Pacific Coast Highway & Route 66

[RacinRay]

I found out this past week that I will be furloughed for two weeks this coming year. And, rather than dwelling on the negatives, I thought that maybe I could use the time to do something I've always wanted to do, ride the Pacific Coast Highway and historic Route 66.

 

What I'm thinking about is shipping the bike from New York to Oregon and flying out to the coast to begin the trip. I'd start in Eugene, OR and head south to LA and then follow Rt. 66 to Chicago, then home. I figure I can ship the bike for about $800 but I don't know where I can pick it up. Does anyone here have any experience shipping a bike? Can I just pick it up at a freight hub or do I need a person or motorcycle shop to accept the bike at the other end? I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

 

What I'd also like to do here is get some advice on my route. Right now my plan is to follow the coast road all the way to LA. Is this wise or are there parts I might want to skip? As for Route 66, I have a few guides to help my planning but I'd welcome any suggestions.

 

[SacramentoMike]

The PCH is very cool, but there are just so many side trips to make it would be a shame to only do an all-coast ride, IMO. In Northern Cal, for instance, you might want to leave the coast around Eureka and head east on 299 or 36 and then make a loop back west after a fun day in those coastal mountains. I'm guessing some of the So. Cal guys can advise you on getting by LA without really getting into LA. Sounds like a great ride and a good use of your furlough time, too. You've got the right attitude.

No info about bike shipping, though. Somebody will know. And if you do 66 far enough, it'll be less of a shipment home. Or just keep riding.

 

[FJRay]

I'm just over the hill from Eugene. You can ship it to my shop and it will be safe and sound until you arrive.

 

[RacinRay]

Thanks for the comment, that's just the type of advice I'm looking for. As for shipping, it's only going to be one way. I'll ride all the way home. I'd just like to keep the trip close to 2 weeks total.

 

[RacinRay]

I'm just over the hill from Eugene. You can ship it to my shop and it will be safe and sound until you arrive.

That's a very generous offer. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Fontanaman]

To provide good route advice it would help to know your travel dates or at least month. The coastal Mountains in Oregon and Northern California may have snow or ice in the winter. Along the coast should be fine. As for route advice get a copy of Destination Hwy Northern California - it is simply the best resource for finding motorcycle roads - heck just use the book - you will not need a itinerary other than to book and what you stated. Just take it as it comes. Don't whine about the money for the book it is the best money you will spend.

Another source for travel motorcycle travel information is pashnit.com - this might work well in Southern Cal - the Destination Hwy Southern California is not available yet..... nuts.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

I can help you with the Newer Mexico section, introduce you to some Cowboys and Indians, show you some buffalo, feed you some really good New Mexican food, advise you on RT 66 hotels and good resturants, but don't forget your passport, we are another country you know!

 

[Khunajawdge]

It is always good to get a road report close to time of arrival, for example this is a riders report for this week;

California Highway One (Central Coast);

There are 6 active flagger stops on CA HWY 1 between Ragged Point and Carmel Valley.

There is a huge-huge new bridge being constructed just north of Limekiln creek (one lane and flagger).

There is a permanent stoplight and permanent one lane , north of the Bixby Bridge. (Cal trans hasn't figured out a fix for this but they are building a huge new bridge North of Limekiln - go figure-.)

There is a 20 minute flagged portion on Carmel valley road between CA HWY 1 and the old village.

No flaggers on the Jamesburg road (Carmel Valley old village to Arroyo Seco).

but...it has just begun to rain for the season.

 

[TomInPA]

The difficult thing about this trip is that some of the side-trips are so good, but doing them could take you far enough out of your path, that it can't be fit into a 2-week trip. Wheaton spent two weeks out here last year and barely scratched the surface but still found some great riding. Diverting to east-west highways like Hwy 36 will get you on legendary roads, but the truth is, 2-weeks is too short of a time to do more than a couple major diversions, and getting on Hwy 36 out of Fortuna and going to Red Bluff will take a day out of your trip, especially if you do a 299 loop.

