tips for 2012 cross country trip?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 580
Likes: 54
From: Ohio River Valley
We were in Gallup, NM, on our first trip. We realized then that we had WAYYYY too much stuff. Gallup has a UPS store, so we packed up our dirty clothes and anything we didn't want to carry anymore and shipped it to our dear neighbor's house. We'll definitely do that again!
Let me see if I got this right. Scranton PA to St. Louis MO. in 1 day --- that roughly 900 miles --- @ an average of 50/55 mph and believe me you won't do much better by the time you stop for fuel and food and rest breaks, that's a 18 hr ride, you will be to tired to enjoy the 4th of July. The trip sounds great, I hope you have a great ride and by all means post some pictures for the rest of us to see. I wish I was riding with you but I have a Grand Canyon trip planed myself for the coming summer.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: las vegas nv
X-Country
Did a trip 2 summers ago from Vegas to PA had a great time even though it rained a lot. I did no more than 500 miles per day, for me this was comfortable and I could ride the next day. I have been on both routes and as one poster said the ride is what you make of it. Also, I would check the web site handgunlaw.us they are very up to date with carrying laws in each state and reciprosity between states. When I went I had a locking box for my 9mm which I used when in states that didn't honor my NV or UT permit. It is the one that has a cable to attach to the bike. Also, the definition of "concealed" can vary from state to state, so you have to be very careful or you can find yourself making a donation and losing your weapon. One note, AZ repealed their concealed carry permit, you no longer need one. Enjoy the ride be safe and you'll have a great time. One other point you may have heard of the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the western rim of the Grand Canyon. By pass it. It is not a National Park but is owned by the local Native American tribe, the road to the skywalk is not paved so you have to ride a bus (fee charged) then it is a hefty fee to go out onto the skywalk (about $65.00 per person, you also have to buy booties (so you don't scratch the glass) plus no cameras are allowed out onto the glass. So not worth it to me but just so you know.
...Also, I would check the web site handgunlaw.us they are very up to date with carrying laws in each state and reciprosity between states. When I went I had a locking box for my 9mm which I used when in states that didn't honor my NV or UT permit. It is the one that has a cable to attach to the bike. Also, the definition of "concealed" can vary from state to state, so you have to be very careful or you can find yourself making a donation and losing your weapon. One note, AZ repealed their concealed carry permit, you no longer need one. Enjoy the ride be safe and you'll have a great time. One other point you may have heard of the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the western rim of the Grand Canyon. By pass it. It is not a National Park but is owned by the local Native American tribe, the road to the skywalk is not paved so you have to ride a bus (fee charged) then it is a hefty fee to go out onto the skywalk (about $65.00 per person, you also have to buy booties (so you don't scratch the glass) plus no cameras are allowed out onto the glass. So not worth it to me but just so you know.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Canton, GA
+1 for the long sleeve shirts.....I bought a couple of the Columbia "sun blocking" shirts for my 5600 mile trip this last summer.
Also, +1 for Ouray,CO.....great little town to stop and eat and shop a little.
I carried my .380 with me on the trip...had no problems.
One regret I have from the trip is that I overplanned the route. I booked all of the hotels which basically locked me in too much. One of the things that I was surprised about was how many detours there were around Omaha (I-29). It caused me quite a bit of lost time.
Enjoy your trip and be careful on the ride...............
Also, +1 for Ouray,CO.....great little town to stop and eat and shop a little.
I carried my .380 with me on the trip...had no problems.
One regret I have from the trip is that I overplanned the route. I booked all of the hotels which basically locked me in too much. One of the things that I was surprised about was how many detours there were around Omaha (I-29). It caused me quite a bit of lost time.
Enjoy your trip and be careful on the ride...............
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From: South FL
Question#1) Historic 66 or Highway 50. Historic 66 is pretty self explanatory..Cadillac Ranch, the round barn, lots of small mom and pop stores and roadside motels. some museums....all very cool stuff.
-Nate
-Nate
Just don't let people talk you out of what you want to explore, especially, this wonderful country. Riding Route 66 is different than a normal highway. It can be related as the one rides a Harley as a motorcycle, and the one rides a Harley as a Harley motorcycle.
If one understands, and appreciates the history of how this country has changed, and reserved the memorial pride throughout the years, then they will interest and enjoy the historic Route 66.
Other than that, it is just a route like any other routes to some people.
I cross country yearly, from FL-CA-FL, so highway is my last choice.
Just my 2 cents!
Have fun and ride safe.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Laconia, NH
The Big Trip
There is so much to see and in your time line remember, Safety First. I did a solo trip back in 2003, from New Hampshire down the East coast to SC, headed West to the coast, then North to WA, then back East. I had the time of my life, met a lot of Great people. In all 11,000 miles in 8 weeks. Most campgrounds were great, some out of the way and not in full service as I left home April 15th. Some memorable sites were the small rallies like Skullbone, Tn. and Fossil Or. Others, Bryce Canyon in UT, the Grand Canyon, Redwood Forest in CA, Durango CO, the mountains of Idaho, Montana, the Grand Tetons,and Yellowstone. And remember, It's not the destination, it's the journey. Ride Safe.
This map is the States vilited on my trip.
This map is the States vilited on my trip.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: las vegas nv
PA Rides
I'm originally from PA (Philly area) but lived in Potter co and HBG before moving to Vegas. I always enjoyed riding Rt 233 from Mt holly springs down to south of gettysburg. Also rt 147 up along the river was nice. Then always good rides in the seven mountains area around where you are. Unfortuately, the riding season is short but there is no shortage of good rides.