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Road advice so-cal desert region

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Old May 20, 2006 | 06:56 PM
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Default Road advice so-cal desert region

I posted this before for the central cali folks, but didn't get much response. I'm not complaining, just looking for help. This is my first bike trip outside of my NorCal comfort zone. Since where I'm going doesn't have a lot of options once I pick a road, I'd hate to find out when I get there that I have to turn back and go another way. Can anyone offer comments or advice on the road choices I have made? Maybe a better way?

Coming from SF Bay area

25 to 198 to 33, then 46 through bakersfield on 99, to 58 into Barstow. Leave barstow on 247 and follow that to 29 palms (62) From there it's just a few miles to Palm Springs.

I haven't driven or ridden any of these roads. Does anyone know the existence of food/gas/water below bakersfield as well as what I can expect?

Any recommended route changes? I have 2 days max to get there, but really want to do it in 1-1.5. I don't mind the freeway, I ride it every day for 70+ miles, but I'd prefer a nice road. Not real challenging though since its a long trip (at least for me). 500+ each way

Thanks again!!!!

I leave Wednesday! (5.24.06)


 
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Old May 20, 2006 | 07:42 PM
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Default RE: Road advice so-cal desert region

These roads are fine. Expect 90 F° to 115 F° temperature. Carry lots of water. There are lot of gas stations and food, water ECT.
I was in Bakersfield last week, Took 58E. In Death valley week before, And Joshua Tree about month ago. All the roads are in good condition.

I did my Death Valley trip in one day. That was 640 miles round trip in 110 F° temperature. In 12 hours.


https://www.hdforums.com/m_343880/tm.htm

https://www.hdforums.com/m_377714/tm.htm

Ride safe.
 
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Old May 20, 2006 | 08:03 PM
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Default RE: Road advice so-cal desert region

I forgot, carry lots of sun block and good pair of sunglasses. You will see endless desert.
 
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Old May 20, 2006 | 08:07 PM
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Default RE: Road advice so-cal desert region

Thanks for the info. Are these the roads you would choose, or is there a better set? I just need to get to Palm Springs, but how I get there doesn't matter.

I wear a full face oven, so I should be plenty baked(in the heat sense) by the time I get there
 
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Old May 20, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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Default RE: Road advice so-cal desert region

These roads are fine if you like desert,desert,desert and desertttttttttt
Are you going back in two days?
 
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Old May 20, 2006 | 08:37 PM
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Default RE: Road advice so-cal desert region

I Sunday and Monday to return. Have work on Tuesday.

I don't have a return route yet, but wull be coming from Riverside area.

I'm looking for a nice ride, not too much traffic, with good roads, and not too many difficult roads so I don't tire too quickly.

 
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