Help me plan my epic trip of a lifetime! Toronto->California and back in 15 days!

[Wheelieboy]

Description:

After being inspired by the guys over at advrider, I dreamt up a ride of a lifetime. I finally finish university this spring and I managed to get some time off before I start my job. I want to tour the United States of America and have April 27- May 15 to do it. So far I've planned a route that would take 15 days, so I have 3 days of lee-way. I really wanted to do Utah but am afraid I will run out of time.

The bike I will be doing it on is a 2006 CBR600RR. I have yet to get a gel seat but will be doing that. I am quite comfortable on the bike and I have no problems riding on it all day. I have sportbike saddlebags that I can store a couple of things in and will be strapping a gym bag+misc things on the back seat. Bike has new tires, brake pads, oil.

I've done many 800-1000km trips back to back with no problems but never really camped out or anything like that. I plan to do a mix of staying at cheap motels and camping if the weather is nice...or if I'm in the middle of no where and have no places to sleep. I'm hoping some of you more experienced campers/tourers can answer my questions. Also, if anyone has any input on the packing list, please comment. I am and will be doing research on this but any advise is welcome just incase I miss anything.

Questions:
1) When camping in general, what are some basic safety tips?
2) How safe are campgrounds in terms of wild animals?
3) In some states, I have read that you can camp freely, are there any states which allow this that are part of my route?
4) In some states, they have "Reasonable and Prudent" speed limits such as Texas, Utah...does anyone know at what point speeds become unreasonable? Ie. Is 100mph on a long lonely desert road considered reasonable? 120mph?
5) Are there any areas along my route worth checking out that does not majorly deviate from my route?
6) What are the temperatures like at the Grand Canyon during my trip?
7) What are the temperatures like in the Colorado Mountains? (Ex. Million Dollar Highway, Pikes Peak) From what I read, Pikes Peak always has the potential for snow but I dont know about the Million Dollar Highway.
8 )I heard you can get some kind of yearly pass for camping at National Parks which will save some money after many uses...does anyone have more info on this?
9) Are there any motels in the states that have stay X nights, get 1 night free?
10) At the Grand Canyon, I only have time to stop at one lookout point...I was thinking the North Rim. Is that the best place to see the Grand Canyon?

I am looking for 1 other person to come along just for safety reasons. If anyone is interested please contact me. Any style of bike are welcome, I am only picky about the rider. They have to be experienced riders as some parts of the route include riding along twisty (paved or dirt) mountain roads with no guardrails and steep drop offs. Must be experienced in riding in rain. Comfortable with riding slightly faster in the curves, slightly above speed limits on roads with medium traffic, and exactly speed limit in villages/school zones/towns. If I don't get anyone to come along, I'll be going solo.

I'll be relatively tight on time and while there will be time for picture taking/resting, I'm not interested in starting a picnic.

The Route (Option 1):
Day 1/2 (1504 km):


http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Queen+Elizabeth+Way&dadd r=40.1962%2C-80.51886+to%3A39.91739%2C-80.76397+to%3A39.63598%2C-81.20269+to%3A39.5793328%2C-81.2951748+to%3A39.46635%2C-81.64714+to%3A39.4833%2C-81.79037+to%3A39.48389%2C-81.85983+to%3A38.790141%2C-82.412037+to%3A38.22731%2C-83.37837+to%3A37.8936%2C-83.6044+to%3A36.89551%2C-84.18283+to%3A36.7786%2C-84.38843+to%3A36.47532%2C-84.6242...5+to%3AI-65+S&geocode=FbzWkgIdUlhG-w%3BFWhYZQIdNGEz-yljM2GGpMs1iDG8vzxb43GrAg%3BFU4XYQIdvqMv-ylRUWGs9eA1iDFJrFTnTGNVmQ%3BFQzMXAId_vEo-ykDu7LNhN9JiDFNceK77zGMpw%3BFcTuWwIduogn-ymh3Lc2eNlJiDGJtA91v562fw%3BFW41WgId3Cki-ynnjpCXAjFIiDF6us77Cu6iCA%3BFaR3WgIdXvof-ymfvRWpgDxIiDEQI4FDbJd30A%3BFfJ5WgIdCuse-ynHTIazhT1IiDEeTVRSbuUcxg%3BFf3jTwId-30W-ylX7gfr3DxGiDFSTi-9hKeJfw%3BFW5NRwIdPr8H-ymjZT15dhFEiDG5XFsocQmkDA%3BFeA1QgIdUEwE-ymlpjvmTYdDiDFdLcwjuLilsg%3BFRb7MgId0nj7-ikZ0cZSB9xciDEnT88PQUOenQ%3BFWgyMQIdslX4-inDaY2AAhldiDHA1Woy_X3Ziw%3BFbiRLAIdhrz0-inLaI7m6J9diDFiR1OaYrXs1A%3BFSj5JwId-ITT-g&hl=en&mra=dvme&mrcr=0&mrsp=13&sz=11&via=1%2C2%2C 3%2C4%2C5%2C6%2C7%2C8%2C9%2C10%2C11%2C12%2C13&sll= 36.467681%2C-84.603653&sspn=0.251248%2C0.676346&ie=UTF8&ll=36.5 93479%2C-84.534302&spn=2.00662%2C5.410767&z=8

