The Route Across America in Sections
The route is divided into ten segments. See below for the details for each segment.
Gregory e-cycled from Florida to California.
Every mile of the journey.
E-bike Tour dashboard · March 1 – July 21, 2026
Explore the route, compare planned and recorded distance, and look inside each riding day.
Distance through the tour
Miles across the selected days
Where the miles add up
Recorded miles by group
Elevation overview
Ascent, descent and altitude are measured in feet.
Climbing by segment
Labels list all states in each segment; values reflect your selection.
Riding effort & charging
Rider power and estimated mechanical energy cover only days with recorded power and positive riding time.
Average rider power by segment
Weighted by recorded riding minutes · watts. Labels list all states in each segment; values reflect your selection.
Days without charging electricity
Daily tour log
| Date | Segment | Departure city | State | Day type | Planned mi | Recorded mi | Difference mi | Hours | Accommodation | Ascent ft | Descent ft | Max altitude ft | Rider power W | Charging electricity | Calories burned |
|---|
Source, calculations & embedding
Source: Merkin 2026 Tour Final Spreadsheet.xlsx, Sheet1, rows 2–144. Includes all 143 dated records. The state spelling “Nv” is normalized to “NV”. Distances are treated as miles, consistent with recorded distance, minutes and average speed. Source day types are retained, including any rest days with recorded mileage.
Distance totals sum daily values; stored cumulative and percentage formulas are not used. Difference = recorded minus planned. Percentage difference = difference ÷ planned; it is unavailable when planned distance is zero. Riding hours = recorded minutes ÷ 60. Average speed uses distance and time only on days with positive recorded minutes. Filters apply to all summaries, charts and the table. Cumulative charts restart at zero for the filtered selection. Daily calories, riding hours and elevation gain averages divide selected totals by the number of selected days. Average elevation gain means ascent. Average estimated rider energy divides the covered energy total by days with numeric power and positive riding time, excluding missing power. The unit button converts displays and CSV exports using 1 mile = 1.609344 kilometers and 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, preserving the selected distance threshold. No fundraising totals were supplied.
Elevation is in feet, as confirmed by the campaign owner. Total ascent and descent sum daily readings; highest altitude is the maximum daily reading. Average rider power = sum of daily average watts × minutes ÷ minutes on days with numeric power and positive riding time. Estimated rider energy = sum of watts × minutes ÷ 60,000, in kWh, for those same days. This estimates mechanical riding energy, not electricity produced or battery consumption. Missing power is excluded, never treated as zero. Cadence is weighted by positive riding minutes. The workbook column “Calories Consumed” represents calories burned, as clarified by the campaign owner. Calories burned sum the selected daily readings. “Strokes” retains the source label. Charging availability reflects the workbook’s Yes/No entry, not a measurement of battery charge.
Reservation identifiers, contact details and lodging addresses are excluded. All dashboard data, styles and scripts are contained in this file. To embed, upload this HTML beside your existing website files and use an iframe, for example:
<iframe src="ebike-tour-dashboard.html" title="2026 E-bike Tour dashboard" style="width:100%;height:1500px;border:0" loading="lazy"></iframe>
If your website adds iframe sandbox restrictions, allow scripts for interactive controls. CSV download also needs download permission.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE JOHNS HOPKINS MERKIN CENTER
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The Planned and Real Route
The planned route is labeled with "Segments." The actual daily cycled routes are labeled "Trip 2026 - ."
Note: The original route was planned to be 5,800+ miles. Detours, media engagements, and road and bridge closures resulted in a 7,460+ mile journey.
Unlike regions with long, uninterrupted cycling corridors, Florida requires a thoughtful linking of protected trails, quiet back roads, and unavoidable stretches of public highways. The central challenge lies in safely connecting these segments.
Big Loop Road Off Route 41 in the Everglades - Florida
In several areas, riders must share roads with fast-moving traffic on narrow or nonexistent shoulders, making situational awareness, timing, and route choice essential. The 790-mile route has been designed to minimize these exposures wherever possible, but caution remains a constant companion. Navigating Florida from South to North requires flexibility.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Safety: The primary challenge of this route is connecting the various protected trails using public roads. Many highways have narrow or no shoulders and fast-moving traffic, requiring extreme caution.
