June 7th to July 21st
2,177 miles
Summary of Road Conditions
Numbers in parentheses refer to the page number for the relevant map in the Rand McNally Road Atlas. The mileage figure next to each city is the distance from the preceding city. Mileage is calculated from city to city based on Google Map’s routing engine. Along Skyline Dr, the mileage figures refer to the highway mile markers.
Starting in Waynesboro, VA (106)
From Waynesboro, return to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Hwy 250. Turn left (north) onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue onto Skyline Dr.
N Skyline Dr, south end, mile 104
There is an entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park. The entrance fee probably explains why there is so much less traffic on Skyline Dr. than there is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Skyline Dr. has a speed limit of only 35 mph. Conditions for cyclists are ideal.
N Skyline Dr to Hwy 33, mile 66
Before exiting Skyline Dr. onto Hwy 33, I always spend a few extra minutes soaking up the view at the last few overlooks. It will be another whole year before I revisit these overlooks with their magnificent views and infinite shades of blue!
W 33 Elkton, 31 miles (from Waynesboro)
Hwy 33 is a divided highway with two lanes in each direction. It has shoulders or mini-shoulders and is comfortable to ride on, although traffic is very heavy. Take the right hand exit for Elkton and you will find a McDonald’s and convenience stores adjacent to the highway.
W 33 Harrisonburg, 17 mi
Entering Harrisonburg, Hwy 33 becomes Market St. There is a Martin’s grocery store on your left as you pass through an area with a mall and lots of big box stores and chain restaurants. Market St. leads to the historic town square. As you approach the town square, you will see signs directing you to turn right to follow Hwy 33. Turn right on Mason St. and follow the signs. I surmise that the purpose of this detour is to direct traffic away from the town square. This well marked detour takes you back to Market St. on the other side of the town square. I always follow the signs, but I’m reasonably confident that you could simply stay on Market St. through the historic part of town.
W 33 Brandywine, West Virginia (112), 29 mi
Hwy 33 (Market St.) becomes Hwy 33 (Rawley Pike) as you depart Harrison-burg. Hwy 33 is reduced to two lanes. You pass by rustic farms and rolling pasture land. Traffic is much lighter but watch for trucks. You only have a minimal mini-shoulder. You can see mountains up ahead. After a few miles, you enter the George Washington National Forest. Beautiful trees overarch the highway and camping spots are plentiful. You are about ten miles from the West Virginia border. Soon you begin to climb Shenandoah Mtn. This is a steep climb with challenging switch backs and 9% grades. You will climb for about five miles. The summit has a parking area and a sign that announces the elevation, 3,450 feet. The descent into Brandywine is steep, exhilarating, and has incredible views. Brandywine is a tiny town with a convenience store on your left and a Family Dollar store on your right.
W 33 Franklin, 12 mi
Shortly after you depart Brandywine, you begin another steep climb. This climb is short, approximately two miles, but has one extremely steep grade. I estimate the grade to be 12% on the steepest section. Just past the summit is the Long Mountain General Store on your right. This store is a great place to purchase sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks. Relax and enjoy a break in a comfortable rocking chair on the store’s front porch. Descend on Hwy 33 to Frankin. Entering Franklin, Hwy 33 turns right. There is a Subway sandwich shop on your right. A little further, also on your right, is a small grocery store and a laundromat. Hwy 33 then turns left as you leave Franklin.
W 33 Seneca Rocks, 25 mi
You traverse a beautiful valley and then begin another steep climb. The North Mountain Summit is 3,580 feet. Just past the summit is the Germany Valley Overlook. The view from this overlook is absolutely awe inspiring! Stop at the overlook and read about the Civil War exploits of two young women who crossed these same mountains during the winter in order to alert the local militia that the Union Army was approaching. Descend and cross another valley to Seneca Rocks. Seneca Rocks is the impressive, saw tooth rock formation on your right. Seneca Rocks is a resort area with campgrounds and lots of outdoor activities.
W 33 Elkins, 35 mi
As you depart Seneca Rocks you continue traversing a valley alongside a beautiful river. Then there are three very challenging climbs in quick succession on the way to Elkins. First, you climb Allegheny Mtn. At the summit you cross the eastern continental divide and enter Randolph County. You descend to the small town of Harman. Next, you climb Rich Mtn. The elevation at the Rich Mtn summit is 3,370 feet. Finally, after a long, steep descent, you climb Middle Mtn. The elevation at the Middle Mtn Summit is 3,190 feet. These three climbs are among the most challenging on the entire route. You will encounter longer climbs in the mountains of Washington, California, and New Mexico, but they are not nearly as steep as these climbs in West Virginia.
After all this climbing, you may want to stop, rest, and enjoy a good meal. You will pass the Alpine Motel on your right. The Alpine Motel has friendly employees and a welcoming restaurant serving delicious food. There are also two covered picnic tables outside the motel. A stop at the Alpine Motel is highly recommended. It is eleven miles and, except for the initial climb as you leave the Alpine Motel, mostly downhill from the Alpine Motel to Elkins.
Entering Elkins, you will see a McDonald’s on your left. The McDonald’s has lots of electrical outlets, although only some of the outlets are in working order. Turn right at the McDonald’s to stay on Hwy 33. Immediately after you turn right, there is a Kroger’s grocery store on your left. You don’t have shoulders in Elkins and traffic is heavy. I occasionally ride on the sidewalk to escape the heavy traffic.
W 33 Buckhannon, 25 mi
Shortly after you leave Elkins, Hwy 33 becomes a divided highway with two lanes in each direction and with nice, paved shoulders. The land opens up and you traverse rolling hills. In Buckhannon, you will pass a Walmart on your left. Exit onto Hwy 119 to access the Walmart. There are lots of restaurants near the Walmart.
W 33 Weston, 15 mi
You will pass a smaller Walmart on your right in Weston in addition to a number of fast food restaurants. Your paved shoulder continues through town.
W 33 Glenville, 27 mi
Hwy 33 is reduced to two lanes without shoulders as you depart Weston. Traffic is light but watch for oil field traffic. You travel along the valley floor most of the way to Glenville. There is only one significant climb. The climb has 5% grades for about a mile and a half. The steep mountain hillsides are lush and green. You will pass lavish, new homes as you approach Glenville. They reflect wealth from the gas wells in the area. Glenville is home to Glenville State College and is a pleasant college town. There is a McDonald’s on your left as you enter Glenville. Turn left onto Hwy 5 at the McDonald’s. There is a Foodland grocery store on your right a short distance down from the McDonald’s. If you want to splurge on a motel, continue on Hwy 5 for about three miles to the Glenville Inn, the only motel in the area. The Glenville Inn is a very nice place to stay. Be careful on Hwy 5. It is a narrow two lane road with heavy traffic.
