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Anyone from Carolinas heading to MOA Rally in OREGON

K

ksport

Guest
I am riding to the annual rally in July, was wondering if anyone from North OR South Carolina, Georgia heading out there.
 
Yes. Will be heading out there from Charleston, SC. Still working on the route I will take, what to see on the way there and back, etc. Glad it's on the other side of the country. Gives me the motivation to do something I've been meaning to get around to.
 
Let me know which route you are taking as time gets closer, I was planning to take the straight route there (major hwys.)
 
I may be headed out there. I'm trying to decide if I can afford to take two weeks off. I really want to ride some in the Rockies, but I don't look forward to the flat ride until you get there. Let's all keep in touch. I have another friend from here that may go, and also a few from the Atlanta area.
 
Rally Train

Looks like I will be taking the Rally Train out of Washington DC. I'll ride the bike up to DC and either load it into a baggage car or ship the bike by tractor-trailer. Riding across the US in a passenger car is wonderful, and with a bunch of BMW riders on the train, it is a three-day party!:thumb

Check the thread about the Rally Train in the National Rally Forum. It is a nice way to get you and your bike out to Oregon, and you can decide to ride back or ride around the NorthWest and get back on the return train.
 
Looks like I will be taking the Rally Train out of Washington DC. I'll ride the bike up to DC and either load it into a baggage car or ship the bike by tractor-trailer. Riding across the US in a passenger car is wonderful, and with a bunch of BMW riders on the train, it is a three-day party!:thumb

Check the thread about the Rally Train in the National Rally Forum. It is a nice way to get you and your bike out to Oregon, and you can decide to ride back or ride around the NorthWest and get back on the return train.

You need to ride the bike across the country, will be more fun then the rally train.
 
I may be headed out there. I'm trying to decide if I can afford to take two weeks off. I really want to ride some in the Rockies, but I don't look forward to the flat ride until you get there. Let's all keep in touch. I have another friend from here that may go, and also a few from the Atlanta area.

i am thinking about stopping in CO for a day and ride in the mountains, there are some good routes there. Then probably would like to ride thru beartooth mountain in Montana, Wyoming on way back. I'm planning to leave on saturday before, giving me plenty of time.
 
I am riding to the annual rally in July, was wondering if anyone from North OR South Carolina, Georgia heading out there.

i am, but judging by the bike in your avatar, you would not like the route that i am planning. :evil

here is a suggested route (part of this is from an article I wrote to get to Gillette, WY for the 2008 rally...). I rode this way in 2001, and had a phenomenal trip. This isn't the "straight route" in terms of all slab, but it is a pretty direct shot at Redmond.

Say no I-90
Mapquest shows the fastest way to Gillette being I-75N, I-24W, I-64 to St. Louis, I-70W to Kansas City, I-35N & I-29N to I-90 and then a long grind west across South Dakota. Here is a much more enjoyable way to ride across South Dakota.

Just after you enter the state on I-29, take exit 26 onto SD50 west. You’re riding just north of the Missouri River, through Vermillion and Yankton, after which you can find your way through interesting little farm roads near Lewis and Clark Lake or enjoy the rolling hills (yes, rolling hills) as you join SD46 and then connect with US18 in Wagner.

As you ride across the Missouri west of Pickton, you’re entering Indian country. Well, you probably noticed a few casinos before this point, and to be honest, some of the living conditions here are a little shocking/depressing, but the bulk of the road is wide open and a whole bunch better than the slab.

As you get to Denby, you have a choice: ride north on the Big Foot Trail (Indian Service Road 27) or continue west on US18. North is a nice ride through nowhere that takes you to the south entrance to the Badlands National Park and on up to Rapid City. West is much better, in my opinion, taking you to through the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, and upward to the Black Hills area. This is beautiful country with great riding roads. You can either follow US18 west at this point, but I usually depart at Hot Springs on US385N then SD87 through Wind Cave National Park to excellent camping in Custer State Park. It usually takes me two long days to ride to this point from Atlanta.

From this point, it’s just a short way to Gillette on I-90, or there are some good back roads that run more or less parallel. Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse are very nearby. This year, I am going to try US16W from Custer, to see what that is like. I see some very interesting ranch roads to try… more likely than not, many are unpaved… a good thing!

From Gillette... these are some roads you will never forget:

- I-90 west to US14A, ride over the Bighorn Mountains.

- Find a way to Red Lodge, MT and ride US212 over Beartooth Pass.

- Use the northeast entrance to Yellowstone, leave via the north entrance.

- North on US89 to Livingston.

- I90 west to Missoula

- US93 south a few miles to Lolo and west on US12 over the Lolo Pass.

- Go through Lewiston, take WA129 south into Oregon (amazing canyon wall ride)

- Go to Enterprise, OR on OR3, take OR82 to the Imnaha highway and go east to Imnaha. You're backtracking a bit, but it's worth it.

- Take FS39 south (aka north Imnaha Road, Wallowa Loop Road) for 75 miles of pure twisties and no traffic. This road through Hell's Canyon NRA will wear you out.

- Take OR86 west to Baker City, OR 7 south to US26 and west to Redmond (there are some excellent side trips off this road.

hope to meet you there, or at the Georgia Mountain Rally.

ian
 
I've ridden behind Visian. You will see plenty of great motorcycle roads if you follow his advice. :thumb
 
VISIAN and SIBUD,
I was actually planning to ride straight to Denver via fastest route and then I was planning to head west through twisty & scenic routes. VISIAN, what bike do you ride? Mine is not the most comfortable thing but ESA helps and then it handles great through the curves. How many days are you planning to take to get there. I was planning to leave Saturday 11th and get to Redmond on Thursday.
 
