Cross Continent Ride

[Uncle Hud]

That's a PARTIAL list?!?! Looks pretty comprehensive to me. Only thing missing -- IMHO -- is the memorial at Gerlach.

 

[RossKean]

I am thinking I might end out missing most of the California coast. The interior forest/mountains have more appeal to me and I would eat up a lot of time going between these areas. I will hit some Pacific coast further north.

While the Angeles National Forest looked interesting, I am expecting that it will be well travelled (busy) and probably nothing particularly great; especially compared to what I am expecting at Sequoia and Yosemite. (Comments on that area?)

As I said above, a closer look at California might best be left for a return visit (earlier in the spring) when I could do the Gulf Coast states, Southern Arizona and coastal California.

Just four more sleeps!

 

[TomInPA]

If you can fit Lassen National Park in while you're in northern California, I think you'd like it. Very nice going from Lassen to Quincy and Lake Tahoe if you want to ride the northern Sierra.

Do you have an evaporative vest? If not get one. You can thank me in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and anyplace the temperature soars to 100 degrees.

 

[RossKean]

If you can fit Lassen National Park in while you're in northern California, I think you'd like it. Very nice going from Lassen to Quincy and Lake Tahoe if you want to ride the northern Sierra.
Do you have an evaporative vest? If not get one. You can thank me in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and anyplace the temperature soars to 100 degrees.

Thanks for the routing suggestions, Tom. I don't have an evaporative vest and probably couldn't get one before I leave. Not much market for them in this part of the world so local dealers are unlikely to have them! I may try to pick one up on the way. Very rarely gets above 90 °F here. I have ridden short distances above 100 °F and there is a world of difference from 90 °F. No relief from the wind - like sitting with your gear on in front of 50 hair driers going full blast.

 

[TomInPA]

There are Cycle Gear and other stores all along your route. Before heading across the plains in late June and July, it would make a world of difference to have something to keep you more comfortable. We used to soak T-shirts under the mesh gear and it would help for 40 minutes or so, but the vest can go between fuel stops. Hydration is also important. Be sure to provide a way to drink while moving.

 

[Bugnatr]

I am an hour west of Lake Tahoe, if you need route help or a place for an oil change while you are in California send me me a pm. Doug

 

[RossKean]

California is becoming a problem for me. I'm pretty well set for everything up to the California/Arizona border (possibly at Needles) but this state is difficult to do. As I mentioned, it is going to be a fairly quick pass through with the expectation of a return visit in a year or two. Anyway, I have at least a few days available. A few specific questions about areas; wondering if they are especially worthwhile:

Is crossing into CA at Needles a bad idea? (Heat etc.)

Angeles National Forest (incl #2 Angeles Crest Hwy) Looks great on Streetview but dumps me into Los Angeles traffic at the end. Is it heavily travelled?

I want to do some Pacific Coastal highway - what would be a good 100 mile or so stretch (Big Sur area or further north)?

I decided I wanted to do some of the inland NP/forests - Preferences?:

Los Padres

Sequoia

Sierra Nevada

Yosemite

Tahoe

Klamath

-Others?

russperry had a couple of suggestions for me but I want to get some other ideas as well. I'm definitely going to do the 36 from Red Bluff.

Oregon - Unless someone has some specific suggestions, I was going to just wing it. Maybe some coastal, definitely Crater Lake, Mount Hood National forest

I think I'm mostly OK for Washington. Mount Rainier NP and work my way up to the 20 at Coleville. Take the 20 toward the coast and head into Canada (Vancouver area).

After some riding in British Columbia, I'll be passing through fairly familiar territory to get home. Routes and side trips will depend on how much (if any) time I have left.

 

[Bugnatr]

Hope you like it HOT. I just checked and Needles is 105 F at 9:30 in the evening.

Riding the coast and the Sierra's below Big Sur can take lots of riding time as you have to cross the state to get to the coast and then back to the high country. Not a bad idea if you have the time. OR you could stay in the Sierras and enjoy the the National parks and the twisty roads.

