Deciscions, decisions.

[..]

Back to UT and AZ and other bits. The weather is normally dry but hot. And how to get there without crossing the FLAT LANDS.

OR

Up to Maine from WNC. Weather there could be rain, rain, rain.

I've been in MA and VT but a long time ago in a car.

BRP and Skyline Drive on the way.

[carolinarider09]

Today, tomorrow, next month????  You know inquiring minds. 

[hubcapsc]

I've gone back and forth there a couple of times now, so four times across
the plains.

The best (by far I think) is to cross the northern part of Oklahoma, including through
the panhandle. Knock it out in one day. Eastern Oklahoma is still kind of nice/OK. Then
one day through the plains. The next day you can be in Colorado or New Mexico...

It's one day going 70 or 80 on I-40 too, but... blegghh... and when you get
across, you're still way south...

-Mike

[..]

Today, tomorrow, next month????  You know inquiring minds. 

Oh yeah. June July.

[Rams]

June would be my choice but, that's up to you.   But as the old saying goes, "Go West Young Man, Go West".
Personally, I think Utah has more scenic viewing but, again that is a personal choice.

Rams

[carolinarider09]

When we went out west for the first time, June of 2011, it was when I was younger as were the gentleman I was riding with.   Darn it was fun.  

We headed west, stopping in Memphis to visit the "king's" place. (image from previous trip)



Then through the upper part of Oklahoma and into NM and AZ.   It was interstate a lot on the first few days.  

We found this neat stop on Route 66 for lunch (picture from later trip but same stop)


We stopped in Winslow because of the song and it was spot on (oh the restaurant just up the road from that picture was owned by a lady from Garden City, SC).


We found snow on the way to Yellowstone


We found the last place Thelma and Louise stopped at, by accident.

And I got to pose in front of the mittens.   


I cannot find all the pictures but here is a video of the trip.  It was spectacular.   

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3olzrgo3i17us8i/West%202009%20Revision%202.mp4?dl=0

We did a trip to Maine in August 2007.  This is the original trip.   We had a few issues in one of the towns on the Finger Lakes but other than that... oh and we found some excellent BBQ in upstate New York. A surprise. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ci5kqahld12v49/Maine%202007%20Version%203.mpg?dl=0

In August of 2013 we did the Northern route out west.  Would do it again also.  It was very nice, fun, clean and just a nice ride. 

Video here

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n9eoxnmht72lhkk/West%202013%20Northern%20Route.mp4?dl=0

[Binkie]

I've been toying with the idea of heading NE after this years Inzane. Definitely up the BRP and Skyline Dr. Some years ago Joe Stratemeier aka skinhead and I plus others did a trip to Bar Harbor Mn via NewYork, Vermont, New Hampshire to Maine. I had a blast and would love to redo it.

[..]

I've been toying with the idea of heading NE after this years Inzane. Definitely up the BRP and Skyline Dr. Some years ago Joe Stratemeier aka skinhead and I plus others did a trip to Bar Harbor Mn via NewYork, Vermont, New Hampshire to Maine. I had a blast and would love to redo it.

Did you use a ferry to get there?

[Skinhead]

I've been toying with the idea of heading NE after this years Inzane. Definitely up the BRP and Skyline Dr. Some years ago Joe Stratemeier aka skinhead and I plus others did a trip to Bar Harbor Mn via NewYork, Vermont, New Hampshire to Maine. I had a blast and would love to redo it.

Did you use a ferry to get there?

[Robert]

Make plans for both but commit to one when the time comes closer and you can check the weather.

Maine Lobsters, yum, but Utah with the landscape and home cooking also good. You wont loose either way just a matter of comfort and what view do you feel like?

Utah when you are on the road and start to see signs that the next stop is 136 miles and you are having issues and there is N O T H I N G out there.   

Arizona is so beautiful in some parts also.

[..]

Make plans for both but commit to one when the time comes closer and you can check the weather.

Maine Lobsters, yum, but Utah with the landscape and home cooking also good. You wont loose either way just a matter of comfort and what view do you feel like?

Utah when you are on the road and start to see signs that the next stop is 136 miles and you are having issues and there is N O T H I N G out there.   

Arizona is so beautiful in some parts also.

I've been to the SW a few times.

A big pull for next year is going back to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

[Robert]

Make plans for both but commit to one when the time comes closer and you can check the weather.

Maine Lobsters, yum, but Utah with the landscape and home cooking also good. You wont loose either way just a matter of comfort and what view do you feel like?

Utah when you are on the road and start to see signs that the next stop is 136 miles and you are having issues and there is N O T H I N G out there.   

Arizona is so beautiful in some parts also.

I've been to the SW a few times.

A big pull for next year is going back to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

OH that would be awesome I can well understand that. I did manage to get to the Grand Canyon a few times but was not able to spend the time I wanted there. Its almost a mystical place in some areas. I was able to fly over the Canyon in a helicopter once it was pretty good but nothing like being there. As you say Decisions, decisions.

Many years ago also went to the Hoover Dam and took the tour.

The West is so different than the rest of the country, the desert is so beautiful but quiet and although its open and spacious and seems devoid of life there is much happening.

