North American Epic
The 2011 Route
Sections
Full Tour
San Francisco to St John's
Start: May 29, San Francisco, California
Finish: August 28, St John's, Newfoundland
Price: $0
Finish: August 28, St John's, Newfoundland
Price: $0
Distance: 8,000km
Riding Days: 76 days
Resting Days: 16 days
Riding Days: 76 days
Resting Days: 16 days
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By the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the world’s most iconic cities, we’ll climb aboard our trusty 2 wheeled steeds and start pedalling south alongside the breathtaking Pacific coastline of California, passing through such idyllic spots as Monterrey Bay, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara.
Turning inland the myriad surprises of the desert await, including Joshua Tree National Park and mining ghost towns from times gone by. Entering Arizona we will inhale and gasp at the unforgettable beauty of the Grand Canyon. From there it’s northeast across picturesque painted lands to Utah and the 4 Corners region (where Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico meet). En route we will stay in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, another of the most stunning landscapes in America.
Entering Colorado we will take on the challenge of the Rocky Mountains, passing through Durango, churning up the endless switchbacks to Silverton, and through the Gunnison National Forest, before whizzzing downhill to catch our breath in Pueblo. The open road into America’s Heartland awaits, including the plains of Kansas, splendid hospitality, and July 4th celebrations in the very middle of America, Wichita.
Legendary Route 66 beckons in the states of Missouri and Illinois. Along it’s storied path we’ll stop in St. Louis and then experience the hustle and bustle of Chicago. From there we enter the state of Michigan bound for Motown - the musical city of Detroit - and the Great Lakes region.
Crossing the border into TDA’s home country of Canada, and even entering our own city of Toronto, participants can experience the refreshing welcome of a tasty Canadian beer. Next on our itinerary is the nation’s capital of Ottawa. From there we will enter La Belle Province of Quebec and follow roads of the “Route Verte”, one of the most intricate cycling route systems in North America. We will stop in the cities of Montreal and Quebec, and enjoy the distinctness of Quebecois culture, including its amazing food.
After riding further up the St. Lawrence Seaway, Canada’s Maritime Provinces await: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and finally Newfoundland. Here in the warm bounty of summer we will enjoy the splendor of quiet roads, the locals who may be the best storytellers in the country, and the delicious harvest that is lobster season! The historic port city of Halifax will give us a last rest day to begin soaking in this amazing experience before we set out on the final leg to St. John’s Newfoundland, including a ferry ride of course. Cycling into St. John’s and up historical Signal Hill to our finish line, we will celebrate the journey as our eyes look out across and ponder the Atlantic beyond.
Countries: Canada and United States
