Author Topic: Touring USA alone on bike (Read 12062 times)

rbmgf7 · « **Reply #50 on:** January 15, 2012, 03:55:33 PM »

Quote from: Shik on January 15, 2012, 02:36:13 PM

Quote from: 754 on January 15, 2012, 01:28:34 PM
Colorado and Utah are not to be missed, and Idaho (did not look at your map)
But, and this is important.. Coloradoo, Nevada ansd other states there are high.. I went thru CO in Aug..zigzagged so I hit 5 or 6 passes that were 11. 000 plus feet. This may affect the running of the bike.. Even in Aug it was rainy and quite coolo.. it could get grim even in June.. just keep that in mind..

So in April this would not be nice is what you are saying?

If you'll be renting an EFI bike, don't worry where you'll be riding. But be prepared for the temperature. The higher up you go in elevation, the colder it gets (what, it's like 3F/1.6C for every 1000 feet?)

I rode from Yellowstone NP, WY to the Grand Canyon NP, AZ in June. Expect the temperature to be 20F to 90F (-7C to 32C). Regardless how hot it was during the day, both of these places still dipped into the 20's at night (I camped throughout my trip).

Shik · « **Reply #51 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:30:46 AM »

Quote

I rode from Yellowstone NP, WY to the Grand Canyon NP, AZ in June. Expect the temperature to be 20F to 90F (-7C to 32C). Regardless how hot it was during the day, both of these places still dipped into the 20's at night (I camped throughout my trip).

Wow, I did not expect to experience that low temperatures (minus in celcius) in this area, but I guess it's all about altitude.
Maybe I need some help with the route in order to avoid driving in temperatures less than 55F, if that's even possible. Otherwise I will have to dress very properly.

EDIT: How can I see altitudes on Google Maps? Preferably in meters.

the technological J · « **Reply #52 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:18:26 AM »

a hooded sweat shirty and some long underwear will go along way to help with lower temps

Shik · « **Reply #53 on:** January 16, 2012, 01:30:33 PM »

How much should I budget for accommodation?

TwoTired · « **Reply #54 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:09:59 PM »

medic09 · « **Reply #55 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:56:23 PM »

Hey Lloyd, do you know when the elephant seals are at Ano Nuevo and other spots on the coast? I would definitely send him on a ride past to see them. I saw them only once about 20 years ago. They were so different and amazing (and ugly) that I could barely force myself to leave the beach.

TwoTired · « **Reply #56 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:13:05 PM »

Quote from: medic09 on January 16, 2012, 03:56:23 PM

Hey Lloyd, do you know when the elephant seals are at Ano Nuevo and other spots on the coast? I would definitely send him on a ride past to see them. I saw them only once about 20 years ago. They were so different and amazing (and ugly) that I could barely force myself to leave the beach.

Looks like December through March 31. They are a couple hour drive for me, and I've never seen them. But, at $50 per person, I may never, yet.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

weekend_junkie · « **Reply #57 on:** January 16, 2012, 05:53:21 PM »

That list is an excellent start.

One thing to point out, I was denied entry to Pebble Beach this summer on a Goldwing. The ranger said there was a strict 'no motorcycles' policy. I joked that my Goldwing was more of a car than a Smartcar, but it didn't help.

Quote from: TwoTired on January 16, 2012, 03:09:59 PM

I'd expect Sedona to on you tour route in Arizona.

As I live in California I'll Steer you to actually go into Sequoia National forest. Those big trees are stunning in person, and no picture I've seen does them any justice at all. The sights, the smells, and the awesomeness of these majestic trees are quite something to behold.
http://www.google.com/search?q=sequoia+national+park&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=4Nb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=iKMUT9PsFeaaiQKOhvi8DQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

The coast highway is certainly wonderful along it entire length. But, it is also a tiring weaving drive that demands your attention. However, the route seems to guide you away from Yosemite. If you are in any way a naturist, you won't want to miss that.
http://www.google.com/search?q=yosemite+national+park&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=zVb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=c6UUT4T2He_UiALY2Lm2DQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCIQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

You can get the flavor and exhilaration of the coast Highway
http://www.google.com/search?q=coast+highway+scenery&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=XYb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=EaYUT8D5FqWYiQKvvtHGDQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

by driving from SF to Santa Cruz (you might even enjoy Big Basin National park's tall redwoods
http://www.google.com/search?q=big+basin+ca&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=xyv&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=dqIUT4eSKarZiQLK5rXUAg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CB0Q_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

, or perhaps go on to Monterey via Highway 1 (many have enjoyed the 17 mile drive in Pebble beach:
http://www.google.com/search?q=17+mile+drive&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=Ntv&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=HKEUT-qOFbDQiAKU16TdDQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CA8Q_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070
), then go back inland to the central valley and Yosemite.
Not far from Yosemite is Mono lake (Check out:
http://www.google.com/search?q=mono+lake+ca&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=xsa&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=_5sUT6CVA4iYiALm1_SrDQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070
) and if you want to see a ghost town, then Bodie is pretty fascinating.

