Interstate 15

[101stpathfinder]

I am planning a ride where time and timing are critical for success. I will be coming in on I-8 and heading north on I-15.

Should I stay on I-15 all the way, or save 6 miles with the I-215 split at Murrietta? What is traffic like on those Interstates? Times to avoid?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks, Tony

 

[AVGeek]

Last few times I was through there, I-215 was a mess...it hasn't been improved the way 15 has, and the towns of Murietta and Menifee have really put a strain on 215's capacity, especially during prime commuting time...

Where are you heading?

 

[tcfjr]

In my experience, it's a crap shoot. In theory, I-215 goes through the denser areas of Riverside and San Bernardino and should be slower, but the traffic on I-15 from the split through Lake Elsinore, Corona, and Rancho/Fontana can also be very heavy.

The last time I ran that route (last June), I decided on I-15 based on traffic flow at the split, even though my Zumo insisted I should take I-215. (For miles it kept telling me to get off I-15 and take surface streets over to the 215.) In hindsight, I-215 would have been better -- both were about the same average speed over that stretch, but as you mentioned I-215 is shorter.

If you're on a ride where you document your mileage, the extra miles on I-15 are hard to document unless you stop along that section for a receipt, which makes that route even slower.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Where are you heading?

At this point I am just beginning to plan out a HellWeek attempt (7 BBGs in a row)

I was thinking of riding 2 BBGs in route to Alamo, NV, where I would have a route set up for 3-5 more. My first BBG would end near Sonora,TX ... Then the 2nd BBG would be from Sonora to Alamo, NV.

Its a real risk even attempting the first BBGs in route, but for tires and time, It will be a risk I will have to take.

 

[ynotride]

Stick with the 15 and try to avoid the commute hours. 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm. There is always traffic around the 15/91 interchange no matter what time you travel but remember here in CA you can split lanes

I'm in Corona right at the 15/91 interchange and if you need anything while you near me let me know. I have a tire changer and all the tools you need to do any maintenance on your bike.

 

[AVGeek]

I agree with ynotride...I had realized I forgot to mention about legal lane sharing in California, which can make a huge difference with all that traffic (it's the reason I started riding on the street, after all).