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02-14-2010, 11:59 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Hi All, As some of you may have followed in my posting in the general area, http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/166792/ShowPost.aspx I have another cross-country trip to plan. How about some of your thoughts and opinions on my three possible routes across the U.S.A. next month? I'll be leaving Fontana, CA (L.A.) and hope to get as far as Camden, Delaware within one week. I have an Excel file which lays it all out, but here's the simplified version: Southerly route: I-10 to Phoenix on March 14. Phoenix to Van Horn, TX on the 15th. Van Horn to Austin on the 16th. Layover at relatives there for the 17th for any needed maintenance. Austin to Gulfport, MS on the 18th. Gulfport to Greenville, SC on the 19th, and Greenville to Camden, DE on the 20th. I fly back to Canada on the 21st. Middle route: I-10 E to CA62 to US95 to I-40 to Kingman, AZ on March 14th. I-40 to Albuquerque, NM on the 15th. ALB to Oklahoma City on the 16th. Maintenance on the morning of the 17th in OK City, then on to Little Rock, Arkansas that evening. On the 18th, Little Rock to Madison, Alabama with a brief stop in the New Albany, MS area to see relatives. Madison, AL to Troutville, VA on the 19th. Troutville to Camden, DE on the 20th. Northerly route, and my favourite but probably the least likely to be feasible, weather-wise: I-15 to Las Vegas, NV on the 14th. Las Vegas to Green River, Utah on the 15th. Green River to Sterling, CO on the 16th. Sterling to Omaha, NE on the 17th. Layover in Omaha on the 18th for maintenance (my brother's place). Omaha to South Bend, IN on the 19th. South Bend, IN to Camden, DE on the 20th. There is also an alternate version of the Southerly route where I go from Austin to Natchez, MS, then up the Natchez Trace Parkway to Northern Mississippi/Southern Tennessee and probably join up with the "Middle route". So here are my questions, for those of you who have bothered to read this far: 1) How realistic is each route for Mid-March travel? My suspicion is that only the Southerly route is truly safe, while the Middle route is PROBABLY okay. But I fear the Northerly route may be too tough, especially crossing the Rockies. But if any of you live along that stretch, or have experience with it for this time of year, is it "do-able"? 2) Do any of the routes have serious drawbacks or special considerations? 3) Do any of the routes have easy-to-squeeze-in "must sees" along or near the route? Anything else you can think of would be appreciated. Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

02-14-2010, 12:26 PM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 1,147 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Dan, I am sorry to say that, this year, it seems not even the southern route is safe!  Take a look at my rant in Off Topic regarding cell phones and driving.  I left the Boro on Thursday, drove to Ft. Polk, La, picked up my Army medic grandson, back east to the Atlanta area, dropped him at his Mother's then back to the Boro and I ran straight into a damn snow storm from the Mississippi river to Ft. Polk and back to the Atlanta area!!  Its all a crap shoot. Gene PS: Not a flake in the Boro but tonight we are supposed to get 3 inches!  God I am sick of winter, I need to ride or I might just fade away! My pictures are Here I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid! 2000 ST1100 Hack 1983 GL650    Report

02-14-2010, 1:17 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip While I would Love to have you come through Vegas, UT and the north route is not the best a plans in March. April would be fine, but march? very risky. I had planned a trip to St Louis in mid march that got canceled. Before it was I looked into average snow/ice and temps along the two major routes from Vegas to St. Louis and only the south route on I-10 to I-20 through Dallas then up I-30 was reliable. UT would be the most beautiful ride option, I-40 the next.... but I-10 is the one you want ot use if you can't wait for weather to break. Best of luck. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

02-14-2010, 1:21 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Dan, I agree with Gene ... you are attempting this trip too early in the year. It isn't uncommon to find blizzards in the mountains even in June. July and August are the best months to guarantee you won't find snow in the mountains. I remember a day in late July one year where in one day I went from 85F to 3 inches of snow for over 50 miles and back to 75F in a period of about 3 hours. Of course that was going to Seattle. Be sure to take at least an electric vest with you and snow pants. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-14-2010, 2:39 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Well, so far the consensus is that the Northern route is definitely out, and the Middle route is even questionable. What I'll probably do is plan on taking I-10, but if the forecast to the east is good when I fly in to L.A., I may go for at least the middle route. ONE option I have since come up with is to go to Las Vegas the first night, as I have a stepbrother who lives in nearby Henderson, though it is tempting to stay at the Tropicana for $26.99, according to the Motel 6 website! From Vegas, I could drop back down to I-40 and take it as long as the weather looks good. In Albuquerque, I could head south and pick up I-10--I used to live in Wink, Texas as a kid and wouldn't mind seeing it again. I guess the bottom line is, I'll have to wait and see when I get there. Panther, I may see you in Vegas after all! David, thanks for the tip on the vest and snow pants--I figured that, being used to winter in Nova Scotia, and riding on a bike with a fairing, I would be fine with my usual clothes and a rainsuit (and I have a warm TourMaster Transitions II jacket--you can see it in my avatar photo). But maybe I better pack some warmer stuff! I guess I really would like to wait until summer to make the trip, but unfortunately, I have to move my summer vacation to September for a sailing trip. Too many irons! Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

