Coastal ride around the country

[panther289]

Hello all,
  I am starting to seriously plan a trip I’ve wanted to take since childhood. The trip is a coastal run around the country. Starting in Central NJ to Front Royal, Skyline/BRP, to the Dragon. From there back to the east and down to the home land of  Fla. Then keeping water in sight for as long as possible. Going to keep off the major highways as best as I can.
  After that, It’s a matter of being a tourist and finding all those weird and interesting places along the way. Will be taking 2 months off in the spring to do the trip. May or may not ride everyday. Will be camping 5 days a week(parks or covert doesn’t matter to me) then hotel 2 days. I’m usually good for 500 mile a day on my EX500.
  If  I can get some input from the riders around the area as to cool roads, weird tourist sites, and just all around interesting stuff to see, I’d appreciate it.
  I’ll be adding the diamond fields in Arkansas to the trip along with  a couple of ghost towns in the west for good measure.
I am considering a new bike for the ride. I personally like the 500 to 900cc range. The ex500 is the option for now. Fuel economy, ease of maintenance, and availability of parts are the underlining reasons for this choice. For me it’s not about how fast I can do the trip. Only that I enjoy the journey.
  Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Panther (Bry)

[mike goodwin]

Since you have so much time off perhaps you should check out the Four Corners ride over at the IBA website.
Just look it up at the Event Calender.
Wished i had the time and money to do the same.
Good luck.

[Orson]

I'd suggest dipping down into the Big Bend National Park if you have the time...unless it's summer time.

Gorgeous desert mountains  

Also, if you've never ridden the Pacific Coast Highway before, you're in for a treat  

You really have to want to ride the coast in Florida as it a seemingly endless stream of traffic lights through small towns.

[panther289]

Since you have so much time off perhaps you should check out the Four Corners ride over at the IBA website.
Just look it up at the Event Calender.
Wished i had the time and money to do the same.
Good luck.

That's the main reason I want to do the trip. Time, I learned some valuable lessons about that word in past few years.
I'll head over tonight to check out the Four Corners Run.

Thanks

[panther289]

I'd suggest dipping down into the Big Bend National Park if you have the time...unless it's summer time.

Gorgeous desert mountains  

Also, if you've never ridden the Pacific Coast Highway before, you're in for a treat  

You really have to want to ride the coast in Florida as it a seemingly endless stream of traffic lights through small towns.

I looked up the Big Bend NP on the gov site. It looks like a definite addition. The PCH is one of the main reasons along with route 36 in northen Cali. Suppose to be 160miles of twisties. As Fla goes, I've covered most of it when I lived there. Most of the family live by the water, so It's by default I'll be following the coast. But I know what you mean about the lights

Thanks

[Mrs. DantesDame]

In Washington, go north over Hwy 20 (North Cascades Hwy) and follow it all the way to the Kettle Falls area. You can't go wrong with any of those roads. Then drop down into the SE corner near Clarkston/Lewiston and take 12 over Lolo Pass    From there, take your time crossing though Montana to the entrance to Yellowstone. Big Hole (NP?) in Montana is huge and scenic.

In Wyoming, drop down (like you are) to Riverton, but then go north through the Wind River Canyon. From there, any of the passes (14, 14A, 14 or 16) are wonderful. 14 north of I-90 is a pleasant distraction and then you're primed to stop and see Devil's Tower  

[connick]

If you're planning on doing Big Bend, get off of I-10 once you're past San Antonio.  For a straight shot, just get on 90 West out of SA, or, if you like the twisty stuff, take 16 NW to Medina, 337 west to Camp Wood, then 55/334 back down to 90.  There's just too much nice scenery south of 10 to stay on the interstate.  If you need a place to overnight in the area, check out D'Rose Inn in Leakey.  Motorcycles only, and an exceedingly cool place to stay.

Once into Cali, its tough to go wrong on PCH.  Spend a few extra hours in Malibu riding Mulholland Drive and stop off at the Rock Store.  Try to time your arrival in the Big Sur area (between Monterey and San Simeon) for a weekday, hopefully before 10AM.  You'll miss most of the crowds this way, and the fog shouldn't be too bad as long as you're not TOO early in the morning.  There are few things more painful then driving that road while its poplulated with slow-moving RVs. Heading north from there there is no shortage of cool things to do... ride through a redwood tree in Leggett, CA... Stop off in Eureka and take a pic of the Carson House, then head over to Samoa and get a meal at the Samoa Cookhouse... Haha, you're going to have a very full trip! Good luck with the planning, I hope it goes well.

