KS to WA route advice needed

[tybme]

I and a couple friends are going to make a run from Kansas to Port Orchard WA this summer to visit NASSIR4 (goldwingfacts.com   http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/forum14/98213.html )

This appears to be the route we are going to be taking up (coming back is going to be super-slab as fast as possible) over about 10 days.

Any suggestions?

http://mapq.st/lwEMo4

Thanks in advance.

[R J]

I haven't run from Kansas to there, but I have run from Iowa and it is a nice trip, once ya get above I-70 in Colorado.

It will not take ya 50 hours to run it. Unless they are talking stopped time also.  But driving hours no way. 

[tybme]

We are going to take a little time in Colorado around the Montrose area to see a few things - then planning on low mileage days (around 300 miles per day) so we can take time to see the sites and in case the weather isn't being cooperative.

[tybme]

Anybody have any route advice?

[LandElephant]

Well it would depend on what part of the week you plan on going up the PCH (OR and WA).  If it is on the weekend (Sat or Sun) you might find it to be a frustrating ride because of traffic in the summertime.  Extremely slow because of vacationers and small towns.  It is a nice ride but it can be slow.

The alternative to see more of the west in the same time is to head north through Wyoming, cut through Yellowstone and then hit Idaho and Northern Washington.  Then head south on a weekday through the PCH and head straight home. I'll post a route after work (it's lunchtime).

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Valk_ca]

Looking forward to meeting you in Port Orchard.

I'm with Charlie on the PCH. You really want to avoid that route on a weekend. It would drive you absolutely nuts. Driving one of the nicest roads in America and unable to enjoy it because its littered with cages. But I'd try to work that route in one way or another. Its definitely a bucket list ride. I've done it a couple of times but have re-added it as one I want to ride with my son one day.

If you're looking for alternate routes and have lots of time on your hands I'd suggest a ride north from Montrose (avoid the slabs) up to Missoula, take the #12 across Idaho, #3 up to Couer D'Alene, #41 to the #20 and then run the #20 through to the west coast. Gorgeous sweepers most of the way, virtually no cages and no flat, hot desert to cross.

[Hoser]

Best route would be to head northwest and eventually get there, it's a pity most folks can't take the time to wander a bit enroute to anywhere.  Have fun, Ty.  Hoser

[Redline +]

Looking forward to meeting you in Port Orchard.

I'm with Charlie on the PCH. You really want to avoid that route on a weekend. It would drive you absolutely nuts. Driving one of the nicest roads in America and unable to enjoy it because its littered with cages. But I'd try to work that route in one way or another. Its definitely a bucket list ride. I've done it a couple of times but have re-added it as one I want to ride with my son one day.

If you're looking for alternate routes and have lots of time on your hands I'd suggest a ride north from Montrose (avoid the slabs) up to Missoula, take the #12 across Idaho, #3 up to Couer D'Alene, #41 to the #20 and then run the #20 through to the west coast. Gorgeous sweepers most of the way, virtually no cages and no flat, hot desert to cross.

This is Highway 12 across Idaho at Lolo Pass, a Vermin Club favorite.


Highway 20 over the mountains in Washington, the North Cascades Highway, is the number one motorcycle road in the state. Stop for icecream in Winthrop.

Redline 

[Sourdough]

I have to go with Valk_ca & Redline on their route choice. This is one
beautiful bike ride !!!! I ride some or all of it every year !!! Be sure to top off your
fuel at Hwy 93 & Rt 12 before heading over Lolo Pass..no fuel for at least
100 + miles.

[wd40]

Lots of alternatives. and all good for sure!  If you stick to the posted route, I'd suggest staying on US 50 from Fallon NV, and going through Virginia City NV (Route 341).  A true classic western historic mining town, home of the Comstock lode.  Then do a full or partial loop around Lake Tahoe.

[tybme]

Thanks for the recommendations I like what I'm seeing!

[B]

I and a couple friends are going to make a run from Kansas to Port Orchard WA this summer to visit NASSIR4 (goldwingfacts.com   http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/forum14/98213.html )

This appears to be the route we are going to be taking up (coming back is going to be super-slab as fast as possible) over about 10 days.

Any suggestions?

http://mapq.st/lwEMo4

I would swing North out of KS and hit South Dakota (if you've not been there) to catch the Badlands & Black Hills. Ck out Deadwood & some of the sires if time allows ... It's definitely on my "return to" list someday.

Thanks in advance.

[tybme]

Yeah B I was just up there a couple years ago. We are planning a swing through on the return trip - gorgeous area!

[Red Diamond]

You'll enjoy the ride on Hwy 50 thru Eureka, Nevada. Fantastic hwy with a lot of 18 wheelers, loneliest hwy in the world, but beautiful. I think your map shows where you are going do a double back to Montrose, Co. to take Hwy 62, if you have time stop in at Telluride. If you are going to superslab it back, don't miss Glenwood Canyon portion of I-70, this is a sight to behold, all along the Colorado river within the Glenwood Canyon. Ride Safely.