ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION MAPS

Rather than plotting a route from scratch Dave and I decided to purchase several sections of the Adventure Cycling Association's Route Network. We came across the ACA website during our initial research and were impressed by the quality and variety of different routes. Reviews of the maps were also excellent.

Having received the maps and started plotting out the final route we can safely say that we are incredibly happy with the quality and thoroughness of the maps.

Each route is split up in several sections and each section has its own A2 size map. As you can see on the right, each section is then divided up into up to 15 smaller map panels that are printed on one side of the sheet.

Each map panel represents a distance of 24 miles and shows the location of a number campsites, hotels, restaurants and points of interest. Although the map is hard to read in some of the more urban areas, most of the time a supplementary zoomed in section is added on the panel to show a more detailed view. In addition to this, all of the roads you need are fully labelled and stars are used to indicate a change from one road to another.

Where possible the route attempts to take diversions from the main highways onto smaller, and hopefully, less traffic-dense roads. Often these roads run parallel and are only a stones throw away from the main highways.

 

On the other side of the sheet there is a large amount of useful information. This includes information on climate, elevation, local culture and history, useful numbers,  local amenities (hotels, motels, campsites, restaurants and other points of interest) and a summary of the route covered in that map section.

This section is brilliant as it contains an invaluable summary of all the information you need when cycling through the region.

With the ACA route setions you get not only a map but elevation and climate information, travel directories and a guide book all rolled into one.

BAHRAIN CYCLE - TEST RUN

The Bahrain Cycle test run has been postponed while the political instability in the country continues. We hope to complete the cycle as soon as it is safe to do so.

In the meantime, Dave and I have begun updating the route on google maps using the Adventure Cycling Association Northern Tier, North Lakes and Lake Erie map sets.


View the route in a larger map.

MESSAGE FROM MARK BEAUMONT

Shortly after we first discussed the idea of cycling across America, Mark Beaumont's documentary Cycling the Americas aired on the BBC. Not only was this an incredible resource at the time it was also inspirational to see someone completing a similar, although in reality much longer and more dangerous trip.

After watching the three episode documentary series with my family, my Mum bought me a copy of Beaumont's book, The Man Who Cycled the World. It was a great read and a very thoughtful present given my new found love for cycling and our American expedition. The Man Who Cycled the World is an entertaining account of Beaumont's Guiness World Record breaking cycle around the world and is a must read for any cyclists, potential cyclists or endurance enthusiasts.

 Shortly after Christmas, having put up with my unrelenting praise for the wonderful feats of Mark Beaumont and other endurance greats, (these non-cyclists just don't understand!) my friend Liz got in touch with Beaumont asking if he would sign a copy of the book as a Christmas present. He graciously agreed, and here it is, a motivational message from Mark Beaumont. Undoubtedly one of the most thoughtful presents I have ever received.

ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION MAPS

The Adventure Cycling Association map sets. Fifteen sections in total covering over 9,429km (5,859 mi) of cycle-friendly routes across the Northern States of America. Dave and I decided on a route using the ACA's Northern Tier, North Lakes and Lake Erie Connector map sets plotting parts of the route not covered by the map sets.