pacific Coast, Section 1
• Tillamook Cheese Factory, Section 1
• Chachalu Museum, Section 1
• Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area, Section 1
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Florence Alternate, Section 1
• McKenzie Pass, Section 2
• Smith Rock State Park, Section 2
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Section 2
• National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Section 3
• Nee-Me-Poo Trail, Section 3
• Nez Perce National Historic Park, Section 3
• Travelers’ Rest State Park, Section 3
• Bannack State Park, Section 4
• Big Hole Battlefield National Monument, Section 4
• Yellowstone National Park, Section 5
• Grand Teton National Park, Section 5
• Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area, Section 6
• Hoosier Pass, Section 6
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Section 6
• “Skyscraper of the Plains,” Section 7
• Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Section 8
• Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Section 8
• Alley Spring & Mill, Ozark National Scenic Waterways, Section 9
• Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Section 10
• Cave-In-Rock State Park, Section 10
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave Loop, Section 10
• Lincoln Homestead State Park, Section 10
• Breaks Interstate Park, Section 11
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Are, Section 11
• Blue Ridge Parkway, Section 12
• Monticello, Home of President Thomas Jefferson, Section 12
• Ash Lawn, Home of President James Monroe, Section 12
• Richmond National Battlefield Park, Section 12
• Colonial National Historical Park, Section 12
• Williamsburg, Virginia, Section 12

More Route Resources

• How to Travel with your Bike on Amtrak
• No-Turn-Away Bike Camping Policies (Virginia)
• How to Deal with Dog Encounters
• Oregon DOT  bike maps for Eugene, Corvallis, and the Oregon coast
• Oregon road closures
• Tillamook County Transporation District  bus between Portland and the coast (Oregon)
• Portland to the Coast by Bike map (Oregon)
• Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway (Oregon)
• Weiser River Trail (Idaho)
• Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest dispersed camping  (Idaho)
• Montana road conditions map
• Missoula bicycle map  (Montana)
• Bitterroot Trail (Montana)
• Wyoming road conditions
• Summit County, Colorado  bike trails maps (Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge)
• Kansas DOT Bicycle Map
• U.S. Bicycle Route 76 (Kansas)
• U.S. Bicycle Route 76  (Missouri)
• Missouri road closures
• U.S. Bicycle Route 76 (Illinois)
• Cave In Rock Ferry  (Ohio River crossing between Illinois and Kentucky)
• U.S. Bicycle Route 76 (Kentucky)
• Green River Ferry (Mammoth Cave Loop, Kentucky)
• U.S. Bicycle Route 1 & 76 (Virginia)
• Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia)
• Huckleberry Trail to Blacksburg (Virginia)
• Blue Ridge Parkway road closures (Virginia)
• Virginia Capital Trail (Virginia)
• Fluvanna County Services and Historic Palmyra Village (Virginia)
• Connect and share photos with other riders on Instagram: #acaTransAm

RIDING CONDITIONS

During the summer, mostly on weekends and holidays, traffic is heavy on U.S. 101. The large number of recreational vehicles and logging trucks require special caution. In hazardous situations, pull off the road and stop until traffic passes. Wear brightly colored clothing.

Fog also presents a danger. If the fog is thick like the proverbial pea soup, do not cycle until it clears. In moderate fog, wear safety triangles or bright vests. If a car approaches from behind, pull off the road and wait. Assume that drivers can’t see you.

U.S. 101 road surfaces are generally good. In many places the shoulders have been widened and striped in recent years. The backroads which are occasionally used may be rougher, but traffic is less. Most of the coastal highway is flat or gently rolling, with the exception of climbs over coastal headlands. There are steep grades north of Cannon Beach, over Neahkahnie Mountain south of Oswald West State Park, north of Cape Mears State Scenic Viewpoint, and south of Cape Lookout State Park.

Ride carefully on the narrow bridge across Young’s River/Bay between Astoria and Miles Crossing, especially when wet. Use caution in the tunnel south of Arch Cape. Before entering, push the button at road-side; it activates flashing lights to warn motorists that a cyclist is in the tunnel.

Bus transportation to Portland from several locations along the coast can be arranged through the Tillamook County Transportation District. More information is available at: www.tillamookbus.com.

The 15.5-mile Three Capes Scenic Option has been closed since January, 2013 due to a landslide. The terrain is unstable and continues to shift. Cyclists should not ride it, though locals occasionally do. It is expected to reopen at the end of 2023. The Netarts Highway/SR 131 shouldn’t be ridden either due to fast traffic, no shoulders, and limited sightlines. The main route south of Tillamook on Ekloff Rd. includes a deteriorating roadbed and a short steep climb and 1.5-mi. of gravel. An option to avoid the gravel is to ride the Oregon Coast Bicycle Route. It connects Tillamook and Sand Lake via US 101 and Sand Lake Rd. It is 3.8 miles longer than the main route. Here is a link to a map: advcy.link/tillamook101det .

Shoulderless SR 130 becomes tree-lined as it climbs through the Coast Range. Traffic is very low. It has a short steep section to reach Dolph Junction. Traffic increases on SR 22 which has minimal shoulders.

The 9.8-mile Salem Spur, mostly on separated paths and sidewalks gives you access to the state capital.

