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1,000 Mile tour recommendations

Old 03-09-20, 10:53 AM
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Atlas Shrugged
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1,000 Mile tour recommendations

I am looking for recommendations on a 1,000-mile tour in the Continental USA. I have done numerous self-supported tours mostly throughout Europe and enjoy the process. I have also done a few tours in Vietnam and found them a lot of fun. The location of the start point is not much of an issue for me as I have plenty of AirMiles and will fly to the start and home from the finish point. What I am looking for is most importantly quiet low traffic roads and the availability of accommodations as I won’t be tenting. The ideal distance for me is around 80 - 100 miles per day unless there is lots of climbing. Riding on the side of a highway for long distances even though there is a large shoulder is not what I joy or want to do. Given the amount of experience on this forum, any ideas would be appreciated.
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Old 03-09-20, 11:05 AM
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Couple of things - -
Low-traffic roads usually do not imply a great deal of accommodations.
The really sweet low-traffic roads have considerable distances between services.

Also - -
What time of year makes a huge difference.
And whether or not you are willing to do dirt/gravel or bike trails.

Right off the bat -
Coastal Washington, eastern Oregon, Sawtooth Mtns of Idaho, to Jackson, Wyoming.
Lots of sweet empty roads - sufficient services.

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Old 03-09-20, 11:32 AM
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If you fly into Chicago you could make a big loop around Wisconsin. There are lots of bike paths/ snow mobile paths. I went there last summer without expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. I strung together three long paths with pavement riding about 30% of the time. I'm sure there is just as much in Minnesota. It was easy to find hotels when I did use them.
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Old 03-10-20, 09:06 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions. Ideally, I was looking for an ACA Route. As the Eastern part of the country has a higher road density the opportunity for lesser-travelled secondary roads is higher. Are there any sections of the southern tier which may fit my requirements.
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Old 03-10-20, 02:18 PM
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Right.
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Old 03-10-20, 03:02 PM
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A few years ago my wife and I rode from Fargo ND to Detroit MI. It was a good ride. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are all bike friendly. The ride varies from the edge of the plains in western Minnesota to beautiful forests and farmlands as you ride east. Our route was 1300 miles, but we took a couple of side trips. One was to Itasca State Park, the head of the Mississippi River. If you are interested, I'd be happy to send you more details.

Walking across the Mississippi River.


There are great colors in the fall.

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Old 03-11-20, 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted by boomhauer
If you fly into Chicago you could make a big loop around Wisconsin. There are lots of bike paths/ snow mobile paths. I went there last summer without expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. I strung together three long paths with pavement riding about 30% of the time. I'm sure there is just as much in Minnesota. It was easy to find hotels when I did use them.
Start in Chicago. Ride around Lake Michigan. Finish in Chicago. Beautiful ride, close to 1000 miles.
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Old 03-11-20, 05:27 AM
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In case you didn't see this thread already:
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/1...ns-wanted.html

Lots of ideas there.
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Old 03-11-20, 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by AeroGut
In case you didn't see this thread already:
https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/1...ns-wanted.html

Lots of ideas there.
Thanks for that. I previously looked but did not see.
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