Trans-America Trail

[forsakenfuture]

I am really interested in this since some of the route is some what near to me...well, it is a whole lot closer then most . It kind of scares me that it is so "hush, hush" and the maps seem to high. Makes me sort of afraid it is a scam.......it isnt..is it?

[goodtimes]

I am not trying to start an argument with you, but I have emailed Sam to ask about the single track myth, and he assured me that it was just that, a myth, there is no single track sections to the "trail."

I guess that depends on how you want to define 'single track'.

In the context of a 4x4 on the TransAmerica trail - I'm referring to anything that has width restrictions that will prevent a narrow track CJ from getting through. In 2008, that existed. It's an ATV trail in Utah, with something to the effect of a 48" width restriction. It's certainly not a 12" wide path through the woods - but is may as well be if you're trying to get a 4x4 through there. Maybe Sam has routed the trail around that section - I haven't kept up with all the changes. Regardless - I still don't think it would be too much trouble to get around that section if you had a decent map & a bit of time. There were also some places in Oregon that would have turned a 4x4 around when a bike could continue - but that was due to downed trees (lots of down trees).

With regard to the sand - we didn't find anything that would stop a 4x4 in 2008. We took the 'big bike bypasses' (we were on a GS and a 950 Adventure), so maybe we missed it, but it's hard to imagine sand that would stop a 4x4 that wouldn't also stop a mid-sized dual sport that was set up for a cross-country trip (IE: DS tires, heavy load, etc). Or maybe my experience with sand is slightly skewed . . . the Jeep didn't really have trouble with it, but a loaded GS sinks pretty quick.

[Scott Brady]

I am not trying to start an argument with you, but I have emailed Sam to ask about the single track myth, and he assured me that it was just that, a myth, there is no single track sections to the "trail." He did say that there was 5% of it that went through sand in Utah and Nevada that was not doable in a Jeep or simular 4x4.

It is not a myth, as I have ridden the trail. There are entire segments that are on trails only open to motorcycles and quads (posted as such) in Utah and there are absolutely segments of single track in Nevada. It is a single track just wide enough for a moto going through the sagebrush.

However, this should not discourage you from trying, as it is a wonderful route. Easily 95% of the route can be driven in a 4wd.

We look forward to your updates.

[haven]

The current price for the TAT maps and handlebar navigation rolls is $372. That's supposed to be the cost to produce the maps.
The web site is http://www.transamtrail.com

I'm surprised that some business-savvy folks have not helped the people behind the TAT figure out some better way to monetize their investment. Selling maps seems like a 19th century approach. All it would take is one unscrupulous character (maybe a disgruntled customer) to post the map and the party will be over.

It seems to me that a better way would be to have a website open to everyone, with sponsors providing advertising dollars to support the activity of updating the route. Anyone have other ideas?

[goodtimes]

It is not a myth, as I have ridden the trail. There are entire segments that are on trails only open to motorcycles and quads (posted as such) in Utah and there are absolutely segments of single track in Nevada. It is a single track just wide enough for a moto going through the sagebrush.

You're right Scott - I remember following what looked like a cattle trail leading away from a fenced/gated corral/stock pond.

I was originally thinking of the ATV trail in Utah and that over grown remnant of a trail that led up to the 'peacock incident' - but I think the latter was actually two-track, it was just so over-grown that you couldn't see it. Of course, there was the single track in CO that Dennis took us on - but that was a bit of a side trip.

What a great trip that was.


drgnhrt1979 -- you should go for it. Just take more pictures than I did.

[drgnhrt1979]

You're right Scott - I remember following what looked like a cattle trail leading away from a fenced/gated corral/stock pond.

I was originally thinking of the ATV trail in Utah and that over grown remnant of a trail that led up to the 'peacock incident' - but I think the latter was actually two-track, it was just so over-grown that you couldn't see it. Of course, there was the single track in CO that Dennis took us on - but that was a bit of a side trip.

What a great trip that was.


drgnhrt1979 -- you should go for it. Just take more pictures than I did.

yea shouldn't be a problem a year in Iraq I got good at taking pics at 60mph while driving the HMMWV. And a day trip usually nets no less than 25 pics even if I have been there before. My record so far has been 134 pics in 5 hours.

[drgnhrt1979]

It is not a myth, as I have ridden the trail. There are entire segments that are on trails only open to motorcycles and quads (posted as such) in Utah and there are absolutely segments of single track in Nevada. It is a single track just wide enough for a moto going through the sagebrush.

However, this should not discourage you from trying, as it is a wonderful route. Easily 95% of the route can be driven in a 4wd.

We look forward to your updates.

that was failed to be mentioned, the big reason I am posting here to get more research done before I head out. Not that I am gonna get to head out next week or something, but I will get out there and drive it once all the logistics are in place.

even though he said he had a jeep, I know the trail was setup for motorcycles.

I guess that depends on how you want to define 'single track'.

this is true, and I didn't think of it that way. single track by my definition is any land i can get onto with the jeep but the trail narrows to the point I can not drive the Jeep through hand have to turn back.

I like your definition better, it makes more sense and is more universal

[jeepdreamer]

You and Metcaf should get together and share the planning. Plus one more Jeep would be a boon to a lot of aspects of the trip.
Side bar...when did you do Iraq? I got back (again) in 2010 and managed a total of about 8 pics the entire year...haha! I'm not much of a shutter bug though.

[drgnhrt1979]

You and Metcaf should get together and share the planning. Plus one more Jeep would be a boon to a lot of aspects of the trip.
Side bar...when did you do Iraq? I got back (again) in 2010 and managed a total of about 8 pics the entire year...haha! I'm not much of a shutter bug though.

I was in Iraq from Feb 2004 to Feb 2005 I managed to collect over 7000 pics about 2500 were taken by myself. I think I have most of the paper planning done, just have to start figuring out where I can pull the money from as I have a basicly stock Jeep and need to make a few mods to it first. I also am planning on including a buddy of mine whom also has a stock Jeep. So I would be starting out with 2 Jeeps from the get go, anyone else once I can pin point a start date is more than happy to join for the fun even if its for only a day or 2. I want to do it in the summer as the mountian passes I hear will be crossable then and it also allows for camping and not staying at a motel somewhere.

[drgnhrt1979]

If I dont do this one, I have a few others I want to do while too. Sam also has mapped out a "trail" that goes from El Paso, TX north to the northern CO state line somewhere. This one is only 1400 miles and he call it "Shadow of the Rockies." In addition, he has a loop mapped out that runs north to south in Mississippi that starts around Jackson that is only a couple hunderd miles each way.

Have to do some more reseach on those to see how friendly they are to a mid to full size 4x4.

Also on the list of course is the Rubicon Trail in Cali, as well as "The Devils Highway" in the south west. Plenty of trips to keep me going for a while before I look to try and run the Pan American Highway, another trip on my ever growing "Bucket List"

I plan to try and take the kids with me on as many adventures as I can so they can share in the awe and wonder of real adventures