Published May 5, 2004 12:00AM
| Week of December 17 – December 23, 1998 Cross-country treks: a coast-to-coast drive Skiing centers in Vermont A February motorcycling tour |
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Cross-country treks: a coast-to-coast drive By Grant Davis Question: What is the best way to drive cross-country from New York to California? How long would it take? Richie Farmingdale, Connecticut Adventure Adviser: There are two ways to drive cross country: fast and direct or meandering and lengthy. If you want to get to California fast, hop on Interstate 80 and three days later you’ll be in San Francisco — that’s assuming you’re up for driving 18-20 hours a day. However, if you really want to experience the landscape and locals, contact Adventure Cycling (406-721-1776) and ask about their three transcontinental bike routes. These meticulously mapped routes along the northern, middle, and southern United States list everything — campsites, services, emergency numbers, even road gradients. The biggest bonus for the steering wheel-bound is that Adventure Cycling directs you along quiet, two-lane, biker-friendly (read, empty) roads that toodle through spectacular scenery and some of the friendliest small towns left in America. During the summer, many towns will let you camp for free in the municipal parks (just check with the police station first). A complete set of maps will run you $80-111 depending on which route you take. Allow 10 days to two weeks to soak up the experience. |