[panther289]

Thanks for the info DD, Connick.
The north west is completely new to me. I know there's going to be a lot of running around in circles there.

I was in L.A. over the summer and the friend I was visiting knows I love to ride. Took me through the Tapanga Canyon. I didn't get to Mulolland Drive though. A couple of riders at the H-D dealer were talking highly about it though. Cali seems to be a riders mecca. I just gotta get used to the lane splitting

Checked out the Kawasaki Versys, the FZ6 and the Sv650-s at the dealer here today. The Versys sits a little high for me and the fact that the Yamaha has a centerstand stock is moving me in that direction.

[mike goodwin]

FZ-6 is a nice bike.
I wouldn't mine owning one myself.
And we think alike about centerstands.
Street bikes without them are a pain in the ass on the road or garage.

[Cheddarhead]

If you're flexible, you might consider trailing north from Arkansas...perhaps follow the Mississippi and dip your toes in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior...then west to the Badlands and on to the left coast via the northern route.  It'll all be downhill as you chase the PCH toward San Diego...

Let us know if you do head out way...chances are somebody will be able to meet up/show you around the area, and perhaps offer up a couch or a campsite, a cold brew, and a hot shower.

Sounds like a terrific idea for a way to leave the day-to-day world behind for a while...

We'll all be living vicariously through your periodic updates...

Cheddar

[x32792]

Hello all,
  I am starting to seriously plan a trip I’ve wanted to take since childhood.

If time and money are not an issue, slap a skid plate on whatever you decide to ride and visit the Cooper Canyon, Four Corners, Moab, Death Valley, and the Rockies. Don't be in a rush, schedule more time and figure it will cost X2 what you think it will.

FYI: the new Versys does not have a frame under the motor which makes mounting a center stand and a skid plate difficult, if not impossible.

[panther289]

If you're flexible, you might consider trailing north from Arkansas...Sounds like a terrific idea for a way to leave the day-to-day world behind for a while...

We'll all be living vicariously through your periodic updates...

Cheddar

Thanks for the info. I have been modifying this map to add some of the new areas I'm learning about. The Natchez Trace up to Memphis (there's suppose to be a bbq place to die for there) then to the Ozarks. As soon as I get the date set I'll be posting about every three to four days. Thanks, Bry

[panther289]

If time and money are not an issue, slap a skid plate on whatever you decide to ride and visit the Cooper Canyon, Four Corners, Moab, Death Valley, and the Rockies. Don't be in a rush, schedule more time and figure it will cost X2 what you think it will.

FYI: the new Versys does not have a frame under the motor which makes mounting a center stand and a skid plate difficult, if not impossible.

I had the chance to go through DV and upper AZ. during the summer( i.e. in a moving truck), I have added the area along with the canyon, Arches, the painted desert and a few other areas. Going to the Ozarks, then Follow west towards Pikes Peak.  I am considering pulling the lowers off the ex and having a friend(metal worker) make a skid for it. I know it's only 500cc but the parts are out there, cheap, has the centerstand, and I can tear it down in no time Thanks for the info, and if y'all think of other places, I appreciate the knowledge. Bry

[x32792]

 I had the chance to go through DV and upper AZ. during the summer( i.e. in a moving truck), I have added the area along with the canyon, Arches, the painted desert and a few other areas. Going to the Ozarks, then Follow west towards Pikes Peak.  I am considering pulling the lowers off the ex and having a friend(metal worker) make a skid for it. I know it's only 500cc but the parts are out there, cheap, has the centerstand, and I can tear it down in no time Thanks for the info, and if y'all think of other places, I appreciate the knowledge. Bry

A very good resource for finding the most scenic two lane back road (no interstate highways involved) Roll Charts across America including points of interests, milage between points, gps, gas stations, convenience stores, motels, camp grounds, weather conditions, etc can be found at www.adventurecycling.org.

If these routes are good enough for Iron Butts touring America on carbon forks hauling 75+ plus pounds of gear, I am sure they would be just dandy for someone on a 500cc bike.

These maps come in 400 +/- mile sections which can be purchased separately for about 10 to 12 bucks each.

Don't apologize for your 500cc bike. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, people made 44,000 mile trips circumnavigating the globe on 350cc bikes. Unless you want to pull up tree stumps or cross America at triple digits, you don't need a big bike.

