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Coast to Coast

Marty927

New member
Hello all! I am going to take a trip from PA across the south primarily I-40 to San Francisco and return to VA Beach primarily I-70/I-64. No specific plan but I would like to take a few day trips out west and see the sights. This is something I want to do so I am ok with going alone but would welcome sharing any part of this adventure with anyone interested.
 
Last summer I did Rt66 from Joplin Mo all the way to Santa Monica.......Fantastic trip! I highly recommend it if you are into the nostalgia of that era. The best part of Old Rt66 is in Oklahoma.........Great Museum near the end (west ). Winslow Az is great if you are an Eagles fan......
 
C2c

Randy--I'm leaving May 6th

Roy B--Thanks for the info on Rt66. I was planning on a day or so on Rt66 and I'll be sure to check out the OK stretch.
 
Why so much time on the interstate? Through much of the country, the state roads are nearly as fast and infinitely more pleasurable.
 
My thought was to get west of the Mississippi then start utilizing other roads. I got some good ideas from AMA's Great American Rides. I want to spend more time seeing the west because I can do east coast trips anytime. I don't usually get to take 2-3 weeks off from work at one time. I would be interested in any routes you may have in mind.
Thanks for the response!
 
Marty927 said:
My thought was to get west of the Mississippi then start utilizing other roads. I got some good ideas from AMA's Great American Rides. I want to spend more time seeing the west because I can do east coast trips anytime. I don't usually get to take 2-3 weeks off from work at one time. I would be interested in any routes you may have in mind.
Thanks for the response!

How much traveling time do you have? How many days are you going to be spending at your final destination? and, lastly, how many miles/hours are you interested in doing per day and know that you can do?

Early May means that lots of the high pass roads out west might still be closed.

A few quick thoughts...

1. 12 through southeast Utah is phenomenal. If you're looking for something you can't repeat out east, this is at the top of the list.

2. Monument Valley is spectacular

3. Give yourself a day or two to wind up the california coast from south of Big Sur to San Francisco. I'd be inclined to continue north past San Francisco. Camp up in the northern redwoods then make your way over to NV (36 is *great*, as is 299) and take 50 across the state. This, again, is something unlike anything you'll find on the east coast.

4. If you pass through Death Valley, make sure you go up to Dante's view. It's up at 5,400 feet altitude and more than 5,500 feet above Bad Water, the lowest point in North America, nearly straight below you. The view is mind bending.

5. Once west of the Mississippi, hop on the east west state roads.

6. IF the roads are clear, don't miss the chance to go over the Sierra on one of the state roads. They're usually not open so early, but it has been known to happen. Just plan on the roads being dirty with sand and winter debris. Otherwise, I-80 is a sure bet over the Sierra if no other options present themselves.

If you'd like, I or some other folks can tempt you with photos of some of these places. :D



Here's a slice of Utah 12. Click on the image for a larger view (the big one is 2000 pixels wide and just shy of 300 kb).

<a href=http://www.conary.org/bike/post/utah_12_large.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://www.conary.org/bike/post/utah_12_small.jpg border=1></a>
 
I have between 2 and 3 weeks of time for the trip. I can do 100 miles or 800 miles per day, it doesn't matter. I do not have a specific destination other than the pacific ocean. I do plan on riding the coast line from north of LA to San Fran and a little beyond.

I understand that some roads may still be closed but that is one reason why I am trying to go west on a southern route and buy a week or so of additional time to the north.

Death Valley, Big Sur, Red Woods are all on the list. I do not have a specific schedule nor do I want one. I do appreciate very much that you took the time to write back and point out Rt 12 in Utah and Rt 36,299 from Ca to NV. The primary reason for the trip is to get away from schedules and deadlines, but not necessaraily waste all my time on the interstates either. I am relying on people like yourself to point out specific areas that stand out in your mind as places not to miss.

Thanks
 
Marty927 said:
I have between 2 and 3 weeks of time for the trip. I can do 100 miles or 800 miles per day, it doesn't matter. I do not have a specific destination other than the pacific ocean.

I do not have a specific schedule nor do I want one.
Thanks
Now that's what I call a PLAN (or lack of one! :D ). Far as I'm concerned that's the only way to travel, that way you're never off schedule. :D

Sounds like you'll have a great ride, and you certainly picked the best time to do it, before summer break and heat down the southern side of the US.

Have fun and take lots of pics to show us when you get back.

RM
 
Thanks for the well wishes RM.

I am ready for this like you can't imagine.

I will be taking lots of pictures to share
 
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