The north coast may not have quite the views as below big Sur but it isn't too bad either.

Be prepared for route changes, fire season is here and road closures can happen at any moment. The big fire is in San Bernadino County and a new one below Markleville but that can all change by the time you get here. Fourth year of a drought really sucks.

Here's a rough draft of some real fine riding on your way to Red Bluff and 36. If you want a picture of the "Next 140 miles" sign it's just past the Rail Road tracks as you leave Red Bluff.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Needles,+CA/Kings+Canyon+National+Park,+CA/Yosemite+National+Park,+Yosemite+Village,+CA/Bridgeport,+CA/Jackson,+CA/Lake+Tahoe/Nevada+City,+CA/Quincy,+CA/Lassen+Volcanic+National+Park,+Mineral,+CA/Fortuna,+CA/@37.5710584,-124.1214839,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m62!4m61!1m5!1m1!1s0x80ce2372e1358a33:0x205fa817e10d94f3!2m2!1d-114.6141315!2d34.8480597!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bfd5ee5ff1a77b:0x826483b770430f4c!2m2!1d-118.555148!2d36.887855!1m5!1m1!1s0x8096f09df58aecc5:0x2d249c2ced8003fe!2m2!1d-119.538329!2d37.865101!1m5!1m1!1s0x8097bab59a6f88a9:0x9e78f5e4d05baf01!2m2!1d-119.2313932!2d38.2557045!1m5!1m1!1s0x809a7bc31e72dfa7:0xb66697faff09f746!2m2!1d-120.7741018!2d38.3488023!1m5!1m1!1s0x809978a1b91f1151:0x8c3f1fafeeafb520!2m2!1d-120.0323507!2d39.0968493!1m5!1m1!1s0x809b7a7134408b49:0x37bfaa9a5ce0c3cd!2m2!1d-121.0160594!2d39.2615606!1m5!1m1!1s0x809c5c6208c3e323:0x4ebc03dabe13d11!2m2!1d-120.9471764!2d39.9368363!1m5!1m1!1s0x809d5607c14138bf:0x8f34d8a77a666742!2m2!1d-121.420655!2d40.49766!1m5!1m1!1s0x54d40a8b7db16ccf:0x33947768f4e3df6e!2m2!1d-124.1572756!2d40.5981867!3e0?hl=en

 

[RossKean]

Thanks Bugnatr. I wanted to do both coast and National Parks and came to the conclusion that you stated about time spent switching between the two. Not in the cards for this trip so I will probably do the parks and forests inland and hit the coast at Fortuna for a bit. I might take you up on your offer of an oil change destination near Tahoe; it will be about due by then. Will let you know.

If I have decided to forego the southern coastal areas, might you suggest a better (cooler) way of crossing into California? I knew Needles area would be HOT but wasn't sure if there was a better plan. My last scheduled stop in Arizona is in the Flagstaff area, maybe Sedona. I probably don't have the same heat tolerance as the locals, being from somewhat more northern climes. I can do a couple hours at 100+ °F but not much longer. Maybe that calls for a night ride (are critters a problem?).

Any comment on the Angeles National Forest or should I just stay away from LA traffic (and other issues) altogether? It looked good on Google Street View. I don't like heavy traffic; especially in areas I don't know well.

 

[hppants]

Ross - this list is incredible and inspiring. You are going to have the experience of a lifetime. I'm about 4 years from retirement and I often dream of a 100 day tour that celebrates this milestone to include most of your destinations.

I hope you don't get too entangled in the plan - you only have so much energy and mental attention. If you spend too much of it trying to stick to the plan, you have deprived yourself of that much that could have been devoted to feeding your Zen. Please don't exhaust yourself over this. Everything you will see will be wonderful - but it will be so much better if you will allow yourself to take it in with all of your senses, and give yourself enough time for it.