In the Willamette Valley, hills are minimal and traffic is light except near and through towns. You’ll ride on a 38.4-mile portion of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, advcy.link/WilValSceBikeway , an 134-mile route on roads that goes between Champoeg and Coburg. Our route skirts north of Eugene, but you can follow a 5.8-mile spur into downtown. Eugene is bicycle-friendly, with many bike lanes and paths. Additional maps for Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and the Oregon Coast can be found at: advcy.link/ODOTbikeped .

The 76.4-mile Florence Alternate gives the option of riding more directly to or from the coast. The terrain on this alternate is moderate, with the exception of the grade over the Coast Range. The road surface is fair to good. The shoulders on SR 126 from Florence to Mapleton are 8’ wide but surface quality varies from smooth to rough. From Mapleton to Eugene the shoulders of SR 36 are narrow but traffic tends to be light until east of Fern Ridge Lake as you approach the city.

Even during midsummer, heavy precipitation makes it a good idea to have your rain gear close at hand. Fog can be heavy, too, particularly from late October to mid-May. The climate inland is slightly cooler and drier because much of the moisture from the Pacific is dumped on the western slopes of the Coast Range. The blocking effect of these mountains helps produce the moderate climate of the Willamette Valley.

Updated: Apr 13, 2022

Unless you have taken the alternate from the coast you will only skirt the northern edge of the city of Eugene. For a bike map of Eugene see advcy.link/eugmap . East of Springfield, US 126 has heavy traffic, including logging trucks and recreational vehicles. Shoulders vary from smooth and wide to bumpy and narrow. The short side roads which parallel US 126 offer opportunities to get away from the heavy traffic.

The 4,000’ climb to McKenzie Pass has several steep, narrow switchbacks. You may have to share one of them with a recreational vehicle, so be prepared. Snow usually keeps McKenzie Pass closed until early July though may be open to cyclists only 2-4 weeks prior. Check the status of McKenzie Pass at: advcy.link/mckpass . If McKenzie is closed, the alternate over Santiam Pass is lower and an easier climb, but it has more traffic and is about 20 miles longer. Check current Oregon road conditions at: www.tripcheck.com . No matter which you choose, there are very few services available besides campgrounds between McKenzie Bridge and Sisters.

East of the Cascades, there is a 2,000’ climb from Prineville to Ochoco Pass. Beginning east of Mitchell, there is another grade to climb. These climbs are followed by a rewarding 1,500’ descent into Picture Gorge. There is a long, generally gradual climb over Dixie Pass followed by two more short, steep climbs over Tipton Pass and Sumpter Pass.

Most of the roads in this section have a good surface but no shoulders. One special warning: beware of cattleguards, the metal grates set in the highway. Ride over them at a right angle, or dismount and walk across.

Traffic can be heavy in the following areas: from Prineville to Ochoco Lake State Park; from Mt. Vernon to John Day; and the Baker City area.

Heavy rainfall on the west slopes of the Cascades produce lush rain forests, such as the one along the McKenzie River. McKenzie Pass, and the McKenzie area in general, may have thunderstorms on hot summer afternoons.

East of the Cascades is a high, dry plateau. This area receives 10 inches of precipitation per year (compared to 80 inches on the peaks of the Cascades). Be sure to carry plenty of water with you. Summertime temperatures in the lower elevations sometimes exceed 100 degrees. Fortunately, the low humidity prevents the heat from becoming stifling. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are not uncommon here, also. Hail is sometimes large enough to hurt. The higher, cooler elevations of the Blue Mountain region near Baker City are a welcome change from the Columbia Plateau. However, even this area can be very warm in the summer, especially in the valleys.

Updated: Aug 2, 2018

This section’s route is characterized by many climbs and descents between creek and river corridors. The state and U.S. highways used are mostly well-surfaced, but often are narrow with no shoulders. Traffic will increase near towns and recreational areas. The town of Halfway is a good place to rest before riding through Hell’s Canyon along the Snake River. Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 110 degrees. Be sure to carry plenty of water and allow extra time for the seven-mile steep climb out of the canyon.

Truck traffic is heavy between Cambridge and New Meadows. The paved and gravel Weiser River Trail is an option for about 40 miles of this distance. For current trail information visit advcy.link/wrt . After New Meadows U.S. 95 widens slightly, but has many curves. Between Riggins and White Bird, the shoulders narrow, and there can be heavy rafting traffic on weekends.

North of White Bird, the route travels through the Nez Perce National Historic Park, and includes about 6.5 miles of switchbacks. It has almost no traffic. If going westbound, descend carefully since there is some loose gravel on the switchbacks.

Northeast of Lowell, there are many primitive camping opportunities in Clearwater National Forest along the Lochsa River. These campgrounds are generally open between late May and early September. Call the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest at 208-926-4274 for specific opening/closing dates.

Since the original development of the TransAmerica Trail, logging and grain truck traffic between Kooskia, Idaho, and Lolo, Montana, has increased substantially. These trucks travel at high speed and can produce strong slipstreams. To make matters potentially more dangerous, U.S. 12 is a curvy, narrow, shoulderless two-lane road with limited sight distances. Shoulders have been added when there is room. While on U.S. 12, we strongly urge that you always do the following: ride as far to the right as possible; wear very bright clothing and a safety triangle; ride only in single file if in a group; listen carefully for traffic behind you, and be prepared to pull off the highway if necessary; and if you do stop, get as far off the road as possible.

At Lolo, you can ride into Missoula for a 12.2-mile out-and-back trip on a separate bike path. At Blue Mountain Rd., use the traffic light to cross U.S. 12/93. Traffic on the highway is very heavy between Lolo and Missoula, especially during commuting hours.