[panther289]

Don't apologize for your 500cc bike. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, people made 44,000 mile trips circumnavigating the globe on 350cc bikes. Unless you want to pull up tree stumps or cross America at triple digits, you don't need a big bike.

It's funny you say that. I was "down the shore" (as they call it in NJ) and met another rider on a goldwing.He was loaded to the gills and then some. We got to talking about his trip to the OuterBanks. I asked him the load weight and it was around 80+#'s. I told him of my plans and got that ever familar "what are you nuts on a 500" response. I started to laugh and explained that I've put 2000+ miles on my little 500 in the course of a week of casual riding. That total load weight is less then 60#'s with camping gear(a lot of backpackers stuff). I enjoy the ex500 because it's lite, nimble, easy to fix/ find parts, good on gas(55+mpg) and has more then enough power for me. Like you mentioned people do these trips on 350's, so I have to laugh at people who put down the EX500.
  Thanks for the info on the maps, I'm going to try to stay off the major highways because I want to see America not just McDonalds at exits. Hoping to Find that worlds largest ball of string!

[1moreroad]

Head north in Arizona closer east to ride 191.  Stop at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument a little more east again.

Get a National Parks pass for $80, all admission, all parks.  National Parks passport might be a fun memento, too.  Pick either or both up at the first park you visit.  They pay for themselves out west.

Don't skip San Diego!

Google "BearTooth Pass" and "Lolo Pass"

It looks like you are missing CO?  IMO NM and UT are better, but lots of folks on this site will disagree with me.

Use www.nps.gov for ideas of places to stop and see.  Use www.byways.org for good routes in between parks.  Unfortunately you still have to connect the byways together.

Don't swear off interstates entirely, especially in the east.  There are lots of slow, straight back highways with traffic, houses, etc.  Absolutely swear off interstates in the west.  There are lots of twisty roads with great scenery and nothing else.

[panther289]

Thanks 1moreroad, I've added the areas in Co-Ut that you mentioned. As soon as I get the new map photoed I'll be posting it. San Diego is a must. Gotta hit the lower left corner while out there and pay homage to where the Bucs finally won a SB I have been to the Byways site   and will definitely take the advice on the park pass. There's going to be quite a few on the trip.
  It seems I'll be in the south west for a better part of the trip. Besides the history, the landscape is spectacular. +1 I want to see atleast one ghosttown

[panther289]

Updated map adding some of the areas. Still gotta come up with a route from The Dragon to Savannah.Thanks, Panther

[jwhite518]

+1 I want to see atleast one ghosttown

Lots of ghost towns near Death Valley. Easiest one is Ballarat, only a mile or two off the road. Best one is Bodie, it's an official state park. More gravel riding, though. If you like I'll dig up my list of ghost towns in that area.

[panther289]

Lots of ghost towns near Death Valley. Easiest one is Ballarat, only a mile or two off the road. Best one is Bodie, it's an official state park. More gravel riding, though. If you like I'll dig up my list of ghost towns in that area.

If you would, that'd be great.
The idea of an area that people tried to settle and then had to abandon has always intrigued me. The history of which is left behind. Why there, why'd they leave, who were they? That part of this countries past seems to be relegated to obscurity.

[olderigetfasteriam]

Come on kids, you want to see the world's largest house of mud don't you?

Clark Sparky Griswold

[jwhite518]

 Hoping to Find that worlds largest ball of string!

That's in Cawker City, Kansas. Just down the block from the Geographic Center of the U.S. in Lebanon, KS.

Seriously, I had both of those places on the itinerary of one trip, but then rain happened and I changed my plans. I'm going there some day!

[panther289]

Thanks, I was looking for that  
That actually started off as a joke between my family and me when I was 16. I use to throw an old pup tent and a sleeping blanket(us army surplus wool blanket) on the rear rack of my bike(old Yamaha), go into the house, throw a dart at a map of Fla, and ride there. When I would get to my destination, I would buy a postcard and mail it to myself for a souvenir. Well, one night I broke down outside of Tallahassee and they had to come pick me up. I spun a bearing and couldn't fix that on the side of the road. The trip to Tallahassee was about 10 hours from home. When they got there, the first question was " for gods' sake you're only 16, what the H*&^ are you doing up here alone?" And me being the consummate smart arse said " I'm looking for the worlds largest ball of string  ". As you can imagine that went over like a lead balloon.
  Now when I call the folks to tell them I going to be away on a ride, they ask where is their postcard from the worlds largest ball of string?
  And that was the start of my motorcycle love, before I called it sport-touring.

