San Diego to St Louis Dec 2.. Routes? Suggestions? Advice?

If all works as planned IÔÇÖll be picking up an 04 R1150RT in San Diego on Dec 2 and heading for home in St Louis MO. IÔÇÖve got the whole week off, so time is not as much of a factor as is the weather. This is my first BMW and my first multi day trip.

I would like some advice from all you seasoned travelers. IÔÇÖll be packing lite, only taking cloths, credit card, my Anonymous Book, and maps.

Soroutes to take? Routes to avoid at all cost!? Any potential hazards for a Newbie to watch out for?

Thanks,

The weather is going to be your biggest challenge. Who knows how much cold and snow December might lay on you. Electric liner and gloves would be a good idea. I think I'd also want to make miles early in the trip, while it is still southwest-warm, and bank some time in case the weather holds you up or makes for short days in the cooler climes. You might also consider a southern route followed by a straight shot north to St. Louis. That would keep you warmer longer.

John

Avoid I-17, between Phoenix and Flagstaff. It always seems to be congested, especially on weekends.

Hi, Don,
Since the trip will be in December, I would be prepared, as you have already been advised, to stay south and then head straight north to St. Louis. Depending on the weather at the time (Weather Channel can be your friend), I would plan to head east from San Diego on I-8, joining I-10 at Casa Grande. Stay east on I-10 to Las Cruces, NM and make a decision there. Depending on the weather, A) Travel east (north?) on US70 to Alamogordo, then east (north?) on US54 (54 and 70 separate in Tularosa) to Santa Rosa, then east on I-40 to Oklahoma City, then east on I-44 to St. Louis. If that way has too much ice, snow, cold, etc., then B) stay on I-10 until it joins I-20 at mile marker 186 in TX, then east on I-20 to Dallas. Turn north onto US75 in Dallas, leaving US75 for US69 in Atoka, OK. Continue on US69 to I-44, then I-44 to St. Louis. If, still, there is snow and ice, the last (and by far, longest) way, C) is to stay on I-20 to Jackson, MS and go north on I-55 to St. Louis.

Gas stops I can recommend are Flying J in Eloy, AZ, the station in Road Forks, NM (mile marker 4 or 5) or, if you can make it from Eloy, the truck stop in Deming, NM (mile marker 81, I think), Lowe's market in Alamogordo (3 or 4 blocks off US54/70 on 10th st.). Fill in Alamo, as gas is much more expensive on US54 out of Alamo. If you don't go through Alamo and stay east on I-10, fill at the Fina truck stop at mile marker 155 in NM (better gas than we have in El Paso - ours is oxygenated), then at Pilot in Van Horn, TX
(mile marker 140) or, if you can make it another 89 miles, at Flying J in Pecos (mile marker 43 on I-20). If heading east to Dallas, definitely fill in Van Horn, as you won't make it to Ft. Stockton, and the few other stations are considerably more expensive. Between Pecos and Dallas, there are a couple or three Wal-Mart supercenters with gas close to the highway. They give a 3 cent discount with a Wal-Mart gift card.

If you have other questions, ask.

You're one lucky polar bear....
robert

Electrics, Rain Gear & Hydration

At a minimum an electric vest or jacket liner. If your bike has electric hand grips you won't need electric gloves -- likewise if you have over the control "monster gloves" (Hippo Hands or Polar Mitts). Rain gear is also windproof and can add that final layer of comfort over the other layers. And always hydrate. Even in cool weather, you're losing body moisture, so be sure to replenish it. If you're riding and riding and never have to pee -- you're dehydrated. Also if you're urine is really concentrated and/or particularly, uhh, fragrent.

I like a tank bag -- good place for the camera, granola or breakfast bars and water bottles. Also easy to grab and bring into a restaurant or stop with you.

Have a great trip!

And, oh yeah, come to a Gateway Riders meeting afterwards with photos & stories!