Author Topic: What's to do this time of year in the States (Read 5558 times)

Scott · « **Reply #25 on:** June 22, 2015, 11:29:35 AM »

Man o man, thank you very much for the replys.

I think I will get myself a pad of paper and start making notes. Also off to ebay now to get a map and get my head around where stuff is.

It's a year away still, but I'm already looking forward to the trip now.

Scott

calj737 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 22, 2015, 12:44:38 PM »

Google maps. Free. Online. You can add the satellite layer to get topography view.

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 22, 2015, 03:00:36 PM »

Scott,

The surface has only been barely scratched. Let us know when we've given you enough. LOL

Oh, and the middle of the country hasn't been represented too well.
THe best I can do is the south (kind of) central.

If you go the southern route as was suggested, you can see the Alamo in San Antonio Texas.
And going along Route I-10, you can pass through New Orleans, the French Quarter is pretty cool, used to be lots of Jazz places and the adult beverages are truly something. Further East is Biloxi Mississippi. If you are a movie watcher, that's the setting for the movie Forrest Gump and the shrimp boats. THen dropping down to Florida, you have Daytona, and in Orlando you have Disney World, another Universal Studios park, and another SeaWorld. And coming north from Florida, you have a few forum members, like Restoration Fan and Bill Benton.

Getting into North Carolina, you have the Outer Banks with it's beaches and lighthouses as well. THen a little further up the road is Hampton Roads where the Atlantic Navy Fleet puts in to port. Around the 4th of July, they normally have a thing called "Fleet Week" where several Navy ships are open to the public and the Fireworks on the 4th in NYC are pretty cool if you've never seen them.

Also in NYC is the Statue of Liberty. You get there by a small ferry from New Jersey.

Have we filled up your notebook yet?

? LOL

Charlie

calj737 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 22, 2015, 03:02:08 PM »

His 3-4 weeks is going to become 3-4 months and 15,000 Kms!

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 22, 2015, 03:05:32 PM »

calj737,

At least Scott won't be able to say "I had no idea where to go or what to do." LOL
Maybe he'll stay until he's seen it all.

Charlie

calj737 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 22, 2015, 03:40:46 PM »

Yeah Charlie, I can see the posted signs at the Oz border:

Missing

Middle-aged, well mannered family man. Last heading east on an SOHC with a smile and wide eyes.

Please return when his valve guides wear out.
His Loved Ones

Come to think of it, Scott could head on up to Boston and have Mike Rieck work over his motor for the return trip

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #31 on:** June 22, 2015, 03:53:54 PM »

calj737

Ya think we should require a Milk Carton Suitable photo before he gets here?

?
Just in case!

And that is a good idea, about stopping by Mike up in Boston! What the heck it would only take a few days. ROFL

Charlie

xtravbx · « **Reply #32 on:** June 22, 2015, 06:16:06 PM »

Scott - check out airbnb for cheap places to crash, or couch surfing. You'll meet people in areas who will be able to show you local spots.

Also if you just want to borrow a bike instead of buy?

Seriously you can borrow one from my stable. Got a stock cb750f with low miles that would be a joy to take cross country. I'm in Cleveland, OH, btw. Also more than welcome to crash a night or whatever here too.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #33 on:** June 22, 2015, 06:43:37 PM »

Tour the west coast and then head east to Georgia. You can fly home out of Atlanta (we have a saying that, if you're going to hell, you still have to make a layover in Atlanta). Also, if you're looking for a bike you can go by Bill Benton's house, he has about 30 750's for sale and there are some outstanding ones for probably 1/3 what you would pay in California.

Scott · « **Reply #34 on:** June 22, 2015, 08:04:21 PM »

I couldn't wait for an ebay map to be delivered.
Just went to the map shop and got a cracker of a map for $40.

