I've started planning a ride to California. I'm looking for some input on my plan. If you have time, please go to the link below and open up the ride plan by clicking on "View and Edit Ride Plan". Zoom in for details. The numbered markers on the map are the places we plan to stop each night. Of course we may decide to adjust due to weather or interest in staying another night in a location.

http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.c...0&locale=en_US

I have a touring bike, but my wife has a Softail Convertible. We only want to ride about 350 to 400 miles a day. Some locations such as Golden Colorado we will stay an extra night so we can ride other roads in the area (Boulder, etc.). Part of the trip is planned to make stops in Kenniwich, Wa and Eureka, Ca to see old friends. Plan to stay in Ozarks area a couple days for riding too. I've done route 12 across Utah before, but I enjoyed it so much I want to do it again. The rest of the ride is flexible and I'd like to get input if adjustments should be made. By the way, I'm figuring that this ride will take about 30 days and I don't think we can make it any longer. The wife is willing to camp some nights, but I'm more for hitting motels every night. Not sure how that will pan out yet.

 

Great detour south from Grand Junction to Durango. I ride this a couple times per year. You will love the scenery on 550 especially around Ouray, Silverton (Handlebars Restaurant), and heading over Red Mtn Pass, Molas Pass, and Coal Bank Pass. Can't beat the San Juan Mtns. SJ Ron

 

Forgot to mention that you need to be aware of the monsoon t-storms which generally rumble every afternoon in July and August. You are typically okay until around noon. Watch the skies. The rain, sleet, graupel, and even the possibility of snow on the high Mtn passes in the summer. SJ Ron

 

When you get to AZ. on your way home you may what to visit the Grand Canyon and also ride the best riding of old route 66 From Bullhead City thru Oatman (really cool town) up to Kingman.

 

When you get on 15 north of cedar breaks that's a boring a$$ ride if your going to take the slab through to Kennewick. You might look at 93 north at Twin Falls then 75 north up to Stanley.

There are a couple of ways you can go to get to WA. Follow 75 to 93 up to LOLO across US12 great ride BTW, or you can leave Stanley on 21 over to Lowman then catch Banks Lowman road to 55 north to 95.

Then you can go north to Lewiston, or if you like to get out in the middle of BFE, Take 95 south to Cambridge, to 71 and ride through Hell's canyon. When you get to Copperfield OR get on 86 and watch for the cut off for Joseph OR. Then 82 to 3 north it will turn to 129 back in WA back up to US 12. Sound like fun good luck.

 

I see you're planning to cut off at Petaluma heading east to Sonora Pass. Why don't you come down to S.F. area. You can stay just outside of S.F. (maybe Pacifica) spend a day or so then head east 580, 205 then 108 to Sonora Pass or even cut over 120 catch part of Yosemite Nat'l Park and then hit Tioga Pass.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I've made some adjustments on the ride plan, but I can't really add too many more days or distance. In fact I may cut out Oregon. How is riding across Nevada on 50?

Also I'm trying to figure out if I should take a quicker route to Las Vega from Bakersville or should I definitely do Death Valley?

 

I've changed my route a lot. I had to shorten the trip some. Check out the new route and tell me what you think.

http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.c...0&locale=en_US

One thing I'm still not sure about is the ride from Eureka, Ca to San Fran. Which is better, 101 or 1 between the two cities?

 

I'm happy to see the new route includes Oatman and the Grande Canyon. That road from the canyon up to Utah is real nice. Spend the night in Laughlin NV. if it works out as the Tropicana Casino has real nice rooms for like 25 bucks a night for two people. Looks like a beautiful ride.

 

That sure is a change! To answer your question, the route between Eureka and S.F. is like night and day. 101 will be quicker by a couple of hours, but hwy 1 would be a more spectacular ride along the coast. You could come down 1 all the way to Marin county if you want, then cross over the Golden Gate Bridge or you can go down as far as Petaluma then cross over to 101 for the rest of the way. Once your in S.F. I would make my way west over to Skyline Blvd to take that south along the beach to Pacifica avoiding 19th Ave which is a real pain in the carcass. Since you're coming to Pacifica, give me a heads up and maybe we can get together.

As to CA 36 west, that is the west coast version of the Tail of the Dragon. Make sure you fill up in Red Bluff, gas is not that plentifull otherwise. Good luck!