W 33 Spencer, 39 mi
It is very hilly from Glenville to Spencer. Hwy 33 generally has decent mini-shoulders and light traffic. Be sure to watch for oil field traffic, however. The mountain scenery is gorgeous. Entering Spencer there is a Walmart on your left. As you depart Spencer there is a McDonald’s on your right.
W 33 Ripley, 25 mi
The route from Spencer to Ripley is hilly. Road conditions improve with wider mini-shoulders. As you depart Ripley, Hwy 33 turns right to join I-77. Simply continue straight ahead onto Hwy 62.
S 62 Cottageville, 8 mi
Exercise caution on Hwy 62. It has crumbling mini-shoulders and lots of trucks. I hop onto the unpaved shoulder occasionally to let trucks pass. Hwy 62 passes through the small town of Cottageville and then dead ends at Hwy 2.
N 2 Ravenswood, 11 mi
Turn right onto Hwy 2. There is a Dollar General on your right at this intersection. Hwy 2 is very comfortable to ride on with generous mini-shoulders. Proceed about eight miles to Ravenswood. As you approach Ravenswood, you will see what looks like a major highway intersection. Relax, this intersection is not a big deal. Simply use the left turn lane and follow the signs for W 33 and N 68. You will pass under the beautiful, old fashioned, steel girder bridge. You are now on Hwy 68 (Washington St.) headed into Ravenswood. After passing under the bridge, proceed a short distance, then turn right to get on Hwy 33 and cross the bridge. This intersection is well marked. If you continue on Washington St., you will pass a Foodland grocery store on your right. Continue for about half a mile to the B&D Laundromat which is located on your left at 902 Washington St. Ravenswood is a charming river town. Yes, the infrastructure is somewhat faded and rusty, but the people are friendly and the town is very welcoming.
W 33 Ravenswood Bridge
The Ravenswood Bridge across the Ohio River has nice, safe shoulders and is very comfortable for cyclists.
E 124 Portland, Ohio (81), 9 mi
After crossing the Ravenswood Bridge, continue for about a mile on Hwy 33. Then turn right onto Hwy 124. There is a nice convenience store with indoor seating at this intersection. There is a sink with water available next to the seating area. Hwy 124 runs alongside the Ohio River. It is very peaceful and surprisingly isolated. Traffic is very light. The river sweeps by silently. Heavy barges cruise along the river. Occasionally, you will climb steep bluffs beside the river. These climbs are generally very short but also very steep. Trees hug both sides of the road and stealth camping spots are plentiful.
E 124 Long Bottom, 7 mi
The name “Long Bottom” reflects the rich “bottom land” in the area. In June the corn is already taller than I am!
E 124 Reedsville, 5 mi
Be sure to stop at Reed’s Country Store on your right as you pass through Reedsville. There you will find any groceries you might need. There is also an inside seating area and hand dipped ice cream. Reed’s Country Store is a very friendly community gathering spot.
E 50/N7 Little Hocking, 12 mi
Hwy 124 dead ends at Hwy 50. Turn right onto Hwy 50. It is a divided highway with paved shoulders.
N 339 Veto, 8 mi
After just a few miles on Hwy 50, exit to your right and then turn left onto Hwy 339. Hwy 339 has a combination of full shoulders and mini-shoulders. It is very comfortable to ride on. You will pass several Dollar General stores.
N 339 Beverly, 16 mi
In Beverly you will turn left at the traffic signal onto Hwy 60. If you need a break, turn right on Hwy 60. There is a McDonald’s on your left and an Avalanche Sub Shop on your right a short distance down. What a great name for a sub shop!
N 60/83 Hackney, 8 mi
After just a few miles on Hwy 60, turn right onto Hwy 83. This section is serenely beautiful; is graced with beautiful trees, running creeks, and abundant wildlife; and is very, very hilly. Traffic is very light. This area was restored as a public recreation area after being damaged by strip mining. The results are very inspiring. Camping spots are plentiful. I select a spot in a shady grove of pine trees.
N 83 Cumberland, 19 mi
Cumberland has a single stop sign. Stop at the stop sign and then proceed straight ahead up a very steep hill to continue on Hwy 83.
N 83 New Concord, 13 mi
New Concord is very small. It has several convenience stores, however.
N 83 Coshocton, Ohio (79), 25 mi
Coshocton is a larger town with every amenity. Exit to your right and cross a bridge to visit Coshocton. As you depart Coshocton on Hwy 83, you will pass a very nice riverside park. The entrance to the park is on your right.
N 83 Millersburg, 25 mi
Millersburg has a large Amish community. Horse drawn wagons and buggies are everywhere. I also see lots of Amish folks riding bicycles. I seem to attract attention. Perhaps certain elements of my bicycle touring lifestyle are similar to the Amish way of life. My bicycle trailer receives approving glances and several Amish gentlemen ask about my bicycle journey.
I see an incredible photo opportunity at a convenience store in Millersburg. While I am standing in line at the cash register, I notice a young man with full sleeve tattoos on both arms and with several tear drop tattoos on his face. Overhead is a classic, black and red Marlboro sign. He purchases a pack of cigarettes. Directly behind the young man, also standing in line, is a ten year old Amish girl wearing a long, light blue dress and wearing an adorable, white bonnet. She is the very picture of childhood innocence! What a study in contrasts!
Looking at the convenience store’s bulletin board, I see an advertisement for “25 laying hens $12 each.” If you have ever wondered how much a laying hen costs, this sign will answer your question!
The Walmart parking lot in Millersburg has a long shed with hitching posts to provide shade for all the horses waiting for their owners to finish shopping. Somewhat to my surprise, the McDonald’s next door to the Walmart is very popular with the Amish. At McDonald’s, I observed an attractive Amish woman with red high heeled shoes peeking out from underneath her long skirt. There was something wonderfully subversive in her choice of footwear!
S 60/W 39 Loudonville, 18 mi
From the McDonald’s parking lot in Millersburg, turn left onto Hwy 83. Proceed about one mile. At the point where Hwy 83 starts to curve sharply to the right, turn left onto Washington St. Proceed up a steep hill and enter downtown Millersburg. You will pass the main Post Office on your left. Turn left on Jackson St. which is the first street past the Post Office. You are now on Hwy 39 W. Continue for a few miles until you reach the intersection with Hwy 60 S. Proceed straight ahead onto southbound Hwy 60. Both Hwy 39 and Hwy 60 have light traffic and comfortable mini-shoulders. The ride to Loudonville is gorgeous. The curvy landscape and rustic farms remind me of the Wisconsin Dells and the “driftless” areas of Iowa (the hilly parts of Iowa that were not flattened by glaciers). Almost as soon as you enter Loudonville, turn left onto Hwy 3. This intersection is well marked but is easy to miss.
