This conversation really is going round and round now...

These days there are two DIFFERENT published route across the country - Sam Correro's 'TAT' and GPSKevin's 'TAT'... to say one is better than the other is completely subjective, and very much based on what you as an individual want out of the trip.

If you're an experienced rider on a lightweight dual-sport, then sure, crack-on and ride Kevin's route and include all the red sections you like...

If you're a more leisurely rider (ie. want to sight-see a bit too) on a typically larger 'adventure' bike, Sam's route is probably more appropriate for you.

It's not a competition in either case, there are no prizes - but as I said previously, there are any number of ride-reports (on ADVrider etc) where people got in over their heads - be it the fool on an Africa Twin who though he could ride the whole TAT in 16 days (he tired himself out, crashed a lot, and quit in Moab), or the two guys on DR650s who got stranded on the Rainbow Trail and had to hike out for help - and any number of others who soon realised they had either taken too much stuff with them, had not prepared their bikes properly, or simply had underestimated how much physical and mental strength it was going to take them to ride day-in-and-day out for four weeks or so.

The point being, while YOU might be an experienced long-distance overland rider, who knows how to pack light, can handle dramatically different weather and altitude changes, and is prepared for most eventualities - a lot of people choosing to riding the TAT are not... and for many it's their first time embarking on such a long-distance overland trip.

Just look at the kind of questions people on social media ask about 'adventure' bikes in general - I suspect some of them probably shouldn't even leave their driveways before gaining a lot more experience first, let alone set off on a 5000-mile multi-week journey off-road across a continent!

So by all means point out that you found the quality of the [GPS] information provided by Kevin superior to Sam - that is completely valid (I'd agree that Sam is still very much old school and paper map orientated in comparison), and that for someone looking for more of an 'off-road' challenge, that Kevin's Red routes might well provide more of what they are looking for in comparison...

But don't discount the fact that a huge number of TAT riders are just doing it to see the country, may be older and less [off-road] experienced, and in the case of the OP for example, might have travelled half way around the world to embark on this 'once in a lifetime' cross-continental adventure... they would be gutted if they broke their bike or themselves due to a lack of preparation - and that is what I've been saying all along - get both published routes, and spend some time plotting your own version, incorporating the 'best' [of both] depending on your individual circumstances.


Using words like 'lame' and 'goons' when describing Sam's route isn't doing anyone any favours, and only perpetuates the perceived animosity... At the end of the day, sure, Sam might well have simplified or 'sanitised' his route over the years, but almost always for good reason - for example the mess which is Hancock and Tomichi now (plus there was always issues with both weather and maintenance on those trails, often forcing you to reroute anyway) which is why he now uses Marshall Pass which tends to be open much earlier in the season, in turn extending the window when a complete through-route could be ridden - or because he knows that the majority of his clients are not on lightweight dual-sports looking for a 'challenge' but these days there tends to be a lot more people on larger all-terrain touring bikes and/or with less off-road riding experience, but still want to see the country from the backroads and byways - and has chosen to cater more towards them instead, leaving Kevin to provide for those who are looking for a more technical off-road challenge.

So again, I suggest that for anyone reading this thread - decide what it is YOU want from your TAT experience, and choose your initial route accordingly, particularly since it is very easy these days to download GPS tracks from all manner of sources - paid for or otherwise (BDR GPS tracks are free too btw) - study them, combine them, and put together your own 'Trans-America' route which is ultimately going to be the most satisfying solution - not least as you can then blame no-one but yourself!

Jx