I was always taught that lightning never goes up, but when you are in the desert and you see lightning do just that its amazing.

[Hook#3287]

BRP and Skyline Dr are excellent, as you well know, but do take time at the posted 45 and 35mph respectively, especially during tourist season.

I did it all north to south one year in September with very light traffic and it took a couple days.

Getting off in Front Royale you could hit Manassas, Gettysburg or Antietam if the American Civil War holds any interest.  It's eye opening to see what happened in that conflict and those places are worth the time.

Regardless, I would skirt to the north and west and cruise though central PA up to mid NY, maybe check out the Finger Lakes, head to the Adirondacks up to Lake Champlain.  Fort Ticonderoga is cool to visit. Either go up and over the lake (Burlington VT is a nice city even though it's mostly earthy crunchy lib infested, as is most of VT) or grab a ferry to VT.  Head to northern VT, then NH over to ME.

Coming back, you could do the ME, NH, VT southern route, hit western MA and northern CT in the Berkshires.

So many small NE towns to visit and so much history and sites to see, you could spend a summer and not see half.

There's a mix of road conditions to deal with.  Some secondary and back roads will be in worse condition than dirt roads, but for the most part, most will be very good.

[..]

BRP and Skyline Dr are excellent, as you well know, but do take time at the posted 45 and 35mph respectively, especially during tourist season.

I did it all north to south one year in September with very light traffic and it took a couple days.

Getting off in Front Royale you could hit Manassas, Gettysburg or Antietam if the American Civil War holds any interest.  It's eye opening to see what happened in that conflict and those places are worth the time.

Regardless, I would skirt to the north and west and cruise though central PA up to mid NY, maybe check out the Finger Lakes, head to the Adirondacks up to Lake Champlain.  Fort Ticonderoga is cool to visit. Either go up and over the lake (Burlington VT is a nice city even though it's mostly earthy crunchy lib infested, as is most of VT) or grab a ferry to VT.  Head to northern VT, then NH over to ME.

Coming back, you could do the ME, NH, VT southern route, hit western MA and northern CT in the Berkshires.

So many small NE towns to visit and so much history and sites to see, you could spend a summer and not see half.

There's a mix of road conditions to deal with.  Some secondary and back roads will be in worse condition than dirt roads, but for the most part, most will be very good.

I just did a Google Maps route from home to Lake Champlain and Bar Harbor and used the no highway/tolls option.

That looks pretty good as a start. Thanks.

https://goo.gl/maps/h1t2vURRgyhToBis6

[carolinarider09]

Does look like a good choice.   I have not been those exact roads but some close by.   

[..]

I flipped the mental coin and North Rim here I come.

Subject to change of course.  

https://goo.gl/maps/W23tRSou7j6FJnn96

[carolinarider09]

I like that route.  I think we were sort of there in June 2015.  We came in from the west I think. 

Not sure exactly where this picture was taken but, based on the route below it for that date.....  one could maybe guess.  Looks to be around noon. 





Anyway, I am going to copy your route into my "potential" trips .   

Thanks for the update.

[Avanti]

You will not regret going to the North Rim. We have been there more than once.

Depending on the direction of approach, that is a ride that needs verification of fuel stops.

[..]

You will not regret going to the North Rim. We have been there more than once.

Depending on the direction of approach, that is a ride that needs verification of fuel stops.

Yep. Been there once before. My second sighting of a USA porcupine was as I rode down to the North Rim on 67?

And snow on the ground and in the air in lateish August. Early 2000's.

[..]

Working on the first draft of a route.

5/6 days of no interstate flatlands - I know, I know, this summer on my return from Inzane I swore never again.

North Rim, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Grand Escalante, Monument Valley, Gooseneck State Park,Moki Dugway, Aztec Ruins, Gateway Car Musuem, Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, Air War Musuem, Flatlands home. Plus whatever I come across along the way.

In Italics -  I've never seen before.

[Avanti]

The flats can be ridden real early or late. I prefer real early due to cooling all night long.

[..]

The flats can be ridden real early or late. I prefer real early due to cooling all night long.

I don't mind the heat too much. I carry a lot of cold water and electrolyte / hydration powder.

[..]

Working on the first draft of a route.

5/6 days of no interstate flatlands - I know, I know, this summer on my return from Inzane I swore never again.

North Rim, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Grand Escalante, Monument Valley, Gooseneck State Park,Moki Dugway, Aztec Ruins, Gateway Car Musuem, Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, Air War Musuem, Flatlands home. Plus whatever I come across along the way.

In Italics -  I've never seen before.

Some additions

Elvis birthplace, Cowboy golf man figure, Sandia Crest, Connies Photo Park, National Monument - Grand Junction, Artillery Museum, Kansas Bike Museum, Smoky Valley Distillery.

[..]

I thought to add a loop up Berthoud Pass and Rocky Mtn National Park but after reading the reservation instructions for the Park I'll give that  a miss.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

I'll just zoom up to Winter Park and then zoom back down.

