Road trip California to Roanoke Virginia, need input.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 180
Likes: 16
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Road trip California to Roanoke Virginia, need input.
Next year spring/summer I'am planing to ride from California to Roanoke Virginia, it's a 2400 and some change miles trip. I'am going on this trip to visit my late Dads gravesite and pay my respects to a man I bearly remember. I do know he was a WWII vet and he passed when he as only 50, I have already out lived him by 4 years. So enough of that. Never have done anything like this before so I would like some info on riding cross country l know about getting the comfort level of the bike ready highway pegs and such, rain gear I got covered, navigation is covered and basically getting ready for 5 to 600 mile days. What would like to know is weather alerts to my phone, thunderstorms...Tornados, I've lived through earthquakes but no Tornados. Is it a concerne ? How do I get forewarning of a weather incident like that ? Advice on hotels, I'm not sleeping on the ground I need to maximize my rest periods. And anything else that would be useful.
Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions or advice.
Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions or advice.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
Are you riding the Interstate highways? I've driven across the country many times, I would avoid I 40 in the spring, it goes through tornado alley, I'd also avoid I 70 it goes through Kansas City and St. Louis, real arm pits.
I'd recommend I 10 then switch up to I 20 east of El Paso, NE out of Birmingham on 59 then cut through the Smoky Mountains.
I'd recommend I 10 then switch up to I 20 east of El Paso, NE out of Birmingham on 59 then cut through the Smoky Mountains.
Last edited by jamesroadking; Nov 13, 2016 at 06:16 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: At home.
Check weather every morning.
When u stop for lunch decide how much further u want to ride, book a room at that location, ride knowing you'll have a bed, even if u arrive later than planned. There are lots of apps for hotels.
If u get tired, take a break.
Taking advantage of a hot tub, at the hotel, after 10 hours in the saddle is a good way to end a day.
When u stop for lunch decide how much further u want to ride, book a room at that location, ride knowing you'll have a bed, even if u arrive later than planned. There are lots of apps for hotels.
If u get tired, take a break.
Taking advantage of a hot tub, at the hotel, after 10 hours in the saddle is a good way to end a day.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 180
Likes: 16
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Are you riding the Interstate highways? I driven across the country many times, I would avoid I 40 in the spring, it goes through tornado alley, I'd also avoid I 70 it goes through Kansas City and St. Louis, real arm pits.
I'd recommend I 10 then switch up to I 20 east of El Paso, NE out of Birmingham on 59 then cut through the Smoky Mountains.
I'd recommend I 10 then switch up to I 20 east of El Paso, NE out of Birmingham on 59 then cut through the Smoky Mountains.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
How much time do you have? Sometimes interstate is about the only option but lots more enjoyable on the backroads when you can ride them.
I40 in AR is heavy traffic pretty much all the way across the state especially from Russellville to Little Rock and on to Memphis. Lot of trucks.
I40 in AR is heavy traffic pretty much all the way across the state especially from Russellville to Little Rock and on to Memphis. Lot of trucks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
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From: Dutchess County, NY
If you want a break from hotels try a cabin at a KOA Campground. They are usually about $50 a night. Most have heat and A/C but they do not supply sheets, pillows or blankets. Each cabin has a BBQ grill and fire pit and most sell firewood and charcoal. Nice to sit outside with a steak on the grill, a cocktail and a fire going instead of sitting in a hotel watching TV.
I was at one in Virginia (i think it was on I81 south of Shenandoah) that even had a band on a Saturday night.
I was at one in Virginia (i think it was on I81 south of Shenandoah) that even had a band on a Saturday night.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Lake City, Florida
I've driven, I think all the East West Interstates and the smoothest by far is I 10 all the way to Jacksonville. By staying as far south on I 10 you'll be your south of all the tornadoes in Tornado Alley along I 40.
Last edited by jamesroadking; Nov 14, 2016 at 06:14 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: NH
Ive crossed the country more than a dozen times[15] ,I40 is the quickest rt if its time your looking at---very boring and in May/early june -tornadoes are prevalent -you can do 500-600 miles on bike[take breaks accordingly] I could do 800-900 in truck,stop early -eat-rest-get up early repeat---remember you loose time coming east from west----Nashville traffic after 330 will kill you avoid it on 40 or make sure you go thru early----I ll give you more ideas if you want---Rocker