CA/AZ/NV Trip Route
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
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From: Long Island, NY
Thanks. I'll look to adjust the route. When its just a few guys it's easy to do things on the fly, but I found it's better to plan things out with a larger group (12 riders).
How is the Palm Springs / Desert Hot Springs area? Is it a good 1st day destination or would you suggest somewhere different?
How is the Palm Springs / Desert Hot Springs area? Is it a good 1st day destination or would you suggest somewhere different?
Day 1 route change. Because of the late start I think I would recommend going up the 15 to the 76. Go east to the 79 and go left about twenty miles. Right towards DeAnza to the stop and the right to Palm Springs. Good ride, nice sights, kodak moments and you won't get into the Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs area too late.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Long Island, NY
Starting to fine tune the route based on some of the feeback received. Made sure to include London Bridge when we're in Lake Havasu City. Also added Mt. Charleston on Day 4 when we leave Vegas.
After going through Death Valley, I picked a town called Ridgecrest, CA as the destination since that would leave about 275 miles on the final day of the trip into San Diego. Anyone familiar with this town or can someone suggest another destination in that vicinity which may be a better choice?
After going through Death Valley, I picked a town called Ridgecrest, CA as the destination since that would leave about 275 miles on the final day of the trip into San Diego. Anyone familiar with this town or can someone suggest another destination in that vicinity which may be a better choice?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
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From: Escondido, CA
Desert Hot Springs or Palm Springs is a good first stop. Ridgecrest is probably the best stop for the trip you're planning. Not too big or small. Watch your speed as you go through the little towns on 395 from Ridgecrest south. They do use radar. And any two lane hiway in CA is 55mph unless posted otherwise. You can get away with a bit over but the state is almost broke so you're taking a chance if you go over 65. When you get to just north of the 58/395 intersection you'll see the largest solar array that you'll probably ever get to see.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Wildomar, CA
Is this route and destinations cast in stone? I only ask because there are thousands of better rides in CA than the one you are planning.
I've been riding here for over 20 years and own a house in Vegas (Henderson). Most of your route is desert riding which means long straight stretches of road, high winds, dust, dirt and looking at lots of rocks.
There are a couple goods rides in the Vegas area as pointed out (Mt C, Valley Of Fire) but that's it. 395 can be interesting but still mostly desert (in the areas you are looking at). Going north on 395 into the Sierras and it all changes and quite beautiful. My opinion is Ridgecrest sucks!
Just another desert town with nothing to see.
The desert might be appealing to you coming from the East Coast but there are so many other incredible roads in CA. Going up the coast along highway 101 & 1, for example.
Here is a link to some great rides:
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
I've been riding here for over 20 years and own a house in Vegas (Henderson). Most of your route is desert riding which means long straight stretches of road, high winds, dust, dirt and looking at lots of rocks.
There are a couple goods rides in the Vegas area as pointed out (Mt C, Valley Of Fire) but that's it. 395 can be interesting but still mostly desert (in the areas you are looking at). Going north on 395 into the Sierras and it all changes and quite beautiful. My opinion is Ridgecrest sucks!
Just another desert town with nothing to see. The desert might be appealing to you coming from the East Coast but there are so many other incredible roads in CA. Going up the coast along highway 101 & 1, for example.
Here is a link to some great rides:
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Thanks for your candor. No, the route and destination is not yet engraved in stone. The only definites are the dates May 12- May 17 since we booked our plane tickets, and the rentals from San Diego HD.
I'd like to keep the 1st days mileage and time around 150-175 miles and around 4 hours since we won't leave the dealship before 1:00 PM.
From past years rides 250 miles/day seems to work out best although we often exceed that amount.
I will check out the link you provided. If you have the time (and desire) if you could google map me a route (and destinations) that would be great.
Appreciate the help.
Stu
I'd like to keep the 1st days mileage and time around 150-175 miles and around 4 hours since we won't leave the dealship before 1:00 PM.
From past years rides 250 miles/day seems to work out best although we often exceed that amount.
I will check out the link you provided. If you have the time (and desire) if you could google map me a route (and destinations) that would be great.
Appreciate the help.
Stu
Is this route and destinations cast in stone? I only ask because there are thousands of better rides in CA than the one you are planning.
I've been riding here for over 20 years and own a house in Vegas (Henderson). Most of your route is desert riding which means long straight stretches of road, high winds, dust, dirt and looking at lots of rocks.
There are a couple goods rides in the Vegas area as pointed out (Mt C, Valley Of Fire) but that's it. 395 can be interesting but still mostly desert (in the areas you are looking at). Going north on 395 into the Sierras and it all changes and quite beautiful. My opinion is Ridgecrest sucks! Just another desert town with nothing to see.
The desert might be appealing to you coming from the East Coast but there are so many other incredible roads in CA. Going up the coast along highway 101 & 1, for example.
Here is a link to some great rides:
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
I've been riding here for over 20 years and own a house in Vegas (Henderson). Most of your route is desert riding which means long straight stretches of road, high winds, dust, dirt and looking at lots of rocks.
There are a couple goods rides in the Vegas area as pointed out (Mt C, Valley Of Fire) but that's it. 395 can be interesting but still mostly desert (in the areas you are looking at). Going north on 395 into the Sierras and it all changes and quite beautiful. My opinion is Ridgecrest sucks!
Just another desert town with nothing to see. The desert might be appealing to you coming from the East Coast but there are so many other incredible roads in CA. Going up the coast along highway 101 & 1, for example.
Here is a link to some great rides:
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Wildomar, CA
I don't think you will have enough time to run up the coast (Highway 1) to the Bay Area and NorCal which is unfortunate because that's where the really great roads are.
There are some great roads in SoCal too but not as many and there are some famous spots to hit (Cooks Corner, Hell's Kitchen, The Rock Store, Neptune's, etc).
Is your trip more about riding or destinations? Is hitting Vegas for party time and debauchery a priority or is seeing an ocean view or mountain vista that makes you stop re-evaluate your purpose on earth more important?
Do you prefer long straight slab riding or a twisty blue highway that meanders through small towns? Do you want to hit a few "squid roads" that make you say, "Damn, I wonder if the rental dealer is going to charge me extra for replacing scraped up footboards"?
Answer these questions and I'll plan a route for you. Heck, if I have time I'll ride with you and road captain for you all!
There are some great roads in SoCal too but not as many and there are some famous spots to hit (Cooks Corner, Hell's Kitchen, The Rock Store, Neptune's, etc).
Is your trip more about riding or destinations? Is hitting Vegas for party time and debauchery a priority or is seeing an ocean view or mountain vista that makes you stop re-evaluate your purpose on earth more important?
Do you prefer long straight slab riding or a twisty blue highway that meanders through small towns? Do you want to hit a few "squid roads" that make you say, "Damn, I wonder if the rental dealer is going to charge me extra for replacing scraped up footboards"?
Answer these questions and I'll plan a route for you. Heck, if I have time I'll ride with you and road captain for you all!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Orem Utah
If you decide to go that way plan accordingly. Good luck and have a blast.
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