the maps

I got the route maps from Adventure Cycling Association. There are 10 maps in all - 4 for the Western Express route, and 6 for the TransAmerica route from Pueblo, CO to Yorktown, VA.

I'm very impressed with the maps so far. Each map is really a bunch of small maps detailing each section of the route (about 25 miles on each small map). It has an overview of the major places of interest along that section of the trail, and notes on riding conditions and climate. There are graphs showing average temperatures and rainfall at various points along the way. Most of the maps include an elevation profile that is scary to look at :) but will be very helpful when planning how far we hope to ride each day.

Each small map section includes turn-by-turn instructions for riding in each direction. And for each city or town that the trail passes through, there are phone numbers and addresses for: Emergency, Bike shops, Motels/Hotels, Hostels, Camping, Libraries, and Service Stops.

I believe the web site claims they update the maps every 2 years. Between updates, they keep addenda for each map. They sent print-outs of all the addenda along with my maps, and they can always be printed out from the web site, so I can check for updates right before we leave. Most of my maps say they were last updated May 2006, one June 2006, and one January 2007.

I'm sure these maps will be well worth the money. I can't imagine trying to do all the research to come up with all of the same information for a route that I put together myself. The maps have gotten me even more excited for this ride.