Per Google Maps its a total trip of about 1,200 miles one way. I get out of work at 2p on Thursday and am looking to be there around dinner time Friday. Vacation is limited and will be heading back on Monday and home Tuesday.

Any one familiar with this route? Any tips on the course?

Plan on taking 20E to Shreveport then 49S to 10E. Will ride till its dark Thursday. Im thinking 400 miles by 8pm should put me near Alexandria and leave 800 for day 2. Not much time to enjoy the trip (scenic roads, pics, etc) on the way out.

 

You might consider staying on 20E and going to Jackson, MS then turning South on MS 49 through Hattiesburg and connecting up with 10E outside of Gullport MS. Not much different in time but a little more scenic than LA I-49. You can get hung up in traffic in Baton Rouge. I-49 out of Shreveport is 200 miles of nothing until you hit I-10E out of Lafayette, LA. You could stay overnight in Monroe, LA or Vicksburg, MS. Looks like you are gong to be pushing the time barrier on this trip. Do the Mapqest for the time difference.

 

I appreciate the info. If I recall correctly, it only showed about a 1/2hr difference between those two ways. If it a better ride to stick on 20, I will def go that way.

 

The speed limit on MS 49 is 55 mph but it is not normally what everybody drives on that road. Definitely more scenic and I believe Hattiesburg has a shortcut to avoid going through the business center which will slow you down. The shortcut brings you out on the other side of town back into MS 49 South to Gulfport. You will experience some slower speeds once you get on MS 49 out of Jackson. When you get past the busy traffic section (about 3 miles) you will be able to maintain a good speed.

 

You shouldn't have too much trouble making it in time.

A friend and I rode from Phoenix to Daytona in less than 4 days riding about 10-12 hours a day on I-10 (2300 miles).

To reduce fatigue, stop and take a short 10 minute stretch break about half way through each tank of gas. I thought the ride would be boring on the interstate, but actually enjoyed it.

 

Unfortunatly this time of the year you have much less daylight. 12 hours means a portion in the dark.

 

OK so it looks like 400mi the 1st day to Jackson MI and find a room. Wake up hit 49 to 98 to 10, about 680mi. Neither is too long of a ride for me, but if time is on my side I can stretch day 1 a little farther that would be great.

 

Off the topic...make sure you ride up to the Turtle Shack in Flaggler Beach. I went there on a recommendation my first trip to Daytona, and have had to go back every time since. Ride the "loop" north to Hwy 1, and keep going north. Trust me, its worth it!

 

You have probably already checked but Dallas to Mobile is 593 miles and approximatley 10 hours without any stops. Hattiesburg might be a better stopping place. Vicksburg, MS has a nice Welcome station just over the Mississippi bridge (they give you free cokes).

 

What is the Turtle Shack? And what do you mean by ride the "Loop"?