Well.. it's time for another road trip. I've decided to take a 2 week road trip (16 days) to the West Coast and back in August. I thought I would solicit some routes from those who travel the areas often trying to take full advantage of the 16 days.

There will be 3 of us. Since we've done Florida to TX in the past taking the scenic roads, the plan is to ride interstate from Florida thru to Pheonix, AZ. Once we get to Pheonix we will start the scenic route to San Diego. Expecting to get into San Diego on day 4. Some of the sites we want to experience: Route 66, PCH, Million Dollar Hwy, Yosemite, Alpine loop, Bryce Canyon. The challenge is trying to tie these all together with only 16 - days! I guess it's a GOOD problem to have and realize we might not be able to do it all.

So the Journey really starts for us once we get to San Diego:

Day 5 - 6 Enjoy the California sights working our way up the coast. Would like to ride the PCH and depending on the best route to Vegas, that will determine where we spend our last night in Cali.

Day 7 - Scenic ride to Vegas from somewhere off the PCH (North).

Day 8 - Enjoy Vegas for the night

Day 9,10,11 Head out early heading towards South Dakota. Scenic ride thru Utah, etc.

Day 12 - Mt Rushmore

Day 13 - 16 Head back toward Florida....via Interstate / Highway


Would like to get feedback specifically on travels from San Diego to Vegas. Vegas to Denver via Utah back roads, etc. The back half of the trip is open. It's early in planning and nothing is set in stone other than making the trip. Would definetely appreciate feedback on recommended routes. I have my Ride Atlas out and did a few searches already. Just trying to TIE it all together from beginning to end.

Thank you in advance.

 

Now that's an ambitious two week ride. 5500 miles I'd guess. I'm taking a trip around the middle of June, still haven't decided where I want to go. A trip to the west coast would be fun.

 

going to be awful hot in august on much of that trip. get started at daylite and put a big dent in the days riding by early afternoon...do some tourist/sight seeing for a few hours and then hit the road for another 100 miles or so. drink lots of water and stop every couple of hours. there are lots of casinos out west--i would avoid vegas...laughlin and mesquite are more fun and easy to get around in. you can even find $3 blackjack tables!! they will still get your money, but it takes longer. lol.

 

Ride up to Northern CA to Lake Tahoe, much better than Vegas and the ride is awesome. You can cut across to Idaho and go from there. You will enjoy the scenery much more than the Vegas area. IMO

 

Yes.. probably a little more agressive than we initially thought. Will probably scale it down some. Just need to figure where.

Yep.. We did this in TX last year. Hot as a SOB when standing still. We will ride before the crack of dawn. My thought was the same about VEGAS and I think we will take your and others advise on that.

I like that idea. Did not think about that. How long is the ride across to South Dakota? The terrain is always tricky to calculate from maps. Any recommended route?

 

Suggestion....if you ride up the coast of California go all the way to San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep going north until you get to 37 which is a couple of miles south of Novato. This will take you around the top of the SF bay and then go north on 80 until you get to 12. Take 12 east and it takes you through what they call the delta. Take 12 all the way to 99 in Lodi. Go south on 99 for a few miles and take highway 4. This takes you through Copperopolis and into Angels Camp where the famous Mark Twain frog jumps are held. It is beautiful through there. Stay on Highway 4 until you get to Markleville. The ride between Angels Camp and Markleville is nothing short of outstanding. Keep your eyes on the road and your speeds down when you ride the switchbacks. Great ride with canyons, rivers and roadside lakes. Just past Markleville is Highway 89 which if you go left you come out in South Lake Tahoe.

When you leave South Tahoe, either side of the lake is a good ride and takes you to 80. 80 goes all the way through Utah, Wyoming and into South Dakota after hitting 25 north.

Other members can guide you across Utah and Wyoming but if you have time to ride into Colorado...do it. The Fort Collins/Boulder area is very nice. Estes Park is prett cool and the film "The Shining" was filmed at the hotel there.

If you don't want to ride the whole coast route, let me know and I can get you to Tahoe other ways.

 

I am considering a ride out west....riding through tx, nv, az and cali...
My question is about fuel quality in some of the more remote areas, has anyone had any issues with bad gas?

 

You didn't mention New Mexico, are you flying over our fair state?

 

If you plan to ride up the PCH you may want to skip Vegas, because once you get north of Bakersfield, CA ther are no easy ways to get to Vegas without a lot of back tracking. I might do San Fran then Yosemite then on to Reno, Lake Tahoe area maybe a stop off in Virginia City then off to Utah and the Dakotas. PLus as some said August in Vegas is bit warmmm, but it is a dry heat! LOL Anyway, sounds like a great trip. Have fun and ride safe.

 

If you decide to stick with your original plan of seeing Las Vegas, here's a route I can suggest to get you through some of the best parts of southern Utah to Moab. Somebody more familiar with Colorado's great roads can get you from there to Denver.

http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.c...r/share/391499

Taking Northshore Road from Henderson and through Valley of Fire will add about an hour and a half to the leg between Vegas and St. George. It's worth it if you've got time. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Highway 12 are not to be missed.

However, in August these are pretty hot areas. If you take the northern route, a word to the wise . . . I-80 will not get you to South Dakota. If you're looking for the black hills in southern Nebraska (traversed by I-80) you may find yourself having a "Dumb and Dumber" moment:

http://youtu.be/80lM8ukLDns

Also, if all you see of Utah and Wyoming is I-80, you'll return to Florida and tell all your friend that those are the two ugliest states in the union.