- Navigation: A continuous, single paved trail for the tour does not exist in Florida. Our route links existing trails and low-traffic roads.
- Services: Services (food, water, lodging, bike shops) are sparse between Miami and Naples, crossing the Everglades.
- Terrain: The terrain across Florida is flat. The main variations are the surface types (paved trails, gravel, packed dirt, road shoulders).
Key Attractions Along the Way
- Miami Beach Bike and Boardwalk Trail: A clean, paved path spanning a significant portion of Miami Beach, offering classic coastal views and access to the beach and local life.
- Everglades National Park: The Tamiami Trail (US-41) crosses the Everglades to Naples. It's a scenic, remote drive/ride offering access to various natural spots.
- US Cycling Route 15: Our route follows parts of the Route 15 on quiet highways, dense wild forests, and small friendly towns.
- Nature Coast State Trail: Officially part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System, it consists of two primary alignments built along abandoned rail lines that intersect at Wilcox Junction, connecting the communities of Cross City, Trenton, Fanning Springs, and Chiefland.
- Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail: A 16-mile paved trail following Florida's first and longest-operating railroad corridor, running south from Tallahassee to the coastal town of St. Marks. A paved extension of the trail extends north for approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) into the City of Tallahassee.
Cycling from Tallahassee to New Orleans in 524 miles involves using a mix of scenic bike paths, a ferry crossing, shoulders on US Highway 98, and navigating urban areas. The cycling community considers this route feasible and scenic but advises exercising high caution, planning in detail, and choosing dedicated paths and secondary roads over main highways wherever possible.
State Line Alabama
Route Highlights and Planning
- Paths: The route offers both highly scenic and enjoyable dedicated paths, as well as significant safety challenges on major highways due to traffic and inconsistent shoulders.
- Safety and US Highway 98: Cyclists note that new paths and broad shoulders exist in areas like Navarre Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore, but a consensus is to avoid major arteries like US Highway 98 for long stretches.
- Car-Centric Tallahassee: The city itself is considered very car-centric by some cyclists.
Key Attractions Along the Way
- The Timpoochee Trail: A popular 19-mile paved bike path in the Florida Panhandle that runs alongside Scenic Highway 30A, named after a Yuchi Indian chief, offering a flat, scenic route past coastal dune lakes, state parks, and charming beach towns like Seaside.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk: A lively hub with dining, shopping, and entertainment along the waterfront where you can watch the boats sail by.
- Navarre Beach: This area is known for its natural beauty and less-developed feel, with wide sidewalks and bike paths along the highway, offering beautiful bay and gulf views.
- Fontainebleau State Park: Located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, this park offers a boardwalk for spotting alligators, the ruins of an old sugar mill, and beautiful oak trees covered in moss.
- The Mississippi River Trail: A paved trail on the levees along both banks of the Mississippi.
- New Orleans, LA: The historic heart of your final destination, featuring the French Quarter, jazz clubs, and distinctive architecture.
Cycling 541 miles from New Orleans to Houston is an extensive journey through the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country and into East Texas. The route largely follows local roads near major US highways. The route moves through places where history, music, food, and landscape are deeply intertwined.
Welcome to Louisiana Sign - Highway 190
Route Highlights and Planning
- The Mississippi River Levee Path: The Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45) provides a mostly paved, protected route along the top of the levee, away from busy Highway 61 (Airline Highway), which is considered dangerous for cyclists.
- Baton Rouge: The stretch of US-190 should be navigated with caution, as some areas have inconsistent shoulders and high traffic volume.
- Approaching Houston: The approach to a central metropolitan area like Houston presents urban cycling challenges.
Mississippi River Trail
Key Attractions Along the Way
- Jackson Square: Before you leave New Orleans, take in the historic heart of the French Quarter, featuring street performers, artists, and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.
- French Quarter: Ride through the vibrant, historic streets known for unique architecture and lively atmosphere.
- Whitney Plantation: Located along the river road west of New Orleans, these plantations offer powerful historical tours detailing the lives of enslaved people.
