Southern Tier East to West?
10-02-05, 01:41 AM
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Greetings! Till now I have only found reports of people doing this route from West to East. I live in Germany and would like to start in February from Florida going West. I have read about the wind prevailing from the West. Can anyone advise me on this factor - is it important enough to reconsider the direction of my tour? I am female, 56, travelling alone and planning on staying in motels and doing an average of 60 miles per day.
The reasons for starting in FL are that I can get a very cheap flight to Orlando, that I have family in Phoenix that I would look forward to seeing, and that although I am in good shape I would prefer to tackle those mountain passes in the west after some time on the road and not right at the beginning of the tour. Thanks for help, goettschie
The reasons for starting in FL are that I can get a very cheap flight to Orlando, that I have family in Phoenix that I would look forward to seeing, and that although I am in good shape I would prefer to tackle those mountain passes in the west after some time on the road and not right at the beginning of the tour. Thanks for help, goettschie
10-02-05, 04:03 AM
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Hooked on Touring
I would caution you about the route in Alabama, Mississippi, definitely Louisiana, and eastern Texas. I'm not sure how much hurricane damage there is, but there may be bridges out or roads closed - even in February and March - since funds will go to major roads first - any damage to backroads will have to wait. Not a good year to do the Southern Tier.
10-02-05, 04:37 AM
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Check out crazyguyonabike . Here's a journal where the route was taken East to West as you've described.
10-02-05, 05:16 AM
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I agree that the timing may not be right. The Gulf Coast region was hit hard by two hurricanes. It may not be in the best of shape to receive bicycle tourists in early 2006.
10-02-05, 01:08 PM
#6
Hooked on Touring
Howdy Goettschie -
Now don't toss out the idea completely.
A few modifications should do it. Just west of Tallassee, Florida you might consider heading northwest into southern Alabama - say from Geneva to Andalusia to Camden to Butler. This is the heart of a rural African American region - very nice! (Stay off US 84)
In Mississippi, you could run from Quitman to Mendenhall to Hazlehurst to Natchez. Natchez rhymes with matches in Mississippi. It's THE most historic antebellum city in the South. I included a pic of Dunleith Plantation.
This would put you in central Louisiana. You might want to ask about routes here. Natchitoches is a lovely town with a small college. Maybe thru Enterprise and Winnfield. By February, you should be able to find a place to stay in most county seats. Whenever you cannot, ask a minister or priest.
In Texas, consider heading thru College Station and Austin before you rejoin the Southern Tier route. Austin would be a good halfway point - has great nightlife, culture, bike shops, bike trails. It's the most civilized place in Texas.
Just between you and me - I'm not too fond of a lot of Adventure Cycling routes. On the Southern Tier they put you on the Interstate (the autobahn) for too much. And US 90 in Florida and parts of Texas is very busy.
Viel Glueck - John
Now don't toss out the idea completely.
A few modifications should do it. Just west of Tallassee, Florida you might consider heading northwest into southern Alabama - say from Geneva to Andalusia to Camden to Butler. This is the heart of a rural African American region - very nice! (Stay off US 84)
In Mississippi, you could run from Quitman to Mendenhall to Hazlehurst to Natchez. Natchez rhymes with matches in Mississippi. It's THE most historic antebellum city in the South. I included a pic of Dunleith Plantation.
This would put you in central Louisiana. You might want to ask about routes here. Natchitoches is a lovely town with a small college. Maybe thru Enterprise and Winnfield. By February, you should be able to find a place to stay in most county seats. Whenever you cannot, ask a minister or priest.
In Texas, consider heading thru College Station and Austin before you rejoin the Southern Tier route. Austin would be a good halfway point - has great nightlife, culture, bike shops, bike trails. It's the most civilized place in Texas.
Just between you and me - I'm not too fond of a lot of Adventure Cycling routes. On the Southern Tier they put you on the Interstate (the autobahn) for too much. And US 90 in Florida and parts of Texas is very busy.
Viel Glueck - John
10-03-05, 01:10 AM
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Hi John,
thanks for your very kind effort by describing some alternatives! - I started thinking in that direction last night - just go up a little further north. I'm pretty thick-headed and have got my mind set on a longer tour, and this time is must be USA. I'm not set on adhering to the Adventure Cycling Route at any cost, some diversion can be quite "adventurous".
Vielen Dank und viele Gruesse,
Susan
thanks for your very kind effort by describing some alternatives! - I started thinking in that direction last night - just go up a little further north. I'm pretty thick-headed and have got my mind set on a longer tour, and this time is must be USA. I'm not set on adhering to the Adventure Cycling Route at any cost, some diversion can be quite "adventurous".
Vielen Dank und viele Gruesse,
Susan
