I did a solo ride from Burlington, VT to Amarillo, TX last September/October. My destination was (is) Los Angeles, but I met someone at a campground during the trip who had become homeless, and I left the trip to bring him back to Vermont to get him back on his feet, which is another story. I'm looking to finish the last 1/3 of the ride from Amarillo to LA this September/October, and I'm looking for advice. My route last fall from Burlington VT to Amarillo TX was (give or take):
* Empire State Trail from near Burlington VT to NYC
* ACA's CNYC route from NYC to Indianapolis IN
* ACA's Eastern Express Connector from Indianapolis to St. Louis MO
* ACA's Bicycle Route 66 from St. Louis to Joplin MO
* Google Maps from Joplin to Amarillo TX
ACA's Bicycle Route 66 through Missouri was, by far, my least favorite part of the trip. There were few sections with any shoulder at all, and Missouri drivers were aggressive. By the time I got to Joplin, I was considering quitting because I didn't feel safe, but I used Google Maps to chart my own remote course from Joplin to Amarillo and I loved it.
The most obvious way for me to finish my trip from Amarillo to LA is ACA's Bicycle Route 66. I'm open to trying it if folks tell me it's better than my experience in Missouri, but a little traumatized from last fall. Google Maps made me a gorgeous, remote route, but it had very few options for food, water, and sleeping. I was also looking at Route 60 (through TX, NM, and AZ) as an option, and wondering if anyone could share their experience.
I'm excited to finish my cross-country trip this fall, and I appreciate any feedback/suggestions!
by Gullible_Bullfrog_83