Precipitation is light throughout eastern Oregon and most of Idaho. The “Gem State” is shielded on the west by a border of mountain ranges which blocks the moist Pacific winds.

The Snake River canyon is a virtual desert. Vegetation is sparse, except in a narrow zone bordering the river. Daytime temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees are not uncommon. Fortunately, the nights are cool and humidity is low.

Updated: Feb 21, 2023

At Lolo, you can ride into Missoula for a 12.2-mile out-and-back trip on a separate bike/ped path. Traffic on U.S. 12/93 is very heavy between Lolo and Missoula, especially during commuting hours, so please use traffic lights to cross the highway.

The Bitterroot Valley is generally flat, with a few rolling sections. The Bitterroot Trail goes from the southwest side of Missoula to Hamilton. Congestion increases near all the valley towns. South of Hamilton, the 12.9-mile partial gravel Old Darby Alternate gives cyclists a break from the busy highway. U.S. 93 has shoulders between Hamilton and Conner Cutoff Rd. South of Conner Cutoff Rd., U.S. 93 is narrow and winding for 6.4 miles. After that the shoulders reappear.

In 2000, massive forest fires burned 350,000 acres in the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley. Many slopes still contain standing and downed dead trees, but regeneration has begun.

The 18-mile gravel/dirt Gibbons Pass Alternate uses single-lane Forest Service roads to traverse Montana’s forested backcountry. The road surface is rough and wider tires are recommended for this alternate, and the road on the west side of the pass is deeply rutted. Use extreme caution when you are descending.

Between Lost Trail Pass and Dillon, traffic is minimal. There is a 39.7-mile stretch between Jackson and Dillon with no services. Carry extra food and water.

SR 41 from Dillon to Twin Bridges has higher than normal truck traffic due to its use as a bypass between I-15 and I-90 to the northeast.

The Trail traverses gently rolling range country along the Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. You’ll climb one more steep pass east of Virginia City and descend into the Madison River drainage following the river to West Yellowstone. Between Ennis and Cameron U.S. 287 has been rumble-stripped so ride with caution.

On U.S. 287 stop and walk your bike across the custom “bison guard” which is located 9.6 miles west of the junction of U.S. 287 with U.S. 191. The pipes are wider apart than regular cattle guards.

West Yellowstone is the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Near any national park cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible.

The Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide play important roles in determining Montana’s climate. West of the Divide (including the Bitterroot Valley), the state enjoys a semi-marine climate – similar to that of the north Pacific coast, although not as wet. The mountainous terrain in the western third of the state protects the Bitterroot Valley from the cold waves which sweep south from Canada each winter. The same mountains produce the Chinook wind by warming eastbound air as it descends over their slopes from higher elevations. Overall, Montana has low annual precipitation, and the Bitterroot Valley is no exception – it receives an average of 18 inches. Thunderstorms or quick rainshowers are common west of the Divide during the summer.

East of the Divide, the climate is more continental; it is drier with great ranges of temperature. Thundershowers and hailstorms are always a threat on hot summer afternoons, particularly during July and August.

Updated: Nov 9, 2020

The entire Yellowstone – Teton Parks area has very heavy summer traffic. Roads are, for the most part, narrow two-laners with little or no shoulders. To avoid heavy traffic, ride early in the day. During peak hours (12 noon to 5:00 P.M.), stop and enjoy the wonders of the parks. Road construction is fairly constant during the summer, and the Parks are in the process of widening and adding shoulders where possible.

Entering Yellowstone Park, the road is fairly level along the Madison River. Past Madison, there’s a climb up to a plateau. After passing Old Faithful, the Trail quickly ascends to the Con­ti­nen­tal Divide at Craig Pass, then – within 20 miles – crosses the Continental Divide twice more. There is a five-mile downhill between Lewis Lake and the Yel­low­stone Park exit.

Due to narrow roads and heavy traffic with lots of RVs during the summer, some cyclists are choosing to visit Yellowstone National Park by renting a vehicle and driving to see the sights. The 139.3-mile Teton Valley Alternate shows routing to avoid riding through the park.

In Grand Teton National Park, the Teton Spur heads southward for 33.5 miles to Jackson. You can view and enjoy more of the Park by taking this spur, and returning to the route via US 26/89/191.

Past Moran, you’ll leave the Park and begin a climb to Togwotee Pass, which is the second highest summit on the TransAmerica Trail. For eastbound riders, Togwotee Pass is followed by a long, gradual descent of 25 miles.

Outside of the National Parks, the Trail follows fairly narrow, two-lane roads with shoulders and occasional rough breaks. Traffic, however, is gen­er­ally light to moderate, al­though it increases near the towns of Dubois, Lander, Crowheart, Fort Washakie, and Raw­lins.

Southeast of Lander there is a 23-mile climb to the top of the Beaver Rim. In addition, be­gin­ning near the base of the Green Moun­tains, there is another six-mile climb onto the Rawlins Uplift, a high plateau.

Between Muddy Gap and Rawlins you’ll cross the Continental Divide twice more on roads with stretches of poor shoulders and rumble strips. Car and truck traffic can be heavy. Be careful not to be pulled into the slipstream as the trucks pass you when the winds are blowing.

From Lander to Rawlins there is a 123-mile stretch with minimal services. Be prepared and carry extra food and water with you.