Rocky2010 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 22, 2015, 08:26:20 PM »

When I was in the USA I did go and see the David Monthan Plane graveyard, what a site and you just can't believe how many planes are there all in their assembled positions. Also a lot planes being scrapped. Also there is the Titan Missile Museum which is very interesting you get to go down to the underground base also view the missile which is still in the Silo which looks like its ready to launch.
Hoover dam was great to see but the traffice was crazy, I was there while they were building the bridge over the river to bypass the dam.
Weather was 110F dam hot all that concrete was that hot you couldn't touch it.
Yosemite is a great place to see also you will not believe how big some of the those Giant Redwoods are in Maraposa Grove your just dwarfed walking around in that forest.

Scott · « **Reply #36 on:** June 23, 2015, 02:00:10 AM »

I've got home from work and have been starring at the map for ages.

I agree 3-4 weeks on a bike is not enough time. But with 2 months off work for me and 1 month off work for the wife we may be at a stretch to make it longer.

Unless of course if I get a flat tyre and it takes a couple of extra weeks to get the new tube, as it usually does with these old bikes.

Scott · « **Reply #37 on:** June 23, 2015, 02:10:42 AM »

Quote from: xtravbx on June 22, 2015, 06:16:06 PM

Scott - check out airbnb for cheap places to crash, or couch surfing. You'll meet people in areas who will be able to show you local spots.

Also if you just want to borrow a bike instead of buy?

Seriously you can borrow one from my stable. Got a stock cb750f with low miles that would be a joy to take cross country. I'm in Cleveland, OH, btw. Also more than welcome to crash a night or whatever here too.

G'day mate and thanks for the offer.

I probably would like to buy a bike and then ship it back to Australia. This may or may not happen, but that is my first choice.

If things don't go to plan $ wise, maybe I will only spend a couple of weeks ridding around and then a borrowed bike would be cool.

I've made the same offer to a few dudes myself as I am lucky enough to have a couple of bikes in my garage.

The general agreement is that if you fu-k it you fix it. Treat it with respect of course and have fun.
If doing high mileage then a few consumables at the end like tyres, oil and chain would be cool. It is a lot cheaper than hiring a bike.

Scott

Scott · « **Reply #38 on:** June 23, 2015, 02:22:04 AM »

The map I picked up today has really shown me how much I won't get to see.

calj737 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 23, 2015, 05:01:20 AM »

Like anywhere, I guess, you can live here your entire life and not see it all. Having traveled this country numerous times on 2 wheels, it is my opinion that it is the best way to see what you have time for.

Restoration Fan had a great idea, upon separation from the family, fly to Atlanta and pick up your new bike from Bill Benton. Then, ride north to New England area. Turn west and use the northern routes thru the state's to enjoy some spectacular traveling. Head to Pacific Northwest, then south towards LA and San Diego where you could arrange to ship your bike back to Oz, and fly home. Chris Redpath of MotoGP Werks is in that area, I guess an ex-patriots Aussie, and might be of assistance at shipping.

At least buying a bike thru/from Bill (or any member here actually) would be assurance of its condition. But he's got a pretty good stable to choose from.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #40 on:** June 23, 2015, 06:13:40 AM »

Quote from: oldhatt45 on June 21, 2015, 05:56:05 PM

Scott,

OK, Left Coast to start.
How long are the wife and kids likely to be here with you?
Theme Parks: Disneyland, Universal Studios, SeaWorld are the top 3 that come to mind. Those 3 should fill up at least a week. LOL
Then there is the Redwood forest, Yosemite National Park, and on the way the Hoover Dam (pretty impressive being built in the 1930's).

THat's just the top ones off the top of my head.

You also got a lot of forum members out west as well. I would think that one of them could find something for you that you could buy and drive.

