Cycling America Coast to Coast Review

Cycling across America coast to coast can be an adventurous and rewarding experience. The Pacific Coast Bike Route (PCBR) is one of the most popular routes, offering stunning views and a mix of paved and dirt roads.

It starts at the US/Canada border in Vancouver and ends at the US/Mexico border in San Diego, covering around 1800 miles.

For those preferring off-road routes, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is highly recommended. This route, finished in 1997 by the Adventure Cycling Association, is considered the granddaddy of long-distance off-road routes. It traverses the spine of the continent and crosses the Continental Divide 30 times, offering jaw-dropping mountain views, classic desert landscapes, and pine forests.

Another option is the TransAmerica Trail, which is part of the Adventure Cycling Association’s network. This route takes cyclists through diverse landscapes, including national parks and vast open spaces. However, it includes sections with heavy traffic and limited services, requiring careful planning.

Reddit users suggest the Great Northern Bikepacking Route for a safer and more scenic experience, as it gets you off busy roads and provides gravel and trail options.

When planning a coast-to-coast bikepacking trip, it’s important to consider factors such as weather, road conditions, and services along the route. Carrying extra food and water is essential, especially in remote areas.

The Great American Rail-Trail is another option, stretching almost 6,000km and enabling cyclists to traverse the entire US. It will connect over 145 existing paths, making it a viable route for future cyclists.

Pacific Coast Bike Route (PCBR): A scenic route that follows the Pacific Coast Highway from Vancouver to San Diego, covering around 1800 miles.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR): An off-road route that traverses the spine of the continent and crosses the Continental Divide 30 times, offering diverse landscapes and challenging climbs.

TransAmerica Trail: Part of the Adventure Cycling Association’s network, this route takes cyclists through diverse landscapes but includes sections with heavy traffic and limited services.

Great Northern Bikepacking Route: A safer and more scenic route that gets cyclists off busy roads and provides gravel and trail options.

Great American Rail-Trail: A planned route that will connect over 145 existing paths, enabling cyclists to traverse the entire US.