Think big tire blowing off semi-truck, looks like a black gator.

 

That's the way I do it too. I ride slow as not to out run the headlight. I have to cross that desert just about every year and it's not fun. However one thing I learned is that night time does NOT mean cooler temps. I've pulled into Vegas past midnight and the heat radiating off the road was one hundred and twelve degrees!!!!!!!!!

 

Lotsa Semis run retreads and it is very easy for the tread to separate from the tire especially in HOT weather.

 

+2 on that. I love riding at 0'Dark:30; less traffic, cooler temps, and watching the sun play across the desert as it rises. IMHO just the best time o' day to ride or just to contemplate the beauty of the desert. But then I've lived and workedin the desert most of my life.

 

Personally, I think you are worrying too much. Just break your trip into segments - Cedar City to Mesquite, Mesquite to exit 54 (Iron Skillet), Exit 54 to Primm, Primm to Baker, Baker to V-ville etc. I have done this trip in all kinds of weather - heat, rain, and wind. Stay hydrated, wear leathers, and sunscreen.

Enjoy

 

+1 on the saline. We were in Sturgis in 05 temps were 106 at 6 p.m. at night. Riding felt like a blast furnace. Husband blew his nose and it was like someone turned on a geyser. Ended up at the hospital. They packed his nose... no more riding. Went back a few days later to remove the packing and it still hadn't stopped so they had to cauterize it. Doc recommended saline spray. Said he was the 3rd one in that day with the same issue.

 

That was actaully a consideration too. We have ridden in up to 113 degrees here. If done in spurts it will probably be do able any time of day.

 

Go back in 6 months, and the same Doc can treat hubby for frost bite on the 'snoz', and other 'extremities'(?).
NOW do you know why the state motto is "Land of Infinite Variety"?
But guys, take heart, there is a beautiful girl behind every tree, all 4 of them.

 

Everybody here has given great advice. I did a ride from Ogden to San Diego via Tonopah and back up the 15 two weeks ago. It was 109 in Baker at 1:00pm. I think you will be fine if you stop often and drink lots of water and sports drinks. I personally like to wet my shirt and bandanna with water and drink a 1 to 1 ratio of sports drinks and water at every stop. I made it to mesquite that night and was exhausted but healthy. I personaly would discourage you from leaving in the late afternoon. The sun will cook your face and your vision will be very impared. I have driven a semi for a living for almost 25 years and nothing is more annoying and dangerous than the sun in your eyes. And yes, the "gators' are deadly. Be careful!

 

Bluerose- gonna beat you there by a couple of days (leaving the 6th early am), and am not looking forward to the heat either. My route is past Winnemucca and then down to 95, bypassing Reno/ Carson City. Never been that route before, but just looking at a map, seems pretty damn flat. I'll stay in Bishop then get to Ca on Saturday, early enough that the heat doesn't hit. First day could bea real drag though!

I'll be leaving Ca and heading to Vegas on Monday morning, that won't be too bad. If you see aguy riding by with a funky looking mushroom helmet on the freeway, that'd be me! Stop by Palm Springs HD, good folks in there (or used to be anyway).

Ride safe!