Gazza

I am planning a self-sustained solo tour across the U.S beginning in San Fran., CA at the end of this month and was wondering if anyone has had any experience using A.C.A maps. Were they useful? Ringing endorsements or merciless rants - I'm all ears.

Cheers and happy riding!


Gary

cyclezealot

I have bought several of them for potential rides. used them last September on my Central California coast tour. Unsupported. They are great. You know what to expect every mile of your route. Distances, facilities available, climbs, restaurants, camp grounds, planning for special needs... Contact numbers. they are a worthy investment. Would not hesitate to get the whole set you need.
From San Francisco? I have a set for that area, San Francisco east through Nevada. where are you going?

Gazza

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking to do something along the lines of the "Western Express" bike route. What attracted me to the idea of the A.C.A maps was that (from what i can tell at least) they seem to take you off the main highways as much as possible which is what I am looking for. The info on bike shops, campgrounds, etc. is obviously very useful too but I'm really interested in the maps mainly for the route it outlines. Although I've had the pleasure of traveling in parts of the Western U.S I can't say that I am familiar with the roads, especially the back roads.
It's nice to hear some positive feedback about their maps as they don't come cheap. However, I'm sure they're worth well worth it.

How did you enjoy the coast tour? (stupid question perhaps - of course you did, right? lol)

Gary

catfish

yes the A C maps are quite good. They provide info that you need about places to camp city parks showers grocerys bike shops motels route info elevations and also some history and general info about the areas you are biking through.

the only down side is that they only cover a bout 5 miles width along the route. You should get a state map of each state you bike through, these are usually found free at the tourist info booths as you enter a new state. you sometimes can find something you would like to see close enough to ride to but too far to be included ont he A C maps

Ive used the A C maps many times and are quite good
C.F

cyclezealot

Gaza. Yes, I loved the Big Sur tour. Rode all way from Monterey to just north of LA. ACA maps were indispensable. Big Sur awesome scenery. I was a little freaked at times because I have a mild height phobia.
Ironic- I have the ACA maps all way from Frisco to into Utah. My September ride will be from Lake Tahoe to the Utah line.Late September. Weather is supposed to be great. That is real isolated out there. Have to plan your needs very carefully. Maybe no nothing, I mean nothing for over 100 miles. The warning on the maps no services for x amount of miles.