How long to cross USA?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
How long to cross USA?
I'm planning a trip for 2011 when I can use up some leave. Anyone have a guess how long it would take to ride across the states from Seattle to the East Coast?
I'm not talking about an iron butt ride. Maybe 8-10 hours a day on the bike and stopping for a break at whatever is interesting along the way. I would be taking a rental bike one-way, so some sort of HD bagger for the bike. I'm not taking a passenger and won't be camping, so it won't be a lot of baggage.
Anybody taken a ride like this? I appreciate any knowledge you can share.
I'm not talking about an iron butt ride. Maybe 8-10 hours a day on the bike and stopping for a break at whatever is interesting along the way. I would be taking a rental bike one-way, so some sort of HD bagger for the bike. I'm not taking a passenger and won't be camping, so it won't be a lot of baggage.
Anybody taken a ride like this? I appreciate any knowledge you can share.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: North Central Wisconsin
It is about 3100 miles from Seattle to Boston without any side trips and sticking to Interstate roads, at 60 mph that is about 52 hours of driving and at 8 hours per day about 6 1/2 days at 480 miles a day and like I said this is without side trips
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: New England
Depending where on the east coast you're heading and what time of year, I'd guess about 8 days from Seattle.
Hope that helps!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
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From: Raleigh NC
As few as 6 days, as long, or? as long as you want to take.
What's YOUR goal? to cover "X" many states? or to visit national parks? or friends? or differnt sights?
Iron butts have a "CC-50" where they cross the country in 50 hours, usually between San Diego CA, and Jacksonville FL
Per my maps & streets program Starting at 9AM going to 5 PM with no stops
Seattle to Boston 3048.7 miles 5 days, 3 hours 43 minutes
Seattle to NYC 2855 miles 5 days 1 hour
so you'll need to be a little more specific with your question
What's YOUR goal? to cover "X" many states? or to visit national parks? or friends? or differnt sights?
Iron butts have a "CC-50" where they cross the country in 50 hours, usually between San Diego CA, and Jacksonville FL
Per my maps & streets program Starting at 9AM going to 5 PM with no stops
Seattle to Boston 3048.7 miles 5 days, 3 hours 43 minutes
Seattle to NYC 2855 miles 5 days 1 hour
so you'll need to be a little more specific with your question
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nomad
I-90 to I-80 to NYC = 2,926 miles and 46 hours of riding at the speed limit, according to GoogleMaps.
West of the Mississippi, you will be able to really cover some distance, with the higher speed limits and less traffic, and essentially no major urban areas, once you leave Seattle. Hell, between Ellensburg, WA (just east of the Cascades) to the Minnesota border you could easily cruise at 85 without fear. I do. I can leave my house in Bozeman at sunrise and have dinner in Seattle. I've done it more than once. But the time change helps going east-to-west.
You could make it to Lacrosse, WI (the Mississippi crossing on I-90) in two long days, or to Mitchell, SD in two easy days. (Home of the Corn Palace and the first Culver's--two real signs that you've hit the Midwest)
Once you pass the Mississippi, I would allow for 2-3 days, depending on the time of year. Any bad weather will slow down traffic more than in the west.
So, if you *really* want to do 8-10 in the saddle, 5 days ought to do it.
West of the Mississippi, you will be able to really cover some distance, with the higher speed limits and less traffic, and essentially no major urban areas, once you leave Seattle. Hell, between Ellensburg, WA (just east of the Cascades) to the Minnesota border you could easily cruise at 85 without fear. I do. I can leave my house in Bozeman at sunrise and have dinner in Seattle. I've done it more than once. But the time change helps going east-to-west.
You could make it to Lacrosse, WI (the Mississippi crossing on I-90) in two long days, or to Mitchell, SD in two easy days. (Home of the Corn Palace and the first Culver's--two real signs that you've hit the Midwest)
Once you pass the Mississippi, I would allow for 2-3 days, depending on the time of year. Any bad weather will slow down traffic more than in the west.
So, if you *really* want to do 8-10 in the saddle, 5 days ought to do it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
Thanks for the advice. After reading your replies, It looks like I'll probably need 8 days. Except for Niagra Falls, all the stuff I want to see is west of the Mississippi (Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, etc.).
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: 'Noke, VA
I'm looking at doing a trip taking Rt.50 all the way across from east-to-west, then taking as much of old 66 as I can on the way back. I'm figuring 3 weeks.
And I'll be doing it on the Train, not a bagger.
And I'll be doing it on the Train, not a bagger.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
No doubt a Train can make it. But my Train lives with me in Tokyo, so I need a rental bike. If I'm going to rent, I'll rent a bagger.
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From: Raleigh NC
Around here... the "BIG" V-twins... all rent for the same price.. Dyna, Softail, or tourer.... may as well get the tourwe for the trip. Although ANY (modern) bike can make the trek with ease.... may as well be comfortable in the process