- Capitol Park Museum: A museum showcasing the history, industry, and culture of Louisiana.
- Baton Rouge through Cajun Country (Opelousas, Crowley): This leg takes you into the heart of Acadiana, offering a taste of Cajun and Creole culture.
- Sam Houston Jones State Park: A pleasant park just before the Texas border known for its beauty and trails.
- Space Center Houston: A major destination as you approach Houston, offering interactive exhibits related to NASA's missions and space exploration.
Cycling from Houston to Oklahoma City involves navigating across the diverse landscapes of East-Central Texas and Southern Oklahoma. This route transitions from the piney woods near Houston to the rolling prairies of North Texas and the wooded hills of Oklahoma.
Cyclists generally describe this route as a "mixed bag" of experiences, with towns connected by long stretches of rural highways that require extreme caution due to high-speed traffic and narrow shoulders. The consensus is that while the urban segments are enjoyable and scenic, the rural connectors (particularly through rural Texas and Southern Oklahoma) are viewed as "ride at your own risk" areas where visibility and defensive riding are critical.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Safety: A lack of dedicated, separated infrastructure and drivers who may not be accustomed to sharing the road or paying sufficient attention may compromise cyclists' safety.
- Road Conditions: Cyclists report varied road surfaces, including rough "chip seal" pavement, and warn that shoulders on Farm-to-Market (FM) roads and county roads can appear and disappear unexpectedly.
- Scenic Rural Roads: While requiring caution, many riders enjoy the beauty of the "back roads of East Texas," with forested areas and the rolling hills of the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma.
- Rural Challenges: Outside of urban cores, challenges include loose dogs, crosswinds, and a lack of services.
Key attractions Along the Way
- George Mitchell Nature Preserve: Near Alden Bridge, this preserve offers miles of forested trails.
- Fort Worth Stockyards: Experience the "Cowboy Capital of the World" with daily cattle drives, historic saloons, and Western-themed shops.
- Lake Limestone: A 12,680-acre reservoir located in Central Texas, spanning Leon, Robertson, and Limestone counties. Formed in 1978 by the Sterling C. Robertson Dam on the Navasota River, it serves as a primary water supply for the region
- Lake Murray State Park: Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park with beautiful clear water, diverse trails through wooded shoreline, and the historic Tucker Tower Nature Center with 360-degree views of the lake.
- Turner Falls Park: This area in the Arbuckle Mountains is known for its beautiful waterfall and natural swimming areas.
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: One of the state's most popular attractions, located in the Adventure District, offering extensive exhibits on Western history, art, and culture.
- Bert Cooper Trail: A paved loop trail in Oklahoma City around the beautiful Lake Hefner with a lighthouse, perfect for a relaxing final ride into the city.
This route is approximately 869 miles and transitions from the rolling plains of Oklahoma and Western Kansas to the high-altitude foothills of the Colorado Front Range.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Camping: The State Park offers excellent camping, showers, and a break from the highway wind. It is a birdwatching hotspot.
- Goatheads (Puncturevine): This is the #1 hazard in this region. These thorns will instantly ruin standard road tires. Tubeless tires with fresh sealant or heavy-duty tire liners are non-negotiable for the Kansas and Eastern Colorado sections.
- Wind: Expect strong headwinds or crosswinds, particularly in Western Kansas. An early start (dawn) is often necessary to beat the afternoon gusts.
- Water: Towns can be 40–50 miles apart. Carry plenty of water.
Key Attractions Along the Way
- John Martin Reservoir State Park: This is a major stop on your route and a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species documented in the area. The park offers hiking on the Red Shin Trail, which leads past Native American rock art sites, historic canals, and the Prowers-Hudnell Ranch site.
- Garden of the Gods: This natural landmark features dramatic, towering red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The paved central loop is easily rideable and offers stunning views.
- Pikes Peak: You can see the famous "America's Mountain" from many points along this route through Colorado Springs.
