Cross Country USA: Portland to Portland

Your adventure begins today as you depart Astoria and head for Portland on your first long ride of the trip! It's time to bid farewell to the West Coast and turn east as you ease into your first pedal strokes along Youngs River and through the beautiful and densely forested Clatsop State Forest. As you ride, the enclosed green canopy and winding roads gradually open up to bring you just north of Portland where you will continue southeast on the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway and directly into downtown Portland. Explore one of America's most bike-friendly cities this evening as you relish the feeling of accomplishment from completing your first full day in the saddle.

You'll depart Portland this morning on a network of popular bike trails and lanes. Once in Troutdale, you will ride on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway 30 that separates Washington from Oregon. The north side of this 75-mile scenic byway boasts spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge while the south is blessed with a collection of astonishing waterfalls. Take the time to stop at Columbia Point, one of the most scenic outlooks on the journey, and visit the Vista House which was built as a rest stop for early travelers. As you finish your ride, don't forget to look out onto the river, as Hood River is renowned as one of the best windsurfing locations in the U.S. Tonight is yours to explore. Take a stroll down Oak Street and dine in one of the many tasty bistros.

Depart this windsurfing and mountain-biking hotspot to continue following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the water. Cycle through the five-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail that passes through two climate zones and is bordered by numerous types of foliage and plants. The route hugs the Columbia River on Interstate 84 for about 15 miles before turning inland. Finish the day’s ride winding past rolling ranch lands, and tackling the climbs through Cottonwood Canyon State Park and Recreation Area. We’ll be spending the night in Condon, a proud, century-old farming community nestled between miles of rolling, golden wheat fields in Eastern Oregon. Built in 1920, the historic Hotel Condon offers classic charm with a quaint, “small-town America” atmosphere.

After a hilly start this morning, we'll reach the small town of Heppner, known as the “Gateway to the Blues.” Pedal a short stretch of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway before gradually descending back towards the Columbia River. Enjoy dinner at Nookie’s restaurant, home of the Hermiston Brewing Company & Tap House. This historic building housed a Plymouth dealership for many years in the early 1940s, but now offers over 15 beers produced in-house! Spend the night in Hermiston, once known as home of Six Mile House, an old-west hotel that served as a stopover for weary travelers, and is now famous for watermelon farms.

Today is a relatively short ride as we make our way to Washington. Pedal through high-desert sage and the farmland producing the sweet onions, wheat, and wine that give Walla Walla its flavor. Finish your day at the Finch or the historic Marcus Whitman hotel. Tonight, venture out to find a cozy wine tasting and dinner of your choice. Walk down the tree-lined streets of downtown for a funky mix of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, and bookstores.

Climb out of Walla Walla on gently rolling hills as you make your way through eastern Washington's beautiful golden fields of wheat. Today you will work hard to get to Idaho, the third state of your journey, but the effort will be well worth it as you enjoy a long, winding descent into the state alongside the gentle Asotin Creek and the powerful Snake River. Shortly after crossing the border you will find yourself in Lewiston, located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Due to a system of locks and dams, Lewiston is accessible by some ocean-going vessels and is the easternmost port on the west coast.

Soon after departing Lewiston you will enter the land of the Nez Perce Native American tribe. Cruise through undulating hills and scattered towns as you uncover this magnificent gateway to the West. The Nez Perce have made this area home since before the history of the West was recorded with many areas to hunt, fish, hike, and farm. Enjoy the striking views from the banks of the Clearwater River into the hills above. Tonight, you will stay in Kamiah on the banks of the Clearwater River.

Today's epic ride follows the historic Route 12 into the Bitterroot Mountains and over Lolo Pass. You'll pedal along the banks of the Clearwater River this morning and the Lochsa River this afternoon, both of which are lined by majestic pines. Enjoy the serene yet striking scenery as you roughly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The road climbs gently until the last few miles, which greet you with steeper terrain and sweeping views. After 108 miles, you'll reach the top of Lolo Pass at 5,233 feet, which is also the Montana border. Say hello to state number four and a new time zone! All that's left is a short descent to the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs. It's a great place to rest and soak your legs after the day's climb.

Enjoy a lazy morning with your fellow riders as you get used to the time change, because this short day is nearly all downhill! Today you finish descending the gorgeous, winding road from Lolo Pass into the town of Missoula—home of the University of Montana. Take a look around at the peaks dominating the horizon, as this town lies at the convergence of five separate mountain ranges. It's your choice for lunch so enjoy your favorite foods as you soak in the scene in this fun college town. Tonight you will gather for a social hour and dinner at a favorite local hot spot, as you raise a glass to congratulate each other on reaching your first well-earned rest day and bid farewell to those riders in the group who leave us tomorrow.

