I was starting to panic a bit, my collection of 12 Trans America cycling maps from the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) hadn't turned up and with mother nature showing whose boss, I was thinking that the ash cloud crisis may see me heading out to the states without them. Panic over, my delivery turned up today!
These maps will make life on the road for the coming three or four months all the more bearable. Rather than just being your usual OS style map, these specially designed cycle maps are brimming with cycle specific information and cultural and historical facts for the area, as well as climate data.
The route elevation profile is a double edged sword, yes it lets you know the climbs and descents that are ahead of you, but when it's something like the 11,542' Hoosier Pass, the temptation to stay in my sleeping bag may prove to much. Not having to worry to much about navigation will mean I can enjoy the ride more and soak up the scenery.
Seeing the maps in front of me must be one of the last remaining reality checks, the count down to the 9th of May is on, only an Icelandic volcano can stop me!!