This 553-mile route takes you through scenic, high-elevation areas along county roads. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and the remote regions with limited services. Traveling primarily on county roads, the route moves through the heart of the Rocky Mountains and into the vast, arid expanses of the Uinta Basin.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Elevation Differences: The route involves substantial and frequent elevation changes as you traverse the Rocky Mountains and the high desert of the Uinta Basin. You will encounter several significant climbs and descents, with the maximum elevation reaching over 9,400 feet at Rabbit Ears Pass.
- Logistics: Plan your daily mileage and ensure you have access to water, food, and lodging or camping supplies.
- Water and Food: Carry enough water and food to be self-sufficient for long stretches.
- Road Conditions: While main highways are paved, some county roads or alternative routes may be dirt or gravel, which can be challenging in certain weather conditions.
- Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared for sun exposure, potential rain, and varying temperatures.
Key attractions Along the Way
Along our cycling route, you can see a variety of natural landscapes and attractions in the Rocky Mountains and the Utah desert.
- High-Elevation Passes: The route involves climbing to significant elevations, offering dramatic mountain scenery.
- Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge: A vast nature refuge with resident moose, steppe uplands, meadows, wetlands, and streams.
- Steamboat Springs: A well-known mountain town with a charming atmosphere and hot springs.
- Dinosaur National Monument: This national park offers the unique opportunity to view and even touch more than 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in a rock wall.
- Heber Valley Railroad: Offers scenic train rides through the Heber Valley, along Deer Creek Reservoir and the Provo River, with views of Mt. Timpanogos.
- Bridal Veil Falls: Located within Provo Canyon, this is a beautiful, easily accessible 600-foot double waterfall. A short paved trail from the parking lot leads directly to the base.
Cycling from Provo, Utah, to Ely, Nevada, is a challenging journey of approximately 272 miles across remote, high-desert landscapes. This route primarily follows US-50, part of which is known as the "Loneliest Road in America."
The initial significant elevation difference is due to the optional scenic road through Mount Nebo. The Nebo Loop is a 38-mile paved road (Forest Road 015) that meanders through the Uinta National Forest, offering a diverse range of ecosystems and panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is a very demanding ride with a very steep incline.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Water & Services: Lack of water and electricity is a significant concern. Cyclists must carry sufficient water and supplies for long, desolate stretches, especially between towns like Delta, UT, and Ely, NV. Plan all stops. It is 101 miles between Delta, Utah, and Baker, Nevada, through desert landscape only (no electricity).
- Accommodation: Motels and potential campgrounds are available in the few small towns along the way (e.g., Delta, UT, and Ely, NV). Make sure to plan for accommodation in these towns.
- Safety: Cell phone coverage is intermittent. Use bright clothing and a mirror. Be prepared for variable weather conditions due to major elevation changes.
Key attractions Along the Way
- The "Loneliest Road": Experience the unique solitude and stark beauty of the high desert landscapes.
- Great Basin National Park: Ely is a gateway city to this national park, which features ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves, a possible detour.
- Historic Mining Towns: Explore the charming 19th-century mining towns along the way.
- Pony Express Trail: The route loosely follows the historic Pony Express and Lincoln Highway corridors; look for historical markers and remnants of original stations.
- Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park: Near Ely, these beehive-shaped ovens are a unique historical attraction.
Cycling from Ely to Carson City is a substantial journey of approximately 345 miles across the heart of Nevada, primarily along US-50, known as the "Loneliest Road in America". This route is a major part of the U.S. Bicycle Route 50 (USBR 50).
Route Highlights and Planning
- Remote Nature: The "Loneliest Road" nickname is accurate; services (food, water, lodging) are sparse between towns. Cyclists must carry sufficient water and supplies for long stretches and plan stops in advance.
- Accommodation: Options are available in the small towns along the way (e.g., Ely, Eureka, Austin) and Fallon, including motels and potentially campgrounds.
- Safety: Cell phone coverage can be intermittent. Use bright clothing, mirrors, and appropriate emergency supplies. Plan for variable weather conditions due to the topographic diversity.
- Terrain: Very hilly with a maximum grade of around 6.5% in some areas. Be prepared for numerous climbs and descents across the Great Basin's mountain ranges.
- Navigation: The route largely follows US-50.
- Direction: The prevailing winds can vary, but the route is popular in both directions.
