| Route |
Contributor |
Last Updated |
Where |
Distance |
Tags |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 11 (Roosevelt to Dinosaur) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 06:49 |
|
101.8km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's journey covers the high elevations of the Colorado Plateau. You'll leave the desert town of Roosevelt and pass through Vernal and ultimately end up in Dinosaur (these are really the only three towns on the way). Plan on carrying extra water and food with you. You should note that gas and oil exploration workers in this region usually occupy every available motel room around - so advanced reservations are in order. The first 20 miles of the trip hover around 5,000 feet above sea level. As you approach Vernal, you'll have an ascent up to 5,800 feet and then a drop back down to 4,700 feet as you approach the Green River at Jansen. The last 19 miles are a grueling ascent to 5,900 feet above sea level. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies.
|
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 23A (Alternate Route through Saint Louis - Wentzville to Troy) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 01:00 |
|
109.8km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Unsafe
- Urban
- Touring
|
| This alternate routing through Saint Louis is for those who are intent on pedaling through the city. This route is not advised; instead you should take the route outlined in Days 23 and 24. A significant portion of the routing is NOT on Route 40, instead relying heavily on back and side roads. You will cross the Mississippi River on the Eads Bridge, which does have a pedestrian lane! If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 6A (Alternate Route between Battle Mountin to Elko) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 08:32 |
|
114.8km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| There are two routings for the Day 6 biking. This is the shortest but more dangerous of the two. Rather than use back roads to avoid I-80, it uses the highway itself – not a great idea. The first 27 miles are fairly flat, however, that is followed by two considerable ascents – one of 1,500 feet followed a few miles later by a 1,000 ascent. The last five miles are flat. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 14 (Kremmling to Idaho Springs) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 12:53 |
|
131.2km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This is probably the toughest day of the entire Route 40 cross-country trek. The first 60 miles cover a rather brutal ascent of more than 4,000 feet in elevation. Once you reach the summit of Berthoud Pass (the highest point on all of Route 40), you will rapidly descent about 4,000 feet in about 20 miles. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 25 (Effingham to Brazil) |
fbrusca |
Nov 20th 2009, 08:49 |
|
133.1km |
- Onroad
- Basic
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The day's journey is one of the easiest on the entire cross-country span. You will travel through one small town after another. Terre Haute in western Indiana is the largest city you will encounter. Ascents and descents are minimal and the overall elevation is constant - except for the last 16 miles which are an easy ascent. Throughout Illinois you will see many examples of brick paved sections of the abandoned National Road. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 33 (Elkton to Atlantic City) |
fbrusca |
Nov 19th 2009, 01:21 |
|
138.3km |
- Onroad
- Smooth
- Basic
- Low traffic
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This final leg of the Route 40 Cross-Country Bike Trip is an easy ride. The highest elevation point is 139 above sea level. The only challenge is the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which does not permit pedestrians. And, except for the DMB area, the entire route is away from major highways. The New Jersey section traverses the entire state without a parallel Interstate Highway! On this leg you'll travel through three states - Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 16 (Limon to Cheyenne Wells) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 12:48 |
|
138.7km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| After traversing the Rocky Mountains, this day's journey is welcome relief. You'll be riding across the high plains with a 1,300 foot drop in elevation over 86 miles. There are almost no services along this section, so you should plan on carrying extra water and food. Services are only available in Limon, Kit Carson and Cheyenne Wells. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 29 (Cambridge to Washington) |
fbrusca |
Nov 20th 2009, 01:35 |
|
139.7km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This leg of the cross-country journey traverses the Appalachian Mountains. The trip is characterized by constant up and riding with a major descent into the Ohio River valley followed by a considerable ascent out. Two detours provide a means of avoiding the need to bike on I-70. This is one of the most scenic legs of the trip east of the Mississippi River. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 6 (Battle Mountain to Elko) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 08:41 |
|
141.7km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Low traffic
- Rough
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| There are two routings for the Day 6 biking. This is the safer but longer of the two. It uses back roads to avoid I-80. This section provides for some relatively easier biking with only two major ascents - one south of Palisades Canyon and the other over a back road west of Elko. Both ascents are climbs of about 1,200 feet. There are plenty of towns along the way and with the exception of Palisades Canyon you'll find yourself well supported. Once again, you are advised to carry plenty of drinking water with you. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 12 (Dinosaur to Craig) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 05:50 |
|
142.4km |
- Onroad
- Steep