Your first rest day has arrived and you’ve certainly earned it! Today is a day to relax, put up your feet, and enjoy. Benefit from a recovery stroll along the trail beside the Clark Fork River or explore the quaint downtown. This could also be the day to get some shopping done as Montana levies no state sales tax! Alternatively, catch up on some sleep, unwind, and simply get some correspondence and laundry done. Today is yours to explore, dine, and recover as you please.

Saddle up! Today you'll take advantage of your well-rested legs to tackle the longest ride of your journey as you continue across the fourth largest state in America. Follow the Blackfoot River out to the plains and enjoy the cool breeze as it wicks down the surrounding mountains and stirs the wildlife below. Keep a careful eye on the sky and passing fields to catch a glance of a bald eagle, mule deer, antelope, elk, or maybe even a grizzly bear. You'll climb to the top of Flesher Pass at 6,131 feet before enjoying a gradual descent into Montana's capital city for the evening.

Another picturesque day of riding awaits as you start out along the Missouri River and work your way south through Big Sky Country toward Bozeman. As you reach your day's destination, glance east to the Bridger and Bangtail Mountain ranges. These two ranges, separated by Bridger Canyon, were once home to a pair of bickering brothers who pastured horses. Their constant quarreling over which horses belonged to whom made one brother decide to "bang," or cut short, his horse's tails to identify them, and so the name was born. Tonight, you'll stay at a one-of-a-kind hotel in the heart of downtown Bozeman. We'll take a stroll down Main Street for dinner this evening.

Today's big ride takes you along the Yellowstone River and the northern border of Yellowstone National Park. Continue to soak up the majestic peaks and rolling fields of the Rocky Mountains on your last full day in Montana. At this point you are surrounded by six different mountain ranges including Beartooth Mountain Range—home to the highest peak in the state, Granite Peak (12,799 ft).

Travel south this morning to bid farewell to Montana and cross the border into your fifth state: Wyoming. After passing over the Yellowstone River and departing the fisherman's paradise of Columbus, you will begin to discover the second-least densely populated state in the United States. Don't let these grasslands deceive you though: wildlife such as bald eagles, buffalo, and antelope abound in this area of the Wild West. End your day by crossing the Shoshone River and settling in at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains at the newly remodeled Horseshoe Bend Motel. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal from The Bull Pub restaurant as you prepare yourself for tomorrow's big climb.

Today promises to be a memorable and momentous day, as you will ascend to Observation Point, which, at 9,430 feet, is the highest point of your epic journey. The morning will begin with a leisurely 20 miles of warm-up terrain. Look for the pelicans as you cross the Bighorn River, and get ready to start the toughest climb of the trip. The path you will follow, known as “The Medicine Wheel Passage,” twists up, up, and up for 20 miles (and plenty of double-digit gradients) through the Bighorn National Forest. Take a moment to congratulate yourself at the top and enjoy the views of the high mountain meadows before you begin the gradual descent to lunch at Moose Crossing Restaurant. If you keep your eyes open today, you may spot marmot, moose, or if you're very lucky, bighorn sheep. After lunch, enjoy a fabulous and picturesque winding descent into the quintessential ranching town of Sheridan.

As you pedal away from Sheridan, it's easy to imagine the Old West battles and shootouts that once took place here. In fact, just north of here is the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn where General Custer was killed. Ride like the wind through the vast open countryside, but don't blink as you pass Spotted Horse (Population: 2). In fact, be sure to stop in at the Spotted Horse Bar for a Coke and a photo op. Then press onward and you'll find yourself in Gillette, also known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," home to plenty of natural resources that made this town a center of the oil and gas industry. With views of Eagle Butte Mine along the way, you can see some of the pits from which Wyoming supplies 35% of the nation's coal.