S 3/W 97 Lexington, 22 mi
The ride to Lexington is very pleasant. Hwy 3 has either full paved shoulders or comfortable mini-shoulders and traffic is light. After a few miles, you will pass a McDonald’s on your left. This particular McDonald’s is sitting out in the middle of the countryside. It is adjacent to a popular outdoor recreation area. It has lots of electrical outlets. As you continue on Hwy 3 past the McDonald’s, look for the paved bike path on your right which runs parallel to the highway. Hwy 3 is comfortable to ride on, but the bike path is even better! The bike path soon ends, however, and you are directed back onto Hwy 3. Hwy 3 now has full, paved shoulders. Soon you will need to turn right onto Hwy 97. This intersection is well marked.
Hwy 97 is very hilly. Hwy 97 winds through leafy, green Mohigan State Park. This park has a beautiful state campground. There are also plenty of stealth camping spots.
I turn into a public hunting area and stealth camp next to a fire road. Birds are everywhere. The variety of birdsong is entrancing. After you depart Mohigan State Park, you pass through several small towns on the way to Lexington. Hwy 97 jogs frequently along the way. Pay close attention so you don’t miss any of these turns. They are all well marked but are easy to miss. As you follow Hwy 97 through Lexington, you will pass a laundromat on your left. The grocery store next to the laundromat closed a few years ago, unfortunately.
The hills begin to diminish as you leave Lexington. You are leaving the foothills of the Appalachians behind! With very few exceptions, your trek across the corn belt of the Midwest and across the grasslands of the great plains will be mostly flat until you reach the Black Hills of South Dakota. With the long summer days and the flat terrain, your daily mileage will increase markedly. I often exceed one hundred miles per day.
W 288/309 Marion, 31 mi
A few miles after you depart Lexington on Hwy 97, you will pass a beautiful lake side park on your right. This park has lots of picnic tables. There is excellent stealth camping in the forest on your left across from the park. Just a few miles past this park, turn left onto Hwy 288. Hwy 288 has ample mini-shoulders and light traffic. Continue for a few miles and then turn left onto Hwy 309. This intersection is well marked. Hwy 309 has more traffic and minimal mini-shoulders, so exercise caution.
Orderly, business like, and, above all, efficient and productive, the Midwest is focused on growing crops and manufacturing things. I pass a number of small factories. I see farmers working on their farm equipment. Homes are beautifully maintained. The grass is neatly mowed. On the other hand, you may be politely reminded that you are on private property even while eating lunch under a shade tree immediately next to the highway! Rules in this part of America are crisply black and white and scrupulously enforced. Private property is hard earned, deeply respected, and carefully safeguarded. I make sure my camping style is even more stealthy than usual!
Hwy 309 passes through the historic part of Marion. I enjoy looking at the magnificent churches, factory buildings, and historic homes. Structures built between about 1890 and 1940 reflect the highest levels of craftsmanship that I have ever seen (many of the buildings have dates on their facades). The brick work is especially impressive. Whether you are in Marion, Ohio or Lima, Ohio or Huntington, Indiana, or Quincy, Illinois you will see many of these beautiful, historic structures. Viewing historic buildings across the Midwest brings a special joy to any lover of architecture and the building trades. It surprises me that the quality of the highways is so lacking compared to the craftsmanship which is apparent in the buildings. Perhaps this is because private property is built and maintained with reverence, while public property, on the other hand, does not receive nearly the same level of attention.
W 309 Kenton, 27 mi
Hwy 309 runs alongside lush, green corn fields. There are no services between Marion and Kenton. The highway is straight and flat. You have only a narrow, crumbling mini-shoulder for about the first ten miles. Then you change counties and road conditions improve markedly. You now have smooth, wide, paved shoulders. Traffic is light. In downtown Kenton, there is a Wendy’s on your left about half a block down. Look to your left at the traffic signal in the center of downtown and you will see the Wendy’s. There is a convenience store on your left as you depart Kenton. On one trip I arrived in Kenton on July 4th, Independence Day. Farm houses along the way were decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. American flags fluttered in the breeze. As I entered Kenton, I was struck by the town’s sign, “Welcome to Kenton, home of Jacob Parrott first recipient of the Medal of Honor, 1863.”
W 309 Lima, 29 mi
Hwy 309 continues straight and flat and has either paved shoulders or generous mini-shoulders. The ride to Lima is very pleasant. There is a Walmart on your left as you enter Lima. A little further down is a Panera Bread, also on your left. Lima is a larger town with wide streets and medium traffic. It is very comfortable riding through Lima. Follow the signs for Hwy 309. Hwy 309 curves to your right and then curves to your left. You enter Lima’s historic downtown. You will see lots of historic buildings. You pass the main library on your right. You pass a large medical center on your right. You are now on Market St. Market St. leads you through a neighborhood with exquisite, historic homes. In this neighborhood, Market St. is transformed into a shady boulevard. Continue on Market St. until you reach a dead end. Shortly before the dead end, you will pass a Regal Cinema on your left. At the dead end, turn right and proceed to the next traffic signal, then turn left onto Allentown Rd. (Hwy 81).
W 81 (Allentown Rd) to Willshire, 38 mi
Hwy 81 has generous mini-shoulders and very light traffic. You pass through isolated farm country. Everywhere you look you will see vast fields of corn and soybeans. Every so often, Hwy 81 will jog south or north for a short distance and then continue west. These turns are all well marked. There is a large Mennonite community in Willshire. You will see lots of horse drawn buggies and wagons in the area. There is a traffic signal as you enter Willshire. Simply proceed straight ahead at the traffic signal to head west on Hwy 33. If you need a break, turn left at the traffic signal and you will find a very nice Marathon convenience store on your left a short way down. This store has a deli with a substantial menu and comfortable indoor seating. It also has a convenient sink where you can fill your water containers. As you leave Willshire on Hwy 33, there is a nice park with covered picnic tables on your left.
