TransAmerica Trail

Why the TransAm? Learn more about the TransAm here ! But to answer your question, I decided on the TransAm over 10 years ago because it offered an opportunity to see a variety of landscapes. At the time, it was also a route that had history to it; 
From the site: The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail began in 1973, during our co-founder’s ride from Alaska to Argentina, as nothing more than an ambitious idea for a way to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 200th birthday. By June of 1976, the Trail was ready; the maps and guidebooks were published thanks to an enormous effort. Now cyclists were needed to ride it across the country. Given the name “Bikecentennial,” organizers publicized the event and thanks to strong word-of-mouth and its fortunate, prodigious publicity, 4,000 cyclists showed up for the ride.
The riders rode west-to-east in '76 but since then, riders have cycled both directions. In fact, there's a self-supported race on the TransAm every year, with the option to start on either coast. 
For me, riding west felt like the right choice. There will be wind coming from all directions and while we think of weather and wind coming from the west, Adventure Cycling Association shares "although the prevailing weather patterns are from west to east, local wind patterns are more dependent on the passing pressure systems and local terrain, so you can expect your fair share of tailwinds and headwinds regardless of which direction you ride the route." 
Heading west feels so historical and symbolic; riding my bicycle across the country would be following the path of so many. Like those before me, I'd be persevering through difficult landscapes and weather, in addition to the physical, mental and emotional challenges that arise when journeying over thousands of miles. 
Plus, now that I've ridden Virginia to Illinois, heading westward starts me out in the familiar midwest and progresses into the unknown that comes with landscapes found in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon. 
I've looked at other maps available on the ACA website and there are several that pique my interest. For now, though, I'll focus on finishing up where I left off, which is the last 2,900 miles of the TransAm.