From Oregon, you will be on US 101 until you reach Leggett, CA where the PCH Hwy 1 actually divides off, and crosses the coastal range to teh coast. The focus on the northern part of your trip needs to be finding more interesting parallel secondary roads that keep you moving the right direction, but that are off US101. For example, just south of Fortuna, the Highway of the Giants (Hwy 254) is a must, and runs parallel to a section of Hwy 1/ US101 to Garberville. Doing the Lost Coast (Mattole Rd) is probably not worthwhile given the time you have to travel, and unfortunately you will also miss some of the great east-west roads of the Northern CA region, or you just won't have enough time.

Another area where you will want to focus on roads parallel to 101/ Hwy 1 is as you approach the Golden Gate. You should take the Conzleman Road loop over Marin Headlands. This is a short loop that gives you the best views of the Golden Gate bridge. South of the bridge, diverting quickly back to the coast through the Presidio and over to Great Hwy will keep you out of the urban wasteland of Daly City. South of Pacifica, you may want a change of pace, and grab a side road like La Honda to Skyline Blvd, and follow the high road for a while before dropping back to Santa Cruz.

Lots of choices. Hopefully we can get a few locals to guide this section to keep things interesting. As long as we know your plans, there are plenty of FJR owners along your route. Hope we get to meet.

 

[Willie]

I found out this past week that I will be furloughed for two weeks this coming year. And, rather than dwelling on the negatives, I thought that maybe I could use the time to do something I've always wanted to do, ride the Pacific Coast Highway and historic Route 66.

 

What I'm thinking about is shipping the bike from New York to Oregon and flying out to the coast to begin the trip. I'd start in Eugene, OR and head south to LA and then follow Rt. 66 to Chicago, then home. I figure I can ship the bike for about $800 but I don't know where I can pick it up. Does anyone here have any experience shipping a bike? Can I just pick it up at a freight hub or do I need a person or motorcycle shop to accept the bike at the other end? I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

 

What I'd also like to do here is get some advice on my route. Right now my plan is to follow the coast road all the way to LA. Is this wise or are there parts I might want to skip? As for Route 66, I have a few guides to help my planning but I'd welcome any suggestions.

Does anyone here have any experience shipping a bike? Can I just pick it up at a freight hub or do I need a person or motorcycle shop to accept the bike at the other end? I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

I have shippied my bike 2 times from Mass to Salt Lake City. I used the Federal Companies. Like you I did not have a specific place to ship to so I picked the bike up at one of their hubs, I also saved some bucks by delivering the bike in MA to one of their hubs, since it was close to my home.

Heres a link to Federal Company. Give them a call and I am sure they can work out some places you can pick you bike up at. I will bet they have terminals in Portland, Seattle or some place in Cali.

My trips were big loops back to SLC so I picked up and delivered to the same place, which was Bailey Moving and Storage. Being a bit creative I'll bet you can pick up at one terminal and drop off at a different terminal without drastically effecting the price. It might even get cheaper that way.

I was quite happy with both my experiences with them, especially when the unexpected happens. The first time we shipped we were nailed by a forest rat that totalled the bike. Federal does not charge you until they take possession, which meant we did not have to pay for an empty load back east.

Good luck and have a blast

Willie

I forgot to mention if you are an AMA member you will get a subtantial discount with Federal. More than pays for the annual dues.

 

[RacinRay]

To provide good route advice it would help to know your travel dates or at least month.

Lucky for me, my employer is flexible with the furlough days. I can use my 2 weeks any time during the FYE 3/31/2013. Right now I'm thinking of late May 2012 before schools let out for the summer.

 

[RacinRay]

The difficult thing about this trip is that some of the side-trips are so good, but doing them could take you far enough out of your path, that it can't be fit into a 2-week trip. Wheaton spent two weeks out here last year and barely scratched the surface but still found some great riding. Diverting to east-west highways like Hwy 36 will get you on legendary roads, but the truth is, 2-weeks is too short of a time to do more than a couple major diversions, and getting on Hwy 36 out of Fortuna and going to Red Bluff will take a day out of your trip, especially if you do a 299 loop.

From Oregon, you will be on US 101 until you reach Leggett, CA where the PCH Hwy 1 actually divides off, and crosses the coastal range to teh coast. The focus on the northern part of your trip needs to be finding more interesting parallel secondary roads that keep you moving the right direction, but that are off US101. For example, just south of Fortuna, the Highway of the Giants (Hwy 254) is a must, and runs parallel to a section of Hwy 1/ US101 to Garberville. Doing the Lost Coast (Mattole Rd) is probably not worthwhile given the time you have to travel, and unfortunately you will also miss some of the great east-west roads of the Northern CA region, or you just won't have enough time.

