road trip, north bound 101

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redtail

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Got an appointment with GP suspension and plan some time to visit my mom! It just happens that it's nearly 800 miles to mom's house and I've spent a bit of time pondering a SS 1000. Could be a great time to at least practice, since I have some extra days and there won't be any pressure. My plan is to leave Woodland Hills, Ca. (I live close to the fwy.) and head straight up the 101. If I go as far as Florence, Or. ...and then go due east to Eugene,Or. ... and then south on I-5 to Roseburg, then Google says I will have traveled 1079 miles! If I wear out sooner, I can stop about anywhere for the night, or cut over from Crescent City to Grants Pass and up I-5 to avoid the extra miles. I believe I've done well preparing as far as gear goes... rain gear, heated vest, tools, snacks, water, hwy pegs, butt pad, LD tights, etc. etc. Anybody know of any surprises to expect along the way ... or input about the route? P.S. I have the IBA log forms and have poured over their site.

 
From Eureka north 101 can be slow going and there are a ton of Elk that like to wander all over the road. Once in Oregon it is still pretty slow going but I don't think as many Elk but by then you will be in the dark so all bets are off. Just take care of your self and don't push it. Its just a ride.

 
You'd want to make sure and get receipts along 101 at least at several points to demonstrate you didn't slog up I-5 and cut over at some point. Put in some projected gas stops and see if whatever software you're using to map the route follows the route you're actually planning. If not, fiddle with the gas stops and ensure you're getting receipts at the "corners". The most sage words I remember from the IBA is that it's up to you to demonstrate you made the ride you're claiming.

If you've looked over the Archive of Wisdom...you're likely ahead of the game. ;)

And I haven't ridden that stretch so can't help on routing...other than 101 is supposedly better to run in the winter months to avoid snow.

Good luck.

 
You'd want to make sure and get receipts along 101 at least at several points to demonstrate you didn't slog up I-5 and cut over at some point. Put in some projected gas stops and see if whatever software you're using to map the route follows the route you're actually planning. If not, fiddle with the gas stops and ensure you're getting receipts at the "corners". The most sage words I remember from the IBA is that it's up to you to demonstrate you made the ride you're claiming.
If you've looked over the Archive of Wisdom...you're likely ahead of the game. ;)

And I haven't ridden that stretch so can't help on routing...other than 101 is supposedly better to run in the winter months to avoid snow.

Good luck.
Yes, I'm trying to avoid the snow and freezing temps (ice), looks like 40's and 50's along the coast. I'll just pay for it in time, going through all the little towns. thanks as well for the tip about the gas stops, I'll double check everything.

 
Yes, I'm trying to avoid the snow and freezing temps (ice), looks like 40's and 50's along the coast. I'll just pay for it in time, going through all the little towns. thanks as well for the tip about the gas stops, I'll double check everything.
When's your GP appointment?

You could cut quite a bit of time off (if you want) by going up 199 from Crescent City to Grants Pass. You'll come out north of the Siskiyou pass and the possibility of snow there.

Use THIS LINK to check the Oregon & No. Cal road cams to see what the passes look like on I-5 or 199 if you decide to go that way. And heed Ray's warning about elk on 101. The picture below was take early February this year right on 101.

f3d1c3a3.jpg


 
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Redtail, that's a doable ride as far as I can tell.

Watch for critters as people mentioned. Lots of towns on the Oregon side of 101 from Brookings, Gold Beach, Bandon, Winchester and on and on to grab $1 worth of gas to prove you did the route. Watch your odomoter, and if you are running fewer miles than you need, there are multiple routes over to Eugene, Salem, etc., so that part of your route can be adjusted easily. Most have gas stations near the corner at the west end before you turn East towards I-5. Let me know when you're comong up. You already have my cell number, so keep in touch. Any support I can give you, let me know by PM or phone. Are you still planning on coming up @ the 16th? If you'd like, I'd be honored to be a witness at the Roseburg end.

Be careful of wind gusts, especially over the bridges.

Watch the weather closely.

Most local cops stick close to the towns, and a big part of their day is tickets; be careful within town/city limits. Don't ask how I know. :angry:

You'll miss the motorhomes this time of year, and the festivals are over by now, so traffic should not be a problem, as Iggy said.

Good luck!

P.S. If you need any other witnesses, I can ask a VA policeman who is a rider to witness as well. If you arrive on the 17th or 18th, I believe I have those days off and could be more support as needed.

 
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