Touring - How many days to cross the USA? Best Route?

I am interested in hearing from people who have completed a tour from Pacific to Atlantic. How long did it take. Average mileage and your route.

Rob

Check various travelogues on http://crazyguyonabike.com

The record is around 7 or 8 days, but I think that to do it under a full month would feel like racing. Anything between 1.5 and 2 months seem like an ideal minimum, as it would leave you only a few days of rest.

Boston, MA to San Diego, CA is around 3000 miles.
70 miles a day probably reasonable, which makes 43 days.
So maybe 50 days if you throw in a few days "off"...

Depends on when you do it - i.e. length of days in summer or fall - and where - it's only 2400 miles from San Diego to Jacksonville - 3200 from Seattle (out on the coast) to Boston. Also, you should allocate some rest days and bad weather days so that you can enjoy yourself without feeling pushed. If you have toured at least a week already I think you can do 70 to 80 miles per day by the second week - but allow yourself some shorter distances the first week. I find a good rule of thumb is 5 full cycling days per week - it usually translates to 4 full days, 2 half days and 1 day off. Therefore I would give myself 10 weeks - especially if you want to enjoy the national parks and communities along the way. 8 weeks will give you little time for anything but cycling. My first x-USA trip was 10 weeks in the fall - later trips have involved more circuitous routes and have been 12 to 13 weeks.
Best - J

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org 8 days and change. :) But to be realistic, give yourself 2-3 months.

I would have 8-9 weeks. I am just wondering if it could be done realistically, without being just a grind to get across.

This got me thinking a bit.
Do you feel that the time you lose going up a hill is reclaimed going down the other side? If not, then the mountain ranges in the US would surely add a week or two to the trip.

This got me thinking a bit.
Do you feel that the time you lose going up a hill is reclaimed going down the other side? If not, then the mountain ranges in the US would surely add a week or two to the trip.

I would hope so! As a flatlander, I look forward to spending extra time in the mountains enjoying them, rather than getting through ASAP. But maybe that's just me... :)

I usually go up a 6-7% grade around 10-12mph, but I go down them at 45-55 depending on how much I hammer it at the crest. :) I'll test the time theory this weekend when I do laps at Mission Trail park.

If you take a spring (march-april) ride from San Diego to Florida it could be accomplished semi-leisurely in 8-9 weeks. I took six weeks one spring to Pensacola, had to be back to work, so stopped there) It would be about 2,000 to Pensacola and another 500 or so to get to Atlantic coast. Adventure cycling has the maps but you can avoid the eastern moutains of AZ out of phoenix and the ranges in western NM by going a little further south (I 40) area and smoozing into Texas. A good side trip when you get to Alpine tx, is rent a car and drive down to Big Bend(Great on bike, but if time is a factor get the car). You can do this without feeling pressed and smell the roses(cactus) on the way.

Going central us or my favorite is the northerly routes will take you all summer and then some but worth the time.

Beware of Bike Touring Addiction! You mjay already have it and surely will after first long trip!


Michael