Day 3 (455miles):

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...2C2.705383&z=9

Day 4: Dallas, Texas(538 mi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C10.821533&z=7


Day 5: Slabbing to Albuquerque (624 mi)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...2C5.410767&z=8

Day 6: To Pheonix, Arizona (550mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...2C5.410767&z=8

Day 7: The Apache Trail (376mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C1.352692&z=10

Day 8: To San Bernardino Cali (437mi)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C0.676346&z=11

Day 9: Bike Service, Mullholland (240 mi)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C0.676346&z=11

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...2&ie=UTF8&z=15

Day 10: Vegas! (254 mi)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C10.821533&z=7

Day 11: Grand Canyon (513 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...77&ie=UTF8&z=9

Day 12: Colorado Springs (499mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...C0.617294&z=11

Day 13: Pikes Peak + Head Home(604mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...54&ie=UTF8&z=8


Day 14/15: Slabbing it back home (974 mi)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...09&ie=UTF8&z=7


The Route (Option 2):

Day 1,2 Toronto to Denver (2395km):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...8,2.705383&z=9

Day 3: Denver to Grand Junction (392 mi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,0.676346&z=11


Day 4: Grand Junction to Salt Lake City (478 mi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...8,2.705383&z=9


Day 5: Salt Lake City to Salt Flats to Reno (531 mi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,0.169086&z=13


Day 6: Reno to Salinas (455 mi):
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...9,5.410767&z=8


Day 7: Salinas to LA (374 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...8,2.705383&z=9


Day 8: Rest/Service Bike/Local Cali Ride


Day 9: LA to Apache Trail (452 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...1,2.705383&z=9

Day 10: Apache Trail to Monument Valley (467 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,0.338173&z=12


Day 11: Monument Valley to Salida via Million Dollar Highway/Bonanza Mines (421 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=US-191+N&daddr=37.50096,-107.81666+to:38.45157,-107.32587+to:38.39542,-106.46475+to:38.31646,-106.14319+to:E+Rainbow+Blvd&geocode=FYT1OAIdTnx4-Q%3BFSA4PAIdLNmS-SnfLlrCVbo-hzHQjBzpZ0__MA%3BFXK5SgIdUlaa-SnRP25LZ3Y_hzEqZSb0KfgYlw%3BFRzeSQIdEnqn-SkPjUh8eWEVhzHVK0JghQOlsw%3BFaypSAIdKmKs-SnH2PQk2gwVhzHo69sKWYLB1Q%3BFdjUSwId2oeu-Q&hl=en&mra=dvme&mrsp=3&sz=9&via=1,2,3,4&sll=38.24 4652,-106.548157&sspn=0.979317,2.705383&ie=UTF8&z=9

Day 12: Pike’s Peak (398 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...83&ie=UTF8&z=9

Day 13: Mt Rushmore/Explore area/rest (time permitting) (95 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,0.338173&z=12

Day 14/15: Go home (1531 mi)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...,21.643066&z=6









Packing List:

Clothes/Gear:
1 textile jacket
1 textile pants
2 riding gloves
1 winter gloves
1 pair of mittens
1 riding boots
1 helmet + helmet bag
5 t-shirts
5 socks
1 pair of pants
1 pair of shorts
1 hoodie
1 windbreaker
1 rain suit
1 pair of shoes
5 Pairs of earplugs

Documents:
-insurance
-DL
-registration
-passport
-travel insurance
-credit/debit copies
-emergency contact
-maps
-paper/pen/sharpie

Living:
-tent
-sleeping bag
-utility knife
-toilet paper
-heat pads
-camelback
-first aid items
-towel
-shampoo
-bug spray
-bear spray (after the border)
-Tylenol
-sleeping pills
-non perishable foods

Tools:
-wrenchs
-allen keys
-flat tire repair
-chain lube
-chain clean
-rags
-pliers
-vice grips
-portable air pump
-air pressure gauge
-zipties
-duct tape
-plastic/garbage bags

Equipment:
-flashlight
-jerry cans
-tie downs
-bungee cords
-bungee net
-U-lock
-compass

Electronics:
-GPS
-iPhone
-iTouch
-2 pairs of noise canceling headphones
-fuses
-SPOT GPS tracker
-extra batteries
-extra fuses
-USB charger
-apple charger
-watch
-GoPro cam
-Digital Camera

[homme de fer]

The only problem I see is with the aggressive riding schedule; the long hours in the saddle leave very little time to sightsee and I can see you falling behind.

