Adventure Cycling Association Routes

I have come to a late realization that the Adventure Cycling Association's routes aren't always the most direct or efficient routes. In Montana just east of Glacier National Park, the official ACA route had me heading NW into British Columbia, Canada, and doing a big loop around before coming back into the US. I didn't do that. Instead, I cut off on Duck Lake Road near Babb and made a more direct route to Browning, which saved me about 150 miles. And in hindsight, my route through Wisconsin was also a roundabout way. I followed their route there instead of figuring out my own. Once I crossed from Minnesota into Wisconsin at St. Croix Falls, I started heading north and east when I should have been heading south and east. The ride through the Northwoods part of Wisconsin was beautiful, but I might have been better off sticking to the Farmlands and making a more direct line towards Manitowoc. Oh well, c'est la vie.

I'm now in Michigan and the route seems fairly direct from Ludington (where I arrived by ferry yesterday evening) to Algonac (where I'll cross into Ontario, Canada, by ferry).

I only took a couple pictures today.

As you may recall, I was following US Bicycle Route 10 in Washington and Idaho (per my post of August 14th). I'm not sure where I left US Bicycle Route 10, but I think I last noticed it in western Montana. I was on US Bicycle Routes 20 and 35 for a while this morning before 35 split off. I did follow US Bicycle Route 20 for most or all of today. I must admit that I don't know much about the US Bicycle Route system.

I also encountered this fall colors tree during today's ride and I thought it was nearly perfect. Chef's kiss beautiful. Obviously, I'm back to a warm and dry weather pattern. Today topped out in the low 80s with a few non-threatening clouds.

Comments

  1. Bill WSeptember 16, 2025 at 7:28 AM

    I am surprised that even a "professional" group such as Adventure Cycle does not have the best routes. Or at least let you know route options. I believe I remember that you have a paper map to look at. I sure wish I had had one with me. I could have saved some miles as well. Good for you to ride smart altering your route as needed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AlexSeptember 16, 2025 at 9:09 AM

    I miss Eastern fall leaves!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rob TSeptember 16, 2025 at 10:13 AM

    Maybe your Northwoods route was a "happy accident". Sometimes the journey is as much or more satisfying than the destination....although, I would imagine as you get closer to the end you are looking for the quickest route.

    ReplyDelete

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