I only offer this suggestion out of friendly concern, my friend. I hope you have a safe and picturesque trip - the latter of which you prove to us repeatedly.

 

[RossKean]

Ross - this list is incredible and inspiring. You are going to have the experience of a lifetime. I'm about 4 years from retirement and I often dream of a 100 day tour that celebrates this milestone to include most of your destinations.
I hope you don't get too entangled in the plan - you only have so much energy and mental attention. If you spend too much of it trying to stick to the plan, you have deprived yourself of that much that could have been devoted to feeding your Zen. Please don't exhaust yourself over this. Everything you will see will be wonderful - but it will be so much better if you will allow yourself to take it in with all of your senses, and give yourself enough time for it.

I only offer this suggestion out of friendly concern, my friend. I hope you have a safe and picturesque trip - the latter of which you prove to us repeatedly.

Pants - I appreciate your comments. I wish this was a 100 day retirement trip as opposed to a (30 day) 60th birthday present to myself - I still have to come back and work! (I am between two and five years from retirement - hope closer to the two.) 100 days is a MUCH more reasonable timeframe for the itinerary. (This is the longest I have been away from work (or school) since about grade 9!)

Part of the idea is to get a taste of all of these areas and plan for a return trip at a more leisurely pace sometime in the future. There is certainly a possibility for physical and mental exhaustion. I have set a rather lofty goal with the realization that it may be too much to do. Contingency plans allow for "rounding the corners" a bit and saving some mileage-intensive areas for another time.

For me, the number one priority is to totally immerse myself in something outside my normal daily existence for a full month. If I can do this while riding a motorcycle, so much the better. The plan is deliberately ambitious to keep me moving but I won't be devastated if I have to back away from it for a bit.

 

[Bugnatr]

Being you are down in Arizona there won't be any way to get to Ca without riding in the heat. I have never been to the Angeles Nat. Forest and I'm sure it is nice but I would skip it for more time in the Sierra's where it will be a bit cooler with elevation and much bigger everything (trees, canyons, rivers etc).

I will pm you my contact info and perhaps you can give me a rough estimate on when you will be nearby so I can be here for bike service.

 

[TomInPA]

Given your shortage of time, I encourage you to skip the southern CA experience as much as possible and head up US395 to Yosemite. The entire road parallels the southern Sierra Nevada with the highest peaks (14,000+) just out of Lone Pine. If you can hit the section of Mojave desert at night, it would be much more comfortable. The whole section from Kingman to Barstow is something I can forgo anytime. The northern alternate is Death Valley. On the other hand, making a bee-line to Ventura would get you in the ocean cool fastest.

Once you have crossed the Sierra at Yosemite, you can continue to cross the Sierra Passes (Sonora, Ebbetts, Carson), or get across to San Francisco and do some northern sections of the PCH. Keep in mind the coast is often foggy and cold (50s-60s) this time of year.

 

[RossKean]

Foggy and cold could be a welcome relief after the California desert!

Looks like the consensus is to skip the lower bits and focus on the inland. Might make the schedule more do-able anyway and I can bypass the worst of the crowds. As far as the coast is concerned, perhaps I'll set up a main route and a backup based upon weather and/or forest fires contingencies. Knowing my luck, I will encounter both! Around five years ago, I missed some riding near Yellowstone (Bear Tooth, in particular) due to snow and freezing rain in the first week of JULY! (I hope to get that one done this time)

I have some work to do on the bike tonight (new front tire and remove forks for a last minute leak fix (seals and bushings at the dealer) but hope to get the mapping finally nailed down before I go to bed. The struggle of learning Basecamp has made this part take at least twice as long as it should. If I wasn't going to be so far from home, I would trust a Sealmate fork fix to get me through but didn't want to deal with a potential major mechanical issue in the middle of BFE. (60,000 miles since seals and bushings were changed so they are about due) Bike is at 130,000 miles and absolutely no other mechanical issues (I hope).

