California to Virginia

[cota95]

Just a couple of things.

Those LD shorts are the best.

The distance you can ride comfortably the first day will be much more than on day 5

I just had a 4500 10 1/2 day to Denver and back a couple of weeks ago. I use my Garmin to map out days of 350-425 miles/8-9 hours. I try to mix up slab and 2 lane. If I finish my alloted day on the gps and I still feel good I'll start working on the next days route. Lots of water and stop to rest when you are tired. Ride early in the morning, and find a place to stay early before they book up. Have fun and be safe

 

[mmonroe]

It will probably sound silly, however, take a small bottle of Advil or whatnot with you. It makes about anything sore or hurting more comfortable and it also helps me sleep. Being able to get a good nights sleep goes a long ways on a long multi-day trip. I pretty much take some the morning of a big day and might even follow up with some as needed during the day.

 

[amansker]

It will probably sound silly, however, take a small bottle of Advil or whatnot with you.

Silly my a**! (pun intended) Ibuprofen is our friend! I first take it at around 250 miles or so when the arse starts to ache. Ahhhhh . . . .

 

[squidbilly]

So one day and 400 miles down, 2500 miles to go. From Temecula, CA to St. George, UT took me about 7 hours. I stopped a bunch of times for gas and such but also to redistribute some gear. I know I packed way too much stuff, but this being my first long trip, I really didn't want to need it and not have it.

That said, the bike performed great even with all the weight. I managed to fill up my large MotoFizz tail bag as well as the side and top cases fully but I can say that I didn't leave anything I think I could need behind. The route today was all I15 through the desert today, so no scenic pics to post, however, I will post a few pics of leaving and off the interstate as I was coming into Utah as soon as Facebook comes back up.

Tomorrow should be far better as I took JWhite's advice and will be taking the scenic route he recommended a few days ago. Thanks again J.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument should be outstanding.

More to come... :yahoo:

Getting ready to leave.

Just the bike in the Nevada desert.

 

[squidbilly]

So tonight I find myself in Blanding, UT in a SUPER 8 motel after about 430 miles through southern Utah. I have to say that I have never had a better ride in my life. Toward the end I was hurting a little but I would have kept going if the sun didn't go down.

self explanatory

The road through Zion

Me and the Feej at one of the several scenic outlooks along UT12

Ditto last pic

Lake Powell

 

[jwhite518]

I have to say that I have never had a better ride in my life.

You just made my day. And it's only 6 AM!

Enjoy the ride today too.

 

[mtnhigh]

Nice Pics!!

Looks like a good time, regardless of the schedule, and nice weather. I'll be doing the opposite in September(without the business part).

When your done in Dahlgren, head west on 17 out of Fredericksburg and hit rt211 then to Harrisonburg to 33West. Some good roads that will take you to some great senic and not so straight roads in West Virginia. Most roads I've been on in WV have been really nice for a loaded FJR.

And If you have a little time to spare on your way back send me a pm. I wouldn't mind chatting with with a native California and getting some info for my trip later in the year. I live east of Winchester, Va and don't mind riding to meet you if you have the chance.

Have fun,

Chris

 

[squidbilly]

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. The La Quinta Inn in Denver didn't have their wireless up.

I spent the first half of the day yesterday going through Eastern CO along CO141 up to I70. I thought that Utah was great but my ride through Colorado was even better. That is until I got to Denver. Dropping out of the mountains into Denver was the last of the fun. I spent the night in Denver and headed across the Great Plains today. Personally, I don't think they're that great. Anyway. I am now in Salina, KS. Tomorrow's goal is St. Lois, MO. Maybe I'll get a pic of the arch. Enjoy the pics:

 

[squidbilly]

Nice Pics!!
Looks like a good time, regardless of the schedule, and nice weather. I'll be doing the opposite in September(without the business part).

When your done in Dahlgren, head west on 17 out of Fredericksburg and hit rt211 then to Harrisonburg to 33West. Some good roads that will take you to some great senic and not so straight roads in West Virginia. Most roads I've been on in WV have been really nice for a loaded FJR.

And If you have a little time to spare on your way back send me a pm. I wouldn't mind chatting with with a native California and getting some info for my trip later in the year. I live east of Winchester, Va and don't mind riding to meet you if you have the chance.

Have fun,

Chris

Chris,

I had a guy telling me about the road through Shenandoah Nat'l Park and what a kick ass ride it was how it's really the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It looks like it starts right up where you are and I was thinking of doing that ride one weekend while I'm in school in Dahlgren. If you're interested maybe we can hook up and do it together. You know anything about it?

Bill

 

[mtnhigh]

Chris,
I had a guy telling me about the road through Shenandoah Nat'l Park and what a kick ass ride it was how it's really the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It looks like it starts right up where you are and I was thinking of doing that ride one weekend while I'm in school in Dahlgren. If you're interested maybe we can hook up and do it together. You know anything about it?

Bill

He might be talking about Fort Valley road. It's still a little ways from the start of BRP but will take you to the second part of Skyline Drive, which will go straight into the BRP.

I'm Always looking to ride. Of course I have to work during the week , but weekends I'm free. Let me know.

Chris