W 33/27 Decatur, Indiana (36), 10 mi
Hwy 33 has comfortable paved shoulders and light traffic. After a few miles, you enter Indiana. “The Crossroads of America” is the state’s fitting slogan. Turn right towards Decatur at the intersection where Hwy 27 joins Hwy 33. As you enter Decatur there is a Walmart on your left. Continue through Decatur on Hwy 33/27. Turn left at Hwy 224. This intersection is clearly marked. There is a Wendy’s on your left at this intersection and a McDonald’s on your right.
W 224 Markle, 22 mi
Hwy 224 is very comfortable to ride on with ample mini-shoulders. Traffic is very light. A blue water tower with a very happy smiley face painted on it welcomes you to Markle. A Marathon convenience store on your left has nice indoor seating as well as covered outdoor seating. Follow the signs to continue west on Hwy 224.
W 224 Huntington, 10 mi
When you reach Huntington, Hwy 224 becomes Jefferson St. Follow Jefferson St. to the courthouse square and the historic downtown. Look for signs for Hwy 224 directing you around the courthouse. After a few blocks and several turns, you end up back on Jefferson St. You pass through a historic neighborhood with magnificent old homes. Finally, Jefferson St. intersects with Hwy 24. Turn left at this intersection. If you continue across Hwy 24 on Jefferson St., you will find a Walmart on your left. Hwy 24 is a divided highway with full paved shoulders. After about a mile, Hwy 24 turns right towards Wabash. This turn is clearly marked.
W 24 Wabash, 21 mi
Hwy 24 is a divided highway with full paved shoulders. At the second traffic signal in Wabash, there is a Walmart on your right and a Culvers restaurant on your left.
W 24 Peru, 14 mi
Hwy 24 bypasses Peru. You will need to exit Hwy 24 to visit Peru. Shortly after you pass by Peru, you will cross the Wabash River. This is an especially beautiful river crossing.
W 24 Logansport, 18 mi
Hwy 24 bends around Logansport. You will see signs directing you to exit in order to follow westbound Hwy 24. After about three of these rather confusing exits, you end up on Hwy 24 headed towards Monticello.
W 24 Monticello, 23 mi
Hwy 24 is a two lane road with comfortable mini-shoulders from Logansport to Monticello. At first, trees overarch the highway and provide welcome shade. Then the landscape gradually opens to reveal expansive corn and soybean fields. You will pass a small, quaint automobile race track on your right. On one trip, I had an opportunity to speak with the owner of the race track. He told me that the track was founded in 1959. You cross a beautiful bridge as you enter Monticello. Monticello is a very pleasant, medium sized city. Follow the signs to stay on Hwy 24 through Monticello. There is a McDonald’s with electrical outlets and a Walmart, both on your right, as you depart Monticello.
W 24 Kentland, 37 mi
As you leave Monticello, the highway is narrow with crumbling, inadequate mini-shoulders. The heavy truck traffic makes this section very tense. You need to be extra cautious. Later, you will encounter a mix of paved shoulders and acceptable mini-shoulders. After an hour or so, you cross I-65. This intersection has a Pilot Truck Stop on your right and a McDonald’s on your left. The McDonald’s has electrical outlets. After you cross I-65, road conditions improve markedly. For the most part you will have paved shoulders the rest of the way to Illinois. You will pass through the small, pleasant town of Goodland. Goodland has a beautiful, shady park on your left with lots of picnic tables. This park is a great place to stop for lunch.
W 24 Sheldon, Illinois (32), 7 mi
As you enter Illinois, Hwy 24 has nice, paved shoulders. After a short distance, however, the shoulder is reduced to an acceptable mini-shoulder. Sheldon is tiny and sits a short distance to the left of Hwy 24.
W 24 Watseka, 10 mi
Turn left at the traffic signal in Watseka to head south on Hwy 1. This intersection is well marked. There is a Walmart on your right at this intersection. A short distance further west on Hwy 24, also on your right, is a Taco Bell with electrical outlets.
S 1 Hoopeston, 25 mi
The ride from Watseka to the intersection with Hwy 136 is pleasant. Hwy 1 travels through isolated farmland and has generous mini-shoulders and light traffic. In Hoopeston you pass an IGA grocery store and a McDonald’s together on your left. The small town of Rossville has a beautiful, historic district with lots of interesting old homes and commercial buildings. Turn right on Hwy 136 just before you get to the town of Danville. This intersection is clearly marked.
W 136 Rantoul, 35 mi
Conditions on Hwy 136 vary. At times you have only a narrow, crumbling mini-shoulder, other times you have a full, paved shoulder. Traffic is light but there are numerous trucks. Exercise caution. Virtually every town you pass through has a Casey’s convenience store for water and snacks. It is easy to find nice, shady camping spots. Look for woods just west of a cornfield and camp on the strip of grass between the shady woods and the cornfield. Living is easy all across the corn belt! Rantoul is a medium sized city. There is a laundromat on your right in the center of town. There is a McDonald’s and a Walmart on your left as you depart Rantoul.
W 136 Heyworth, 43 mi
In Heyworth you will find a Casey’s on your left. The Casey’s has comfortable indoor seating with a convenient electrical outlet next to the seating area. Across the highway from the Casey’s is a Dollar General.
W 136 McLean, 11 mi
You will see a road sign in McLean which directs you to turn right and proceed four miles to Funk’s Grove. This excursion is well worth the effort. Funk’s Grove is an undisturbed, virgin stand of Illinois forest. You will be able to see Illinois the way it appeared to the first settlers. There is a beautiful, historic chapel at Funk’s Grove built before the Civil War and complete with its original heating system. There is plenty of stealth camping in the area.
W 136 Havana, 48 mi
Between McLean and Havana, you will pass through the small town of San Jose. There is a Casey’s convenience store on your left in San Jose. Road conditions really improve once you depart San Jose. You generally have nice, smooth shoulders. There is great stealth camping about one hour west of San Jose. Look for a grove of mature pine trees adjacent to the highway on your left and directly across from a small grain silo. This spot is about as good as stealth camping gets! In Havana you pass a small grocery store on your left. There is a McDonald’s on your right as Hwy 136 jogs several times. As you leave Havana, you cross the Illinois River. The bridge across the river is narrow but is reasonably comfortable for cyclists because traffic slows as it passes through Havana.
W 136 to Highway 24
After you cross the Illinois River, you will cross rich bottom lands adjacent to the river. The corn and soybeans are spectacular on this section. It takes about thirty minutes to reach Hwy 24 after you leave Havana. Turn left onto Hwy 24. This is a major intersection and is clearly marked.
