Summer 2012 mega trip

[Clovis]

Link to the route:

http://mapq.st/nR57lD

All right Iron butters, I need your help with planning this one.

This is what I'm thinking for next summer.

The route (as is) is around 4300 miles and 9-10 days of riding.

It takes us through Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah and back into Colorado.

Goes through Mesa Verde (Four corners), Las Vegas, San Fransisco, up the Pacific Coast Highway practically to Canada before going to Seattle and Spokane.

A few national forest later we're in Vernal, UT and then back in Colorado.

I know a few of you have done this or similar routes. I'd like your help.

When is the best time to do this? May, June, July or August?
Are there roads or destinations that I'm missing and are "must sees"?

Since Canada is so close, should I look at crossing over? (This would mean getting a passport)

Should I plan on camping some nights or can I reasonably find a hotel every night? (Figuring 500-600 miles per day).

What do you consider vital equipment? I'm thinking a GPS unit, Radar detector and SPOT tracker. Anything else?

If you're interested in going, I'm sure you'll let me know

Thoughts?

-Clov

[grim]

it would be a good idea to get a estimated cost on this as well as advise anyone who wants to do this run to look there bike over very very well otherwise I'm be down for this ride!!!

[Cornfed]

Keep me in the loop Clovis. Im definitely interested and this allow plenty of planning time.

[Clovis]

I noticed I'm skirting around Yellowstone... we'll have to add that in.

Estimated cost:

$1545 which includes the cost of 3 new tires (2 rear, 1 front).

Here's the break down

Fuel - $365 (estimating 4500 miles / 45mph @ $3.65/gal)
Lodging - $400 (assuming we have at least 2 riders total and can split hotel cost to get down to $50 a night on average with 8 nights). This estimated on the high side.

Yellowstone is $20 per motorcycle
Brand new tires - front and rear before the trip - $300 - I'm looking at Pilot Road 3s

We'll probably need to make a stop for new rear tires along the way - $160
Might as well get the oil changed while we're there - $30
Meals (2 per day @ $15 each) for 9 days - $270

As far as the pre-ride checklist.

Fully inspect your bike. Start with fresh oil and filter, tires, coolant, break fluid.

[Clovis]

Will do sir. Sometime in Spring next year I'll start getting things set in stone. I'm sure I'll make another post with the details.

Keep me in the loop Clovis. Im definitely interested and this allow plenty of planning time.

[Ninja2]

Looks like a lot of fun! Vegas and esp Death Valley in June/July/Aug is crazy hot.

[OUTLAWD]

if you can't get 4k out of a PR3 maybe you should invest in a tire pressure gauge...


other than that...looks fun...I don't plan ahead a week, let alone a year though

[Sean]

if you can't get 4k out of a PR3 maybe you should invest in a tire pressure gauge...

That's kind of what I was thinking...

Also, I'd have to say that your food budget is VERY conservative. Gas and hotel are as well, but food is pretty low. $30/day is okay if you eat fast food all of the time.

Looks like a fun trip.

[grim]

$30/day is okay if you eat fast food all of the time.

[usmcab35]

i did a trip from here to wa and oregon, about 3200 miles in 3 and half days of riding. you wont need new tires for this trip, i run the road 2's and my busa eats tires,mostly due to power and weight of this couch i ride and i have almost 8k in miles and they are about half tread. I did it during june and the roads were good, a little gravel here and there and a rain storm or two but nothing to bad. If you dont have a 12 power adapter on your bike yet i would suggest that, i did mine under the passenger seat so its hidden, mostly to keep my cell phone charged and run radar detector. I can of fix of flat i think is a must, can of chain lube, music!!! and a gps is ok, i had one but just printed a mapquest and looked at when i was getting gas, used major hwy changes as fuel stops, but either way would work. also basic tools, no need to bring tons of tools like some do, if you cant fix it with basic tools more than likely you will have to take it somewhere. And one thing i found out of this trip that worked great with my upgraded seat was compression pants like cyclists wear, keeps the butt happy. I plan on buying some seat beads cause all my long haul friends swear by them. If you need any help with anything let me know. If im still here and not deployed again, i will go. and realize when it comes to fuel, gas on the west coast is almost 4 bucks plus right now, so leave a little room for that.

[usmcab35]

and a camel back is a must to, i alternating between water and gatorade.. hydrate or die!!

[Clovis]

That's good to know about the Road 2s.

I've been running Q2s this season and replacing the rear after 3k and the front after 5k - which kind of surprised me being that its a 600.

Food and lodging can be reduced some if camping / grocery food is worked in along the way.

[grim]

That's good to know about the Road 2s.

I've been running Q2s this season and replacing the rear after 3k and the front after 5k - which kind of surprised me being that its a 600.

Food and lodging can be reduced some if camping / grocery food is worked in along the way.

Q2's dont last for shit no wonder you had to replace them so damn soon!

[CaptGoodvibes]

It does look like a mega trip but in an effort to make a huge loop, you are bypassing epic roads that should not be missed.

Anyway, I'd be inclined to join you for part of this trip if it doesn't conflict with my plan to ride The Alps next summer.

[Matrix]

It does look like a mega trip but in an effort to make a huge loop, you are bypassing epic roads that should not be missed.

Couldnt have said it better. While there are some good roads here you have to add HWY 36 between Fortuna and Redbluff. 140 miles of twisties on great pavement.

In hindsight from my trip the area around San Fran was epic, as was the drive up to Seattle if you include the side roads like hwy 36. Past that, its get to and from Denver as quick as you can so you can spend quality time in a quality area.
Lastly, ditch Yellowstone. You can do that in a weekend trip from here. Yosemite is a must hit given that you are that far out there.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Fo...c=0&mra=ls&z=9

[Matrix]

One more comment about the weather; If you plan to ride the coast then Aug is your best month. From my understanding, you can expect rain on a fequent basis up until that point.

[salsashark]

Agreed... When I was on PCH after GP, I met a lot of local riders who all knew of side roads that were the bee's knees. Since I was there to ride PCH (mid week), I didn't go explore. If I had to do it again, I'd probably do a little less PCH and a little more side road explorering!

Also, I was in heaven on 299 between Eureka and Redding.

As for Yellowstone, make it a separate trip if you can't dedicate a couple of days to the park. I found that by the time I made a couple of stops, checked out whatever was smoldering, bubbling, or spouting and then got back on the bike, I didn't make it very far.

Next time I head to Yellowstone, I'll be spending several days in the park and at least one riding through Grand Teton National Park. It's worth the time spent.

[salsashark]

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Fo...c=0&mra=ls&z=9

This was one of the roads that I was told about talking to some beamer guys in San Fran.