Two trip choices, help me choose
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
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From: Arlington, TX
Two trip choices, help me choose
I'm planning a trip for the late spring of 2013, probably around mid May. I'm the one trying to decide whether to go east or west. I've planned out two trips here: http://txharleyrider.com/routes/.
If you get a chance, take a look a give me your 2 cents.
If you get a chance, take a look a give me your 2 cents.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Well ... If it were me I'd head to Utah ... That's because I've been in 46 of the 50 states and Utah and Colorado are the two contiguous states that I haven't made yet. I'm hoping to make it there this summer ... BUT ... The Smokies are great and there's not a bad ride anywhere in the area ... Gatlinburg is a tourist trap, but once out of town you're in God's country for sure ... Good Luck deciding and God's speed on your journey!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: WPB, FL
The Utah trip sounds a bit more laid back, more my thing. 1000 miles, even in 2 days would be to "iron but" for me. You should also make room for R&R at some point? Either way puts lots of miles on in a short period of time.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
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From: Arlington, TX
Thanks guys for your input.
Jeff, I agree that it's a long haul just to get to the Gatlinburg area. We'd have to cut it up into more reasonable chunks of miles.
Larry, I don't know too much about Utah or a lot of the other states, but I've ridden all over Colorado several times. There's one reason I keep going back, it's the best riding I've ever done anywhere and can't imagine anyplace being better. You've got to do it.
Thanks again.
Jeff, I agree that it's a long haul just to get to the Gatlinburg area. We'd have to cut it up into more reasonable chunks of miles.
Larry, I don't know too much about Utah or a lot of the other states, but I've ridden all over Colorado several times. There's one reason I keep going back, it's the best riding I've ever done anywhere and can't imagine anyplace being better. You've got to do it.
Thanks again.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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robertwy...like you i have been to colorado many times and love the riding there. made it on out to utah for the first time this year. we are already planning a return trip for next year--utah has some wonderful riding.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
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From: Northern WV
It would be a toss up for me? I ride both areas a good bit. On the eastern ride I will say it'll be a little cool in the higher elevations but not bad at all. Also the leaves will not be out too much above 4,000' until early June. To me the fun roads are the little county roads not usually on state maps, and they wind all through the mountains.
Colorado and southern Utah are very scenic. Flip a coin and do one this year, the other next year.
Colorado and southern Utah are very scenic. Flip a coin and do one this year, the other next year.
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From: Las Cruces, NM
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
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From: Arlington, TX
I'm leaning towards Utah. There's just something about the west that pulls on me. Don't know why but I always think there's much more traffic going east. May not be but I just think that.
I did some riding around Ruidoso last fall. A report is on my website.
I did some riding around Ruidoso last fall. A report is on my website.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
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From: Gilbert, AZ
I don't mean to be a buzzkill here, but traffic through Sedona can be nasty, especially in the summer. If it's 110° in Phoenix, then it's probably 100-105 in Sedona, it will be hot in late May. The main street (hwy 89a) is lined on both sides with souvenir shops, art galleries, coffee shops and the like. The pedestrian traffic can be very heavy. Tour buses drop off loads of foreign visitors who jaywalk at will across the road, and there are 3 traffic circles within about 1/4 mile. It doesn't matter if you're going north or south on 89a, you're bound to be stuck waiting. Early morning is the best time to pass through Sedona, unless you plan to walk through the stores along the main drag.
The ride from Sedona to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon is amazing, though. I'm not saying to avoid Sedona, but expect to spend some time in very heavy traffic.
If you have the time, go south from Roswell and catch I-10 W at Las Cruces, go west to Lordsburg, then take US-70 to Safford, where you will turn on US-191. This is the Coronado trail, and for my money it is the best ride in AZ. Stay on 191 and you'll get to the 260, then on to Show Low. It is a much better ride than what you have planned for day 2.
The ride from Sedona to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon is amazing, though. I'm not saying to avoid Sedona, but expect to spend some time in very heavy traffic.
If you have the time, go south from Roswell and catch I-10 W at Las Cruces, go west to Lordsburg, then take US-70 to Safford, where you will turn on US-191. This is the Coronado trail, and for my money it is the best ride in AZ. Stay on 191 and you'll get to the 260, then on to Show Low. It is a much better ride than what you have planned for day 2.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
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From: Arlington, TX
If you have the time, go south from Roswell and catch I-10 W at Las Cruces, go west to Lordsburg, then take US-70 to Safford, where you will turn on US-191. This is the Coronado trail, and for my money it is the best ride in AZ. Stay on 191 and you'll get to the 260, then on to Show Low. It is a much better ride than what you have planned for day 2.
The only bad thing is the 75 miles or so of Interstate, which I always try to avoid.
Thanks,