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| Day 12 presents one of the most difficult rides in terms of logistics. Once you depart Dinosaur, there are absolutely no services until you reach Craig, some 88 miles later. No water, no food and no accommodations. There is a general store and a gas station in Maybell (58 miles) but they are not always open. On top of that, the changes in elevation can also be a challenge. You'll descend for the first 18 miles followed by a moderate 1,100 foot climb over 20 miles. Then there will be a descent followed by a 500 foot climb during the last 15 miles. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 9 (Grantsville to Heber City) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 12:02 |
|
143.2km |
- Onroad
- MTB
- Steep
- Offroad
- High traffic
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The day’s riding starts out pretty easy – 44 miles across the near perfectly terrain south of the Great Salt Lake. You’ll spend the next 20 miles making a 2,700 foot ascent up the Wasatch Mountains. There are two major detours on this day. The first is to get around the Salt Lake City Airport and the second is to avoid I-80 in Parley’s Canyon. The latter is very scenic and historic. There is some trail riding in the Wasatch. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 5 (Mill City to Battle Mountain) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 09:43 |
|
146.4km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Low traffic
- High traffic
- Rough
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| Day five is an improvement over the previous day's route. There are enough frontage and altenate roads to completely avoid using I-80. Also, there are major towns along the way. Still, you are advised to carry plenty of water with you on this day's biking. The terrain is fairly easy with only one significant ascent just east of Winnemucca. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 3A (Rainbow Lodge to Fernley) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 10:01 |
|
147km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| There are two routings for the Day 3 biking. This is the short but more dangerous of the two. Rather than use back roads to avoid I-80, it uses the highway itself – not a great idea. The journey continues its climb up the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, cresting at Donner Pass. At 7,088 feet, it is the highest point along Route 40 util reaching the Rocky Mountains. Afterwards, you will descend into the basins of Nevada. Most of the original alignment of Route 40 in Nevada is long gone and as a result you will need to travel on portions of I-80 in several places: between Boca and Verdi (about 14 miles), west of Reno (for about 1.5 miles) and just about the entire distance between Sparks and Fernley (about 26 miles). If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 3 (Rainbow Lodge to Fernley) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 10:14 |
|
147.3km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- Offroad
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| There are two routings for the Day 3 biking. This is the safer but longer of the two. Rather than use I-80 between Truckee and Reno, it uses an older alignment back of the Lincoln Highway. The journey continues its climb up the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, cresting at Donner Pass. At 7,088 feet, it is the highest point along Route 40 util reaching the Rocky Mountains. Afterwards, you will descend into the basins of Nevada. Most of the original alignment of Route 40 in Nevada is long gone and as a result you will need to travel on portions of I-80 in several places: west of Reno (for about 1.5 miles) and just about the entire distance between Sparks and Fernley (about 26 miles). If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 31 (Cumberland to Frederick) |
fbrusca |
Nov 19th 2009, 12:06 |
|
148.6km |
- Onroad
- Steep
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's journey begins in Cumberland and crosses the ridge and valley landscape with an end point of Frederick. Some of the ascents are about 1,000 feet. Catoctin Mountain in Frederick is the last mountain along the entire coast-to-coast trek. Most of the route is along the old National Road, which was the predecessor Route 40. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 13 (Craig to Kremmling) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 05:47 |
|
151.7km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's ride starts out deceptively easy with a gradual ascent of about 600 feet over 50 miles. Then you slam head-on into the Rocky Mountains. After passing through Steamboat Springs, you'll ascend Rabbitt and Muddy Passes, climbing about 3,500 feet in 15 mile span. Afterwards, it is all downhill to Kremmling. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 8 (Wendover to Grantsville) |
fbrusca |
Nov 23rd 2009, 10:16 |
|
156.5km |
- Onroad
- MTB
- Smooth
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The day’s riding starts out very easy – 55 miles across the perfectly flat salt flats southwest of the Great Salt Lake. Still, it is an extremely harsh environment with no shade or services along the span. At the eastern end of the salt flats, you’ll make some 500 foot ascents before returning to the earlier elevations of the salt flats. There are two very brief unavoidable runs on I-80. You’ll need to carry plenty of water and food with you as you probably won’t have any services on this day. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 27 (Cambridge City to Lafayette) |
fbrusca |
Nov 20th 2009, 05:34 |
|
157.8km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's journey is somewhere between beginner and intermediate. There are many hills which are generally steep for eastbounders followed by long gradual downhills. You'll cross atop the berms of two large earthen dams - one at Englewood and the other at Vandalia. You'll be using various alignment of Route 40 all day and you will completely avoid I-70. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 1 (San Francisco to Davis) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 10:19 |
|
158.3km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The journey begins at the Pacific Ocean and then traverses Golden Gate Park. Afterwards, you will cross the city and eventually pass by the western termini for Route 40 (where Harrison and Bryant Streets cross 10th Street). You will follow Bryan eastward and board the Alameda/Oakland Ferry (the Bay Bridge does not allow pedestrian traffic). In Oakland, you will travel up San Pablo Avenue all the way to the Carquinez Bridge (which has a bike lane). From Vallejo, frontage roads, the original alignment and a few detour back roads lead you into Davis. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 30 (Washington to Cumberland) |
