Discussion: wonder what cross country r...
in: Ricka; Ricka > 2019-05-22
May 25, 2019 7:37 PM
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wonder what cross country route goes thru fp? maybe coming off katy trail? congrats for your strong cycling lately btw
May 26, 2019 3:29 AM
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There is an organization which provides various cycling routes across US. I'd expect them to stay on paved roads but I don't know. A few years ago, two Swedes were on an E-W route through southern Illinois. They swung north only to see 4th of July celebrations in FP and stay 2 nights with us.
At about 4PM: from the app on her phone, this cyclist was heading across Eads Bridge on her way to spend the night in Freeburg. With the storms that night, I hope she had somewhere indoors to stay. At least she missed the earlier tornadoes. Wished I'd had more time to talk with here but she'd stopped for water and I knew she wanted to get moving again.
I'm prepping for a supported 6-day ride in early August in Lower Michigan along Lake Michigan.
At about 4PM: from the app on her phone, this cyclist was heading across Eads Bridge on her way to spend the night in Freeburg. With the storms that night, I hope she had somewhere indoors to stay. At least she missed the earlier tornadoes. Wished I'd had more time to talk with here but she'd stopped for water and I knew she wanted to get moving again.
I'm prepping for a supported 6-day ride in early August in Lower Michigan along Lake Michigan.
May 26, 2019 2:43 PM
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Yes, it is Adventure Cycling out in Montana. I've been a member for many years.
I've used their maps all over the US. Not only do the maps recommend lightly-trafficked paved roads, but they also contain lists of campgrounds, bike shops, and attractions you'll be biking past. Well worth the investment; you should consider ordering one of the maps that contains St Louis, and then expand on that! Bike Route 66, for instance.
Are you riding down the western shore of the Lower Peninsula in August?
I've used their maps all over the US. Not only do the maps recommend lightly-trafficked paved roads, but they also contain lists of campgrounds, bike shops, and attractions you'll be biking past. Well worth the investment; you should consider ordering one of the maps that contains St Louis, and then expand on that! Bike Route 66, for instance.
Are you riding down the western shore of the Lower Peninsula in August?
May 26, 2019 3:22 PM
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North on Shoreline West ride from Montague (north of Muskegon) to Mackinaw City. To celebrate retirement 7 years ago, I did League of Michigan Bicyclists ride in eastern UP with Zan, Beth, and Ed -- great organization!
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May 26, 2019 3:38 PM
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Thanks for link. I'll probably stick to supported rides but avoid the big rides [RAGBRAI in Iowa] and avoid the heat [Bicycle across MO in August].
My interest was how she'd cross the Mississippi. From her phone app map, it appeared that she was crossing at MLK Bridge [which is closed!] and I suggested the McKinley Bridge with a separated bike lane, 2 miles north, but would add mileage. Turns out, I'd forgotten about the 145 year old Eads Bridge - light traffic since highway signs NEVER direct cars to it. Only later did I realize that that meant she'd be riding solo through East St Louis on way to Freeburg. Checking STL newspaper and TV news, I guess she made it!
My interest was how she'd cross the Mississippi. From her phone app map, it appeared that she was crossing at MLK Bridge [which is closed!] and I suggested the McKinley Bridge with a separated bike lane, 2 miles north, but would add mileage. Turns out, I'd forgotten about the 145 year old Eads Bridge - light traffic since highway signs NEVER direct cars to it. Only later did I realize that that meant she'd be riding solo through East St Louis on way to Freeburg. Checking STL newspaper and TV news, I guess she made it!
May 26, 2019 3:58 PM
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I rode that route from Chicago with my girlfriend about 30 years ago...a self-supported 'plastic-fantastic bike tour:' bringing only a toothbrush and credit card. Starting north of Muskegon is a good idea, since still no good bike roads to keep you off busy highways around both Grand Haven and Muskegon Lake it appears.
Highway 31 wasn't a divided highway then, just an old, concrete undivided 4-lane highway with no shoulders, so we had to 'claim' one of those busy lanes and create a terrific traffic-jam, riding from Pentwater up to Luddington. I was glad to get there. Hope the section of 31 north of Luddington is not part of your route...maybe you'll be way east, riding through the forests of Manistee NF? Because once you reach the town of Manistee, the route up Hwy 22 should be wonderful!
I rode also their Tour of the Thumb ride. The chief complaint I heard was that the days' routes were too short for any experienced cyclist. So one of my friends brought his CAR, rode the route each day on his bike; then rode it backward back to his car, and drove back to the overnight school gym for the night. However, I talked with local people, and devised my own much more lengthy route (80-100mi) to pick up recommended attractions not on the ride route.
We took the ferry from Luddington to Wisconsin, and the contrast in road quality was extreme I thought: lots more local paved roads in Wisconsin; better biking; wider shoulders; safer routes. Good luck.
Highway 31 wasn't a divided highway then, just an old, concrete undivided 4-lane highway with no shoulders, so we had to 'claim' one of those busy lanes and create a terrific traffic-jam, riding from Pentwater up to Luddington. I was glad to get there. Hope the section of 31 north of Luddington is not part of your route...maybe you'll be way east, riding through the forests of Manistee NF? Because once you reach the town of Manistee, the route up Hwy 22 should be wonderful!
I rode also their Tour of the Thumb ride. The chief complaint I heard was that the days' routes were too short for any experienced cyclist. So one of my friends brought his CAR, rode the route each day on his bike; then rode it backward back to his car, and drove back to the overnight school gym for the night. However, I talked with local people, and devised my own much more lengthy route (80-100mi) to pick up recommended attractions not on the ride route.
We took the ferry from Luddington to Wisconsin, and the contrast in road quality was extreme I thought: lots more local paved roads in Wisconsin; better biking; wider shoulders; safer routes. Good luck.
May 26, 2019 8:26 PM
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Here is full itinerary including maps and elevations: https://www.lmb.org/ride-calendar/shoreline-west-2...
First 2 days to Ludington and Frankfort are between 31 and da Lake. Yes, will be on 22 south and north of Frankfort. Look to be on 31 for 10 miles or so on way to Charlevoix on Day 4. 60 miles a day except for shorter last day -- I won't be looking for more miles!
In eastern UP, state roads had wide paved shoulders and light traffic. We were on US 2 very briefly. Seems that this year's mid-UP ride will include somewhat busier highways.
First 2 days to Ludington and Frankfort are between 31 and da Lake. Yes, will be on 22 south and north of Frankfort. Look to be on 31 for 10 miles or so on way to Charlevoix on Day 4. 60 miles a day except for shorter last day -- I won't be looking for more miles!
In eastern UP, state roads had wide paved shoulders and light traffic. We were on US 2 very briefly. Seems that this year's mid-UP ride will include somewhat busier highways.
This discussion thread is closed.