suggestions: cross country
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 605
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From: northwestern NC
I-80 is courtesy of Google maps -- I'm looking for some of you folks more knowledgeable about the area to recommend better routes. I'm allotting 14-16 days so I'm not necessarily pressed for time.
There are a few different carriers that do this and they all appear to be within about $150 of each other ($650-$800 total cost). Some offer a discounted rate for multiple bikes so there is some degree of variability there as well.
Since you live in NC, what are you going to ship your bike to Cali. and then ride back to NC? If that is the case could you PM me and let me know the cost factor of that? Tryin to talk to the old lady into doing a long haul.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 107
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From: Purcellville, VA
US 36 has some nice scenery, as does 66 and 50 (previously mentioned).
-Jim
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
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From: Castle Rock, CO
Then you get into Nebraska, which is even flatter and straighter until you get close to Omaha.
The best route, imo, is to take I-80 to Green River, Turn south on 530 and then 44, and then take 191 to Vernal Utah. Then take US 40 through Steamboat Springs and Kremmling. Pick up US 34 and go through Rocky Mountain National Park over Trail Ridge Road to Loveland.
This is a spectacular ride, but it usually takes 2 or 3 times longer than expected because you are constantly stopping and taking pictures.
The problem with all the routes suggested is that once you leave the Rockies, most of the roads up around I-80 are flat and straight all the way to Pennsylvania.
The reason I suggested I-70 over I-80 is that the OP want to get to NC from Cali in 14 days. Most of that ride is on flat stuff. There's a reason the middle of the US is called the Great Plains
Riding I-70 cuts about 200 miles of flat stuff off.
Last edited by Pass Rider; Jul 14, 2011 at 04:03 PM. Reason: Additional info
Novice
Joined: Feb 2008
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I did a x-country trip in 2008. Shipped my bike to San Francisco. I flew in and got a hotel by the airport. My bike was within walking distance at Dudley Perkins HD. 16 days shore to shore, 4700 + miles. I wouldn't miss Yellowstone, Cody, Jackson, Bear Tooth Pass, Chief Joseph Senic Highway. Went north and came across the Michigan UP. Mackinaw Island is worth the stop too. Seen the biggest ball of twine in Darwin, MN too. What a sight!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nomad
If you have 14 days, take 'em.
Interstates aren't so bad west of the Mississippi. Flatlanders say they're boring if every mile isn't like the Grand Tetons. Personally, I like the high plains as much as the mountains. YMMV.
But, you find a lot of interesting Small Town America on the two-lane roads.
This is a pretty good site for getting an idea of what you can find.
http://www.us-highways.com/us2.htm
If you had only 5 days, I'd say take the interstate and make the best of it. Still be a great trip. But if you have more time, why not see what else is out there? May be your only chance. Life can get busy sometimes.
Interstates aren't so bad west of the Mississippi. Flatlanders say they're boring if every mile isn't like the Grand Tetons. Personally, I like the high plains as much as the mountains. YMMV.
But, you find a lot of interesting Small Town America on the two-lane roads.
This is a pretty good site for getting an idea of what you can find.
http://www.us-highways.com/us2.htm
If you had only 5 days, I'd say take the interstate and make the best of it. Still be a great trip. But if you have more time, why not see what else is out there? May be your only chance. Life can get busy sometimes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
+1 on Hwy 50 across Nevada instead of I-70, especially if you have company.
Just before you hit the Utah border, turn south through Baker, see Lehman Cave, and continue on through Milford to Cedar City. From there make your way over to 89, either on 14, seeing Cedar Breaks, or go down to 9 and go through Zion National Park. When you get to 89, head north to 12, then East. See Bryce Canyon. Then ride Hwy 12 to Torrey then 24 east through Hanksville and up to I-70.
From there I would certainly take some time exploring Colorado. I would also head north to see the Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Then east over Beartooth and on over those high plains to the black hills.
By the time you get to Rapid City, and spend a few days wandering through those hills, you might be ready for some long straight roads back to N.C., because you'll be running out of time. But you'll have a grin on your face that will reappear every time you get down on your knees and give thanks that you took Highway 12.
Just before you hit the Utah border, turn south through Baker, see Lehman Cave, and continue on through Milford to Cedar City. From there make your way over to 89, either on 14, seeing Cedar Breaks, or go down to 9 and go through Zion National Park. When you get to 89, head north to 12, then East. See Bryce Canyon. Then ride Hwy 12 to Torrey then 24 east through Hanksville and up to I-70.
From there I would certainly take some time exploring Colorado. I would also head north to see the Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Then east over Beartooth and on over those high plains to the black hills.
By the time you get to Rapid City, and spend a few days wandering through those hills, you might be ready for some long straight roads back to N.C., because you'll be running out of time. But you'll have a grin on your face that will reappear every time you get down on your knees and give thanks that you took Highway 12.
Last edited by AtticusFinch; Jul 21, 2011 at 02:16 AM. Reason: My phone thought it knew better than I what I wanted to write.
Take highway 50 east out of Reno, youll love that ride thru the desert.. As a matter of fact that highway 50 goes all the way to the east coast, DC I think is where it ends....alot more fun than the interstates, although Im sure it is part of interstate highways every now and then...
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