[olderigetfasteriam]

Thanks, I was looking for that  
That actually started off as a joke between my family and me when I was 16. I use to throw an old pup tent and a sleeping blanket(us army surplus wool blanket) on the rear rack of my bike(old Yamaha), go into the house, throw a dart at a map of Fla, and ride there. When I would get to my destination, I would buy a postcard and mail it to myself for a souvenir. Well, one night I broke down outside of Tallahassee and they had to come pick me up. I spun a bearing and couldn't fix that on the side of the road. The trip to Tallahassee was about 10 hours from home. When they got there, the first question was " for gods' sake you're only 16, what the H*&^ are you doing up here alone?" And me being the consummate smart arse said " I'm looking for the worlds largest ball of string  ". As you can imagine that went over like a lead balloon.
  Now when I call the folks to tell them I going to be away on a ride, they ask where is their postcard from the worlds largest ball of string?
  And that was the start of my motorcycle love, before I called it sport-touring.

That is an awesome story. Reminds me of taking off when I was a teen and failing to mention that I had been 500 miles away from home on my RD250.

You are inspiring me to take a longer trip next year but time constraints may say otherwise. I know it has been said on here before but isn't it ironic that when you had time to travel you needed money. Now that I have the money I can't seem to get the time. Oh cruel irony, why must you torture me so?

[Guy]

If you can, Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Dead Indian Pass) in WY are both stunning visually and awesome roads to ride. From there it is an easy ride over to the Bighorn Mountains and either 14 or 14a

[panther289]

If you can, Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Dead Indian Pass) in WY are both stunning visually and awesome roads to ride. From there it is an easy ride over to the Bighorn Mountains and either 14 or 14a

That's very do'able. follow up to Red Lodge, then double back to 296 then hit 120 to 14 in Cody. I could enter Yellow stone form the east. from there, hit the route Dante was talking about. Cool, Thanks Guy.


olderigetfasteriam, I hope you get the chance to take the ride you are considering. There's a beautiful country out there and we have only but the time we are granted by health and design.

[jwhite518]

Ghost Town bonus locations from a recent Cal 24 rally:

Silver Peak, NV, south of Highway 6, west of Tonopah
Darwin, CA, south of 190, west of Panamint Springs, CA
Ballarat, CA, east of Trona Road, north of Trona, CA
Garlock, CA, on Randsburg Redrock Road, west of Randsburg, CA
Bodie, CA, on Hwy 270, east of Hwy 395 (CA State Park)
Ryolite, NV, on Hwy 374 west of Beatty, NV
Candelaria, NV, west of Hwy 95, north of Hwy 6
Columbia, CA, a CA State Park north of Sonora, CA (in the western Sierra)
Calico, CA, a park 10 miles northeast of Barstow, CA

[panther289]

Cool JW, Thanks for the list. I'll google them tonight.

A few of the riders answered the thread in region 5, so now I have the Dragon to Savannah set.
Now to start making the decisions on the bike, time/distance, and all the good stuff.

[rkrayton2000]

Don't give up on the 500cc. Rode from Atlanta  to Tucson Az in Aug I went straight through I-20/I-10 no side roads I was on a deadline did it 27 hours only stopping for gas 80+ got nailed in Tyler Tx. doing 91 My ninja 500ex has served me well. you are right on with the low maint. and ease of getting parts. I see you are coming through Ga. down I-16 to Savannah. Downtown Savannah is great very nice people watch out for troopers on 16 they have little tolerance for motorcycles. Good luck.
P.S. My brother swears by his vfr does 800 mile days with ease and it has hard bags!!!

[panther289]

  I've been spending some quality time on the GPz550 lately. Though I enjoy it, I find myself returning to the 500.For me the EX is the perfect size and with the Corbin on it, I can ride for hours without a hitch. I was holding out to see the 08 650r, sv650 and the fz6, but I'll most likely end up with a new (or newer) EX500. I am partial to the bright blue or black ones. Still waiting for Kawai to release the new line up to see if they have upgraded it like the Ninja 250 has supposedly been ungraded. If so I'll go for the new one, if not, any low milage one in great shape will do.

rkrayton2000; thanks for the info, I have unfortunately seen the inside of the Savannah court house after getting pulled for 104 in a 55 zone back in 1989. I was in my 78 Mustang and was heading home to Fla. to see the family. I got off real lucky, only had to pay a fine and court cost. So I will definitely be on my best behavior on this trip.  