W 24 Astoria, 18 mi
Road conditions on Hwy 24 vary. At times you have a full shoulder. Other times you have no shoulder at all. I occasionally hop onto the unpaved shoulder when trucks pass. You pass through several small towns. The town of Astoria has a nice park with covered picnic tables. Turn left at the sign directing you towards the park. The park sits next to lush farm fields. There is an interesting tree near my picnic table. It is an evergreen with branches that droop down like a weeping willow.
W 24 Rushville, 15 mi
There is a Family Dollar on your left as you enter Rushville. There is a Dairy Queen further through town also on your left.
W 24 Mt Sterling, 17 mi
Hwy 24 between Rushville and Mt Sterling is harrowing. Exercise caution and be prepared to hop onto the unpaved shoulder if necessary. Mt Sterling is small but has a beautiful, historic downtown. Some of the historic buildings are being restored as I pass through. There is a nice coffee shop on the ground floor of one historic building on your right. Once you depart Mt Sterling, road conditions are more comfortable with wider mini-shoulders.
W 24 Camp Point, 17 mi
There is a Dollar General on your right in Camp Point.
W 24 to Hwy 96
There is a traffic signal at the intersection with Hwy 96. Turn left at this intersection to stay on Hwy 24. Proceed four miles into Quincy. You have full paved shoulders the rest of the way into Quincy.
W 24 Quincy, 23 mi
Entering Quincy on Hwy 24, you pass Gardner Park on your right. At this point, Hwy 24 has slowly turned and you are headed south on Hwy 24, not west. The Mississippi River is to your right. I mention this because my brain kept insisting that I was still headed west on Hwy 24!
At the top of the short hill just past Gardner Park, turn left onto Locust St. The main business district in Quincy is located along busy Broadway St. which has lots of traffic and is uncomfortable for cyclists. I use Locust St. as an alternative to Broadway. It runs parallel to Broadway and is comfortable for cyclists. As you head down Locust St., Broadway is about half a mile to your right. Locust St. will take you to the following destinations:
- For the Madison and Davis Bicycle Shop, turn right on 8th St. The Madison and Davis Bicycle Shop is located on your right on the other side of Broadway at 912 S. 8th St. This is one of the best bicycle shops on the entire route.
- The South Side Laundromat is located one block south of the Madison and Davis Bicycle Shop at 798 S. 8th St.
- For Starbucks, turn right on 30th St., proceed to Broadway St. Turn left down the sidewalk next to Broadway St. Starbucks is at 3115 Broadway St. There is a McDonald’s next door to the Starbucks.
- For Walmart turn right on 36th St. (For excellent stealth camping, turn left on 36th St. and immediately enter the beautiful forest on your right.) After turning right on 36th St., follow 36th St. to the next four way stop and turn left on Columbus St. Follow Columbus to a four way stop at 48th St. Turn right on 48th St. Shortly before you reach Broadway, turn left on Oak St. Follow Oak St. into the Walmart parking lot.
Quincy is a historic town situated next to the Mississippi River. Quincy was once the center of the wagon building trade. The magnificent, historic homes you see in Quincy along Maine St. were built with the wealth produced by this booming wagon industry. Maine St. runs parallel to Broadway St. a few blocks south of Broadway St. To visit this beautiful historic district, start at the Quincy Museum located at 16th St. and Maine St.
E 24 back to Hwy 96
Take Hwy 24 eastbound four miles back to the intersection with Hwy 96.
N 96 Hamilton, 35 mi
Hwy 96 is part of the “Great River Road” and heads north alongside the Mississippi River. This section is very pleasant. Traffic is light and you have either full shoulders or comfortable mini-shoulders. As you approach Hamilton, Hwy 96 turns to the right. At the intersection with Hwy 136 there is a nice convenience store on your left. Turn left onto Hwy 136. Soon you will approach a stop sign. Turn left again to stay on Hwy 136 and cross the Mississippi River. The bridge across the river is very bicycle friendly with nice, wide shoulders. On one trip, while crossing this bridge, I looked down and the entire river was a raging white water rapids! It was sobering to consider the sheer volume of water passing by!
W 136 Keokuk, Iowa (38), 4 mi
After crossing the river, you enter the town of Keokuk. A short distance into Keokuk, you need to turn left onto 7th St. to stay on Hwy 136. This intersection is clearly marked but is easy to miss. Keokuk, like many old river towns, reminds me of Tom Waits’ songs. Even the grass next to the ramshackle, old houses looks forlorn. As you depart Keokuk, you will pass a number of convenience stores selling discount tobacco products. Finally, you head into isolated farm country. Hwy 136 crosses northern Missouri just a few miles south of Iowa. This part of Missouri is similar to southern Iowa. You cross rolling hills dotted with wild flowers. Traffic is very light, but what little traffic there is seems to be mostly trucks. Shoulder conditions are constantly changing. About half the time across Missouri you will have nice, paved shoulders. The rest of the time you will have decent mini-shoulders. Unfortunately, jarring rumble strips frequently mar what would otherwise be excellent road conditions.
W 136 Wayland, Missouri (58), 13 mi
In Wayland there is a Flying J Truck Stop with an attached Denny’s Restaurant on your right. As you depart Wayland, there is a Dollar General, also on your right.
W 136 Memphis, 34 mi
There is a small grocery store on your left as you enter Memphis.
W 136 Lancaster, 22 mi
There is a Casey’s Convenience Store on your right in Lancaster. As you leave Lancaster, Hwy 136 jogs several times. These turns are well marked. Road conditions improve. You now have a full shoulder.
W 136 Unionville, 28 mi
Entering Unionville you first pass through the historic part of town. There is a nice convenience store on your right in the center of town. This convenience store has an excellent deli and indoor seating with electrical outlets on the adjacent walls. As you leave Unionville, there is a Casey’s convenience store and a Hy-Vee grocery store, both on your left. The terrain starts to open up and the grass starts turning brown. You sense that western Missouri gets less rain than eastern Missouri.
W 136 Princeton, 33 mi
You climb a long, steep hill as you enter the small town of Princeton. On your right at the top of this hill is a Casey’s convenience store with indoor seating and electrical outlets. Just past Casey’s, turn left to stay on Hwy 136.
W 136 Bethany, 28 mi
Motel and fast food clutter greet you as you cross I-35 and enter Bethany. There is a Walmart on your left.
W 136 Conception, 40 mi
You will pass through several small towns between Bethany and Conception. These towns generally have a Casey’s convenience store and several also have small grocery stores adjacent to the highway. The terrain becomes more hilly and shoulder conditions change frequently. Traffic is very light. Hwy 136 makes several turns, so watch closely for road signs. You will see giant windmills on the hill tops as you approach Conception. Directly in front of you is Conception Abbey, a Catholic seminary. The handsome Romanesque brick buildings are modern but they are still worth taking a look at. Turn left and proceed a short distance to view the front of the Abbey. Quiet and serene as it looks over the beautiful countryside, Conception Abbey seems to suggest that this is probably also a good spot for a bicycle ride!
