50CC

[Bill Lumberg]

I'm considering/exploring doing a 50CC. I'm north of Atlanta (and thankful for every mile between me and zombie central), so this would entail traveling to the east coast for a start, then ending on the west coast. Stage the night before (East Coast start city TBD), start the run, end somewhere (goal/halfway city TBD), and after a short winter's nap, travel the second day to (West Coast end city TBD). Everyone is different. I'm interested in insights, and route suggestions. I plan to do this over the next month, but it could get pushed into spring. For my planning purposes, snow/ice are a factor, so more northern routes are not my preference. I know this run is a no-brainer for a lot of you guys, but it's a new one for me. Distance isn't a problem. I seek knowledge about advantageous routes, and about cities and hotels where I have a fair chance of not having the bike stolen. Halfway point cities (on the most likely route) appear to be right on the Mexican border. Thanks in advance.

 

[Uncle Hud]

Easiest route is Jax-San Diego, at least that's the prevailing wisdom of the Iron Butt certifying group. Click here.

You should CALL each establishment a few days prior to departure to verify they will be open. That's not being OCD; that's being prepared.

There's a big bunch of nothing from Kerrville to Fort Stockton, and another long stretch of nothingness from there to Van Horn. The I-10 interchange with I-8 is in the middle of a 20-mile radius of "no visible signs of humanity" except for the roadway you're riding.

PM me for a cuppa joe. Happy to share anything and everything.

 

[NTXFJR]

I-10 / I-8 from Jax to San Diego seems to be a popular route at around 2400 miles with good speed limits, fuel stops, and motel availability. It's the route that Tony and I took coming back from Yosemite for our 50cc. We tried to plan things around avoiding rush hour in the big cities, especially Houston. You'll prolly want to plan for fuel stops at around 200 miles unless you have an aux tank. The stretch of I-10 west of San Antonio is an 80 mph road but can be forest rat alley at night.

Just a thought, if you could make it to around Ft Stockton Tx in less than 24 hrs, it'd give you a BBG to nest in with your 50cc, and give you 26 hrs to rest and coast out the remaining 900 mi. I usually ask the hotel clerk if I can park my bike under the awning by the front door, it makes me feel safer at least.

<edit> Hud makes a good point on verifying your exchanges, I usually tried to go for the travel centers like Love's or T/A because they tend to be 24 hour stores. I tried to go 220 miles on my BBG last year with a fuel stop near Sweetwater, at 85 mph I averaged around 36 mpg. The 6.2 gallons it took to fill up were eye opening.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Dont think for a minute, Hud, that I didnt get interested, in part, because of your accomplishment, or that I didnt intend to pump you for tips. The proximity of the midpoint to Mexico, and the barren nature of some areas makes it worse, and better. A guy I work with is from Texas. He has told me again and again that Ill be awed by how long Texas alone takes to traverse. Im scared and intrigued at the same time.

 

[101stpathfinder]

A few questions for you Bill:

A you running an aux tank ?

Do you want to start off with an BBG on the way to S.D ?

Do you need witnesses?

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Wicked info guys. Thank you very much. I will not be running an aux tank, but will be carrying either a liter or a gallon of emergency fuel (havent decided). Im always worried about fuel and lodging on a long run, but on this one, Im equally worried about rest points that I have a good chance of retaining my motorcycle at. Thanks again. As you gentlemen all know, its not the ability to ride, its the ability to plan..... I am not sure whether it is board software or my iPhone, but I really do understand punctuation. It just gets cleared from anything I post.

 

[101stpathfinder]

For the Jacksonville motel, I stayed at Holiday Inn Express (It was near the Police Station where I got my witness) right off 90.

Then just proceed to A1A and get full at one of the many fuel stations and hit the 202 right to I-295 to I-10 to begin your western ride.

Plan your fuel stops at a distance you are comfortable with. New Mexico has some great rest stops with individual "Huts" that you ca

park right in front of. Motels are cheap in central Texas through New Mexico.

West Texas is deer country, but vegetation will be thinner when you ride. El Paso should be cleared away from busy times.

I-8 rest stops are best to be avoided (If they are even open) San Diego Mts should be enjoyable.

Have a great ride!

 

[NTXFJR]

Texas is around 850 miles across from Orange to El Paso, or 35% of the trip in miles. On the plus side, with good roads it only took us 12 hours to get across it iirc.

 

[Steve in Phx]

Thanks for posting this question to the forum. I'm having the same questions, as I plan to do the 50CC in 2019. I would also appreciate hearing about good stopping points, hotels, eateries, etc.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

To ensure good high altitude weather (or at least reduce the chance of frozen precip), narrowing it down to March-May. I've already learned a lot, and that's just a drop in the bucket. Thanks to Uncle Hud and the others who have PM'd with big wisdom.

 

[Uncle Hud]

The 50CC is a little more than back-to-back SS1Ks on paper. In real life, its a lot more.

Do the math regarding distance and time, and take out 6 hours for sleeping, because youll need to sleep after 14 hours in the saddle.

Eateries? Whatever is inside the gas station or next door. Scenery? Whatever you can glance beside the highway. Sightseeing? Save that for your trip home from California.

Its possible, as many can attest, but dont underestimate the energy and planning required to be successful.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

After recently perpetrating a BBG, this ride again looms large. Life is good. PM me if you’re as intrigued about a JAX-SDO run as I am.

 

[travel_man]

After recently perpetrating a BBG, this ride again looms large. Life is good. PM me if youre as intrigued about a JAX-SDO run as I am.

I have some good information on my ride webpage for my up coming 100CCC September 20.
https://www.gregrice.com/rides/gregrice-100ccc.html

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Good stuff.

 

[Uncle Hud]

I am not nearly as intrigued as you are. Trust me on this.

Happy to chat about it and provide you every molecule of knowledge I have on the subject, however.