I am thinking about doing the 21-day 4 corner, Iron Butt Ride leaving Oklahoma City the 3rd week in August. I was thinking of starting my first leg from Key West, then to Maine, to Blaine, Washington and end at San Ysidro, CA. Has anybody done this before? If you have, what routes did you take across the north did you take, which would you avoid, preparation and the like? I will be staying in motels vs camping (too old for the great outdoors). Suggestions for rest days maintenance. Traveling across Canada out? I'm thinking so. Thanks.

 

I have not done the four corners myself. But about traveling through Canada, why not? Its beautiful country. Just make sure you have your passports with you when crossing the boarder. It is a little more expensive though.

 

I did the USA4CT this past June. Took me 15 days from the first corner to the last. A great trip. I did the route from Virginia to Madawaska, ME to Key West, FL to San Ysidro, CA and finished at Blaine, WA. BTW, this is basically the shortest miles that you can do the USA4CT. Took the slow scenic route back across the Cascades and US 2 all the way to Michigan before heading back SE across the Mackinac Bridge heading back home. I have a day to day and summary on my blog in my signature line below. If you have any questions of me, let me know or send me a message. Will be glad to share!!

 

Last June, a friend and I encountered two women riders that were on a 7500 mile road race (?) as we were going around Lake Superior (from east to west).
Later in the day, another female flagged my buddy down and asked him if we had spotted any other riders from that group?
It seemed strange to me, but this rider was riding from west to east, so I guess your route is a matter of choice.

The problem with riding through Canada is mostly animals (moose, deer, etc.), not to mention the higher fuel and food costs.
Another possible issue for some folks is the need to have a passport, as well as a clean driving record (as in DWI/DUI) and no criminal history, so if you're thinking of trying this, you may want to make sure that you "good to go" before rolling up to the Canadian Customs booth.

 

If/When i try this ride, i'm going to try to put a Trans Canada Gold cert in the middle of it.
This year i'm planning on heading a little farther North...

Here's the map:

 

The stretch from Winnipeg to Calgary is about 21 hours of boredom! But I have no other solution to get across the prairies unless you throw yourself in a boxcar! ha ha Looks like fun other than that. What do you do to get back home again?

 

Ride back to Texas of course!

 

Through the years I've done most of you "mapped" trip, with the exception of the Manitoba Province.
My favorite Canadian Provinces are on the east coast, and of course B.C. on the west coast.
I did the Nova Scotia run in '80 or '81 and I wish that I had more time to see and do more. Perhaps another trip? I'd sure like to do the Cabot Trail and perhaps PEI and NF.

Be sure to take your time and see all you can in Banff and Jasper!

 

the 4 corner ride is on my bucket list, 3 more years till I retire then its time!

 

The first part of your post can be best answered by mapquest and various routing programs.

They give you 21 days to finish a 7500-8000 mile run. How hard you push yourself is up to you. Some riders would complete it in a week or less.

Rest days... Whenever you need. You have plenty of time. Follow your body. Only you know for sure. Ride through monotony and boredom but stop when you get sleepy. You can go to sleep on a bike going down the highway.

The rules have nothing about Canada so you can run through Canada or not at your will. My experience is that running across southern Canada is slower and will get you a ticket faster than in the states. The US speed limit is faster and you can use a radar detector (banned in Canada).

"2AM" is right. If you have ever had a DUI/DWI take Canada off your list. If they run you at the border, you won't be allowed in the country and if you get stopped for any reason you will be made to leave the country.

Maintenance: With all the fluids changed and new rubber, you won't need to stop for scheduled maintenance. Otherwise, pre-plan your stop at a HD Dealer along the way.