 

[hppants]

How cool is this?

A 60 year old perfectly reasonable man, of sound mind and body (<<<< I made that last part up) is willing to take an 8-year old motorcycle with 130,000 miles on a 30 day tour to some of the most remote parts of the country - alone. His biggest concern is a leaking fork seal.

What does that say to the reliability of our motorcycle? Volumes, IMO.

 

[TomInPA]

Ross, I'm curious why you end up so far south on this route. Is it to include the Grand Canyon? The routes north of here are really nice this time of year compared to the desert. Just thinking out loud, that if you were to approach Colorado along US 50, that would take you from Pueblo through Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, then US 550 down to Ouray and Durango, Cortez (Mesa Verde), then rather than Grand Canyon and Arizona, continue northwest to Glen Canyon via Blanding towards Capitol Reef, Torrey, Escalate, Bryce, Zion, then out of Cedar City on US 6 and CA 120 heading directly towards Yosemite.

Unless you have a good reason to hang in the hottest part of the desert at the hottest time of the year, or visit the most tourist choked spot in the national park system, take my suggestion above and run with it. It includes the best passes of Colorado, Canyon lands of Utah, and high desert, topped off with the best roller coaster you've ever ridden (Hwy 120)

 

[RossKean]

Tom

I think I have most of those Colorado and Utah destinations on the list. The swing further south was mainly for Grand Canyon. (Plus Meteor Crater and Sedona area) It might make more sense to skip these. Alternatively, I can do a seven hour down-and back (3.5 hr each way from Kanab UT) to the originally planned South Rim. With a couple of hours there, its pretty much a full day. The North Rim would be less than 2 hours each way, depending on traffic so there is time to move onward.

Never been there; is it worth the trip? Everything is relative and I may have to see how close I am to meeting schedule, fatigue level, weather etc.

It has become clear to me that due to the amount of stuff to see and the distances between, I should just not worry about skipped stuff and plan to return. So far, I've dropped much of Southern California, the Gulf States and (likely, based upon your very good suggestion), all of Arizona (unless I do GC as a down-and-back). I had wanted to see both Hoover Dam and Bonneville Salt Flats but both of these were too far off a logical route.

I appreciate your input. I'll toss this into the Basecamp mix and see what comes out.

 

[Bugnatr]

I agree with Tom, hit Utah and head for Ca via hwy 50 but be sure to take Hwy 722 after Austin Nevada. It will rejoin Hwy 50 and includes some tasty mountain riding.

 

[TomInPA]

My thought was the trip to Grand Canyon really eats up a lot of time and places you pretty far south. Monument Valley and Grand Canyon and Sedona are amazing places...meteor crater, not so much. The South Rim of Grand Canyon is a tourist city. While it has spectacular views of the canyon, it is very "touristy" compared with other options.

I see this as a choice between the two routes, since backtracking would add two or three solid travel days. The southern option is a great trip and looks like this, including a lively jaunt through Death Valley. LINK

Alternatively, I see this as being more scenic and quite a bit cooler. LINK2

Edit to add, heading north to Hwy 50 is good too.

 

[RossKean]

Starting from just east of Zion NP is Kanab where I will be anyway (Zion is on the list). Google says just under two hours to the North Rim. My Colorado and Utah map is actually a little more detailed than Tom's Google link (I realize that the current incarnation of GM is limited to just 10 or so waypoints). I think Tom and Doug have talked me out of much of Arizona. I am planning to hit Monument Valley plus Four Corners (because I pass there anyway) and I will decide on Grand Canyon North Rim if I feel I can spend a half day extra in the area once I get there.

If I ever get the mapping finished, I can dump the whole (Basecamp) set of files into Dropbox and post a link if anyone wants it. I will also post a Spotwalla link before I hit the road. Still targeting June 26 departure but although the weather will be good here, the long-range forecast for the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge area is pretty damp for Saturday and Sunday.