W 136 Maryville, 18 mi
The federal “treatment” facility on your right just outside Maryville is sobering. The razor wire atop the fences suggests that whatever is being “treated” is not good. Whenever I pass a prison along the route, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to freely wander the countryside. My only prison is being obliged to live within the confines of my own mind. Hwy 136 makes a hard right turn as you approach Maryville. There is a Casey’s on your right just past this intersection. I usually make this turn without visiting Maryville. Proceed straight ahead and then to your left if you want to visit Maryville.
W 136 Tarkio, 33 mi
Hwy 136 makes a sharp left turn 19 miles before Tarkio. There is a Cenex gas station on your right at this intersection. This turn is well marked but is very easy to miss. Entering Tarkio, you will see a Dollar General a half block down on your right. Across from the Dollar General is a small Hy-Vee grocery store. In the center of town, turn right onto Hwy 59. There is a Casey’s on your right at this intersection.
N 59 Shenandoah, Iowa (38), 24 mi
From Tarkio to Shenandoah traffic is light and there are no annoying rumble strips. There is a McDonalds on your left and a Walmart on your right in Shenandoah. Shenandoah is the hometown of the Everly Brothers.
N 59 Oakland, 38 mi
Traffic is very light. The gravel shoulders are relatively smooth if you need to hop off the highway when trucks are passing. There is a convenience store on your left just past the small town of Emerson on your way to Oakland. There is a Dollar General on your left as you enter Oakland. Past the Dollar General, also on your left, is a small grocery store. Finally, as you are leaving Oakland, there is a beautiful park with covered picnic tables on your left. This park has a vertical pod next to the picnic tables with electrical outlets that function and a water faucet in the restrooms where you can get water. Check out the “Freedom Rock” adjacent to the picnic tables. This eighty ton boulder was moved to the park. Be sure to read the display which explains how the boulder was moved to the park.
N 59 Harlan, 26 mi
Road conditions really deteriorate between Oakland and Harlan. I dislike concrete roads in general because of the vertical edge next to the shoulder. I especially dislike concrete roads when they have large cracks and potholes every twenty feet! Be very careful on this section. There is a four-way stop when you reach Harlan. At this stop, turn left onto westbound Hwy 44. If you need a break, turn right at this stop and you will find a Hy-Vee grocery store on your right and a Burger King on your left. The Hy-Vee grocery store has a deli with a seating area. There is one electrical outlet in the seating area.
W 44 to Hwy 30
It is about a two hour bicycle ride from Harlan to the intersection with Hwy 30. There are no services on this section. Traffic is light and the curved, terraced fields are very beautiful. The two-lane road is asphalt and doesn’t have rumble strips. Previously, I would have considered this type of road to be barely adequate. Now it seems luxurious. I am generally very happy riding on two-lane asphalt roads, even when they lack shoulders, provided they don’t have outside rumble strips, and provided traffic is light.
W 30 Logan, 26 mi
As you enter Logan, there is a beautiful park on your right with covered picnic tables. After you pass by this park, you will pass by a very handsome neo-classical courthouse, also on your right. Hwy 30 makes a sharp left turn in the center of town. There is a Cenex convenience store on your left at this turn. This store has a water faucet outside the store. It also has indoor seating. Traffic is much heavier on Hwy 30. You generally have decent mini-shoulders, however.
W 30 Missouri Valley, 8 mi
I enjoy the “Scenic Byways” signs because they have beautiful, jazzy artwork. The sign for “Western Skies Scenic Byways” is particularly striking. Missouri Valley has lots of beautiful, historic buildings as you pass through downtown.
W 30 Blair, Nebraska (62), 13 mi
The bridge across the Missouri River is comfortable for cyclists. It has nice, wide shoulders. Road conditions really improve in Nebraska. You generally have wide, paved shoulders. There is a Walmart on your left as you depart Blair.
W 30 Fremont, 24 mi
As you approach Fremont, there is a sign indicating that you should turn right to follow Hwy 30. There is also a sign stating that bicycles are prohibited on Hwy 30. There is no need for concern. Simply stay on Hwy 30 “Business” through Fremont. After you pass through Fremont, you will rejoin westbound Hwy 30 and bicycles are allowed. As you enter Fremont, there is a Walmart on your right. Your paved shoulder continues about half way through Fremont. Be careful after you lose your shoulder. I ride on the sidewalk occasionally. You will pass a Wendy’s on your left. Across the street from the Wendy’s, on your right, is a Starbucks.
W 30 Columbus, 47 mi
After you depart Fremont and rejoin Hwy 30, you have a full paved shoulder for a short distance. Soon road conditions deteriorate, however. Even though you have a substantial mini-shoulder with no rumble strip, and even though you will be able to ride to the right of the white line the entire time, this section is still harrowing because of the very high volume of traffic. The center line has a harsh rumble strip and the constant howl of tires as vehicles move left to pass you is unnerving. There are two unpleasant stretches of about five miles each. Once you are past these two stretches, you have a nice, paved shoulder the rest of the way to Columbus. It appears that road construction will eventually replace these dangerous sections with divided highway and paved shoulders, so road conditions may improve by the time you visit this section.
Just before you get to Columbus there is a laundromat on your right. It is part of a Sinclair truck stop. Shortly after you enter Columbus, there is a Walmart on your right. About a mile or so past the Walmart, Hwy 30 makes a sharp left turn. This turn is well marked. Shortly after you make this turn, you will cross two bridges in quick succession. The first bridge has a protected walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. The second bridge has two lanes in each direction but only has narrow mini-shoulders. Be careful on the second bridge. I wait until no cars are coming and then sprint over the bridge. Shortly after you cross the second bridge, Hwy 30 turns right. Look for signs directing you towards Grand Island. You have a full, paved shoulder the rest of the way to Grand Island.