Most of the Yellowstone – Teton area and the high basin country in Wyoming sit on a series of high plateaus surrounded by mountain ranges. This produces a generally cool, semi-arid climate. Moun­tains such as the Tetons and the Wind River Range force westerly winds far aloft, where mois­ture is condensed and discharged, producing a rain shadow in the basins. Thunderstorms, cloud­bursts, and heavy hailstorms are common.

Prevailing winds in the Wyoming Basin are gen­erally from the southeast. Worse yet, winds in south­ern Wyoming often range from 40-60 miles per hour. These patterns are variable though, so expect winds against you at all times.

Updated: Apr 16, 2021

The TransAmerica Trail follows a 15-mile section of Interstate 80 between Sinclair and Walcott, then turns south on SR 130. The interstate has heavy traffic, but cyclists can ride the wide, smooth shoulder. Traffic on SR 130 is generally light, but picks up around Saratoga and Riverside.

The rolling basin called North Park contains the headwaters of the North Platte River. From this point southward to Canon City, riders traverse high-altitude country. Some cyclists may experience headaches, insomnia, or shortness of breath, but most have approached this area gradually, riding from lower elevations, and have acclimated.

Roads in the North Park section have fairly good surfaces but no shoulders. SR 125 from the Wyoming-Colorado border to Walden is wide. All other North Park roads are narrow, but lightly traveled. As the Trail approaches the Summit County area, traffic density increases. Recreational facilities here attract many weekenders and vacationers from the more densely populated eastern slope of the Rockies. Near Dillon, where the Trail intersects Interstate 70, traffic is particularly heavy. (It is a straight shot from Dillon to Denver, which is on the east face of the Rockies, via the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel.) Just south of Silverthorne, a bike path along SR 9 is available as an alternate route. It goes all the way to Breckenridge.

The South Park section begins with a moderately difficult climb over Hoosier Pass. Riders gain 1,500’ within 10 miles in order to reach the top of the pass (elevation 11,542’). This is the highest point on the TransAmerica Trail. SR 9 through Breckenridge and over Hoosier Pass is narrow and carries heavy traffic during the summer. Extra caution is advised.

SR 9 widens out north of Hartsel. At Canon City (pronounced canyon) the countryside gradually shows less and less relief, as the Trail emerges from the Rockies and winds through the Colorado Piedmont. Traffic will increase as you head into Pueblo.

NOTE: After October first, many private and U.S.F.S. camp­grounds close for the winter or have no water available. Call ahead to verify conditions if you are traveling after this date.

The Colorado parks, like much of the state, have a cool climate that might be described as mountain continental. Above 7,000’, nights are apt to be cool, so dress warmly before going to bed. Even the afternoons will be cool near Hoosier Pass and elsewhere above 10,000’.

Farther south, toward Canon City, temperatures are warmer, in part because of the lower altitude. Low humidity helps make the heat bearable. Shortlived thunderstorms and hailstorms are common during warm summer afternoons, so be prepared.

Updated: Dec 11, 2017

With the brief exception of some roller coaster foothills just east of the Rocky Mountains, this section of the TransAmerican Trail slopes gradually downhill from Pueblo, Colorado (elev. 4,700 ft.) to Alexander, Kansas (elev. 2,050 ft.). Once onto the plains, the terrain is gently rolling, with the exception of occasional low spots. The ups and downs increase slightly in the Smoky Hills of west-central Kansas, east of Ness City.

The route in Kansas is concurrent with U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76. USBR 76 is signed throughout Kansas. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/ksusbr .

The wind blows almost constantly on the plains, and it can whip up huge clouds of dust, particularly on the high plains of Colorado. These storms sting the face, cause the eyes to water and reduce visibility to no more than several feet. Cyclists are advised to stay off the road during such storms.

Roads in this section are fair to good. In those places where roads are narrow and shoulderless, the traffic tends to be moderate to heavy.

U.S. 50, near Pueblo, is a busy four-lane highway. Be aware that SR 96 through eastern Colorado and western Kansas has a large volume of oversized trucks carrying oil drilling, wind power equipment, and farm machinery. East of Tribune, SR 96 is a narrow, flat two-lane road without shoulders; traffic is moderate and includes cattle and grain trucks and extra-wide pieces of farm equipment.

Watch out for “Texas tacks,” a parasitic thorn that is the scourge of bicycle tires.

NOTE: Be aware that some city parks in Kansas close when the public schools begin in mid-August. Inquire locally for confirmation if you plan on camping in the city parks. Also, from east of Sugar City to Tribune, services are few and far between. You will want to carry a couple days food and water across this section.

The Colorado Piedmont and the high plains are semiarid with higher temperatures and less annual rainfall than is common in the Rockies. In the Piedmont, summer evenings provide relief from the heat. Much of the summer precipitation here comes in brief thunderstorms. On the plains, summer days are bright and sunny, with afternoon temperatures averaging 90? F. Very low humidity helps make these high temperatures bearable.

The 100th meridian, which crosses between Beeler and Ness City, Kansas, is usually regarded as the dividing line between the semiarid high plains and the semi-humid lowlands to the east. West of the meridian, the average rainfall is 5-20 inches; east of it, average annual rainfall jumps to 20-25 inches, a major portion of which falls during the summer growing season. This explains why the Colorado foothills and high plains are cattle country, while eastern and central Kansas are wheat and corn farmland. Much of the increased moisture coming into the area east of the 100th meridian is blown north from the Gulf of Mexico.

The tornado, one of the most destructive weather conditions found in the United States, occurs more often on the plains than in any other locale.