Charlie

+1 for seaworld.

jamesbekman · « **Reply #41 on:** June 23, 2015, 06:47:50 AM »

If you're on the "left coast" http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-road-trip/ seems like this would be the proper thing to do in a motorhome or any motorvehichle. Its what I would do. Maybe just bum about by the beach too for a few days but im sure you have great beaches near you so Im not really sure if you want to do that. So maybe just head north up the coast, do the attractions mentioned in Cali but for god sakes man dont forget to stop in Napa for the wife and maybe end in Seattle.

Or if you want to get weird, land in Cali, get your motorhome and head east through the rocky mountians. Im sure that would be a trip you will never forget as well.

BobbyR · « **Reply #42 on:** June 23, 2015, 08:07:52 AM »

Quote from: Scott on June 23, 2015, 02:22:04 AM

The map I picked up today has really shown me how much I won't get to see.

My Wife and I want to rent an Motorhome and see the Country. The fellow that wrote the program that wins the Where's Waldo game tried to write and algorithm to logically hit all the top US sights. It can't do it, there are always several potential routes.

jamesbekman · « **Reply #43 on:** June 23, 2015, 08:30:47 AM »

These guys are no joke

http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm?CFID=13210232&CFTOKEN=17387900

BobbyR · « **Reply #44 on:** June 23, 2015, 11:17:58 AM »

The fastest route via computer:

http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #45 on:** June 23, 2015, 05:29:15 PM »

Sometimes it helps to know what you and your family are most looking forward to in the US..............and the things that you would skip. Some thoughts........a motor-home in LA, NO

What is your time-line? June & July or July and August? The number one attraction? Maybe after Disney and Sea World you fly to the east coast and start the drive west. If Yellowstone is on the top 5 list...........From LA or San Diego plan to spend a day at Boulder Dam, another day at the Grand Canyon, a travel day to Bryce and Zion parks in southern Utah, then a day or more in Jackson Hole, 4-days in Yellowstone, a day in Cody............then 2-3 days to get to the Seattle area............or head to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and on to San Francisco...........tram and balloon rides in the wine-country..........Pacific Coast Highway back to LAX............Family flies home..........you fly wherever to start the bike trip. BTW..........its hot in the south..........hot and STEAMY in the southeast

Warm to hot but mostly dry across the northern plains...........cool at night in the mountains. Mid-July is Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio..........then the INDY GP and some of the best flat-track races in the mid-west. Early August is the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota and Speedweek at Bonneville (mostly cars), the all bike event at Bonneville is late in August. Several good bike shows and events on the Pacific coast.

A few of your countrymen will be at Bonneville........maybe you could arrange for bike transport home? I assume you have a K2........what other model are you interested in? Between myself and 2 friends, we have more than 30 CB750s that could be all stock or customized and waiting for you. If you want to 'borrow' a bike, you could arrange to leave it near Bonneville or other possible places on the west coast as I travel there in late August. I'm in Wisconsin, have a spare bedroom, and not too far from Cycle-X.

70CB750 · « **Reply #46 on:** June 24, 2015, 03:44:54 AM »

Barber in October

Scott · « **Reply #47 on:** June 24, 2015, 03:47:43 AM »

Quote from: Old Scrambler on June 23, 2015, 05:29:15 PM

Sometimes it helps to know what you and your family are most looking forward to in the US..............and the things that you would skip. Some thoughts........a motor-home in LA, NO What is your time-line? June & July or July and August? The number one attraction? Maybe after Disney and Sea World you fly to the east coast and start the drive west. If Yellowstone is on the top 5 list...........From LA or San Diego plan to spend a day at Boulder Dam, another day at the Grand Canyon, a travel day to Bryce and Zion parks in southern Utah, then a day or more in Jackson Hole, 4-days in Yellowstone, a day in Cody............then 2-3 days to get to the Seattle area............or head to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and on to San Francisco...........tram and balloon rides in the wine-country..........Pacific Coast Highway back to LAX............Family flies home..........you fly wherever to start the bike trip. BTW..........its hot in the south..........hot and STEAMY in the southeast Warm to hot but mostly dry across the northern plains...........cool at night in the mountains. Mid-July is Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio..........then the INDY GP and some of the best flat-track races in the mid-west. Early August is the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota and Speedweek at Bonneville (mostly cars), the all bike event at Bonneville is late in August. Several good bike shows and events on the Pacific coast.

