us route 50?
us route 50?
I've been working for quite a while planning my x country trip from ny to Phx, az. I recently came upon a few web sites after finding us 50 on the map and it looks like a great way to avoid most interstates and see a big portion of the countryside in my hurry to get west. Has anyone taken 50? I can't seem to find info on hotels, gas, etc and some of the pics i see of this road look pretty desolate. Any advice boys?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
I think US Highway 50 is one of the oldest pre-Interstate "major" highways of yesteryear. I am familiar with the section that runs through Indiana as I grew up in southern Indiana. I have also ridden a section of US 50 that cuts through Colorado from Montrose heading east. Its still a heavily used trucking highway and I would think if you can stand all the little burgs along the way and God only knows how many stop lights you will endure, but its probably pretty good asphalt for most of your trip. Good luck and enjoy!
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Yuma, AZ
Nice ride idea! I can vouch for the great views north of us in CO. on US50. Rode through the snow several years ago on the way to Sturgis up through Gunnison to meet up with a rider in Loveland. Great views! Weather changes at the drop of a hat and the traffic can be frustrating through some of the towns. Watch your map and gas up before running the long stretches between towns. I'm jealous! Rode out here from NC a long time ago. We would really appreciate pics of you trip. That way we can pretend it's us! Ride Safe!
And if you get down this way, give us a heads-up!
And if you get down this way, give us a heads-up!
Last edited by r_k_dragon; Jun 5, 2013 at 07:57 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
Rt 50 is a nice road to cross the country. Once out of DC there's not much traffic. It's pretty nice through western VA and WV (just a bit of congestion through Bridgeport/Clarksburg WV). When it goes through the larger cities like Cincinnati, St Louis, Kansas City, it typically joins a beltway or interstate as Rt 50 Alternate so you can go right through.
50 is a combination of 2 and 4 lane, the 4 lane sections typically nearer larger towns. Going from memory I'd say it's over 50% 2 lane. It parallels other major roads like I-70 which take the heavy traffic. You make pretty good time east of St Louis. Its kind of nice that every so often it'll take you through a small town so you get a chance to down shift and slow to 35 mph, then back up to 60 (or whatever). West Of St Louis you're almost running Interstate speeds, only without all the trucks and traffic.
No problems with lodging, food, or gas. There are plenty of small motels, and even the bigger chain motels around the larger towns. If you have the need you can always scoot up to I-70, but I don't think you will.
Here are a few pictures taken of Rt 50 (or from Rt 50) that are from a ride I did from WV through Colorado.
West of Lobo Kansas along Rt 50
4 lane section in Missouri.
Rt 50 Colorado, along Arkansas river.
Rt 50 crossing Monarch Pass
Bighorn Motel Rt 50 east of Monarch. (nice place to stay)
50 is a combination of 2 and 4 lane, the 4 lane sections typically nearer larger towns. Going from memory I'd say it's over 50% 2 lane. It parallels other major roads like I-70 which take the heavy traffic. You make pretty good time east of St Louis. Its kind of nice that every so often it'll take you through a small town so you get a chance to down shift and slow to 35 mph, then back up to 60 (or whatever). West Of St Louis you're almost running Interstate speeds, only without all the trucks and traffic.
No problems with lodging, food, or gas. There are plenty of small motels, and even the bigger chain motels around the larger towns. If you have the need you can always scoot up to I-70, but I don't think you will.
Here are a few pictures taken of Rt 50 (or from Rt 50) that are from a ride I did from WV through Colorado.
West of Lobo Kansas along Rt 50
4 lane section in Missouri.
Rt 50 Colorado, along Arkansas river.
Rt 50 crossing Monarch Pass
Bighorn Motel Rt 50 east of Monarch. (nice place to stay)
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Can vouch for 50 from D.C. to the western side of Ohio. Some congestion around Clarksburg but mostly 4 lane from there thru Ohio. Some great stretches east of Clarksburg, switch-backs, elevation changes, decreasing radius turns and some fantastic local color, if you take the time to stop.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,902
Likes: 29,882
From: PNW
Can vouch for 50 from D.C. to the western side of Ohio. Some congestion around Clarksburg but mostly 4 lane from there thru Ohio. Some great stretches east of Clarksburg, switch-backs, elevation changes, decreasing radius turns and some fantastic local color, if you take the time to stop.
We did that stretch last June. It was very nice.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
You're going to have a great time! If you wear a full face helmet I would suggest taking a tinted shield. The sun will be right in your face all afternoon.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
Take 50 all the way to Montrose and then head south on 550 to Durango and then continue south to Phoenix. You will get the million dollar highway and get to cross Red Mtn, Molas and Coal Bank passes in addition to Monarch Pass on I-50. SJ Ron 