Few Questions

Guys I got few questions for the long ride. I've never ridden so far, but since most of you guys have, here are few questions.
1) Luggage- well I'm planning to carry the 55 liter tail bag, since I'm the only one riding, it should be ok. What do you guys think?
2) In July do I need to pack any warm clothing for Oregon or not?
3) Bike is under warranty, do I need to carry anykind of tool kit etc.?
4) Anything like extra pair of headlight/ tail lights bulbs etc.
Anyother suggestions, that you guys may think off.

Thanks in advance.
 
Guys I got few questions for the long ride. I've never ridden so far, but since most of you guys have, here are few questions.
1) Luggage- well I'm planning to carry the 55 liter tail bag, since I'm the only one riding, it should be ok. What do you guys think?
2) In July do I need to pack any warm clothing for Oregon or not?
3) Bike is under warranty, do I need to carry anykind of tool kit etc.?
4) Anything like extra pair of headlight/ tail lights bulbs etc.
Anyother suggestions, that you guys may think off.

Thanks in advance.

1. I've never been able to travel with just a top case. Do you have side bags on your bike? You can always buy a tail bag and strap it across the seat.

2. I always pack for the worst weather conditions. It's way better to have it and not need it, esp. going west. I guess that's why I can never travel with just a top case.

3. It really doesn't matter if you bike is under warranty if you're on the side of the road and needing a small repair and the nearest dealer is 200 miles away and it's Sunday. I carry some type of wrench or screw driver that will fit every fastener on my bike. Spare fuses and lights are not optional with me. Carry a good tire repair kit and a small air compressor. A flashlight with new batteries. Some electrical tape. A rag for cleaning up along with a small bottle of hand cleaner. Nothing worse than being on the side of the road needing a $3 screwdriver. http://www.aerostich.com/ is a good source for any needed gear.

4. Plan like you are the only person that is on the road.

5. Have a freakin' ball.
 
Guys which routes are you planning to take.
I'm thinking about Knoxville, St. Louis, kansas city, Cheyenne, thru Teton and Yellow stone, spokane, and down to bend.

All suggestions be appreciated.

I did think about the Dakotas but that would have been too long.
 
VISIAN and SIBUD,
I was actually planning to ride straight to Denver via fastest route and then I was planning to head west through twisty & scenic routes. VISIAN, what bike do you ride? Mine is not the most comfortable thing but ESA helps and then it handles great through the curves. How many days are you planning to take to get there. I was planning to leave Saturday 11th and get to Redmond on Thursday.

i plan to ride my oilhead GS, and get to Hell's canyon in 3 days.

i'll definitely be taking different roads than you, especially across wyoming & idaho. :evil

i am planning to do some lying-on-the-ground-watching-the-sky-go-by type of activity in eastern oregon and then head over to the rally... but need to get there early for some volunteer stuff.

if you've never ridden I-70 across Kansas to denver, you're in for a great time. :ha

seriously, hope you have a great ride. according to streets & trips, the "fastest way" takes you through nebraska, utah, wyoming and idaho, which is (to me) a more interesting way.

ian
 
Are you staying in hotels/ motels or camping?
I'll be going thru Nebraska, Wyoming and then head up into Teton and Yellowstone, and then come thru spokane.
I've driven out west quite a bit, so am kind of familiar with the hwys.
I sure am going to enjoy.
 
i plan to ride my oilhead GS, and get to Hell's canyon in 3 days.

i'll definitely be taking different roads than you, especially across wyoming & idaho. :evil

i am planning to do some lying-on-the-ground-watching-the-sky-go-by type of activity in eastern oregon and then head over to the rally... but need to get there early for some volunteer stuff.

if you've never ridden I-70 across Kansas to denver, you're in for a great time. :ha

seriously, hope you have a great ride. according to streets & trips, the "fastest way" takes you through nebraska, utah, wyoming and idaho, which is (to me) a more interesting way.

ian

Are you gonna fill us in on the roads across Wyoming and Idaho? Inquiring minds want to know.:nod
 
Rally Train

Looks like I will be taking the Rally Train out of Washington DC. I'll ride the bike up to DC and either load it into a baggage car or ship the bike by tractor-trailer. Riding across the US in a passenger car is wonderful, and with a bunch of BMW riders on the train, it is a three-day party!:thumb

Check the thread about the Rally Train in the National Rally Forum. It is a nice way to get you and your bike out to Oregon, and you can decide to ride back or ride around the NorthWest and get back on the return train.

I called Amtrack and they have no record of a rally train....can someone help me with this? Me and my buddy can't take two weeks off to ride both ways and want to ride train there and bike back.
 
Some western advice:)

I've ridden and live out here for over 30 years now. A good tip! Bring something warm to wear. An electric vest is easy to pack along and will keep you smiling. Our mtn. passes get snow in Summer months sometimes and very least get very cold at night. Camp below 6-7000' to not freeze at night and above 3000' to not be too warm. Its easier than it sounds. Most everywhere is above 3000 out here. I've awoke in Yellowstone NP areas in July with and inch of snow on my tent and this is common. Pack dry, using dry bags like most outfitter stores sell. Rain out here is not like East Coast weather, where a Western storm will usually pass you quickly, but they come on very quick and you can see them coming to prepare, if needed. It rains hard at times, but not usually for long periods:). Hot Summer months, riding the midwest states, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma? Drink lots of water, carry it along, you'll need it. Once "West" of the humidity belt, evaporative cooling works extremely well, so wet your shirt thoroughly at stops for some very cool riding. Happy Trails, Randy:thumb
 
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