Updated: Apr 7, 2020

For most of this section, the Trail follows county roads through flat to gently rolling terrain (the elevation varies 400-500 feet). These are two-lane roads of narrow to medium width, with no shoulders and minimal traffic.

Be aware that camping in city parks may have some drawbacks if you’re traveling early in the year. Many towns that have showers and restrooms, which are connected to the town swimming pool, often don’t open until after Memorial Day, so water and restrooms won’t be available.

There are 3 stretches on this section that have little or no services. They are the 52 miles between Great Bend and Nickerson, the 73 miles between Newton and Eureka, and the 60 miles between Eureka and Chanute. Plan your riding days accordingly.

If you go off route into Hutchinson, do NOT use U.S. 50 as a shortcut back to the route in Newton. U.S. 50 has wide shoulders with the exception of a railroad overpass with no shoulders, and the roadway arches and curves so drivers and cyclists have very limited visibility.

In Hesston, be careful on Old 81. This is a narrow road and has high traffic levels during rush hours.

The rolling Flint Hills lie east of Newton. Between Newton and Cassoday, the two-lane road has light traffic and no shoulders. U.S. 54 is wide with moderate traffic and shoulders along most of the route. The county road surface between Coyville and Benedict has deteriorated so be careful riding it.

SR 7 north of Girard is narrow and can have very heavy traffic due to nearby Crawford State Park. If riding during heavy traffic season, consider using SR 3 and SR 47 through Brazilton. The road is just as narrow but has less traffic than SR 7.

NOTE: Many of the smaller towns on this section have a limited grocery supply. Plan ahead and stock up when you pass through larger towns.

The climate of this section of Kansas is very changeable. There are no natural barriers that have a moderating effect on the wind patterns or precipitation. Prevailing winds are generally from the south or southwest, with an average speed of 10-12 miles per hour.

To a cyclist riding west to east, the elevation is dropping, albeit slowly and irregularly. With this loss in elevation comes a change in the humidity and temperature. Humidity increases in the eastern part of the state and temperatures become more moderate.

Thunderstorms occur frequently, especially during the hottest parts of the summer. Flash floods often accompany these torrential downpours, especially in the late spring and early summer.

Updated: Nov 12, 2019

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is signed in Missouri, and isn’t signed in Illinois. Our routing isn’t always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/mousbr and advcy.link/ilusbr . Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Eastern Kansas is flat while western Missouri is gently rolling with isolated hilly sections. Roads in Missouri are narrow to medium in width with no shoulders. Traffic is generally light. On some of the narrower rural roads the surface is poor and is deteriorating.

The terrain gets hillier as the route approaches the Ozarks Mountain Range. The Ozarks themselves contain many steep grades. Exhausted cyclists have likened this part of the route to one long, self-propelled roller-coaster ride. All of the roads in this section are medium to wide, have no shoulders, and have moderate levels of traffic.

Extra precautions must be taken in the Ozarks. Even in the best weather, road visibility is very limited. Tight curves and numerous steep hills make it very difficult for motorists approaching from behind to see cyclists. Wear bright clothing, and keep to the right side in single file. Safety triangles or bicycle flags will make you more visible.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a national park. Near and in any national park cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day, and make yourself and your bike visible.

The Eminence area is a popular tourist spot. The traffic level here can be heavy, especially on weekends. Watch out for car-trailer combinations and RVs with large rear-view mirrors. Most roads in the area are wide two-laners. From Eminence to Centerville, as eastbound riders reach the end of the Ozark Plateau, the route seems all uphill, beginning with a five-mile climb.

Near Ellington and Centerville watch out for logging trucks. Go to the side of the road and dismount if necessary.

East of Farmington, you’ll head into the bluffs of the Mississippi River and down into the floodplain. Traffic levels can be heavy on the roads between I-55, southwest of St. Mary, and Chester, Illinois. There is little traffic until Campbell Hill. SR 4 and Ava Rd. are 2-lane roads with moderate traffic which increases as you reach Murphysboro.

At Chester, you have a choice of the main route or the Mississippi Levee Alternate to get to Murphysboro. The main route is 38.8 miles and the alternate is 38.4 miles. The main route is hillier.

On the Alternate, the route uses 7.6 continuous miles on SR 3, and another 1.7 miles farther south. It’s a wide road with no shoulders, and has moderate to heavy traffic including trucks hauling coal. Ride cautiously and be prepared to leave the roadway if necessary. The floodplain roads are flat and have no traffic. If the river is up, check conditions locally before using the Alternate, since SR 3 is closed occasionally due to high water.

The continental climate of Missouri is subject to frequent changes. The three primary causes of these changes are (1)cold air moves down from the north; (2)warm, moist air enters the southern portion of the state from the Gulf of Mexico; and (3)dry air from the plains sweeps into the western part of the state.

In western Missouri, most of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months in the form of thunderstorms. The prevailing winds are from the south and southeast, at a speed of 7-9 miles per hour.

Updated: Sep 28, 2020

In southern Illinois the Trail skirts glaciated terrain, then winds through the ridges and valleys of the Shawnee Hills region. This narrow strip of land extends across the southern part of Illinois from the Missouri border to Elizabethtown. About 40 miles wide and 70 miles long, this hilly woodland rises to nearly 1,000 feet.

