Ride the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail from West Coast to East Coast, See Lots of National Parks

If you consider yourself a serious cyclist, you probably enjoy taking on various challenges and, most likely, relish riding long distances. But perhaps doing something like the Trans Dinarica through the western Balkans or the New Zealand Cycle trail would stretch your time and financial resources too thin.

If you’re located in the United States and you want to experience something similar, there are countless long-distance rides available. You could ride across a state, ride from one big city to another, or if you are feeling really ambitious, you can ride right across the country on the Transamerica Bicycle Trail.

What Is The Transamerica Bicycle Trail?

The route was mapped and guidebooks developed by the Adventure Cycling Association. While the trail existed since 1973, the idea behind it was to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976. In fact, before it was named the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, it was originally called the Bicentennial Trail.

When it was announced the trail was open, 4,000 cyclists showed up to ride it. Half of them rode some part of the trail but amazingly 2,000 riders rode the whole route. Most of the riders were young and compelled by the chance to have a life-changing experience and learn more about America.

But it was the 1970s and bikes and cycling equipment were nothing even close to what it is today. And no one had really ridden this kind of distance on a bike before. According to Adventure Cycling, participants “…traveled in groups of 10 to 12 with leaders….There were few helmets to be seen and the bikes were often discount-store quality.“

The TransAmerica Bike Trail Route

The trail was originally designed to be ridden from East Coast to West Coast, but many cyclists choose to begin the ride on the West Coast. Most cyclists opt to ride the trail between May and September when the weather isn’t as muteable.

It can take 2 1/2 to three months to ride the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, but that doesn’t take into consideration weather, traffic, the amount of average miles a rider can do, and a host of other factors, so it could take longer. The current route length is 4,228 miles. Along the way, cyclists will be treated to a host of national parks, such as the Grand Tetons, smaller cities, and historic sites.

Two Lane Roads With a Mix of Elevation and Flat Terrain

The riding terrain is mostly flat but cyclists will encounter challenging climbs in the western part of the United States, especially in Colorado and further west. That’s why some riders choose to do this part of the journey first while their legs are fresh.

Unlike the Trans Dinarica or the New Zealand Cycle Trail, the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail doesn’t have a dedicated path funded by the United States. This route is a product of love supported and routed by the Adventure Cycling Association. That means that cyclists will be riding a lot of two lane roads that are usually subject to lower traffic patterns.

Here are the states the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail Passes through (you can also see the map above).

• Oregon
• Idaho
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Virginia

Businesses Adjacent to the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail

People who are motivated by hiking, backpacking, or long distance cycling are usually very self sufficient. They will choose to carry their own food and camping materials in order to avoid being subjected to towns along the route that may charge high prices for overnight accommodations, food, or other services.

But for those cyclists who need a dose of modern convenience at the end of a long day of cycling, there are supposedly many options. The nice thing is that the bike trail has been around for such a long time that many businesses have cropped up that cater to cyclists doing the coast to coast ride.

Last Thoughts

The TransAmerica Trail excursion is perfect for those who enjoy the adventure of long distance cycling. On this trip, you certainly will experience the best of America. My suggestion would be to do this ride with a a friend or a group because you never know what you might encounter along the way.

That said, your costs shouldn’t be as high as opposed to booking a flight to Europe, New Zealand, or somewhere else and figuring out other elements, such as packing or renting a bike, accommodations, food, etc. If this type of riding/ cycling intrigues you and you’re new to it, riding the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail also seems like a good way to sink your teeth into the experience of long distance cycling.