Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
Shortest possible route through all 48 States?

I know a lot of folks have ridden to all 48 States in various record attempts and personal trips, but has anyone here done research on, or seen website discussion on, the shortest possible route that touches on all 48 'lower' states?

br.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
One of the most common questions is "when to hit Kentucky'.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
I take it that is a comic reference, but sadly this Scot isn't sufficiently in the loop to get the joke :confused1:
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by blueron View Post
I take it that is a comic reference, but sadly this Scot isn't sufficiently in the loop to get the joke :confused1:
No, a strategic question.

Play with a mapping program.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider View Post
No, a strategic question.

Play with a mapping program.
Aaah, I see -- not comic, but cryptic. Thanks for the tip. I will look at mapping programs' suggestions, but if anyone on the forum has advice they would like to share, I would be delighted to hear from them.


br
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
It's a fun game.

What have you come up with so far?
I assume by 'shortest', you're referring to time.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
No, actually not by time -- but simply by miles. I hope for the lowest possible number of miles of route that touches upon all 48 states. Some states will involve hundreds of miles of riding, but others, maybe only a handful of miles.

One route that a friend came up with starts just inside the California/Nevada state line, then from Nevada basically heads due east to Memphis before dipping south to take in Mississippi, Louisiana and touch Florida before a big north-east leg all the way to Maine. From there, a long westerly zig-zag to touch upon all the remaining states until Washington state. That comes out at a bit under 8000 miles.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
One possible route is to start near the CA/NV/OR border, going north, then east, finish at 4 Corners (AZ/UT/CO/NM). Just a hair under 7500 miles using highways.

I'll guess that a 'shortest route' could be found at less than 7000.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Apr 2007
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
I found this map online.
Attached Thumbnails
Shortest possible route through all 48 States?-48states.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
I was able to find a route of 6,968 miles.
More can be trimmed.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
Wow,

Thanks guys. Thanks John for the graphic, which is very interesting. Could you possibly point me to where you found it on the Web?

Lone Rider: could you share with me some details of the route that came in under 7000 miles -- or point me to the software you used, please?

I apologise for looking for help from other folks in the know -- but I am just researching something at the moment, have zero personal experience of long-distance travel in the USA, and all the help I can get from folks with experience is a big plus that is much appreciated.

br
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
I used Streets n Trips which works OK, but you still need to tell it your key points.
If you get this program, I can send a file.

There are several good programs that work.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
Yes, I know I'm being a presumptuous pain in the whotsit here, but does your program allow you to save a route in a simple document file that would give me an idea what sort of route it predicts? If so, could you possibly email it to me?

I'll look into buying the program -- in fact, for what I have in mind, I might well end up investing in more than one program -- but at the moment, any pointers available would be a lot of help.

My email address is ronmcmillan@gmail.com


br
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by blueron View Post
Yes, I know I'm being a presumptuous pain in the whotsit here, but does your program allow you to save a route in a simple document file that would give me an idea what sort of route it predicts? If so, could you possibly email it to me?

I'll look into buying the program -- in fact, for what I have in mind, I might well end up investing in more than one program -- but at the moment, any pointers available would be a lot of help.

My email address is ronmcmillan@gmail.com


br
Given some time, I could list the key points (corners) which you would use in the mapping program. I'm not a 'puter person and don't know how to save these files as anything other than what they are.

These programs are inexpensive and you will need one before being able to properly plan this type of thing/game.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
OK, thanks for your help. I'll pick up a program or two and do the research. I appreciate the advice here.

Does anyone else have experience of these programs and would recommend a particular program?

br
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
ROUTE THROUGH HONDURAS/NICARAGUA sohrakoff Central America and Mexico 5 27 Nov 2008 02:12
Atlantic Route for Dummies sadoblazo North Africa 9 18 Apr 2007 18:34
What software for planning and measuring a route around the Eurostar Route Planning 2 19 Apr 2006 07:23
Lake chad route on a bicycle Larsofsweden North Africa 6 17 Jan 2006 18:10
atlantic route moggy 1968 North Africa 2 15 Apr 2004 19:10

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:28.