02-15-2010, 9:16 AM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Dan, You can always take it off, but if you don't have it to put on you are in trouble. One thing to keep in mind ... if you need clothes while riding Goodwill usually has it all ... warm cold and in-between. With what it costs you can throw it away at the end of a day or two. I know one long distance rider, who doesn't pack any extra clothes when he goes touring ... just buys cheap and throws them away when they get dirty ... David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-15-2010, 9:55 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip <BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>DavidfromWisconsin wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">... if you need clothes while riding Goodwill usually has it all ... I know one long distance rider, who doesn't pack any extra clothes when he goes touring ... just buys cheap and throws them away when they get dirty ...<br><br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE> There's a thought...I do want to pack light, even get by with a carry-on if I can. Of course, if the carry-on restrictions are still in place when I fly, that won't be much good. One crazy guy with flamin' underwear has to ruin it for the rest of us... Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

02-15-2010, 12:53 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Dan, I have the solution to your clothes problem. UPS your clothes and helmet the week before to your destination. BMW people do it all the time. In some cases it is cheaper to ship clean clothes to a destination and send the dirty ones home the same way than it is to wash them at some of the coin laundries. For example you might want to ship your really warm clothes to wherever you are going to make the final turn to go back to NS. I have one friend that has three tents and ships them ahead of himself to his destinations ... so he camps, but never carries a tent on the bike. He ships them home when he is done using them. It is still much cheaper than a motel and he is guaranteed a dry tent wherever he is. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-15-2010, 7:54 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip That would be a solution if I lived elsewhere, and it is a fine idea, but here in Nova Scotia, we don't have UPS and the alternatives are ridiculously expensive. Though it MIGHT make sense; I'll certainly look into it. Thanks for that one. Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

03-10-2010, 4:55 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Hey Panther, It is confirmed; I plan to stop at my step-brother's in Henderson Sunday night. I would say we should get together, but it'll be such a short visit, with me getting there around suppertime and leaving first thing in the morning. BUT, if I do something crazy like decide to cruise The Strip Sunday night, I'll give you a call. Is there a nice safe way to provide your contact info? Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

03-11-2010, 9:53 AM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip It sounds like you've already decided, but March can be the snowiest month for Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. But the real problems are potholes. The road warms up during the day and freezes at night, opening potholes and generally playing havoc with the road surface until temps stabilize above freezing. Granted, interstates are constructed out of concrete and don't have the problems that asphalt roads do, but they are not unaffected by the swinging temps. If you have a choice, I'd take the southerly route and enjoy the warmer temps and sunshine along the way. The food is generally better too, though that is 100% personal opinion. David *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

03-11-2010, 11:52 AM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip PM's work for me. I sent you one. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

03-12-2010, 6:09 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Hi David, I have indeed decided on the southerly route. You can see my other post that is entitled "T-Minus 1 week". I agree on the food--I don't know about what is in the Southwest, but I am certainly looking forward to the Barnhill's in Gulfport, Mississippi. Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

03-12-2010, 11:49 AM mr. softie Joined on 03-14-2009 Beautiful Bucks County PA... I ride a 83 GL650I Posts 663 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Just watch out for rednecks in Gulfport is all I'm sayin"...:-) although it has probably changed since 1972 when I got shot at and thrown in jail there for "being a Yankee". No charges filed, just a night in jail and a warning to leave town ASAP. Lest we forget. The Southwest is home to some of the finest Mexican style food around, but remember to watch those hot peppers! Texas is of course a very long slug to take in one gulp, may the wind be at your back. The southern route is the best choice by far this time of year, especially if any night riding is planned. Have a great trip! May the wind always be at your back and the sun overhead as you make your way down the ever winding, smoothly paved, traffic free road! Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.    Report