fbrusca |
Nov 19th 2009, 12:16 |
|
159.3km |
- Onroad
- Steep
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| Day 30 finds you crossing the ridges and valleys of southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland head on. Rather than go around the mountains, the road builders established straight lines across the frontier resulting in some roller-coaster roads. Most of the route is along the old National Road, which was the predecessor Route 40. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 24 (Chain of Rocks Bridge to Effingham) |
fbrusca |
Nov 20th 2009, 08:59 |
|
159.9km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| Day 24 will take you from the Mississippi River to the plains of Illinois. Once you leave the Mississippi flood plain, your elevation will hover between 450 and 575 feet above sea level. This is one of the easiest days on the coast-to-coast journey. There are adequate old alignments and frontage roads so you will completely avoid riding on I-70. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 19 (Wilson to Junction City) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 12:40 |
|
160.3km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This is a very easy day's ride as it is almost completely downhill! Over the course of 99 miles you will drop 800 feet in elevation with almost no ascents. You will also be riding on the older decommissioned alignment of Route 40. If you like grain elevators, you're going to love this day's journey. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 28 (Lafayette to Cambridge) |
fbrusca |
Nov 20th 2009, 05:11 |
|
160.4km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's biking includes an easy downhill ride followed by some intermediate up- and downhill riding as you enter the Appalachian region. Frontage roads and old alignments provide a means of avoiding I-70. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 20 (Junction City to Lawrence) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 01:29 |
|
161.5km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The day's journey is mostly downhill with a gradual 250 foot ascent for the last 25 miles. This section follows the ORIGINAL alignment of Route 40 which ran north of the Kansas River. Between St. Mary and Lawrence, you'll essentially be biking along the Oregon Trail. I am not providing an alternate route along the current alignment of Route 40 (which runs south of the Kansas River) because there aren't enough side and frontage roads to make it safe to do so. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 10 (Heber City to Roosevelt) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 06:52 |
|
161.5km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The day starts out with a 20 mile ascent out of the Wasatch Valley followed by an 80 mile descent onto the Colorado Plateau. Services along this section are somewhat limited, so plan on carrying extra food and water with you. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 22 (Concordia to Kingdom City) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 01:18 |
|
164.3km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day’s riding is pleasant, but it you’ll be in the shadow of I-70 most of the day – the exception being between Boonsboro and Columbia where the two highways diverge. The terrain is moderately hilly. The route also crosses the KATY rails-to-trail bike path, which could be an alternate route to Saint Charles. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 32 (Frederick to Elkton) |
fbrusca |
Nov 19th 2009, 11:58 |
|
166.9km |
- Onroad
- Smooth
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's leg of the journey leaves the Blue Ridge behind and traverses the Piedmont. There is a gradual ascent for the first sixteen miles with a climb of about 600 feet. After 45 miles, the route descends to about 150 feet above sea level. The journey also includes a span through the center of Baltimore. The day's journey does not require traveling on any Interstate Highways. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 2 (Davis to Rainbow Lodge) |
fbrusca |
Nov 22nd 2009, 10:16 |
|
169.3km |
- Onroad
- Difficult
- High traffic
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| The journey begins in the Central Velley before making its climb up the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In short, it is a 100+ mile uphill ride all day. You will need to travel on portions of I-80 in three places: across the Yolo Causeway west of Sacramento (about 2.5 miles), just southwest of Auburn (about .2 miles; it may be legal to bike across this section) and again east of Yuba Pass (about 3 miles). This section mainly follows one or more of the Route 40 alignments and roughly parallels the path of the Transcontinental Railroad. Northeast of Colfax, this route makes use of some PG&E service roads to avoid traveling on the Interstate Highway. This section ends at Rainbow Lodge in Tahoe National Forest. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 17 (Cheyenne Wells to Grainfield) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 12:45 |
|
170.8km |
- Onroad
- Basic
- High traffic
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| This day's journey is an easy ride through the high plains. You will drop about 1,500 feet in elevation over the 106 mile span. The towns are few and far between, so you should plan on carrying plenty of drinking water and food. Services are available only at Sharon Springs, Wallace, Winona, Oakley, Grinnell and Grainfield. The only special consideration for this day's riding is that a significant portion of the old Route 40 alignment east of Oakley is unpaved gravel road. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
|
Cross-Country Route 40 Bike Trip - Day 21 (Lawrence to Concordia) |
fbrusca |
Nov 21st 2009, 01:23 |
|
173.7km |
- Onroad
- Intermediate
- High traffic
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
- Touring
|
| Day 21 is a challenging ride. The entire day is filled with constant 400+ foot ascents and descents. The journey leaves the Kansas prairies behind and traverses to the Missouri River plain. Over half of the day’s journey will be spent crossing the Kansas City metro area. If you follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. If in doubt, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies. |
