Route 36

[jdp]

im taking a coast to coast ride and coming threw Kansas around August 20th and wanted to know if route 36 would be better then interstate 70, it any other suggestions for crossing Kansas

[kcgl1800]

I think you'll find the pace on hwy 36 to be a little slower.  There are towns approximately every 30 miles you have to slow down for probably including some school crossings.  There is also some farm traffic to be aware of.

I'm not sure what you are used to but cutting across 36 can be a relaxing throw back trek.  A few years back I went to Sturgis and used 36 for a few hundred miles and as I had lived on 36 about forty years earlier it was a fun trip.

Interstate 70 isn't bad and compared to a few others the pace is about right.  I was out to Hays about a month ago and used it.  Speeds are around 75 with light to moderate traffic once you are west of Topeka.

Good Luck with your trip!

[RDAbull]

I have taken 36 from Indiana to Denver.  It was in the spring and I found the road to be very good and quite pretty.  Part is 4 lane and part is 2 lane.  Traffic was not much of a problem, but I grew up in farm country so I am used to the way it flows around farms.  We were not in a hurry so the interstate was not even considered.  I will do it again one of these days.

[Whistler]

jdp,

I can't really answer your question I have actually not ridden 36, I know doesn't make sense does it! Highway 70 is, well highway 70 straight and 4 lane speed limit is 75 most of the way. Once you get past about highway 281( north and south highway) it really doesn't seem much different what road you are on lots of plains at that point. Running along Interstate 70 is highway 4 and 40 which from the east border to about 281 has some beautiful riding through the flint hills. Go through a lot of small towns as well. I have heard 36 is a good ride I just haven't made it up there to do it. If speed is your need I would say take Interstate 70, if riding and looking around is what you are doing take one of the other roads! Hope that helps some what.

John