A few of your countrymen will be at Bonneville........maybe you could arrange for bike transport home? I assume you have a K2........what other model are you interested in? Between myself and 2 friends, we have more than 30 CB750s that could be all stock or customized and waiting for you. If you want to 'borrow' a bike, you could arrange to leave it near Bonneville or other possible places on the west coast as I travel there in late August. I'm in Wisconsin, have a spare bedroom, and not too far from Cycle-X.

Hello Dennis, how's it going
I think we will get to America around the 20th June give or take. I will be hanging out with the family for 3 weeks maybe a bit longer. Although there are plenty of things that I want to see and do. While I am cruising with them I will let the kids and missus decide where we go to a large extent. I think she said towards the end of their trip they will head off on their own somewhere while I start the real fun part of the trip on a bike.

I really want to see some bike events. Even if I sneak away from the family mid July for a day or two if I am near Ohio. I have never seen flat track, but think I should make an effort to while I have a chance. Speed week also sounds awesome and I don't know if I will ever get another chance to see it.

Mate I have a K2 which is my main ride and I'm also in the process of doing up a K2/3 with a bit of Cycle X gear on it.
Also rebuiling a Rickman that is a 1975 with a K2 engine, it has been hanging out in the garage for about too long now.
So mainly stuff around that age is what I have, but I am open to any bike. I have been thinking of a 550 or something similar but I'm not sure if it would be a good choice for travelling around on across your big county.

Man I broke down in Wisconsin in my Dodge Ram van about 20 years ago when I was back packing. It was a place called Turtle Creek and it had a casino and a couple of shops. The alternator bearings sh-t themselves and it was late afternoon so I pulled into a small camping area and went to the Casino to get on the piss. Next morning I went to the small spare parts shop with the alternator rotor and he had the bearings in stock. I then went next door and the dude pressed them on for me for nothing. I put it back together and we were on the road by 10am.
Man really good memories of Wisconsin and the helpful, happy dudes.
I'll make an effort to at least swing by for a beer and a chat but maybe even stay a night. We may even do a deal and you guys only have 29 bikes and I end up with one more
Thanks heaps

Scott

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #48 on:** June 24, 2015, 10:02:33 AM »

The VMD event at Mid-Ohio race course is the largest motorcycle swap-meet in the US.........usually about July 10th.

The Indy GP is around August 10th which conflicts with the Speedweek dates at Bonneville. If you want to get to Speedweek, take a look at www.lsr.com and look for Aussies to be a team member. Hotels are always sold out at high prices..........camping is available........free if on government land...........or someone's trailer.

A CB550 can handle a solo rider..........but a CB650 is an improvement and maybe easier to find..............but you know that a CB750 would be a good investment for resale at home.

I'll be in Turtle Lake a little later this summer for a 'tractor' show. Then I pack up for my own trip to Bonneville. You may want to arrange for a bike almost anywhere and sort of travel along with your family to Yellowstone. Hwy 212 from Red Lodge Montana to the Silvergate entrance into Yellowstone is a great ride.......then back track a few miles to the Hwy 196 junction and go to Cody Wyoming.......then enter the park at Eastgate.........all roads in the park are good........but don't miss the high-pass route between the Lower and Upper Falls to Tower Falls.

przjohn · « **Reply #49 on:** June 24, 2015, 03:55:57 PM »

If there is one thing the US Government does right it is the National Parks. You really can't go wrong at any of them. For my money California is buy far the best riding in the states. During Summertime you could easily spend 3 weeks in that one state alone. Enjoy your trip!

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Author Topic: What's to do this time of year in the States (Read 5558 times)