W 30/N 281 Grand Island, 64 mi
Follow Hwy 30 through downtown Grand Island. If you need to visit a bicycle shop, turn right on Pine St. and you will find a bicycle shop a few blocks down on your right. Wayne Cyclery is practically a bicycle museum with its large collection of vintage bicycles. It is also an outstanding, full service bicycle shop with helpful, knowledgeable mechanics. Backtrack and continue west on Hwy 30. As you depart the downtown area on Hwy 30, you will cross a tall bridge over some railroad tracks. Be sure to use the protected walkway on your right when crossing this bridge. Shortly after you cross this bridge, you will see signs for Hwy 281. Turn right (north) onto Hwy 281. Hwy 281 has nice, paved shoulders. A short distance ahead on Hwy 281, there is a Hy-Vee grocery store and a Starbucks on your right. The Hy-Vee is a huge store with a very nice indoor seating area with electrical outlets. About a mile further north on Hwy 281 is a Panera Bread restaurant on the right. About two miles north on Hwy 281 there is a Walmart on the left. The Laundry Max laundromat is located at 2276 N. Webb Rd. This address is directly across the highway from the Walmart. Webb Road runs parallel to Hwy 281 a few blocks east of Hwy 281. Finally, a mile or so further north, past the Walmart, on Hwy 281, is a right hand exit for Hwy 2. Turn left onto Hwy 2 westbound. For hardcore stealth campers, there is a nice camping spot hidden amidst some pine trees just north of the Starbucks in Grand Island. From the parking lot outside Starbucks, you can see a row of pine trees one hundred yards or so to the north of Starbucks. Proceed to the east end of this row of trees and make your way to the grassy field on the other side of the row of trees. Turn west and walk on the neatly mowed grass next to the row of trees. About half way down the row of trees is a clump of evergreens sitting about ten feet north of the row of trees in the grassy field. Just before you get to this clump of trees, look to your left into the dense wooded area. Look for two large pieces of concrete dumped amidst the trees. Enter the opening that leads to the pieces of concrete. Just to your right is a nice, hidden camping spot. I am the person who cleared this spot! I camped here every night for almost a week without any problems. Bear in mind that I took down my tent early each morning and packed up all my gear. With the nearby Hy-Vee grocery store, a nearby Starbucks, and the Laundry Max laundromat, Grand Island is a great place to rest for a few days! If you need to receive a shipment, there is also a UPS Store nearby!
Sand Hills of Nebraska
My first time crossing the Sand Hills was a mind altering experience. The undulating landscape was a rich emerald green. Nestled here and there between the jade hills were silvery lakes. It was as if I had been transported to Ireland when I had been expecting to see sand dunes! I could scarcely believe what I was seeing! A local rancher explained that ten inches of rain two weeks earlier had transformed the grassy landscape.
The name “Sand Hills” leads most people to think they are going to see sand dunes rather than the grass covered, rolling hills that cover a quarter of the state. The sand is hidden and stabilized by the tall grass that covers the hills. The Sand Hills are one of the most unique grasslands in the world and the largest intact native grasslands in North America.
The tranquil beauty of these mysterious hills cast a spell on me. Depending on rainfall, the hills are brown, yellow, or green. Wind patterns in the waving grass sometimes produce a temporary silver. Every year these hills improvise a different song. America invented jazz and these hills, also thoroughly American, are the perfect jazzy concert hall.
I love listening to classic jazz albums like John Coltrane’s “Blue Train” or Sonny Rollins’ “Saxophone Colossus” while crossing the Sand Hills. My all time favorite Sand Hills music, however, is the music of Charles Mingus. The uneven beats and complex harmonies found on the albums “Mingus Ah Um” and “Mingus Plays Piano” are the perfect musical accompaniment as I pedal across these rolling hills. The clatter of the freight trains hauling coal eastward from Wyoming joins the concert. My contribution is the rhythm of my pedal strokes and the beating of my heart.
On one trip, I surprised a hawk with my silent approach and with the wind in my face. The hawk, standing in tall grass off to my right, was unaware of my presence. Taking off from the ground, he turned sharply and unintentionally headed straight for my head! For a moment we were eye to eye! He was a tawny orange with fierce yellow eyes. We were both startled! I ducked and he turned away. Disaster was averted! I also observed a fox hunting. He pounced every few steps. I surmised that he was hunting grasshoppers, which are plentiful in the area. After each of these encounters with wildlife, a “quality of eternity” seemed to settle on the land. The wind continued blowing, the sun beat down, and the eerie green hills looked like they were in motion. Crossing the Sand Hills feels a lot like being on a ship at sea. At times, the undulating hills actually made me feel somewhat seasick!
It takes about four days to pedal 280 miles across the Sand Hills from Grand Island, Nebraska to Alliance, Nebraska. This is an incredibly beautiful bicycle ride. Conditions are ideal with very light traffic and nice, paved shoulders. Cloud shadows sweep across the hills. Sunflowers hug the bottoms of the hills where water collects. The days are bright and very hot. The nights are cool and noisy with insects and passing trains. Stealth camping spots are plentiful.
W 2 Broken Bow, 81 mi
You will pass through a number of small towns on your way to Broken Bow. In Ravenna there is a Dollar General and a Subway sandwich shop on your right. In Litchfield there is a wayside park with a water spigot on your right. In Mason City there is a park with covered picnic tables and a water spigot on your right.
Entering Broken Bow, you will find a small grocery store and a McDonald’s on your right. In the center of town is a park on your right with picnic tables. As you leave Broken Bow, there is a Dollar General and a Dairy Queen on your left. Finally, just past Broken Bow, you will pass a golf course on your right. Just past the golf course is a pine forest with excellent stealth camping on your right.
W 2 Alliance, 191 mi
There are a number of small towns between Broken Bow and Alliance. Just past the tiny town of Halsey, you will see signs for the Nebraska State Forest. The beautiful pine trees along this stretch are a pleasant surprise. As you approach the town of Thedford there is a park with picnic tables on your right. The western most picnic table has a water spigot next to it. The town of Hyannis has a small grocery store in the center of town half a block down on your left. The town of Ellsworth sits just off the highway on your right. The town consists of a solitary country store sharing space in a historic building with the post office. Adjacent to the country store and post office are a historic marker and picnic table. The picnic table is shaded by an ancient cottonwood tree. The historic marker recounts the early history of the Sand Hills. Some enterprising ranchers established the nearby 500,000 acre Spade Ranch by simply fencing the isolated, largely empty Sand Hills. It is said that “possession is nine tenths of the law.” That remaining “tenth” of the law can be important, however! One of the ranchers was convicted of illegally fencing government land and died in prison! The story reminds me of contemporary disputes over grazing rights on government land out west.
It is surprising how suddenly the Sand Hills disappear as you approach Alliance. As you enter Alliance, there is a Safeway grocery store on your right. Past the Safeway, the historic downtown is distinguished by its brick road surface. Past downtown, you pass a laundromat on your right. Finally, as you approach the intersection with Hwy 385, there is a McDonald’s on your left (no electrical outlets).