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is not signed in Illinois, but is signed in Kentucky. Our routing isn’t always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/ilusbr and advcy.link/kyusbr . Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Traffic increases in and near the following Illinois towns: Murphysboro, Carbondale, Eddyville, and Cave-In-Rock. You will also find an increase in traffic, especially on weekends, near the recreational areas of Giant City, Ferne Clyffe, and Cave-In-Rock state parks. Roads are narrow, winding and hilly, which makes it difficult for motorists to see cyclists. Use extra caution while riding, and make sure you wear bright clothing.

To check the status and hours of the Cave-In-Rock Ferry crossing the Ohio River call 618-289-4599 or go to: advcy.link/CIRferry .

Loose dogs abound in rural Kentucky so you will likely encounter them. Be prepared. Here is an article about cycling and dogs: advcy.link/dogs .

In western Kentucky you will encounter more of the same type of roads and terrain that you found in Illinois. Roads are narrow and shoulderless. Many of the state highways have been rumble stripped. Traffic will increase around towns and recreational areas. You may encounter coal trucks.

From Falls of Rough to Mackville the terrain becomes rougher as the route makes its way through the Knobs, a group of small, conical hills which nearly surround the Bluegrass region.

As you approach Berea the roads become steeper; Berea is the Trans- America Trail’s gateway to the Appalachians.

The Mammoth Cave Loop heads south from the Trail. The Loop is 79 miles long and takes you through Mammoth Cave National Park. The western side of the Loop has very little traffic on shoulderless roads. The country is rural with rolling hills. The Park roads are smooth-surfaced, wide two-laners. Recreational traffic can be heavy at the peak tourist season during the summer. You may also encounter RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible. On the eastern side of the Loop traffic increases around and in the cities of Cave City and Horse Cave. SR 357 is a two-lane road with very little traffic. To check for current information on the Green River Ferry go to: advcy.link/GRferry or call 270-758-2166.

All known Amtrak stations are listed on this map but not all stations provide bicycle service. Check if bicycle service is provided at both the starting and ending stations on your trip using the spreadsheet and other trip planning resources at advcy.link/amtrak .

Southern Illinois and the Ohio River Valley have a continental climate. Cold winters, warm summers, and frequent fluctuations in temperatures, wind direction, and storm conditions are the norm.

The continent’s main summer storm system is usually north of the route, but cyclists can still expect a fair share of showers and thunderstorms during the summer. Throughout this section, humidity is high enough to make riding uncomfortable on warm days.

Kentucky also experiences wide extremes in temperatures and precipitation. Warm, moist, tropical air predominates in western Kentucky during most of the summer. About half of the average annual total precipitation falls between the months of April and September. Thunderstorms are common. Winds have an average speed of 7-12 miles per hour, and the prevailing direction is from the south to the southwest.

The Appalachians may not be as tall as the Rock­ies, but they are much harder to cross than the moun­tains of the West. This is because the gentle inclines of the Rockies are not nearly as tiring as the steep, roller-coaster grades of the Ap­pa­la­chians.

For most of the up-and-down ride through Ap­pa­la­chia, the roads are narrow two-laners with no shoul­ders. There is a lot of broken pave­ment, gravel and occasional low-water bridges.

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is signed throughout Virginia and Kentucky. Our routing is not always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/kyusbr and advcy.link/vausbr . Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Loose dogs abound in rural Kentucky and Virginia so you will likely encounter them. Be prepared. Here is an article about cycling and dogs: advcy.link/dogs .

In Kentucky, rumble strips have been applied to almost every rideable shoulder. You will almost always have to ride in the the travel lane since there isn’t any choice.

Traffic in the backcountry of Appalachia is gen­er­ally light. Exceptions include U.S. 421 northwest of McKee and popular tourist spots such as Breaks Interstate Park, the Buckhorn Lake area, and the Jefferson National Forest. Ride carefully and make sure you are visible to drivers. Traffic also increases near and in most cities and towns.

The area around Pippa Passes and Elkhorn City is very hilly, with lots of curves. At Breaks, there is a sharp drop into the canyon on the right. The road surface is very poor in sections between Virgie and Elkhorn City. Between Breaks and Haysi, the road is extremely curvy with dense veg­e­ta­tion, making it hard to see ap­proach­ing vehicles from either direction.

The Trail crosses many steep hills, both small and large, as it winds north toward the Blue Ridge Park­way in Virginia. The Great Valley is divided by knobs and ridges into several valleys.

Several stretches have moderate to heavy coal truck traffic and coal some­times fall off these rigs, so be prepared. Also, watch out for potholes, par­tic­u­larly on the down­hills, and ride cautiously.

At Breaks Interstate Park, all cyclists are asked to stop in and sign Virginia’s “Across State Ride” book if they have/are going to cycle across Virginia on the Tran­sAmerica Trail/USBR 76. Doc­u­ment­ing the number of cyclists who ride this is important for justification of route im­prove­ments. Rec­og­niz­ing the number of riders and where they are from will allow the Virginia Bicycling Fed­er­ation to promote bicycle tourism in Virginia. If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the route better list them in the book, or go to: www.vabike.org .

Kentucky lies in the path of westerly winds that sweep storms across the Ap­pa­la­chians during both the summer and winter months. Warm, moist air pre­dom­inates during the sum­mer months with ­a­v­er­age rel­a­tive hu­mid­ity ranging from 80-85 per­cent. Thun­derstorms occur during every month of the year, but most frequently between March and Sep­tem­ber. Be ready with both light clothing for sticky weather, and rain gear for the downpours.