Another area where you will want to focus on roads parallel to 101/ Hwy 1 is as you approach the Golden Gate. You should take the Conzleman Road loop over Marin Headlands. This is a short loop that gives you the best views of the Golden Gate bridge. South of the bridge, diverting quickly back to the coast through the Presidio and over to Great Hwy will keep you out of the urban wasteland of Daly City. South of Pacifica, you may want a change of pace, and grab a side road like La Honda to Skyline Blvd, and follow the high road for a while before dropping back to Santa Cruz.

Lots of choices. Hopefully we can get a few locals to guide this section to keep things interesting. As long as we know your plans, there are plenty of FJR owners along your route. Hope we get to meet.

I'm wondering if I'm biting off more than I can chew. I could possibly extend the trip to 3 weeks but it gets more expensive each day. I figure $250-$300 per day on the road between hotel, food and gas and incidentals (am I high maintenance?). I guess I should ask what are the "must due" roads in Cali. and then prioritize based on available time. For instance, I hear i should hit Angels Crest Hwy. in LA.

 

[RacinRay]

I have shippied my bike 2 times from Mass to Salt Lake City. I used the Federal Companies. Like you I did not have a specific place to ship to so I picked the bike up at one of their hubs, I also saved some bucks by delivering the bike in MA to one of their hubs, since it was close to my home.

Heres a link to Federal Company. Give them a call and I am sure they can work out some places you can pick you bike up at. I will bet they have terminals in Portland, Seattle or some place in Cali.

My trips were big loops back to SLC so I picked up and delivered to the same place, which was Bailey Moving and Storage. Being a bit creative I'll bet you can pick up at one terminal and drop off at a different terminal without drastically effecting the price. It might even get cheaper that way.

I was quite happy with both my experiences with them, especially when the unexpected happens. The first time we shipped we were nailed by a forest rat that totalled the bike. Federal does not charge you until they take possession, which meant we did not have to pay for an empty load back east.

Good luck and have a blast

Willie

I forgot to mention if you are an AMA member you will get a subtantial discount with Federal. More than pays for the annual dues.

Thanks, I am an AMA member. I'd love to get the bike dropped off at a hub right neat an airport. It would certainly simplify my trip.

I picked Eugene OR as my starting point based on flight costs. Air fare from Albany NY to Eugene was about $220. When I priced other cities like Eureka CA, Redding CA and Medford OR the flight was over $500.

 

[Fontanaman]

To provide good route advice it would help to know your travel dates or at least month.

Lucky for me, my employer is flexible with the furlough days. I can use my 2 weeks any time during the FYE 3/31/2013. Right now I'm thinking of late May 2012 before schools let out for the summer.

Oui, late May to early June is absolutely the best time to be in California. Long days and rivers full of water with green hillsides.

Although I have not road Angels Crest Hwy it is on my short list of Hwys to ride in CA.

Really Oregon coast and California and Route 66 is too much territory to cover in 2 or 3 weeks. Don't set your heart on any specific target, be flexible, take it as it comes - get Destination Hwy North California and then the Nor Cal trip plan is set!

The entire coast in California can be fogged in and when it is skip the coast and head inland, especially in Northern Cal. One to 10 Miles inland it will be clear and 20 degrees warmer. The geographic area from Oregon to Frisco, from I-5 to the Coast is some of the best riding you will find anywhere.

Here is a list of excellent roads courtesy of Destination Hwy Nor Cal.

Hwy 96 from I-5 to Willow Creek.

All of Highway 299 from Weaverville to Arcata.

The incomparable Hwy 36 from Red Bluff to Hwy 101. Most excellent!!!

Hwy 1 from Leggit down to the coast - this is the twisties part of Hwy 1.

A great place to hang out on the coast without spending a fortune is Fort Bragg. Good road around Ft. Bragg include Hwy 20 from the coast to Willits, Hwy 253 from Ukiah to Booneville and Hwy 207 from Boonville to Cloverdale.

There are great roads around Napa and Santa Rosa in the wine country too.

