Pedal into the Eclipse: 12 bikepacking routes to witness the last solar eclipse in 20 years
The April 8, 2024 solar eclipse will last just 4.5 minutes. Here are 12 bike routes to see the wonder by bike
On April 8, 2024 at approximately 1:27 p.m. CT, a solar eclipse will be visible in southwestern Texas, and will continue to make its way across a 115-mile-wide path, finishing in northern Maine at approximately 4:35 p.m. ADT.
Along the way, the full solar eclipse will pass over parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, New York and Vermont, to name just some of the states who have the privilege of watching this relatively rare event unfold in its entirety.
The last solar eclipse was on August 21, 2017 and the next solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. won’t be until August 23, 2044. Meaning, that this is the last viewable solar eclipse for 20 years.
The best way to see this four-and-a-half-minute wonder is while wearing solar eclipse safety glasses in a remote location. And what better way to get there than on a bike tour.
The Routes:
Viewing the April solar eclipse by bike may be your best bet to enjoy this planetary event in a calm, natural environment. Adventure Cycling Association has shortlisted 12 bike routes that will allow riders to view the eclipse in totality - but only if you time it just right, so be sure not to dawdle at a coffee stop beforehand.
- The Southern Tier: Stretch from the Amistad National Recreational Area, TX (totality 1:28 pm), to Austin, TX (totality 1:36 pm)
- Texas Hill Country Loop: The entire loop except the portion from Southeast Austin, TX (totality 1:36 pm), to New Braunfels, TX (totality 1:35 pm)
- Arkansas High Country Loop:
- The entire South Loop with Little Rock, AR as an anchor city (totality 1:51 pm)
- The entire Central Loop with Conway, AR (totality 1:51 pm) or Russellville, AR (totality 1:50 pm as anchor cities)
- Great Rivers South: Stretch from Park Hills, MO (totality 1:58 pm) to Smithland, KY (totality 2:01 pm)
- TransAmerica Trail: Stretch from Summersville, MO (totality 1:56 pm) to Marion, KY (totality 2:02 pm)
- Underground Railroad:
- Stretch from Smithland, KY (totality 2:01 pm), to just west of Owensboro, KY (totality 2:03 pm
- Stretch from Xenia, OH (totality 3:11 pm), to London, OH (totality 3:12 pm)
- Stretch from Worthington, OH (totality 3:12 pm), to Mt. Vernon, OH (totality 3:13 pm)
- Stretch from Holmesville, OH (totality 3:14 pm), to Hamilton, Ontario (totality 3:09 pm)
- Stretch from Everett, OH (totality 3:14 pm), on Detroit Alternate to Toledo, OH (totality 3:13 pm)
- Eastern Express Connector: Stretch going from Effingham, IL (totality 2:03 pm), to Indianapolis, IN (totality 3:18 pm)
- Northern Tier: Stretch between Zanesville, IN (totality 3:09 pm), and just west of Ticonderoga, NY (totality 3:26 pm)
- Chicago to New York City: Stretch between north of Tipton, IN (totality 3:07 pm), and London, OH (totality 3:12 pm)
- Lake Erie Connector:
- Stretch of the Main Route between Ridgetown, Ontario (totality 3:15 pm) and Fort Erie, Ontario (totality 3:18 pm)
- Stretch of the Ferry Alternate A from Tilbury, Ontario (totality 3:15 pm) to Wheatley, Ontario (totality 3:14 pm)
- Entire Ferry Alternate B (Wheatly, Ontario to Morpeth, Ontario)
- Entire Ferry Alternate C (Wheatley, Ontario to Huron, OH)
- Adirondack Park Loop:
- Stretch of the Main Route from just north of Speculator, NY (totality 3:35 pm), to just north of Ticonderoga, NY (totality 3:26 pm)
- Entire Burlington Ferry Spur: Burlington, VT, to Port Henry, NY (totality for both 3:26 pm)
- Green Mountains Loop: Main Route from just north of Ticonderoga, NY, clockwise to St. Johnsbury, VT (totality 3:28 pm)
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Kristin Jenny is an elite triathlete based near Boulder, Colorado. Although most of her time is spent in aerobars somewhere in the mountains, she finds time to enjoy eating decadent desserts, hiking with her husband and dog, and a good true crime podcast.
-
The Oura ring reviewed: is this wellness tracker helpful to cyclists?
With its focus on recovery and wellness, the Oura ring offers unique insights but is it worth the investment over other wearables?
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published
-
PhD student sets Guinness World Record for 'Most U.S. States Biked to in 24 Hours'
Sam Westby, a fourth-year PhD student at Northeastern University, rode to eight U.S. states in 24 hours - smashing the previous Guinness World Record of six U.S. states in 24 hours.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
New bikepacking route network opens in Arkansas
The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas in partnership with nonprofit Bikepacking Roots opens five new bikepacking routes, all beginning in Fayetteville, that range from 60-190 miles.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Coming soon, Hard Miles is a true story film blending Breaking Away's spirit with a modern twist
The film stars Oppenheimer’s Matthew Modine and Lord of the Ring's Sean Astin
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'The correct amount of baked goods to eat is as many as you can': Cyclist sets 50,000m 'Five Peaks' challenge
Dr Donald Evans wants to turn his Alpine bikepacking adventure into inspiration
By Tom Davidson Published
-
No money, no food, relying on strangers - cyclist's hidden camera footage lifts the lid on the best and worst of humanity
Now streaming: Daniel Troia’s cross-country ride from New York City to San Francisco
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Rapha Yomp Rally: these 38 hours in the saddle changed my perspective on biking forever
I raced bikes for 10 years but the Rapha Yomp Rally was the toughest, most memorable five days I’ve spent in the saddle yet.
By Anne-Marije Rook Last updated
-
Inspired by bikepacking events overseas, Rapha introduces the Rapha Yomp Rally
Rapha today announced the launch of the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, a five-day 375-mile adventure across some of the most stunning mixed-terrain roads California has to offer.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Gravel’s most successful event creators collaborate on a new adventure: The Great Plains Gravel Route
3800 miles, six states and 2-3 weeks to complete: Here’s what we know so far
By Charles Miller Published