Key attractions Along the Way
- The Loneliest Road Experience: Enjoy the unique, serene solitude and striking desert landscapes of the Great Basin.
- Historic Mining Towns: The route passes through charming 19th-century mining towns such as Austin and Eureka, which offer a glimpse into Nevada's rich history and preserved historic buildings.
- Pony Express Trail: US-50 traces the historic Pony Express and Lincoln Highway routes, and you can see remnants of the original stations that were vital to westward expansion.
- Nevada Northern Railway Museum: In Ely, before starting your ride, explore this museum for a taste of the area's rail history.
- Cave Lake State Park: A short detour from Ely, this park offers beautiful views and trails, as recommended by locals.
- Great Basin National Park: Ely is a gateway to this national park, which features ancient bristlecone pines and the Lehman Caves, a worthwhile visit if you have extra time.
- Sand Mountain Recreation Area: Located about 25 miles east of Fallon on U.S. Route 50. It is a massive, 600-foot-high dune system, known as one of the few "singing" sand dunes in the world, where the shifting sand creates a unique sound.
Cycling from Carson City, Nevada, to San Francisco, California, is a demanding journey of approximately 251 miles with significant elevation changes in the beginning of this segment. The trip is renowned for its main challenge: crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Route Highlights and Planning
- Distance & Duration: 245-260 miles. It usually takes 4-8 days of riding.
- Major Challenge: Significant elevation gain when crossing mountain passes like Carson Pass (8,573 ft) on CA-88 or traveling via US-50 and the Lake Tahoe area.
- Route: The path often utilizes segments of the Adventure Cycling Association's Western Express route or U.S. Bicycle Route 50 (USBR 50), traversing from the high desert to the Central Valley and into the Bay Area.
Key Attractions Along the Way
Cycling from Carson City to San Francisco offers diverse scenery, from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the urban landscapes of the Bay Area:
- Lake Tahoe area: The route often passes near Lake Tahoe, offering majestic mountain vistas and opportunities to explore parks like Van Sickle Bi-State Park for scenic trails and lake views.
- Eldorado National Forest: This pristine wilderness area offers a chance to experience nature and plan stops at places like Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area.
- Historic Placerville: This town, once a gold rush hub, is a great overnight stop where you can explore its historic charm. The El Dorado Trail runs nearby, providing a pleasant pathway.
- Sacramento: As you reach the state capital, the route follows the traffic-free American River Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail), a highlight for cyclists.
- Bay Ferry Journey: A recommended way to enter San Francisco is via the ferry from Vallejo, which provides panoramic views of the Bay and Angel Island State Park.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Upon arrival, you can see the iconic bridge, explore the surrounding Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and enjoy the waterfront views from Crissy Field.
- City Sights: Ride along the Embarcadero promenade to see landmarks like the Ferry Building, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Fort Mason.
Cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles is an iconic route covering approximately 503 miles, primarily along Highway 1. The ride is generally recommended from north to south due to better views. We will take 10 days to cover this section of the tour.
Route Highlights and Planning
The primary route follows the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route, a well-documented path that takes riders along the stunning California coastline in hilly terrain.
Key Attractions Along the Way
- Monterey and the Big Sur Coast: Widely considered the most spectacular portion of the ride, featuring winding roads around large cliffs and breathtaking ocean views.
- Charming Coastal Towns: Overnight stops often include picturesque places like Santa Cruz, Cambria, Morro Bay, and Santa Barbara, which offer a variety of accommodations and dining options.
- Natural Preserves: The route passes through numerous state parks and natural areas, such as the Redwood National Park area, Montana de Oro State Park, and the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.
Gregory's Journey: The 2026 Tour in Numbers
Total distance: 7,460 miles
Average mileage per day: 63.34 miles
Average speed: 13.7 Mph
When: March - July 2026
The Planned and Real Route
The planned route is labeled with "Segments." The actual daily cycled routes are labeled "Trip 2026 - ."
We Have Cycled Across America Before
Be Part of the Journey
Be part of the journey by donating to the center, tax-deductible. All proceeds go directly to the Merkin Center. Learn More!
Donate to the Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center.