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Seattle to Prescott AZ, and back - in March

NWORCEST

New member
First post here.

I recently acquired a new/used F800GS, really nice bike. I've been riding for many years, but have not done a multi-day for a looonng time.

I'll be going to a week-long class in Prescott during the second week of March, and am thinking of riding there and back. Generally I'll be riding alone.

I suspect I'll try it in 2-3 days each way. I'm looking for route recommendations...Probably an eastern NV route one way, and a western NV or CA route the other. I'll consider camping for at least one night during each leg.

So...looking for any suggestions on routes, including good camping/lodging; anyone who wants to ride-along for segments; and any offers of being a local contact in case the bike act up, etc. I do carry the anonymous book, but having a few contacts for segments would ease the angst for my first solo trip on the bike.

Thanks a lot.

Ned - Seattle
 
Hi Ned,
A nice campground is LaPine State Campground south of Bend, Oregon. I recommend anywhere east of the Cascades unless you like rain!
Mt Shasta can be a bear that time of year, but the coast route, albeit wet, shouldn't have any ice or snow.
Have a great trip. :usa
 
Isn't there some .......

snow in March? Since AZ isn't on the coast? Maybe you mean turn left at San Diego!:D
 
Lots of great roads to pick from, IÔÇÖve been on many. For me, doing that trip in March would be about the weather. As you know, depending on your route you could have 70 degree days or near blizzard conditions. You wonÔÇÖt know which until close to show time.

I would pick an ideal route that was scenic and smaller roads like a lot of 395 and then have a bailout plan like running down the coast where you might get epic rain but far less chance of big time snow.

The other issue for me would be to consider how I get back if I canÔÇÖt ride back, You will have a good idea about the weather and road conditions a day or two before you head down; however, you wonÔÇÖt know what it will be like a week and a half later for your return trip.

Experience brings with it the knowledge to know when conditions are over your head and the ability to decide, as we say in ocean kayaking, ÔÇ£when to stay on the beachÔÇØ.

Enjoy the planning, add in many bailouts you can use along the way and dont be afraid to reroute because of weather. Years ago that was how I found Moab. A monster of a lighting storm was lighting up Highway 70 all around me with winds so strong from the north that I was leaned far over the left just to try to go straight so I turned south at my first oppornunity and out ran the storm.ended up in Moab.

Outrunning that storm as it nipped at my heals and ending up in Moab is one of my best riding memories.

Enjoy
 
Better than even chance it could snow in March in Prescott. Be prepared.

Definitely going to snow in Prescott in March, not much but will definitely snow: Always has in the thirty years I have lived in Central Arizona, Verdad ese!
 
Nevada Camps:)

I've traveled Nevada and camped there for 35 years, so a list:)....Prescott is also a regular for my travels, a FINE locale in AZ to visit. Caliente,NV has a private owned RV/Tent camping is nice on grass and good showers(14$). The place is just as you enter town on the LEFT of highway, coming from West. Extraterestrial Hwy and Area 51! Ely,NV has a wonderfully groomed KOA for a perfect nights rest(22$), all the facilities needed on site. Ely eats? One place, The(Historical) HOTEL NV...Austin,NV has a couple camps, one on US50 7 miles East of town(National Forest, FREE, no showers) and a offroad camp adventure of about 8 miles to get to, just West of town to a Spring fed oasis. RV Park in downtown Austin is with showers, but just average for a rating. Restuarant in town(Austin) is EXCELLENT. Toiyabe Restuarant. Most of Nevada is either BLM or National Forests and camping about anywhere is not hard to find, but know your ability to camp the "wilds", be prepared. Carry protection and water are good tips, because nobody will find you in this vast open state, if you're wilderness camping. Absolutely beautiful, Nevada and AZ...Randy:thumb
 
Thanks to everyone...

It looks like it may be a little too unpredictable to consider riding...I was hoping that it would be far enough south that the snow was less likely.

If it were for pleasure I might risk it, but as I have to plan far enough in advance to guarantee my itinerary, it sounds slightly iffy...
 
Probably a very good decision...Flagstaff is near 7000 feet in elevation, and the 'average' snowfall in March is 22 inches. Prescott is a bit lower, but at Scout Camp there in April one year there was almost a foot of snow overnight. A cold night in the tents! LOL

Running down through Nevada at that time of year can be fairly dry, but also quite cold. To avoid the worst of the possible weather impacts you'd have head down I-5 nearly to L.A., then go to Central AZ and go north.

Just sayin'! :D

Cheers!
 
Probably a very good decision...Flagstaff is near 7000 feet in elevation, and the 'average' snowfall in March is 22 inches. Prescott is a bit lower, but at Scout Camp there in April one year there was almost a foot of snow overnight. A cold night in the tents! LOL

Running down through Nevada at that time of year can be fairly dry, but also quite cold. To avoid the worst of the possible weather impacts you'd have head down I-5 nearly to L.A., then go to Central AZ and go north.

Just sayin'! :D

Cheers!

SeabeckS is absolutely right about Northern Arizona, here's Prescott on March 31, 2012:

IMGP0035.jpg


IMGP0030.jpg
 
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