Today's ride takes you past Devil's Tower, declared America's first National Monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. This stump-shaped volcanic formation was formed from hot magma 40 million years ago and measures 867 feet from base to summit. The sediment around it has eroded away, leaving the tower you see today. It is near the Bear Lodge Mountains in the Black Hills and is a sacred place among several Native American tribes. Legend has it that several young Native American girls who were being chased by bears, climbed up on a rock to escape and were saved by the Great Spirit who raised the rock high into the sky. The angry bears could not reach the top but left deep claw marks in the sides of the tower trying. Indeed, the tower is formed by columns of rock that resemble claw marks. The columns and cracks make it an attractive site for rock climbers, and one last fun fact, it was featured in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977. Be sure to stop for a photo as you pass by. You'll continue through the hills as you make your way to Sundance. This town may ring a bell, as it is where "The Sundance Kid" got his name after being released from jail here. Notice his statue near the courthouse on the town square and the Crook County Museum where his trial took place. As you leave Sundance, it's only a few more miles until you cross the border into South Dakota, state number six. Tonight's home is in the small town of Spearfish, so named for the crystal clear waters of Spearfish Creek, where Native Americans would hunt fish with spears. After checking in at the Best Western, take a stroll to Main Street and enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

Today's ride features the Black Hills of South Dakota. As you ride among the Ponderosa pines of this region, you will discover how the hills received their name. These trees absorb so much of the light, they make the area look practically black. This is another challenging but gorgeous day of riding. You'll begin with a serene and scenic climb up Spearfish Canyon, one of the most stunning canyons in America. It has been formed by erosion over 5 million years and is said to be 12 times older than the Grand Canyon. The final scenes of "Dances with Wolves" were filmed here. As you leave the canyon, you'll continue climbing up to the gold mining town of Lead, home to the Homestake Gold Mine. Before it closed in 2002, it was the largest deepest mine in North America. At mile 28, you'll pass by the Visitor Center, so be sure to stop for a snack and take a look. From here, you'll have another big effort as you work your way through the hills to Roubaix and then descend into Rapid City for your second well-deserved rest day.

Your second rest day is here! Today is your day to rest, recover, and celebrate that your hard work has now taken you across 40% of the country! Activities abound to occupy your time in Rapid City. Take this opportunity to visit the eye-catching Mount Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Monument. Or maybe stay closer to town and check out the enormous sculptures at Dinosaur Park, walk the imaginative Art Alley, or perhaps quiz each other on the Presidential statues located on the street corners of downtown. Whatever you do, don't forget to kick back for a time and enjoy your accomplishments on reaching this milestone!

Back in the saddle and well-rested, today you will venture into Wall, SD, home of the famous Wall Drug, a strip mall consisting of restaurants, gift shops, and drug stores. You can't miss it, as you undoubtedly have seen billboards for "5 cent coffee" for several days now. Please note that today includes a stretch of three miles and another of 25 miles on Interstate 90 before reaching Wall. While we strive to avoid interstate riding, it is unavoidable due to the nature of the roads in this area. You may certainly opt to shuttle these sections. After a picnic (and a stop at Wall Drug, of course), you will ride into Badlands National Park. Take your time and soak up the scenery as you wind your way through this unparalleled land of buttes and spires. It was used by many Native Americans as hunting grounds as well as a place to live, with the higher areas perfect as lookouts to see oncoming enemies or herds of animals. Be sure to look for antelope, pronghorns, and big horn sheep as you pedal through the park.

Today you leave this gateway to the Badlands and Black Hills to continue your journey across the grasslands of South Dakota. This area, including Fort Pierre National Grasslands, provides visitors excellent opportunities to camp, hunt, and fish, but for you it provides a steady, straight road past glowing fields of sunflowers and picturesque farms en route to your destination of Oacoma, South Dakota. You'll spend the night at Arrowwood Resort, located on the bank of the Missouri River.

There are two big reasons to celebrate today: you only have to ride 76 miles, and even better, you have pedaled halfway across the United States! Take some time to reflect on your journey thus far as you cross the rushing Missouri River and head into another beautiful day of open grasslands. Relax as you spin your way through these lands that were once occupied by early American settlers working on the railroad, farms, ranches, and in the fur trade. And if your legs will allow it, take a short detour and check out Mitchell's biggest attraction: The Corn Palace!

At 72 miles, today is another relatively short day in the saddle. Your ride brings you into South Dakota's largest city: Sioux Falls. The location of Sioux Falls, on the banks of the cascading Big Sioux River, has been a site of human habitation since antiquity. This area was first settled by Native Americans who harnessed the water source for agriculture. The land near the water was also held sacred as a burial ground and is still respected as such today. This evening, after enjoying dinner on your own, take a stroll along the river to Falls Park.