03-12-2010, 12:08 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip I lived in Biloxi from 1968-1972, and I kind of know what you mean about redneck stuff. Texas gets broken up nicely: Tuesday sees me go from eastern Arizona (Willcox) to Fort Stockton (West Texas). Wednesday, I just go to a little place south of Austin (Delhi/Jeddo) where my Dad spends a fair amount of time. Then Thursday sees me get from Dad's to Gulfport. So really, Texas shares parts of three days. Now, what I am REALLY hoping is that I am making good time on Wednesday and can divert south of I-10 west of San Antonio to visit another boyhood home: Utopia, Texas. It is a small ranching town in absolutely gorgeous surroundings and has a really nice cafe (The Lost Maples Cafe). Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

03-14-2010, 7:20 PM lilwill20 Joined on 03-15-2010 Posts 1 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Hey dan its willie and jacque. Jus wanted to wish you luck and we hope you make it safe. We hope we helped you as best we could. Take it easy    Report

03-15-2010, 6:52 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Hey Willie! You remembered the website I told you about! Great to hear from you. For the rest of you following my trip, here's an update: I left Fontana around 3 p.m. after just having topped up with fuel. At around 150 miles on the trip odometer, the bike sputtered a bit so I switched over to the reserve tank. Remembering how the Turbo goes about 50 miles on reserve, I figured the thirty or so to a town (Primm) on the California/Nevada border would be no sweat. Well, about two miles south of Primm, I ran out of fuel. I used the choke to get a quarter mile or so further, and then that was it. To punish myself, I pushed the bike about a mile or so to the Nevada line, just on the outskirts of town. Walked the rest of the way in search of a station where I could rent a gas can. Alas, in Primm, there is no such service, and I had the choice of buying a can for $15 (which I would not be able to take with me on the bike after fueling so would have to leave by the road) or I could think of something else. I figured I would go back outside the store and look for someone who might have a can. I spotted a pickup with two dirt bikes in the bike. No one was in it, but as I turned around, a young couple (Willie and Jacque) were walking up. Well, they took me back to the bike and gave me 2-3 gallons out of their supply. Willie continuously refused money, but I finally got him to take a pittance that barely covered the cost of the fuel he gave up. Forum members, if Willie Ortega and Jacque, of San Diego, California ever happen across your path and are in need, DO THEM A SOLID FOR ME! They are super nice folks. The cool thing is, Willie plans to go to MMI in Phoenix to learn motorcycle mechanics! THANKS, WILLIE & JACQUE! I got to my step-brother's place in Henderson in short order, though I did have a battle with MSD (massive subdivision design) upon arrival in his neighbourhood. The directions I got from Google Maps left out one short connecting street's name, so I lost about 20 minutes finding my way--just 1 minute from his house. Had a great night's sleep and will now catch up on my report. I believe I will start a new thread, entitled "California to Delaware in March 2010". Ciao! Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

03-15-2010, 8:10 PM nippongreen Joined on 03-16-2006 Ottawa, Canada Posts 587 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip Dan, I have avidly been following your thread :-) I wish you all the best buddy. On a side note, years ago in the UK i helped a errr "certain fellow" who's bike had run out of gas !!! (you can ask me that story at the Amish...LOL) We took the gas tank off his bike and he rode pillion with me to the gas station to get it re-fuelled. We became very good friends for years after that meeting. A very big THANK YOU to Willie & Jacque for helping a fellow enthusiast. All The Best..........Keith.......... 79 CX 500D / 82 GL 500i / 79 CX 500 parts bikes x 2 01 ST1100 Chris's Bikes 84 Honda Shadow VT500/78 Honda 185 Twinstar (ride safe).......SKYPE....(nippongreen).. My D.O.B. 21/04/59    Report

03-15-2010, 8:50 PM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip  DanTheCXMan wrote: I believe I will start a new thread, entitled "California to Delaware in March 2010". Ciao! Dan You know, if you carefully lay your bike over on the left side and pick it up again, you'll get another couple quarts of usable fuel that's been trapped over the "hump." But then, you never would have met Willie and Jacque. R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

03-18-2010, 10:19 AM ladyeclectic Joined on 04-07-2009 Hanford, CA Posts 323 Re: Route choices for a mid-March cross country trip <BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>mr. softie wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">Just watch out for rednecks in Gulfport is all I'm sayin"...:-) although it has probably changed since 1972 when I got shot at and thrown in jail there for "being a Yankee". No charges filed, just a night in jail and a warning to leave town ASAP. Lest we forget.</td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE> I was actually quite enchanted by the people down in Gulfport and the surrounding areas - my reception was very warm by the locals. Of course, I was young, female, from California and something of a flirt which may have tipped the odds in my favor. ;) Can't deny the redneck bit tho. Good luck on your trip!! Sarah from Cali '81 Honda GL500 (Mah seksay beast) '73 Ford Maverick    Report

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