Help - Return to FL from LA - Scenic Route
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
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From: Florida
Help - Return to FL from LA - Scenic Route
Me and my OL rode Rte 66 (the long way, Tampa-Chicago-LA) this year and left our Road King in Ridgecrest. Well now I am planning our return trip to Tampa, but picking a totally different route, more scenic
Route so far is, LV, Zion, Monument Valley, Million Dollar Hwy and Santa Fe, this part of the route I am pretty much happy with. However the next part I was hoping from some advise from you guys.
From Santa Fe we want to take in Dallas, Memphis, Nashville and then meet friends to ride the Dragon, this part or the route I am open to suggestions, prefer to keep off the slab and do not mind diverting from the shortest route. I know this is not the prettiest part of the country but thought there must be some good roads and places to see/stay at along here (or avoid)
We plan to be heading out beginning of May
Route so far is, LV, Zion, Monument Valley, Million Dollar Hwy and Santa Fe, this part of the route I am pretty much happy with. However the next part I was hoping from some advise from you guys.
From Santa Fe we want to take in Dallas, Memphis, Nashville and then meet friends to ride the Dragon, this part or the route I am open to suggestions, prefer to keep off the slab and do not mind diverting from the shortest route. I know this is not the prettiest part of the country but thought there must be some good roads and places to see/stay at along here (or avoid)
We plan to be heading out beginning of May
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,903
Likes: 29,883
From: PNW
I can't speak on Texas and Oklahoma so much. I know you could possibly work in White Sands and Three Twisted Sisters along the way, but those aren't exactly running west to east (but neither is the Million Dollar Highway) - just highlights along the way. However, you could do the west to east version of the Talimena highway from Talihina OK into Mena AR. From there head east through the Quachita Natl Forest. Once you get past Little Rock it's pretty dismal so I would just hop on I-40 up to Memphis and on to Nashville - if Nashville is a destination. If not, I would avoid it because the riding to and from there (going to the Smokies) sucks. Otherwise, you could stay south and head east on 64 and pick up the Cherahola Skyway in Tellico Plains bringing you right to the Dragon.
If you find yourself north of this route (Tulsa) you can take Hwy 90 through Noel Mo and ride that east to 37, 37 down to 62, 62 east to 65, then 65 sw to short of little rock. Then work your way to Memphis on secondary roads like 128. Up to Little Rock this is an awesome, twisty, mountainous ride. You might want a little slab by then.
If you find yourself north of this route (Tulsa) you can take Hwy 90 through Noel Mo and ride that east to 37, 37 down to 62, 62 east to 65, then 65 sw to short of little rock. Then work your way to Memphis on secondary roads like 128. Up to Little Rock this is an awesome, twisty, mountainous ride. You might want a little slab by then.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
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From: texas panhandle
Beginning of May could give you some spring storms in the mountains. If time allows, from Santa Fe(interesting town) I would go to Taos-Eagle Nest-Cimmaron-Springer-Clayton. This is a much nicer ride than Santa Fe to Amarillo. But once you get east of the mountains you will face many miles of flat less than scenic roads. Also you will face a good chance of riding across the great plains on windy days. Gust up to 40mph are common, but this is part of the adventure.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
Beginning of May could give you some spring storms in the mountains. If time allows, from Santa Fe(interesting town) I would go to Taos-Eagle Nest-Cimmaron-Springer-Clayton. This is a much nicer ride than Santa Fe to Amarillo. But once you get east of the mountains you will face many miles of flat less than scenic roads. Also you will face a good chance of riding across the great plains on windy days. Gust up to 40mph are common, but this is part of the adventure.
Can't wait, gonna be a very special trip
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
I would highly recommend you add the area around Eureka Springs and Harrison in Arkansas on your way to Memphis. Some very good rides in the Ozarks. All IMHO.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: PNW
Better plan an alternate just in case. I've skied Aspen (and Taos for that matter) in April. Not at all unusual to have a snow storm at elevation in May in all the mountain areas.
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