Planning Sacramento to Green Bay - help

[Melcontent]

In early Sept. I'm planning a couple of weeks and a trip from Northern CA to Green Bay on my FJR.   I've determined that I'll cross Nevada on 50 to Southern Utah, tour that area a bit and then head toward Wisconsin.  
     I'm wondering though, which general route would be best?  Should I stay south and head toward Denver, KC, and St. Louis, before turning north to Packer Heaven, or would it be a more interesting ride farther north up through Wyoming, the Dakotas and Minnesota? I'm planning to mix the route up between slabs and state roads.
      I've not traveled these parts of the country since I was in my 20's, and of course I wasn't paying attention then.  Are there some obvious things that I should be aware of?  I plan to rough it a bit, (tent camping) and motel it when I must.  Just wanted some general impressions of the riding and perhaps some ideas on items I "shouldn't miss."  If you've done this trip, what are the regrets and victories?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks all.

[stromgal]

I did this trip in June, with a stop at the STN National along the way. My preference is for a northern route, though I've done the mid-continent as well. There's lots of 'nothing' out there, so have a look-see  to find if there are any geographical or historic sites you'd like to include, then route around those.

Best advice: take the road least traveled. Country trunk roads, State Highways, US highways only as a last resort. But of course this depends upon time available.

If you get to the Milwaukee area, I'd enjoy meeting with you.

bj

[Daniel Kalal]

US-50 is a good choice across Nevada.  Once in Utah, I think I'd move north to US-40, and then stay on that across the top of Colorado (avoid Denver).  If you're taking 2 weeks for this trip, then you'll have lots and lots of time to wander (or does that time include the return trip?).  US-20 is a good route across Nebraska.  From there, you can pretty much pick any of the highways across Iowa or Minnesota.  In the plains states, the difference between a US highway and a state highway isn't much--both will likely be just two-lane blacktops.
I've listed my favorite roads in these states, here:
http://www.dankalal.net/summary/best_roads.html

[mtrider16]

Since your going from Nevada to southern Utah, my route probably won't help.  I came out of Sacramento on 50 to Ely NV then went north to Wendover, and I-80 to Ogden.  From Ogden I took Hwy 39 out to Woodruff.  Then I went into Wyoming to Kemmerer, to Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Thermopolis, Worland, Graybull, crossed the Bighorns to Sheridan.  From there it would be a straight shot via either Hwy 14 or I-90 to Devils Tower, and the Blackhills.  If you wanted to get off I-90 you could go north to Hwy 12 and cross the Dakotas to Twin Cities.

Whether its better than Colorado, I can't say, as I have never ridden in Colorado.  Its a route I've been on and liked.  But I liked the wide open spaces in Nevada and Wyoming.

If you want to go north from Sheridan, there is Hwy 314 which goes from Sheridan, to Decket, to Hwy 212.  But while Southeastern Montana has some interesting landscape, the roads are about as straight as the ones in the Dakotas.

Anyway, my $.02,
David

[Melcontent]

Thanks so much to all.  Daniel, your list of roads is great.  I'm still reading.  I'll perhaps make an attempt at a ride report.  Thanks again all.

[motor_ref]

In early Sept. I'm planning a couple of weeks and a trip from Northern CA to Green Bay on my FJR.   I've determined that I'll cross Nevada on 50 to Southern Utah, tour that area a bit and then head toward Wisconsin.  
     I'm wondering though, which general route would be best?  Should I stay south and head toward Denver, KC, and St. Louis, before turning north to Packer Heaven, or would it be a more interesting ride farther north up through Wyoming, the Dakotas and Minnesota? I'm planning to mix the route up between slabs and state roads.
      I've not traveled these parts of the country since I was in my 20's, and of course I wasn't paying attention then.  Are there some obvious things that I should be aware of?  I plan to rough it a bit, (tent camping) and motel it when I must.  Just wanted some general impressions of the riding and perhaps some ideas on items I "shouldn't miss."  If you've done this trip, what are the regrets and victories?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks all.

If you decide to come through Wyoming, I can help with roads, etc.

[Eric308]

I would take US212 (also I90) for a little way past Billings. US212 starts again at about Little Big Horn Battlefield (a must see, BTW). 212 across SD is a good road and goes all the way into MN. As previously mentioned US20 across Nebraska is also a good road. I usually take Iowa3 clear across the state into Wisconsin.

[Melcontent]

Thank you.  My crazy brother rides a ZRX1200.  Among other things.  Hooligan bikes rock.  I'm still plotting the trip.  
     

[peakrunner]

If you get around to it check out Door County. Absolutely beautiful area. GO PACK!!

[black hills]

IF you decide to come through South Dakota let me know, I can offer some advise on roads.