This morning you’ll bid a fond farewell to South Dakota as you cross the border into Minnesota, the seventh state along your route so far. Today is one of the longest rides of the trip at 126 miles and it’s predominantly flat, so hope for a tailwind. By popular request, we are by-passing the cornfields of Iowa this year and routing you through Minnesota, aka The Land of 10,000 Lakes. You’ll count a few of them today as you break for a picnic near the shore of Lake Okabena in Worthington, pedal past Temperance Lake near Sherburn and end your ride in Fairmont after passing by Budd Lake. Logistics are simple tonight – dine at the hotel restaurant and spend the rest of your time focusing on recovery.

Did you know, in addition to Scotch tape, that Masking tape, Bisquick, Wheaties, and Green Giant vegetables were invented in Minnesota? Well, today is your chance to get a commemorative photo with the Jolly Green Giant himself. The 55.5 feet tall statue was commissioned by Paul Hedberg in 1978. Hedberg, the owner of a local radio station and host of a show called “Welcome Travelers”, gave each of his guests Green Giant vegetables from the local factory as a parting gift. When he learned that I-90 would bypass Blue Earth, he feared he would lose his supply of travelers so he took it upon himself to raise money for the statue in hopes that it would lure tourists to town. While Green Giant no longer owns the local canning plant and the radio show no longer exists, the town’s beloved statue still stands and has spawned a Giant Museum and Giant Days festival. If that’s not enough Americana for you today, be sure to visit the Spam Museum when you get to Austin.

This morning, say goodbye to the home of Hormel as you make your way across the rest of southern Minnesota. Once again, the ride today is long and relatively flat. The highlight comes about halfway through when you enter the Root River Trail. Enjoy 40 miles of paved bike path as you meander through small towns set on the banks of the Root River. As the path ends, you’ll get a wake-up call in the form of a steep one-mile climb. After a few miles on the plateau, you’ll descend toward the mighty Mississippi River and the border of state number eight: good ol’ Wisconsin. Our home for tonight is The Charmant Hotel, a boutique hotel housed in a renovated candy factory. The name was inspired by a premium line of chocolates once made here. The maple flooring, wooden beams, and exposed brick of the original 1898 structure have been preserved, giving this historic hotel a warm, charming appeal. Enjoy the lovely setting with a drink on the rooftop terrace or take a stroll through the park to the bank of the mighty Mississippi River. Dinner is on your own tonight in this charming town.

Gear up! Today’s ride is anything but flat! You’ll cross the heart of Wisconsin's Driftless Area today. This unglaciated region will surprise and delight you with its diversity. Forested slopes give way to green valleys and dramatic limestone bluffs that have been carved through the ages by crystal clear trout streams. Conquer everything from rollers to short but surprisingly steep hills as you navigate this cycling paradise. Enjoy a hearty picnic lunch mid-ride before forging on toward the quaint town of Spring Green. You will pass Frank Lloyd Wright's famous home, Taliesin, on your way to our home for the evening. Kick back with a post-ride beer by the fire pit. Tonight, you can relax and enjoy a well-earned dinner at our hotel.

Today’s ride is shorter, but jam-packed with great roads. It’s a favorite route of the local Trek Travel team. You’ll sweep through the last hills of the Driftless Area en route to more mellow terrain. Many of the farms you will see along the way are organic and use sustainable growing practices to produce a wide variety of heirloom vegetables and artisanal cheeses found in many of Madison’s restaurants and at its bountiful farmer’s market. Finish this leg strong as you make your way around Lake Mendota and roll into Wisconsin's gorgeous capital city. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn of the Capitol before we check-in. Then relax and prepare to celebrate with a special evening in Trek Travel's midwestern hometown!

Congrats on reaching your third rest day! You are now two thirds of the way through the total mileage and elevation of this epic conquest. Opt to spend today touring Trek Bicycle Corporation headquarters or exploring Wisconsin's thriving capital city. Madison has lots to offer when it comes to food, the arts, entertainment, and recreational activities. Take a free tour of the Capitol building, one of the most beautiful in the nation. And don't miss a stroll down State Street, the pedestrian street connecting the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus. Have a beer at Memorial Union Terrace, a favorite local hangout on the shore of Lake Mendota. Notice the spectacle of more bikes than cars in many sections of town and the plentiful variety of local breweries and outdoor patios for dining. You may also choose to squeeze in a yoga class or a paddle on one of the lakes. Kick back and relax however you see fit--today is your day off.