Back in San Francisco, you'll likely want to drive this:
http://www.google.com/search?q=sf+curvy+road&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=8bb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=8KYUT5CqB4SpiQKSy6C7DQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CA4Q_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070#hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=vwG&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=lombard+street+san+francisco&pbx=1&oq=lombard+&aq=1&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=55323l62431l0l65528l12l12l0l0l0l1l198l1593l3.9l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=a59ef3a45e13d088&biw=1668&bih=1070

Perhaps tour a WWII submarine:
http://www.google.com/search?q=sf+submarine+tour&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=kfb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=0KcUT832D8zciAKrk82rDQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CDIQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

Pretend you are a hardened criminal:
http://www.google.com/search?q=alcatraz+tours&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=NNw&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=YKgUT_3yDZHMiQLCm7i9DQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CDIQ_AUoAQ&biw=1668&bih=1070

There are several Chocolate venues in SF. I'd want to drive or visit Golden Gate Park. A Segway tour? Or...
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60713-Activities-San_Francisco_California.html

Perhaps you'd be interested in personally viewing the Oldest know tree on the planet? It's the Methuselah tree in Inyo County CA. I don't know how pretty it is, but it has some pretty interesting bragging rights. From WIKI:
"Methuselah" was 4,789 years old when sampled in 1957 by Edmund Schulman and Tom Harlan, with an estimated germination date of 2832 BC. Methuselah is the oldest known living tree and non-clonal organism in the world—4,843 years old as of 2012.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMMWJ_The_Worlds_Oldest_Trees_Methuselah_Grove

Just some ideas you may wish to consider. There are endless things to see in California. We all don't have enough time to see everything, though.
The Lava Beds in North California I found fascinating, too. Indian wars happened there...

Cheers,

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #58 on:** January 16, 2012, 05:59:59 PM »

Did someone mention a BF tree? The General Sherman and me.

rbmgf7 · « **Reply #59 on:** January 16, 2012, 06:09:32 PM »

Quote from: Shik on January 16, 2012, 01:30:33 PM

How much should I budget for accommodation?

That's entirely up to you. Are you willing to rough-it or spend each night in a 5 Star hotel? Cheapest is getting some camping gear and stealth camping along the way. I try not to stealth camp when I'm by myself so I usually opt for a public area already occupied by a few people.

KOA's average about $30 for a campsite but includes showers and some even have Wi-Fi. You can find KOA's everywhere. Stop at one and pick up a catalogue which maps all the KOA's in the US. Camping in State and National Forests are usually permitted under certain circumstances and may require a small fee. Some State and National Parks vary on the ammenities. Some are completely bare to offering water and showers. I've spent a few days at a State Park in MO which had Wi-Fi and laundry.

Then there are hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, etc.

754 · « **Reply #60 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:16:01 PM »

Probably it will be cheaper over here than where you live, most rooms would probably be 40-100 dollars.. off the beaten path you may find even cheaper places.

scottly · « **Reply #61 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:45:48 PM »

Check out this thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=63295.0

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #62 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:37:29 PM »

If you get a bike with some type of windshield/fairing you may be able to tolerate the climb up and over a high altitude pass but you will have to watch the weather. You don't want to get caught in a late season snow storm. Plan your route to avoid long periods of time above 6,500 feet or so. Some passes are up over and down and you may be in the cooler temps for and hour or less. Local members like Jerry and Ofreen could advise you in better detail. While passing over a 9500 foot pass in the Bighorns of Wyoming in September 2009 it was 30F and snowing at the top but once back down to lower elevations it was 70-75F. A few days before we had left Yellowstone by the East Gate in a snowstorm at 8500-6500 feet but once down to 5000 feet at Cody it was warm again. You can expect similar conditions in April at altitude. Two Tired mention Yosemite and while it is a place that should be seen I am not sure how much is doable by bike in April. It's has been some time since I have been there but some of the passes are 7000-9500 feet if I recall. An approach from the east is out as the Tioga Road will most likely be closed in April. The Sequoias are at lower 5000ft altitudes as is Yosemite Valley at 4000 feet. So some parts approachable from the west MAY be doable. Even a nibble around the edges would be worthwhile. That is as far south as I have been on your route.

Budget $50-100 per night for accommodation.

