If you are a bike enthusiast, biking across the United States should be included on your bucket list. Covering thousands of miles through diverse landscapes, this epic journey offers cyclists a unique opportunity to experience the country’s beauty, culture, and people up close. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, traversing the U.S. on two wheels is a goal that every biker must aspire to.
But how long does it take to bike across the US? The duration of a cross-country bike trip varies between 2 to 4 months, depending on the chosen route and the cyclist’s pace. Among the popular coats-to-coast routes, the Southern tire is the shortest, covering just 3000 miles, while the TransAm is the longest, spanning 4200 miles.
| Segment | Starting Point | Ending Point | States Covered | Distance (Approx) |
| Eastern Start | Yorkton, Virginia | Berea, Kentucky | Virginia, Kentucky | 500 miles |
| Heartland | Berea, Kentucky | Pueblo, Colorado | Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado | 1200 Miles |
| Rocky Mountains | Pueblo, Colorado | Missoula, Montana | Colorado, Wyoming, Montana | 800 miles |
| Northern States | Missoula, Montana | Anacortes, Washington | Montana, Idaho, Washington | 800 miles |
| West Coast | Anacortes, Washington | Astoria, Oregon | Washington | 100 miles |
| Pacific Coast | Astoria, Oregon | San Francisco, California | Oregon, California | 800 miles |
| California Deserts | San Francisco, California | Flagstaff, Arizona | California, Nevada, Arizona | 800 miles |
| Southwest | Flagstaff, Arizona | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Arizona, New Mexico | 500 Miles |
| Texas Plains | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Austin, Texas | New Mexico, Texas | 500 Miles |
| Southern States | Austin, Texas | St. Augustine, Florida | Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida | 1000 miles |
| Final Stretch | St. Augustine Florida | Astor, Florida | Florida | 150 miles |
| East Coast | Astor, Florida | Yorktown, Virginia | Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia | 800 miles |
The table above is a sample outlining a bike path across the US. Please note that this is just one example, and many variations and alternate routes depend on personal preferences and starting/ending points.
Please remember that the distances mentioned are approximate and can vary depending on the specific route taken and any detours or side trips along the way. Cyclists should thoroughly research and plan their route based on their preferences, physical abilities, and any points of interest they want to visit along the journey.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the availability of resources, accommodations, and safety factors when planning a cross-country bike trip.
Biking Across the US
The time it takes to bike across the United States can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the route taken, the rider’s fitness level, the weather conditions, and the number of rest days taken along the way. On average, a cross-country bike trip takes 40 to 90 days.
The shortest recorded time for a supported, non-stop cross-country bike ride (riding continuously without stopping for sleep or extended breaks) is around 18 to 20 days. However, this requires a high fitness level and a support crew to provide food, water, and other essentials.
Most cyclists, however, take a more leisurely approach and complete the journey over several weeks or months, allowing time for sightseeing, rest days, and a more enjoyable experience.
Planning carefully, preparing physically, and being equipped with the proper gear for such a challenging adventure are essential. Also, remember to check for any specific regulations or permits required for the areas you plan to travel through and be mindful of safety measures on the road.
Other Factors to Consider
The best bike route for your cross-country trip is the one that interests you the most. But remember, thinking about practical things like finding water, resting places, and staying safe from traffic is also essential. Some areas, like southwestern Arizona, can be tough for cyclists because there may be long stretches with little help or support, making it a bit scary.
There’s a handy tool called Google Maps with a new bicycle feature that can suggest different routes for your trip. It’s a good starting point, but do more research on the important stuff, like where to find things you need along the way and how safe the roads are. Don’t rely on more than just Google’s suggestions; being well-prepared will make your bike journey across the United States more enjoyable and exciting.
Planning is super important for this kind of trip because you want food and water. Packing your stuff carefully is a big deal, too, as you’ll need bike parts, camping gear, and clothes for different weather.
On my shorter trips, I usually aim to bike around 60 to 80 miles a day, but it depends on the hilly area. You can adjust the distances according to how challenging the terrain is. I only carried a little food, just some snacks, and I’d buy groceries from the closest store to my camping spot. So it’s good to know where stores are and when they’re open.
If you are considering biking across the whole country, leave some time for sightseeing and visiting friends and family if they live along the way. Taking about three months for the entire trip would be a nice pace.
Conclusion
Knowing how long it takes to bike across the US is essential if you plan to do it. It will take between 3 to 4 months to do it but may vary depending on your route. Rest assured, biking across the United States is an unforgettable adventure that will test your mental and physical limits.