When I was a teenager, I dreamt about riding my ten-speed across Route 40. I was a late bloomer when it came to getting my driver's license and used to ride my bike everywhere. In the summer, I would ride my bike along Maryland SR 144 (old Route 40) between Catonsville and Frederick.
Alas, I am middle aged and not in shape to execute this dream. (With enough training and prep I suppose I could make this happen!)
I thought I was the only one with such an interest but as my e-mail in-box can testify, I get at least one inquiry a month from someone wanting to do the same thing. If this sort of thing interests you, here are a few notes and observations.
Has It Ever Been Done?
Probably, but I have yet to find any record. In all likelihood, there have probably been a few long distance riders who have pedaled most of the highway's length. Buy I'll wager that to date no one has done a coast-to-coast trek on the highway.
Recommendations
- Beat the heat. Plan to depart the Bay Area in the late spring, perhaps the last week of May. By that time of year the Sierra Nevadas and Rockies will be clear of snow and the temperatures in the desert regions will be tolerable.
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Don't do it solo. Route 40 remains a busy highway and a bicycle is no match for an 18-wheeler cruising along at 100 MPH in Nevada. If you should run into any misfortune, having a buddy will be of great benefit.
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Understand the limitations. You won't be able to do a 100% pure ride across Route 40. There are a number of places where toll bridges and modern highways will necessitate an interruption of your cycling on the Route 40 alignment and add lengthy detours.
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Be prepared to stay at motels. There are many places along the route where there are no campgrounds.
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Carry a cell phone. They're small, lightweight and they can be a real life saver. I'd get one of those solar chargers to make sure the battery is always topped off.
- Use a GPS. Some of the detours here use some obscure back roads. This itinerary includes GPX files to guide you.
Recommended Itinerary
Below is a recommended itinerary for a possible 33-day coast-to-coast bike trip. The itinerary is based on a daily average schedule of about 100 miles. I've done my best to provide routings that follow a Route 40 alignment (or one that is practically possible).
Important Notice
Please note that if you elect to follow this itinerary, you do so at your own risk. Failure to exercise good judgment can result in traffic violation citations, injury and even death. I can assume no responsibility for any errors in this information, nor can I be held responsible for anything that may occur while traveling along this route. If you are unsure about the legality of pedestrian travel along any of the roads described here, please consult with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Itinerary
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