Cross country trip 1st week of May 08

[cota95]

Any suggestions you can give would be great. Thanks

 

[Good2Go]

Unless you really have to cross Hoover Dam, I'd suggest the 163 west out of Kingman then 95 north into Boulder City. Especially if you're crossing on a weekend during the day, could be a 2 hour or more wait depending on traffic. While it's not considered "hot" yet in May, it's warm enough that sitting in traffic for 2 hours might not be fun.

 

[CAJW]

Between Gallup and the Canyon, keep your head on a swivel. Out there on the reservation, they're not too big on fences and the 4 legged creatures seem to think they own the road. Slow down near the villages too, they're not too used to traffic and you're liable to have someone pull out in front of you screaming along at 10 mph.

 

[cota95]

Unless you really have to cross Hoover Dam, I'd suggest the 163 west out of Kingman then 95 north into Boulder City. Especially if you're crossing on a weekend during the day, could be a 2 hour or more wait depending on traffic. While it's not considered "hot" yet in May, it's warm enough that sitting in traffic for 2 hours might not be fun.

Is the wait just to ride over the dam? I wouldn't mind seeing it but riding in traffic is not fun. I will probably be there on a Friday. Any suggestions on a less expensive motel (I like parking my bike outside my door) in Las vegas?

 

[Good2Go]

Unless you really have to cross Hoover Dam, I'd suggest the 163 west out of Kingman then 95 north into Boulder City. Especially if you're crossing on a weekend during the day, could be a 2 hour or more wait depending on traffic. While it's not considered "hot" yet in May, it's warm enough that sitting in traffic for 2 hours might not be fun.

Is the wait just to ride over the dam? I wouldn't mind seeing it but riding in traffic is not fun. I will probably be there on a Friday. Any suggestions on a less expensive motel (I like parking my bike outside my door) in Las vegas?

Yup, just to ride over the dam. They're constructing a huge bypass, add to that tourists, and only two lanes - you get traffic snarl. But it shouldn't be too bad if you hit it early in the morning or late at night. The route I suggested passes through Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV and is 4 lanes most of the way.

Tons of cheap, decent motels in Boulder City, Henderson, North Las Vegas. Personally I'd stay away from anything in the city of Las Vegas itself. I lived there for 11 years and have no desire to go back, except for the fact that my immediate family lives there.

 

[cota95]

Unless you really have to cross Hoover Dam, I'd suggest the 163 west out of Kingman then 95 north into Boulder City. Especially if you're crossing on a weekend during the day, could be a 2 hour or more wait depending on traffic. While it's not considered "hot" yet in May, it's warm enough that sitting in traffic for 2 hours might not be fun.

Is the wait just to ride over the dam? I wouldn't mind seeing it but riding in traffic is not fun. I will probably be there on a Friday. Any suggestions on a less expensive motel (I like parking my bike outside my door) in Las vegas?

Yup, just to ride over the dam. They're constructing a huge bypass, add to that tourists, and only two lanes - you get traffic snarl. But it shouldn't be too bad if you hit it early in the morning or late at night. The route I suggested passes through Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV and is 4 lanes most of the way.

Tons of cheap, decent motels in Boulder City, Henderson, North Las Vegas. Personally I'd stay away from anything in the city of Las Vegas itself. I lived there for 11 years and have no desire to go back, except for the fact that my immediate family lives there.

I understand. The last time in was in Vegas was 30 years ago and all I really want to do is the drive thru so that I can just marvel at the excess. The last time was in a truck camper and I stayed in a campground behind the Frontier. Just poles like a drive in theater and asphalt. On leaving Vegas, I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

 

[Good2Go]

...On leaving Vegas, I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

Bring your radar detector and report back on your FJR's top speed

 

[cota95]

Bring your radar detector and report back on your FJR's top speed

I don't have a radar detector but I do record top speed on GPS...

 

[tcfjr]

A radar detector can be a valuable ally out west. The random LEO picking you off at 145mph can seriously impact your schedule and your bank balance.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

Stop at the "Little Ale-e-Inn" in Rachel NV.

A friend once told me a story about meeting another motorcyclist on the ET highway. He saw him approaching a long way off and they both slowed as they got closer. Eventually, they both just stopped as they met -- right in the road -- shut-off their engines and talked for 20~30 minutes; said goodbye, started engines and rode off as before.

Some country....!

 

[cota95]

I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

Stop at the "Little Ale-e-Inn" in Rachel NV.

Rachel NV must be a small place. GPS software can't find it...

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

Stop at the "Little Ale-e-Inn" in Rachel NV.

Rachel NV must be a small place. GPS software can't find it...

Well, let's see.... There's an old abondoned ghost/mining town near-by -- Tempiute -- maybe your GPS can find that? It's a pretty big place out there -- alot bigger'n R.I. -- can make a guy feel pretty insignificant (you aren't planning on going alone, are you?).

I hope this doesn't in any way tend to shake your faith in GPS..... Oh, and btw, keep an eye open for millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett -- we was last seen flying out that way (he may have relied too heavily on GPS.....?). :blink:

 

[cota95]

I plan on going north on 93 to the ET highway (375) over to 6 and then to 120. How does that sound?

Stop at the "Little Ale-e-Inn" in Rachel NV.

Rachel NV must be a small place. GPS software can't find it...

Well, let's see.... There's an old abondoned ghost/mining town near-by -- Tempiute -- maybe your GPS can find that? It's a pretty big place out there -- alot bigger'n R.I. -- can make a guy feel pretty insignificant (you aren't planning on going alone, are you?).

I hope this doesn't in any way tend to shake your faith in GPS..... Oh, and btw, keep an eye open for millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett -- we was last seen flying out that way (he may have relied too heavily on GPS.....?). :blink:

I found it using Mapquest and it seems that it's really in Alamo NV. Yes, I am riding alone and I'll keep my eyes open for Mr. Fossett.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Any suggestions you can give would be great. Thanks

From Window Rock to Tuba City (AZ 264) you'll be on the Navajo Reservation (and passing thru the Hopi Res). This is all very interesting and sometimes quite beautiful (Steamboat Canyon, for instance). If you look around, you may find it culturally intriguing, too? You'll certainly see Hogans. If you haven't read Tony Hillerman; you may want to read one or two of his books and get familiar with the Rez policemen -- 'Leaphorn' and 'Chee'. And/or look-up a little Mormon history for the area.

So, congrats for getting off the slab and I hope you enjoy the cultural diversity -- have a 'Navajo Taco' and some 'Fry Bread' for me.....

 

[TejasFJR]

I really have to recommend Hwy 191 between Morenci, AZ and Alpine, AZ. One of the prettiest and twisties stretches of asphalt I've ever been on.

Morenci, AZ to Alpine, AZ

I put together a video from part of that trip here:



If you want to see some of the pics we got they begin at about Day 4 on this post: TejasRider Blog

 

[cota95]

Thanks Tejas for the suggestion. Cool video.