In Appalachia summer fogs may cling to the high­lands until quite late in the morning. In an area with heavy traffic or coal trucks, the wise cyclist will either not ride until the fog clears or leave the road whenever a vehicle approaches.

The mild, semi-marine climate of the Blue Ridge region of central Virginia is heavily in­flu­enced by the moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Updated: Jul 18, 2019

Most of the roads through the Old Ap­pa­la­chians of central Virginia are narrow and have no shoulders. From Christiansburg, if you want to visit Blacksburg, the 5.7-mile paved Huckleberry Trail begins at the New River Mall and ends at the Blacksburg Library. For more info go to: www.huckleberrytrail.org .

The route in Virginia is concurrent with U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76. U.S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 1 are signed throughout Virginia. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs. USBR 1 and 76 are concurrent for a short distance northwest of Ashland. For more information and maps see advcy.link/vausbr .

After the town of Vesuvius, there is a very steep, switchbacked four-mile climb onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is one of the national parks.

The hills continue along the Park­way, which ranges in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. No commercial traffic is allowed on the Parkway, and the speed limit is very strictly en­forced 45 mph. There are, however, no shoul­ders so be cautious. The steep descent from the Parkway to Afton has switchbacks. Portions of the Parkway are occasionally closed due to road construction, weather, or rock slides. To check conditions go to: advcy.link/blueridgeclosures . Near and in this national park, cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic, try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible.

On July, 16, 2012, June Curry, “The Cookie Lady” of Afton passed away. She is buried in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery, about 2.5 mi. E. of the route on US 250. For her story see: advcy.link/cookielady .

The Piedmont contains some stretches with short, steep hills, but – for the most part – the terrain is gentle. The route sticks mostly to narrow, backcountry roads with poor surfaces and no shoulders. Traffic is light, except around the larger cities such as Charlottesville, Ashland, and Mechanicsville. There is also a lot of truck traffic near Richmond.

The gently rolling hills of the Tidewater are well-suited for cycling, although there are a few problems. First, traffic is heavy throughout much of this area, particularly in the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Second, the rolling nature of this terrain creates short “valleys” in the road. Motorists often won’t see cyclists until they are almost on top of them. In these situations, ride in single file and use bike flags or safety triangles. Southeast of Richmond the route uses the Capital Trail, a separate paved bicycle path. For information, see advcy.link/capitaltrl .

The 34.6-mi. Richmond Alternate takes cyclists through downtown, past historical monuments and the state capital. It is 4.9 miles shorter than the main route. In downtown you’ll ride on to the Capital Trail for 16 miles before rejoining the main route.

At the Yorktown Visitor Center information desk all cyclists are asked to stop in and sign Virginia’s “Across State Ride” book if they have/are going to cycle across Virginia on the TransAmerica Trail. Doc­u­ment­ing the number of cyclists who ride this is important for justification of improvements to the route. Recognizing the number of riders and where they are from will allow the VA Bicycling Federation to promote bicycle tourism in Virginia. If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the route better list them in the book, or go to: www.vabike.org .

The Virginia Piedmont and Tidewater sections both share a typically marine climate. Annual precipitation is 30-40 inches in the Piedmont and 45-55 inches in the Tidewater. Virginia is a flood state, with floods every month of the year. Heavy summer storms cause major flooding, and the frequent small thunderstorms often cause local flash flooding. It’s a good idea to have rain gear along at all times.

Summers in Virginia range from warm and humid to very hot and very humid, a combination that can make cycling extremely uncomfortable. To avoid some of the humidity, cycle early in the morning.

Updated: Apr 4, 2019

Updates to Recently Released Maps

If you are planning a bike tour, be sure to get the most recent map updates and corrections for your route by selecting the route, and the appropriate section(s), from the drop-down menu below.

Over time maps become less useful because things change. Every year Adventure Cycling’s Routes and Mapping Department create map updates and corrections for every map in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, which now totals 52,047 miles. With the help of touring cyclists like you, we receive updates on routing, services, camping, and contact information. Until we can reprint the map with the new information, we verify the suggested changes and publish corrections and updates here on our website.

PLEASE NOTE: Covid has been particularly hard on the small businesses along our routes. While we do our best to keep the maps and these online updates current, you may encounter more closed businesses and longer stretches with limited or no services.

Refer to these updates for the most current information we have and submit reports of changes to the Route Feedback Form for the cyclists coming after you.

NOTE: Map updates and corrections only pertain to long term changes and updates. For short term road closures, please see the Adventure Cycling’s Routes Temporary Road Closures discussion in our Forums.

Ahead of its time since 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid is San Francisco’s most iconic building. Designed by futurist architect William Pereira, the building is a metaphor for the spirit of a city defined by innovators, artists, and iconoclasts. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary, SHVO, in collaboration with acclaimed architect Norman Foster will advance Pereira's vision and legacy by transforming the Transamerica Pyramid into a home for the world’s brightest minds and a vibrant new destination in the heart of San Francisco. I am honored to be the custodian of the Transamerica Pyramid, and together with the people of San Francisco, I am committed to making this icon more iconic. MICHAEL SHVO Chairman & CEO, SHVO

To be kept informed about the Transamerica Pyramid, please provide the following information.

Red Square & Moscow City Tour

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Description

Highlights:.