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #63 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:52:53 PM »

From what you are hearing, it IS do-able but you MUST be flexible and loose in your planning. Always have spare days built into a long range plan for silly things like mechanical, rain, snow, women, bars, beaches, etc! Plan for a few extra days in/due to the Rocky Mountains and if you don't burn them then lay around on a California beach! A couple high mountain passes may still be closed in Colorado but that's OK. While it may be cold with snow banks at altitude, which can be pretty awesome, the nice warm sunshine takes good care of the roadways usually as long as the snow is not coming down. Most of our towns have these little warming huts too called bars

Descend in altitude and you may very well have 75-90 degree F temps. Heavy gear to t-shirts the same day. Just be prepared. You'll have fun and see some amazing territory! For that matter you may even be able to ride up for a day of spring skiing!

First week of May during the 2011 SOHC4 Relay Rally.

Colorado - Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs.

Vail Pass on Interstate 70 west of Denver

754 · « **Reply #64 on:** January 17, 2012, 12:19:45 AM »

Most, if not all of Colorado is over 1500 meters.. some of the mountain passes are 3500 meters

TwoTired · « **Reply #65 on:** January 17, 2012, 01:13:45 AM »

I checked Yosemite access. Doesn't look good for April traditionally. Oddly, it is open and clear right now.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

Sequoia may be cold but is often doable in spring:
http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/pvspring.htm

I don't think the California coast highway ever snows.

If you chose that be sure to absorb Big Sur.
http://www.google.com/search?q=big+sur&hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=nzoVT6e5FIeYiQKy4PDoDw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1955&bih=1324

But, rain in April is always a possibility. In fact, it is very odd our rainy season hasn't started yet here. Maybe we're in for a dry year, or a drenching late seasonal rainfall?
If it is rainy in California when you arrive, you can expect heavy fog in the SanJoaquin valley, which you'll have to drive through to get to the Sequoias. Coastal fog and mist can also happen. But, it's unpredictable this far out. And, I've seen beautiful weather in April, too. June through December is generally dry and very pleasant. With some luck, April could be fun on a motorcycle. But, it is not the time of year where the travel weather is predictable, even in Souther California. It's usually warmer there, of course.

Cheers,

Shik · « **Reply #66 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:32:02 AM »

Well, I just have to put up with unpredictable weather, since April is the only option for me on this trip.

bluezboy · « **Reply #67 on:** January 17, 2012, 10:09:21 AM »

Quote from: Jerry Rxman Griffin on January 16, 2012, 05:59:59 PM

Did someone mention a BF tree? The General Sherman and me.

Geezus! That is one freaking tree! I hope it's still alive, I'll get out there to see in person one of these years.

Kevin D · « **Reply #68 on:** January 17, 2012, 12:54:54 PM »

Quote

I just have to put up with unpredictable weather, since April is the only option for me on this trip.

Somewhere, buried in this website, is climate data for every city and every month in America:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

Google Earth will give elevations for any given location where you place the mouse cursor.

Lots of good articles here on touring, maybe you will have to buy a subscription:

http://www.roadrunner.travel/

the technological J · « **Reply #69 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:17:04 PM »

if your on the road... all mcdonalds have wifi and if you need a computer, libraries make a good spot to check up on things

70CB750 · « **Reply #70 on:** January 17, 2012, 05:00:03 PM »

Thats an excellent. Also Borderd Barns and Noble. Chickfile etc. The list is long also many hospitals. In general much more common than in Europe - free wifi I mean.

Shik · « **Reply #71 on:** January 18, 2012, 10:26:15 AM »

I'm getting second thoughts about doing this in April. My main reason for doing it before May is that I have 3 weeks holiday that I need to take in order not to loose it. I can only move 1 week into next holiday year, which starts in May.
But I could do something else for 2 weeks and move the trip to June or something.
Probably I will see a lot more green stuff if I do it in June.
What are your thoughts?

Btw, azride.com did not come back to me on my request I sent them.

754 · « **Reply #72 on:** January 18, 2012, 10:30:34 AM »

April in the mountains would be fairly cold.. later would be good..

the technological J · « **Reply #73 on:** January 18, 2012, 12:03:08 PM »

tour italy france and spain with april vacation and come over here in june or july

TwoTired · « **Reply #74 on:** January 18, 2012, 12:54:50 PM »

If you stay in the Southlands/States or the coastal regions of California, you will be far more comfortable, (if the rain gods don't punish you). Still lots to see along those routes/confines. Mojave desert sailing stones for one.
http://brucewaynehart.com/2009/07/sailing-stones-death-valley-california/

Some areas will have some distance between interest. Then again, solitude on open roads can be therapeutic in its own right.

Why is it that your tour has to be on a bike? I understand the allure, certainly. But, given time constraints...

Are you allowed to "borrow" vacation time from the next accrual period? If so, take your mandatory within allotted time and move your USA tour into the June to September time frame.

Cheers,

News:

Author Topic: Touring USA alone on bike (Read 12062 times)