Another great day stretches out ahead of you, as you exit Madison via a popular bike path and ease back into small towns and rolling farmland. Enjoy roaming alongside the scattered lakes and quiet suburbs as you near Milwaukee. The city is famous for breweries including Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller to name but a few, started by an influx of German immigrants in the mid 19th century. You might also remember the sitcoms Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, and of course this is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. You'll get a taste of its history as you ride past the home of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Harley-Davidson museum before arriving at the Iron Horse Hotel. Try your hand at a game of pool or have a drink in The Yard as you savor your short time at this striking warehouse turned hotel. We will enjoy dinner here as well.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your short ride to the Lake Express ferry terminal. In only two-and-a-half hours this high-speed ferry will take you across the grand waters of Lake Michigan. Upon arrival on the eastern shore, you will be on Eastern Time and enter the ninth state of your journey: Michigan. Feel the lakeside air as you ride south to the Dutch-inspired city of Holland. In fact it's known for Tulip Time, a Dutch Heritage festival that has been taking place for over 90 years featuring millions of tulips, Klompen dancing, wooden shoe carving, and much more. Your visit will be short but sweet as you'll reach the hotel right around dinner time.

Today you will zigzag your way southeast through the open countryside and farms of lower Michigan. Enjoy another fabulous picnic prepared by your guides at a perfectly situated park in Prairieville Township. If you are a car fanatic, be sure to stop at the Gilmore Automobile Museum, which you'll pass just after lunch. Your path will continue to meander its way past the outskirts of Battle Creek to the town of Marshall – home to some interesting places such as the Honolulu House, The American Museum of Magic, and our favorite, the Dark Horse Brewery.

Gear up for a big ride today! Today’s ride will have you pedaling in a variety of settings from quiet farm fields to the suburban community of Rossford. After weaving through the small towns and lakes of southeastern Michigan, drop into Ohio, the 10th state of your journey. We break for lunch at a favorite local spot, Randy’s BBQ. After some mouth-watering hickory smoked barbecue, we pedal ten miles on the quiet, smooth blacktop of the Falling Waters Trail before reaching our home for tonight in the outskirts of Toledo.

Today is the last “flat” day of riding on this trip! The majority of our ride is on the North Coast Inland Trail bike path, which was built on the abandoned Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad. The railroad was constructed in 1851 serving as a vital link between Chicago and Cleveland and leading to the founding of many of the small towns you will pass through on today's ride. We will end our ride in the college town of Oberlin, where we’ll enjoy a night at The Hotel at Oberlin, a modern building, yet traditionally designed LEED Platinum hotel, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable hotel projects in the U.S. Dinner will be served at 1833, the hotel’s restaurant, with its socially conscious menus using ingredients from local farmers. After dinner, it’s a short walk to the local ice cream shop. We recommend enjoying your second dessert (you’ve earned it) as you stroll through the historic Tappan Square.

The hills gradually pick up today as we pass through acres of farmland before dropping down to the Cuyahoga River and riding through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. From here, it won't be long before you'll be sharing the road with the horse-drawn buggies of the local Amish population. Today's ride ends in Geauga County, home to the world's fourth largest Amish community. We'll soak it all in as we settle in for the night at an English Tudor-style lodge in Punderson State Park.

Find yourself in rolling terrain today as you cruise through northeastern Ohio on your way to your 11th state of Pennsylvania. This comparatively short ride will allow you to rest up for the string of four centuries to follow. Be sure to stop and see the carp at the spillway at Pymatuning Reservoir. The fish are so plentiful, that ducks can walk on their backs. We kid you not.

Today's ride continues through an area noted for its Amish communities. Amish people are known for valuing simplicity, emphasizing family and community, and for their separation from the modern world including amenities such as electricity (although some groups have become more liberal in their views and practices). The riding continues to be challenging through these rolling hills but the lush, serene countryside is sure to boost your mood and your spirits as you near the east coast. Today culminates in a ride along the Allegheny River, past the impressive Kinzua Dam, and through the beautiful foliage of the Allegheny National Forest.

Before you leave today make sure you pick up a commemorative Zippo lighter straight from the town where it all started. Then you'll head out to cross the border into number 12: New York! Settle in for a scenic but challenging ride full of ups and downs as you head to Corning today, which many will know for its manufacture of glass and ceramic products by Corning Incorporated, as well as being recognized as a top 25 small-city art destination. Please note, on the September date, you will not have social hour this evening because tomorrow you will ride to Cazenovia and it will be included there.