Fontanaman is going for a ride in California for 17 days in May or early June. He will crash Nor Cal and find a route down to the southern Sierra's to Kings Canyon National Park then ride every pass in the Sierra's south to north. He hopes Destination Hwy's Southern Cal is published before then. Otherwise he will have to do it the hard way.

Fontanaman highly recommends a stop at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle in Solvang California.

Personally I'd skip Route 66 - it is an artifact not a Destination Hwy. There are much better motorcycle roads in California.

 

[RacinRay]

Personally I'd skip Route 66 - it is an artifact not a Destination Hwy. There are much better motorcycle roads in California.

You're making me a believer of focusing on California, but I still need to get back to New York. Now I know most of Rt 66 parallels the Interstate system, maybe I could cut corners on the route home.

 

[dcarver]

RR, the peeps speak.

Last August I rode to Stowe, VT.

Originally, I had every twisty road connected (as much as possible, that is).

Then reality hit - only had 3 weeks for 8k miles, at a CBA pace.

So, picked and chose - as will you.

I'd be happy to show some great routes in my hood that direct to your destination - as long as I'm not working heavy OT.

 

[Fontanaman]

Personally I'd skip Route 66 - it is an artifact not a Destination Hwy. There are much better motorcycle roads in California.

You're making me a believer of focusing on California, but I still need to get back to New York. Now I know most of Rt 66 parallels the Interstate system, maybe I could cut corners on the route home.

Seriously I would consider just blow'n down Route 66 or the freeway to get home - 3 to 4 day ride tops. Hell ship the bike home. There are some seriously good roads in Southern California too, not to mention the Sierra's. Hwy 108 is one of my fav's. I spent 10 days riding from Seattle to Hwy 1 as far south as Cambria then headed north. This was in Sept 2009. I road all the Destination Hwy roads (get the book) from Oregon to Frisco from the Coast to I-5. It was foggy along the coast that year and riding the coast was a let down. The roads inland made up for it. If I was smart I would heeded the fog forecast and headed inland for some Sierra Pass baggin'. I learned a lot on that trip.

Good roads in Southern California include Hwy 245, any road in Angeles National Forest or any road with the word Cyn. Personally the roads around Lake Arrowhead are good as are Big Bear Lake but they tend to be popular - ride them early in the day to have fun.

 

[IBF2]

I have shippied my bike 2 times from Mass to Salt Lake City. I used the Federal Companies. Like you I did not have a specific place to ship to so I picked the bike up at one of their hubs, I also saved some bucks by delivering the bike in MA to one of their hubs, since it was close to my home.

My trips were big loops back to SLC so I picked up and delivered to the same place, which was Bailey Moving and Storage. Being a bit creative I'll bet you can pick up at one terminal and drop off at a different terminal without drastically effecting the price. It might even get cheaper that way.

I was quite happy with both my experiences with them, especially when the unexpected happens. The first time we shipped we were nailed by a forest rat that totalled the bike. Federal does not charge you until they take possession, which meant we did not have to pay for an empty load back east.

Thanks, I am an AMA member. I'd love to get the bike dropped off at a hub right neat an airport. It would certainly simplify my trip.

IF you were to consider SLC as starting point, a BIG :yahoo: for Bailey's Moving and Storage. We used them for our household move from SLC to WA state. A first class organization and GREAT people. (My daughter used them for their recent move as well.) And their facility is only a few miles from the SLC airport with some good lodgings between the two. Thought I would throw that out there for you. Plus there are some great rides in the SLC area as well.

 

[TomInPA]

I'm wondering if I'm biting off more than I can chew. I could possibly extend the trip to 3 weeks but it gets more expensive each day. I figure $250-$300 per day on the road between hotel, food and gas and incidentals (am I high maintenance?). I guess I should ask what are the "must due" roads in Cali. and then prioritize based on available time. For instance, I hear i should hit Angels Crest Hwy. in LA.

You can do a lot in 2-weeks, but having traveled pieces of Historic US66 I can say that the best of the trip is the coastal highway and diversions in California, as well as side-trips moving through the Southwest on your way home. Once you leave New Mexico on I-40/US66 much of the route becomes kind of boring as you travel through countless small towns and big cities on a route that mostly does not any longer exist.