Do some research on the meteor crater in Arizona. Also the Very Large Array in New Mexico is a good site to see if you like that stuff. It was in the movies Contact and 2010. Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is also a good visit. A lot depends on how much further than two hundred a day you want to try. Keep in mind that the miles will roll by in the west, 400 a day is not hard to do. 70 mph for three hours in the morning and three more in the afternoon gets you 420.

 

Flights booked - arrive 8th September.
Now to see about booking some bikes.
Was thinking Eaglerider.
Any more rental recommendations out of LA?
Something to look forward to

 

Well we arrive in a few weeks and this is the plan so far.
Looks fairly easy going to me - would you all agree?
Welcome any comments, tips or advice - we do not know the area at all!

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?msi....819341,8.4375

Cheers D

 

Just did from Cali to Montana last week. Pick up some spf 50 zink sun block. It was 110 in Vegas this week and I look like a racoon. A cammel pack full of ice is a good idea too. I have a canvas Carhartt vest and soaked it at every gas stop. Drink lots of gatoraid and if you can travel at night as over night lows are in the upper 70's. Get used to going 80-85. I had semi's passing me doing 80+. Good luck!

 

Draig, try to make that stretch across Death Valley as early in the morning as you can. You'll want to do it in daylight so you see it but later in the day will just cook you. Stay hydrated!

The winds on the 62 thru Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms can be quite heavy so be prepared for blowing sand. I ride that road every other week and it's 50/50 if it'll be good or bad.

One last thing. Once in Arizona you might want to take the 89A from Prescott thru Jerome. Beautiful ride and Jerome is a really cool old mining town. I recommend a stop at Caduceus Cellers/Merkin Vineyards.

Have fun!

 

I had hoped it would have 'cooled off' a little in September ! Not used to temperatures like that. We will 'adjust our pace' accordingly and make sure we take on plenty of liquid.
Riding attire - what do you guys recommend? I do prefer something that affords a little protection were I to take a spill but my double quilted leather with oilskin cut off may be a triffle toasty! Might have to invest in a very lightweight vented jacket? SPF 50 - noted and on shopping list!
We plan a counter clockwise route so can make a late call on Death valley towards the end of the journey.
Thanks fellas.

 

You are in the desert, and the daylight temps will be triple digit farenheit almost every day. These are the hottest parts of the US. At elevation near Flagstaff, it won't be so bad, but the rest of the trip is essentially in the Mojave desert.

I have toured in this country and use a perforated jacket (Harley FXRG) with a hydration vest underneath. It does keep one cool. Be sure to drink water at every gas stop. My sons use a Camelbak device to hydrate while riding. It's essentially a backpack with a water bladder, available in backpacking stores.

Summer ends in the US on Sept 21st.

 

Carhartt double front jeans for added protection!

 

A slightly revised route....

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?msi...7132,13.381348

All good roads?
Have I missed any must see places not far from this route?

Cheers
D

 

Looks like a good route just be ready for the heat.

Along a good part of your route you will be looking at 100f/38c temps.

Most places out here don't really cool off until late October or early November.

Long sleeve t-shirts you can drench with water or tank tops/sleeveless shirts under a mesh jacket will help. Keep the back of your necks covered as well.

Cooling vests that you soak in water that cool your torso via evaporation would come in handy as well. Staying hydrated goes without saying. Most dealers will carry these types of vests. $50 US range if I remember correctly.

Have a great trip.