Awake to your final rest day in the Crystal City. Linger over that cup of coffee as you reflect on how far you've come. Only a tad over 500 miles remain on this epic journey of yours! But today is yours to relax. Stroll along the banks of the Chemung River or visit the Corning Museum of Glass or the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Take some time to explore the historic downtown with its many galleries, shops, and restaurants. You can also use this day to get your last stash of clean clothes ready, check your emails, and bring friends and family back home up to speed on your adventures so far! Only a little more than 500 miles and 28,000 feet of climbing left to conquer. Please note, on the September date, you will ride to Cazenovia today, with lunch en route, and you will enjoy social hour and dinner there.

Today you'll ride north through New York's famous Finger Lakes Region where you'll catch glimpses of Seneca Lake and the rugged cliffs above. Watkins Glen at the south end of the lake is not only known for its picturesque views and water activities, but also for its street car racing. Tonight, you'll stay at the historic Brewster Inn on the shore of Lake Cazenovia. You'll enjoy social hour and dinner in their award winning restaurant on the eve of your final rest day. It's the perfect place to reminisce about the highlights and achievements of your journey and plan for the excitement and triumphs of the days ahead. Please note, on the September date, you will have a rest day in Cazenovia today, with lunch and dinner on your own.

This morning shortly after leaving Cazenovia, you'll find yourself on a stunning descent alongside a babbling brook and waterfall. Our route also intersects with the Erie Canalway Trail, a 365-mile bike trail that follows active and historic sections of the Erie Canal. Later, you'll pedal your way into Adirondack Park. The distinctions between the Adirondacks and Rocky Mountains are easy to see, with the contrasting dome-shaped summits of the Adirondacks covered in spruce, pine, and broad-leafed trees and the highest elevation reaching just above 5,000 feet. The riding here is really rewarding as you gradually pedal up the climbs and enjoy the accompanying views of the forest and tranquil lakes before descending to our home for tonight on the shore of Piseco Lake.

Enjoy a fabulous ride today as you work your way out of the Adirondacks and head to the historic and strategic outpost town of Ticonderoga. This is the home of Fort Ticonderoga and the point between Lake George and Lake Champlain. Battles were fought at this fort in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. And for movie fans, this fort was used to film many scenes in "The Last of The Mohicans." The scenery of this area will not disappoint.

It's a three state kind of day! Say goodbye to New York and enter your 13th state, Vermont, with a quick float across Lake Champlain on the Ticonderoga Ferry. Once off the ferry, it's back on the bike and into the Green Mountains for a tough but colorful day in the saddle. The climbs here are spunky, but rest assured our chosen one, Brandon Gap, is gentle compared to the other passes through these mountains–and it has a rewarding open descent. Save some energy because you still have more hills to conquer in the second half of this ride! You'll finish your ride across Vermont as you cross the Connecticut River and enter New Hampshire, your 14th state. Tonight you'll stay in the heart of downtown Hanover, home of Dartmouth College, where you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.

Today you can almost taste the end of your long and rewarding journey, but it's not over quite yet! There's one more stunning scenic byway calling your name as you traverse the White Mountains. There are three tough climbs to conquer before you triumphantly reach the top of Kancamagus Pass (affectionately known by the locals as "The Kanc"). You will see why many people come here to witness some of the best fall foliage in the country. And better yet, after lunch, you get to enjoy a 25-mile descent. You have definitely earned it! If you have a sweet tooth don't miss the delicious treats waiting on the other side of the mountains at the White Mountain Cupcakery in North Conway.

At last, it’s time for the final celebratory ride of this amazing journey. Today is your victory lap...your cross-country Champs Élysées! After 10 quick miles, you’ll enter Maine, your 15th and final state. We will pause to regroup and enjoy a final lunch before making the last push to the coast. As you approach the Atlantic, the coastal breeze and smell of salt water in the air will transport you back to the day you set out from Astoria to pedal your way across the great United States. Your ride will come to an end on the beautiful sandy shoreline of Crescent Beach State Park, just a few miles south of Portland. The celebration begins here and will continue for the rest of the day! After a champagne toast and lots of photos on the beach, we will make our way to the Press Hotel in downtown Portland. Tonight we'll celebrate in style with a final social hour and gourmet feast from Union – you’ve certainly earned it!

A leisurely morning in Portland offers you the opportunity to revisit the triumphs and challenges of the previous 46 days as you say farewell to your comrades. This ride-of-a-lifetime has come to a close, but the friendships and memories produced by this epic journey have just begun. As you depart, we recommend flying out of Portland International Jetport (PWM) to the destination of your choice.