• Experience medieval Kitay Gorod (China town).
• Wander picturesque Red Square and Alexander Garden.
• Explore grand Christ the Savior Cathedral on our Red Square tour.
• Breathtaking panoramic views from Patriarch bridge.
• Enjoy a hearty lunch on the large open verandah and marvel at the stunning views of the Kremlin.
• Learn about Russian culture from the local through relaxed cultural discussions.

Tour Itinerary:

Red square:.

Russia and Moscow are synonymous with Red Square and the Kremlin and that's hardly surprising as you'll find these places absolutely stunning!

• - Walk-through the Resurrection Gate and don’t forget to flip a coin so you’ll be sure to come back one day!
• - Visit the world's famous Kazan Cathedral .
• - See the State Department Store (GUM), once the Upper Trading Stalls, which were built over a century ago and still operating!
• - Admire the lovely St. Basil's Cathedral! The French diplomat Marquis de Custine commented that it combined "the scales of a golden fish, the enamelled skin of a serpent, the changeful hues of the lizard, the glossy rose and azure of the pigeon's neck" and wondered at "the men who go to worship God in this box of confectionery work".
• - Walk by Lobnoye Mesto (literally meaning "Execution Place", or "Place of Skulls"), once Ivan the Terrible's stage for religious ceremonies, speeches, and important events.
• - Entering the Alexander Garden , you’ll take in spectacular views of Russian architecture from ancient to Soviet times, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame. Watch Changing of the Guard Ceremony every hour in summer and every half an hour in winter.

Kitai-gorod:

Stroll along medieval Kitai-gorod with its strong ancient Russia feel, known for its bohemian lifestyle, markets and arts.

• - Nikolskaya Street. Here you will find the Russia's first publishing house, the second oldest monastery, and Ferryn Pharmacy, known as the number one pharmacy back in Soviet times and famous for its Empire-style architecture.
• - Ilinka Street. The financial street of the Kitaigorod (China Town) district, where you’ll find the Gostiny Dvor (Merchant’s Yard), which is now a showroom for Ferraris and Maseratis. The street was designed in the 1790s by Catherine the Great.
• - Varvarka street. The oldest street in Moscow, which dates back to the 14th century, and still has remnants of early Muscovite architecture, such as the Old English Court and the Palace of the Romanov’s.
• - Kamergersky Lane. Only a small road of about 250 meters, it is home to some of the oldest artifacts of the city, as each building holds a fascinating story. Some of Russia's most famous writers, poets, and composers from as far back as the Golden Age of Russian culture, have lived or worked on this lane.

Historic City Center

Walk the historical old center of Moscow with its cool local vibe, including the main Tverskaya street , and indulge in desserts in the first grocery “Eliseev's store” , housed in an 18th century neoclassical building, famous for its baroque interior and decoration.

From our tour. Impressions of our American tourist:

At 3:30, as energy flagged, lunch was on the agenda at a Ukrainian restaurant.  Just in time!  We asked our guide to order for us.  We all had the same thing....borscht (the Ukrainian version has beans and more tomatoes than the Russian version, which has more beets and includes beef). 

The special high bread served is called galushki.  Our main course was golubtsy...a dish of minced meat rolled in braised cabbage leaves.  Both dishes called for optional sour cream as a topping....of course, yes, please....I recommend it. 

Full, satisfied, and completely refreshed, it was off to Red Square and St. Basil's and GUM department store.  Red Square is not so named because of the color of the brick walls of the Kremlin.  Rather the word for 'red' and the word for 'beautiful' are similar in pronunciation....and, there you have it. 

As we made the turn by the National Museum in front of which is the mounted sculpture of the "Marshall of Victory," Giorgy Zhukov from WWII and caught our first view of St. Basil's, my friend and I simultaneously emitted "Oooohhhhh!"  There it was....the iconic onion domes of St. Basil's!  Hooray....it was open until 7....we had about 30 minutes and were allowed in, AND we could take photos with no flash. 

Now, I can give you a taste of what we saw in the other cathedrals in Cathedral Square.  What we learned is that St. Vasily and St. Basil are one in the same....Russian/English.  He was a common man who wandered Moscow unclothed and barefoot.  But, all, even Ivan the Terrible, heeded his opinions derived from his visions.  Ivan had this cathedral built over his tomb. 

As we exited and took photos up close of the onion domes, Inna presented us with chocolate (how did she know we were ready for another energy boost, and we each got a big piece of chocolate.  The baby's name pictured on the wrapper of this famous Russian chocolate is Alyonka....the Russian Gerber baby, don't you think? 

One could wear out the credit card in GUM's (capitalized because it is actually a government abbreviation), but the 'kitty' and my credit card stayed in my pocket as we strolled through the glass-topped arcade. 

We then strolled through some of Moscow's lovely pedestrian streets; paused to listen as a wonderful quartet performed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in an underground passage to cross the busy street (hooray!....we DID have our 'classical concert' experience after all; a request Alina tried in vain to fill because none was scheduled those days), saw the Bolshoi, which means 'big' (my friend has yet to recover that their performance schedule did not coincide with our cruise), saw the Central Telegraph Building, dating from the 1930's, and made our way to the Ritz-Carlton to see the night view of Moscow from the rooftop bar, called O2. 

There were fleece blankets to wrap yourself in....yes, it got that cold when the sun set.  We each ordered something hot to drink...the ginger, mint, lemon tea served to me in a parfait glass (for 600 rubles...about $9....you pay for the view here!) was delightful and hit the spot perfectly.  It was time to call it a night....

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting city tour, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time.

*This Moscow city tour can be modified to meet your requirements.

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