THE GREAT COAST TO COAST RUN USA
Monday 1st June 2026 – Friday 26th June 2026
Welcome to the crib sheet for the Coast to Coast USA tour of 2026. This 26 day crossing of America, on your own bike, with option of a full hotel package or a cheaper ‘stepping stone;’ option that’ll allow you some flexibility.
Coast to Coast US will offer a mix of great riding, awesome scenery and a varying perspective of different regions of a country we often only see from afar. From the mountains of Appalachia in the east, to the flat plains of Texas, the forests of Colorado and the deserts of Utah, Nevada and Arizona. We’re definitely in for a great ride!
This is a route I’ve ridden in both directions. For me it offers the absolute best combination of great riding in both the east and the west, with an interesting crossing through the centre. For an idea of the type of riding we’ll be doing, watch the video from the 2018 trip here:
https://youtu.be/TyH9gSPg3YA?si=IdX5rEFlpb6OVtYl
THE ROUTE
Having arrived in New York and collected the bikes Monday morning, we’ll begin by heading west into Pennsylvania – Amish country – before descending to the town of Front Royal, start of the amazing Skyline Drive, a 105 mile scenic route through the mountains of Virginia. At the end of that rollercoaster we then pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469 mile scenic route running along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Virginia and North Carolina. Here we’ll ride the infamous Tail of the Dragon (318 corners in 11 miles) before riding out along the banks of the Ocoee River into Tennessee.
Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas follow, taking rural roads and across the Mississippi River, with chance to recoup at the awesome Shack Up Inn just outside Clarksdale, home of rhythm of blues. There’s also option to stop off at Elvis’s birthplace of Tupelo. We’ll have a rest day in Clarksdale (one of 3 during the trip), with average daily distance of between 150 miles and 200 miles, with a few longer days to take us across Texas.
We take on Texas next – the Lonestar State – with wide open views, old rust belt towns and longer transit days until we reach the other side of the prairies in Roswell, New Mexico. Santa Fe to the north follows – home of the railroad – then Los Alamos – birthplace of the Atomic Bomb, then up into Colorado, with chance to ride the amazing Million Dollar Highway through the Rockies. We’re then in the playground of the Four Corners area – the point where Colorado, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico all meet, with iconic sights such as Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 and ultimately Las Vegas, bring memories to this section.
After about 4000 miles we’ll finally cruise into Los Angeles having passed through Death Valley and worked our way through California, finally reaching journey’s end on Santa Monica Pier. Bikes will then go back on the boat for the long journey home, with option if you fancy more miles to stay on, as long as you return the bike to the same depot in Los Angeles.
THE PROCESS
Bikes will be transported to and from America by boat. Bikes will need dropping off at the depot in Northampton approximately 6 weeks in advance. They will arrive back approximately 10 weeks after we dropped them back. There will be option to upgrade to air freight on the way out for additional cost (approx. £1500) but the cost is prohibitive for flying bikes back out of the USA. Sea freight is the chosen method on this trip, simply to keep costs reasonable.
Luggage will go in with the bikes, as well as riding kit. Bikes will be insured in transit. They will arrive in New York and be custom cleared ready for our collection.
WHICH BIKE?
The right bike for this one needs to be reliable and comfortable. Beyond that it’s up to you. There is chance to ride some trails out west if you want to, so an adventure bike might be best, but equally a cruiser or road tourer would suffice. A bike that could cruise at 70mph+ is recommended, as whilst there is very little interstate on the route, there are some occasions when we will have to ride them, and so a bike over 450/500cc would be advised. The Honda CB500X was a popular choice for the run we did in 2018. Three of them in total. Cheap to run. Manageable, quick enough. But the options are yours.
HOW WILL IT BE RUN?
This is not a guided tour. Like all Dorothy’s tours these days, riders will be given route maps and GPX files with the aim for everyone to be able to self-navigate, either riding solo or forming smaller groups. Travelling the USA as one large group is counterproductive. There is so much to stop and see and everyone travels at a different pace. All riders are to carry their own kit.
WHAT’S THE COST
The Half Shebang – This includes bike shipment in both directions and four accommodation stops (twin share) along the way, spread out by about 7 days, giving you chance to formulate your own route and accommodation preferences in between them. This is how we did it in 2018 and the benefit of it was lots of flexibility on the road. You could shoot off to see something not on route. Take a cheap motel. Take an expensive hotel. Camp if you want to save some money. So, this option is for people who want a bit of help, but also want some flexibility to create their own adventure.
Cost: £3750
The Full Shebang – This option includes bike shipment in both directions and all your accommodation on route (but not your time in New York and Los Angeles), from beginning to end. This is for people who just want to turn up and ride. Accommodation will be mid-range. Independent motels wherever possible to give more character to the trip, with the base price on a twin share basis, with option to upgrade to a single room. The price includes 25 nights of accommodation and 26 days of riding. Accommodation at the start of the trip at the end isn’t included.
Twin share rooms - £5450
Single room - £6750
Pillion Rider £7250 (one bike, rider + pillion, double room)
Two bikes, one room - £9850
*prices subject to slight change based on any changes to shipping rates
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Flight – Into New York, out of Los Angeles. Prices currently running at around £550 using SkyScanner, including one checked in luggage, although luggage would be able to go with the bike.
Bike insurance – An insurance policy for your bike will be needed, with price dependent on value and age. Budget around £500, with cheaper options available giving lesser cover.
Travel insurance – Travel insurance will be a must. Consider using Voyager Insurance.
Spending Money – Approx $100 a day for fuel, food and spending money, different tastes notwithstanding.
PROCESS FROM HERE
To secure a place on the trip a deposit of £250 is required. This will be refundable up until 31st October 2025 should you change your mind. After that the deposit is non refundable. Final invoices will be issued 1st January 2026, with payment in full required by 1st February. Riders would be advised to take out travel insurance prior to paying the full balance in the instance of last minute cancellation.
CAN'T MANAGE THE FULL RUN?
If you don't fancy or can't manage such a long trip, but still want to explore the best of the American West, please let me know if you'd be interested in another Cowboy Ride; 12 days riding in and out of Las Vegas, with highlights of Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, Million Dollar Highway, best bits of Route 66. This would be on rental bikes and cost in the region of £3600.