[Oss]

I do not know if you like short hikes (or long ones) but the area around the south finger lakes has some outstanding short hikes,  from Buttermilk falls just outside Ithaca to Taughannock Falls State Park
to Watkins Glen, and south of that is the grand canyon of Pennsylvania maybe an hour or less from that area.  The zippo factory in Bradford Pa is a nice stop and the town has some nice historic places to stay and eat good food.

The Thousand Islands area of NY  is a good stop and the Lake George area is fine for a base for rides in the Adirondacks    We spent a great weekend up in Lake Placid in October and from there to Ticonderoga is not even an hour.  From there Vermont and Mount Washington are close and the coast of Maine is wonderful (but the water is COLD)

When folks say you cant get there from here, pay attention lol

If Canada opens up Monteal the 1st weekend of July hosts the Montreal Jazz Festival  We rode the Valk there several years and had an awesome time. Their botanical gardens was a day event worth the walking and jet boat from old city was fun   on a hot day  

You are welcome to overnite here Paul in Ossining   You would enjoy Harriman Park, the Croton Dam and  the Catskills

[Avanti]

I believe Canada is open.

[..]

I believe Canada is open.

Bloody long way from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon 

About a 1,000 miles.

[..]

I do not know if you like short hikes (or long ones) but the area around the south finger lakes has some outstanding short hikes,  from Buttermilk falls just outside Ithaca to Taughannock Falls State Park
to Watkins Glen, and south of that is the grand canyon of Pennsylvania maybe an hour or less from that area.  The zippo factory in Bradford Pa is a nice stop and the town has some nice historic places to stay and eat good food.

The Thousand Islands area of NY  is a good stop and the Lake George area is fine for a base for rides in the Adirondacks    We spent a great weekend up in Lake Placid in October and from there to Ticonderoga is not even an hour.  From there Vermont and Mount Washington are close and the coast of Maine is wonderful (but the water is COLD)

When folks say you cant get there from here, pay attention lol

If Canada opens up Monteal the 1st weekend of July hosts the Montreal Jazz Festival  We rode the Valk there several years and had an awesome time. Their botanical gardens was a day event worth the walking and jet boat from old city was fun   on a hot day  

You are welcome to overnite here Paul in Ossining   You would enjoy Harriman Park, the Croton Dam and  the Catskills

Grand Canyon is my final decision.

Thanks.

[..]

Working on the first draft of a route.

5/6 days of no interstate flatlands - I know, I know, this summer on my return from Inzane I swore never again.

North Rim, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Grand Escalante, Monument Valley, Gooseneck State Park,Moki Dugway, Aztec Ruins, Gateway Car Musuem, Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, Air War Musuem, Flatlands home. Plus whatever I come across along the way.

In Italics -  I've never seen before.

Some additions

Elvis birthplace, Cowboy golf man figure, Sandia Crest, Connies Photo Park, National Monument - Grand Junction, Artillery Museum, Kansas Bike Museum, Smoky Valley Distillery.

Mesa Verde

[carolinarider09]

Regarding Elvis's birthplace, our first visit was August 2006.  My riding buddies found it very interesting. 

Front porch swing



His car



And the chapel

[RP#62]

Canyon de Chelly. Off the beaten path and consequently not crowded like the Grand Canyon.

https://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm


-RP

[Valkorado]

Canyon de Chelly. Off the beaten path and consequently not crowded like the Grand Canyon.

https://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm


-RP

Very awesome place!

[..]

Canyon de Chelly. Off the beaten path and consequently not crowded like the Grand Canyon.

https://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm


-RP

thanks, added to my route.

[..]

Forrest Gump Hill

I've ridden Hwy 163 before but had no idea it was used in the movie.

[..]

A year pass is $80.

I do have a Lifetime Geezer Pass. If I didn't. These are the ones I plan on visiting in July

Zion $30
Bryce $30
North Rim Grand Canyon $30
Glen Canyon $25
Horseshoe Bend Overlook $25
Natural Bridges $15
Canyonlands $25
Canyon de Chelly $0
Mesa Verde $25
Aztec Ruins $0
Colorado National Monument $20



State Parks
Gooseneck UT $5
Mt. Evans CO $3
Pikes Peak CO $15

[3fan4life]

I'm in the planning stages for a ride to the west coast and back.

We're looking to ride as much of the Pacific Coast Highway as possible and take in a few sights along the way and back.

I'll be following this thread and any of your trip with great interest.

[..]

I'm in the planning stages for a ride to the west coast and back.

We're looking to ride as much of the Pacific Coast Highway as possible and take in a few sights along the way and back.

I'll be following this thread and any of your trip with great interest.

I've ridden from Monterey to Morro Bay on the PCH adding in a loop around Pacific Grove . Beautiful.

[fudgie]

Goosenecks is neat, esp near sunset. I wouldn't do Moki dugway on a bike or Vally of the Gods.

[..]

Great Pink Sand Dunes UT

[..]

Goosenecks is neat, esp near sunset. I wouldn't do Moki dugway on a bike or Vally of the Gods.

Went up Moki on my ST1300 after seeing a Concours 1400 and GW1800 come down it.

The switchbacks are now paved.