S 385 to Hwy 26
This is a beautiful bicycle ride with smooth, paved shoulders. The Sand Hills reappear for part of this section. About two thirds of the way to Hwy 26 there is a wayside picnic table on the left. This area is separated from the railroad by a comfortable margin and has numerous clumps of trees a short distance down from the picnic table for stealth camping. Turn right when you see signs that say “To Hwy 26.” After turning onto this nice diagonal shortcut, you will see signs identifying the shortcut as Hwy 62A. Hwy 62A has nice smooth paved shoulders.
W 26 Scottsbluff, 54 mi
Turn right when you get to Hwy 26. Hwy 26 has nice paved shoulders. As you approach Scottsbluff, you will see an abandoned mid-century restaurant and motel on your right. This type of architecture always reminds me of Vladimir Nobokov, the famous author of the novel “Lolita.” Nobokov travelled across the United States by automobile while he was writing “Lolita.” Perhaps he stopped at the Chef Restaurant before it was abandoned! Be sure to read the wonderful New York Times article “On the Trail of Nabokov in the American West” by Landon Jones. You will see lots of beautiful, mid-century architecture along the route, especially in the Northwest and in Arizona. Stay on Hwy 26 through Scottsbluff. You have a nice, paved shoulder all the way through town. You will pass a Target and a Perkins Restaurant on your right. There is a Walmart on your left as you depart Scottsbluff.
W 26 Lingle, Wyoming (116), 42 mi
Between Scottsbluff and Lingle you pass through several small towns. In Mitchell there is a Dollar General on your right. In Morrill there is another Dollar General on your right. Morrill also has a park with covered picnic tables on your right. In Torrington, shortly after you cross into Wyoming, you will find a McDonald’s on your right with electrical outlets. Business 85 joins Hwy 26 in Torrington. Follow the signs for “Port of Entry” and “Lingle.” It is about ten miles from Torrington to Lingle.
In Lingle the highways separate. Hwy 26 veers to the left and Hwy 85 continues north. There is a nice park with picnic tables on your left at this intersection. There is a water spigot outside the restrooms in this park. Be sure to fill all your water containers. There are no services on the forty-seven mile ride to Lusk. Next to the covered picnic tables are electrical outlets. If they are not working, you can turn them on by flipping both switches in the circuit breaker next to the outdoor grill. This is an awesome little park!
N 85 Lusk, 47 mi
This is an incredibly beautiful bicycle ride. You have very light traffic and full, paved shoulders the entire way. The scenery has a decidedly “western” feel with sagebrush, rocky buttes, and weathered ranch houses with trees planted as windbreaks. The trees lean in the direction of the prevailing winds. In Lusk you will pass a beautifully preserved, original Carnegie Library on your right. Further down is a grocery store, also on your right. There is a filtered water machine inside the grocery store. Continue through town and you will find the Stagecoach Museum on your left. Across from the Stagecoach Museum is a Sinclair gas station with an unusually nice convenience store. The store has an area similar to a Starbucks where you can order espresso drinks and sit and charge your devices. As you depart Lusk, there is a laundromat on your left. I always camp about ten miles north of Lusk. There is a scenic overlook on your right near mile marker 160. There are pine trees on your right just past this scenic overlook which provide nice, hidden camping spots. Be sure to watch for hard to see prickly pear cactus in the grass!
N 85 Newcastle, 80 mi
It is eighty miles from Lusk to Newcastle. There is a rest area on your right along the way where you can get water, but otherwise there are no services. The water at the rest area is terrible, however, so be sure to top off your water supply. The scenery is gorgeous and you have light traffic and paved shoulders the entire way. When you reach Newcastle, there is a four way stop. Continue straight ahead to depart Newcastle on Hwy 85. Turn left at the four way stop and you will find a convenience store with a water faucet on its exterior wall on your left. Next door is a Wayback Burger restaurant. The Wayback Burger has electrical outlets next to some of the tables. A little further down on your right is Decker’s grocery store.
N 85 O’Neil Pass
It is a thrill to finally reach mountains again after weeks spent crossing the corn belt and the great plains! You begin climbing as soon as you leave Newcastle. If you depart Newcastle by 9 am, you should be able to make it to Spearfish, South Dakota by 5 pm with an hour or so for lunch. Most of the climbing consists of long 5% grades without switch backs. You will have light traffic and full paved shoulders all the way to O’Neil Pass. The elevation at O’Neil Pass is 6,683 feet. Continue for about thirty minutes past O’Neil Pass until you reach Alt 14. Turn left at the intersection with Alt 14. This intersection is clearly marked.
W Alt 14 through Spearfish Canyon
It is downhill the rest of the way to Spearfish! You lose your paved shoulder until the middle of Spearfish Canyon. Then your paved shoulder resumes the rest of the way to Spearfish. The mountain scenery is absolutely spectacular. Creek banks along the way are covered with millions of tiny blue flowers. I look for these blue flowers every year. So far I have never been disappointed! The descent through Spearfish Canyon is one of the most magnificent bicycle rides in all of North America. The towering canyon walls are cream colored or rusty orange. The sound of rushing water accompanies you through the canyon. Stop to view Bridal Veil Falls on your right. Parts of the movie “Dances With Wolves” were filmed in Spearfish Canyon.
W Alt 14 Spearfish, South Dakota (93), 77 mi
Alt 14 dead ends at a traffic signal when you reach Spearfish. You must turn right or left onto Business 90 (Main St.) at this intersection. Note the paved bike path on your left at this intersection. This bike path will take you back in the direction you just came and then turns right and follows Spearfish Creek to the Spearfish City Campground. This is one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. If you turn right at the traffic signal where Alt 14 dead ends at Business 90 and proceed one half mile, there is a Perkins Restaurant on your right. Just past the Perkins Restaurant, turn left at the traffic signal and proceed over I-90 to a Walmart on your right.
If you turn left at the traffic signal where Alt 14 dead ends at Business 90, you are headed towards downtown Spearfish. As soon as you turn left, there is a Dairy Queen and a laundromat on your left. Continue about half a mile and the excellent Two Wheeler Dealer bike shop is on your left. A little further, also on your left, is Blackbird Espresso, my favorite Spearfish hangout. Blackbird Espresso has old-fashioned, wing-back chairs positioned in front of a fireplace and lots of electrical outlets. Blackbird Espresso also has superb coffee, simple, tasty meals, and wonderful desserts. The staff is very friendly and it is easy to start conversations with other customers.
Take a one week rest break in Spearfish, South Dakota.