Thanks again, Panther(bry)

[CRMH Eagle]

I've lived in the South for many years, so here's a few pennies of advice:

Be careful in Louisiana. Law officers are known to pull people over who are out of state. A few years ago Dateline did a sting operation on I-10 in Louisiana...had about 10 cars, each car with several people inside, out of state plates, with full video recording on the inside. Two of the cars that were not speeding were pulled over and the passengers thrown in jail. Only when the NBC producer showed up with a lawyer did the release the crew. So be careful.

When in North Carolina, it's worth the time to drive the Outer Banks. There is still destruction in Miss from Katrina. If you are going thru New Orleans be careful your not knocked on the head and robbed.   If you pass thru Destin, FL (near the AL state line), go visit the beach. It's pure white sand and crystal clear water makes it one of the best beaches in the nation.

Ever thought of going through Colorado and riding up to Pike's Peak? There's some awesome twisties out here!   The map shows you may pass through the Applachians... consider doing the Outer Banks in NC and then hitting the mountains here in Colorado... Much more awesome and inspiring. And when you are in Seattle, take some time and ride through Mt. Rainer Nat'l Park. Just incredibly amazing. One of my favorite spots in this country.

I've traveled almost 35 states and though I love the smokies in TN and NC, nothing beats the Rockies.

Happy trails.

[panther289]

  Thanks CRMH Eagle for the heads up in Louisiana. I'm originally from down that way (Fla) and have passed through La. with no hassles with Fl tags. The NJ tags may end up as a bullseye on this trip.
  The new map has the peak on it. Lots of good advise has been given and is appreciated about Co. I've been to the Outer Banks and the area is as awesome as you say. I do have a certain love for the BRP and that's the main reason for going that way.

Thanks again for the info, Panther

[nmquigley]

Since you are passing through Texas, you may want to stay on 90 out of San Antonio, to Del Rio (Border town with Acuna on the Mexico side), then follow it to the Amistad Reservoir (serves both the US and Mexico), it will with US 67, and continues into Marfa, a cool town with history of UFOs (the Marfa Lights) and artsy stuff.  You can then slide on up 90 to Van Horn, and get back on IH 10.  Take IH 10 on to El Paso which has lots of cools stuff to see.

One caution though, if you are considering taking a day trip across to a border town (Acuna, Juarez, etc.) don't have a firearm on you.  Instant arrest and imprisonment, with a very difficult process for release.

It's a great ride.  Wide open spaces, cool rocks and nice folks all along the way.  Just take some water with you, and make sure you manage your fueling.  It is not a great place to run out of gas.

[panther289]

Thanks for the info on Texas Nmquigley. I'm going to stay within the borders of the US with the exception being Niagara Falls. I haven't decided if a firearm is needed. I will be consulting the NRA for rules and regs on the matter. My S&W would not be an acceptable choice. Weight along with barrel length prohibit it.
 Thanks again for the info, Panther

[PHXXXRIDER]

I noticed that you are looking to pop over to Yosemite from San Fran.
(btw, great vantage point of the golden gate bridge from waters edge at the presido)

You could also take a short side ride towards walnut creek and go to the top of fishkill mountain rd.
Its on the east side of the bay and is a great place to take pictures of the entire bay  (if the fog isn't covering everything)

Anyways, you are totally missing Tahoe and 395.

I suggest you go thru Yosemite to the east side and take 395 north to Tahoe and then cut back over towards the pacific.

Its a nice stretch of road and the tahoe area is a great ride. In summer, of course.

[jwhite518]

You could also take a short side ride towards walnut creek and go to the top of fishkill mountain rd.
Its on the east side of the bay and is a great place to take pictures of the entire bay  (if the fog isn't covering everything)

Where's fishkill mtn road? I've never heard of it, and I live in the East Bay.  

[panther289]

Where's fishkill mtn road? I've never heard of it, and I live in the East Bay.  

Found Walnut Creek, can't locate Fiskill Mountain Rd.

Oh, JW how's the bike and the ride and the new helmet?

[jwhite518]

Hi Panther! The bike's great! I rode it yesterday in Walnut Creek, as a matter of fact. Haven't tried the new helmet yet (the old one was on the bike at the shop, so I wore that one yesterday.)

Let me know when you're in the area, I'll show you around.