Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route - 2014 info thread

[caseygreene]

Hi all,

I know info has been trickling out, and even though we haven't done a full press release yet, I wanted to drop a line here and let the community know that Adventure Cycling Association's next dirt route will be heading to the printer this coming October.

Background:
The Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route will be Adventure Cycling Association’s next mapped bicycle route. The route is designed to appeal to a wide variety of potential users and to enable riders to construct shorter and longer trips.

Specifics:
- 500+ mile main dirt road loop;
- a 60-mile paved alternate, which will split the main route in half;
- a 30-mile spur to the Boise Airport;
- Four multi-day singletrack options; and
- information and routing to 50+ soakable hot springs – both commercial and free springs that are accessible to the public. Additionally, there will be information about access to great fishing, paddling and other outstanding outdoor opportunities in Idaho.

I do not have much more specifics to give out besides that. We'll be finishing up the research in July, and cranking away at the map till it goes to the printer. Look for more info this coming fall from ACA's website and blog, and I'm sure ill post a thought or two on my blog as well.

- casey

[JRA]

Excellent!
I have hiked in some of that area and would love to ride there some day too.  I'll look forward to the maps.

[THE LONG RANGER]

50+ soakable hot springs

Just take my money, already!

[Norb]

What!??  You mean our own Private Idaho has been discovered?

I can tell you all, first hand, that you will not be disappointed with the diversity this state will offer you.  Few people, great scenery, incredible hot springs, high desert and high mountain passes to miles of sick single track.

Thanks Casey and ACA!  Looking forward to seeing what you have come up with.

Cheers.

[caseygreene]

I'll look forward to the maps.

Just take my money, already!

But not too much of it, Justin. I've got this route formatted so there will be only 1 map to purchase. And with over 700 miles of routing on it (most our maps have 300-500) it's going to be easy on the wallet ($15.00ish).

Another feature divide riders will appreciate, is all narratives (route cues) and profiles will be in their own vertical fold on the map. A fold which is designed to be cut away. So, you won't have to completely unfold your map to view directions, and you wont have to purchase separate route cues.

Also, we'll have gps waypoints for the hot springs, and should have tracks ready to go by next summer.

I can tell you all, first hand, that you will not be disappointed with the diversity this state will offer you.  Few people, great scenery, incredible hot springs, high desert and high mountain passes to miles of sick single track.

True that, Norb! The one thing Ive been telling people about is the crazy landscape diversity. Sometimes I think Western Montana should have been included in Idaho when the states were created. But then again, the only thing separating us now is a fishing licence (which can get a bit annoying when you live so close, but have to spend a ton to get an out-of-state tag).

Idaho is still my 2nd favorite state, but it's closing in on 1st.

[Jilleo]

Nice work Casey. Looking forward to checking out this route at some point.

[caseygreene]

Thanks, Jill. I know you of all people know this is a long time coming for ACA 

[AmyL]

Excellent!  We're eager ride another ACA dirt route.

[Roland Sturm]

- 500+ mile main dirt road loop;
- a 60-mile paved alternate, which will split the main route in half;
- a 30-mile spur to the Boise Airport;
- Four multi-day singletrack options; and

And you get all of that onto one map? Excellent deal. Hope it becomes another best seller to encourage more ACA off-pavement routes!

[HappyWanderer]

I am very excited to get this map and trying out the route.  Glad to see it is in my home state! 

[Slowerthensnot]

Awesome news!

[KenSmithMT]

Sweeet !!!

[Soft Pedal]

Can't wait.  I'm sure the wife will be stoked on this too!

[caseygreene]

Adventure Journal just did a nice write-up on the route in their 'Bike Touring Special' series:

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2013/08/bike-touring-special-the-500-mile-idaho-hot-springs-mountain-bike-route/

[JRA]

Looks good.  And an honorable mention for you too!

[Aslan]

Thanks for the heads up Casey.  This looks great  See you all out there next summer.

[caseygreene]

Quick update here: The release date has been pushed back to January 2014.

Also, there will be 2 maps. One for the main route, and one for the singletrack options. It's a long story, but basically the cost of the larger size paper was insane, and we would have had to charge more for 1 map, then 2.

[batty]

Adventure Cyclist magazine mentions your route in the latest issue as well as a sorta promotional tour by Mac McCoy (only in the western states).  Also sounds like an updated version of "Cycling the Great Divide" is forthcoming.

All sounds good to me.

Thanks for mapping!

[dave]

Casey, thanks for updating us with info on the route!  It sounds fantastic, and I'm hoping to give it a whirl with some friends when summer comes around again.

Can you, or anyone else who is familiar with the area, give some insight as to what seasons or months this route might be best enjoyed?  Such info would be helpful in planning my trip.  I live way over in the South and don't have a good grasp of when snow is typically still on the ground there, etc.  Based purely on our work schedules, I'm thinking early July might work well, but if the weather is usually poor at that time then I'd rethink things.

Thanks!

[phil_rad]

This looks really cool! I can't wait for the maps to come out. Thanks ACA!