You're also bringing an aweful lot of electronics and equipment that is sure to take up more space than you have. I speak from experience as I "tour" on my Ducati 900. However, everyone has their comfort zone and mine is minimalist these days.

[Wheelieboy]

The only problem I see is with the aggressive riding schedule; the long hours in the saddle leave very little time to sightsee and I can see you falling behind.

You're also bringing an aweful lot of electronics and equipment that is sure to take up more space than you have. I speak from experience as I "tour" on my Ducati 900. However, everyone has their comfort zone and mine is minimalist these days.

I do agree that there may be concern about the aggressive riding schedule. I wish I did have more time but I do want to see as much as I can within the time that I have. My goal is to actually get a taste of the different places across America and head back to the places I like at a later time to explore. I do envision that I will fall behind some days since its hard to predict things such as weather, detours, and other factors. If I end up falling behind, I will reconsider my route, but I hope I dont have to.

I'm also considering ditching the camping idea and staying at Motels...but I am traveling to pretty remote places and theres no guarantee that there will be a motel around...or even worse if I break down and have to spend the night outdoors. With most of the equipment, I can pack within the 2 saddlebags and gym bag....I think. Some items such as the Jerry can and water jug I can probably fab a mount for it to replace my passenger pegs

[revrandy]

I haven't reviewed it in great detail but if I could offer a few suggestions

1) skip Dallas - really nothing to see there and it seems like a diversion that would yield only adding another big city to the list. It is no different than riding around any big city. Figure out a different way to Albuquerque and take in some of the sights.

2) You are planning this trip right in the heart of Tornado season. Last year I drove from Toronto to Texas in May and had to take shelter 2x because of tornado activity. Another time in Missouri we had to lean our bikes against an old building, and take shelter as best we could as a tornado passed by. That delay alone was at least 2 hours. If you don't get Tornado's, count on heavy rain & hail as your ride through the flyover states.

3) Can you adjust the route so you come via Colorado Springs etc. in one direction and go back by heading north through California, Oregon etc. and then pass by Mount Rushmore? You will have more days of interesting riding and scenic beauty versus criss-crossing the flatlands as you do.

4) The time of year you are going will be fine at Pike's Peak. (My father-in-law lives in Manitou Springs @ 8,000 ft, base of Pike's Peak) and the snow disappears late March / early April. It will be cold at night, but generally speaking the snow will be gone (at the elevation you will be riding).

5) your ride in California has you on the freeways - boring!!! There are so many beautiful roads here that I try and avoid the highways if I can. Also you mentioned bike service / Mulholland - is that for an oil change etc.? If so, save some $$ and I will help you do it. I do my own (full synthetic with filter) for $30 or less - takes 20 minutes.

6) Texas does have speed limits, not sure where you got the reasonable and prudent? Depending on where you are it is either 70 mph or 80 mph (west Texas I-10/I-20 only) during the day and 65 mph at night. Montana used to have reasonable and prudent as their speed limit but they abolished it a number of years ago. FYI my partner got pulled by a Texas State Trooper for going 5 over, I got pulled over by a Wyoming State Trooper for going 10 over - in a rural area. Watch your speed!

Finally I have ridden a great deal of where you are looking to ride. Some things to be aware of are winds (45 mph headwinds on the open plains are very common - absolutely brutal on timing and gas mileage and exhausting), speed traps in small towns (you will get a ticket at 5 mph over), the heat of the desert (strap water to your bike - you will need it), and millions of transport trucks on the highways. Way more than you would find in Canada.

Accomodations etc. I can't comment on right now but may be able to when I look in more detail at your plan.

Hope this helps.

[Wheelieboy]

Great advise revrandy!

1) I will plan a route to skip Dallas. The route is pretty much preliminary and included big cities just to mark the days end. Also, I'd know for sure there will be accommodations there. Once I look into accommodations in more detail, the route will probably change slightly.

2) Good to know about Tornado season...I'll do some research into areas that are frequently hit by tornado and tornado safety. Hopefully I'm lucky enough not to be delayed by them.

3) I'll take a look at what I can do for changing my route. Schedule is tight as I have 18 days to do a 15 day trip. Perhaps I can make an alternate route and decide what route to take after I arrive to the west coast.

5) The bike service is for oil change/adjusting chain. If you're willing to help, that would be great! Then I dont have to donate my money to the stealership

6) I may be confusing reasonable and prudent with Prima Facie. I have been referring to http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html . If you have some insight on this, it is greatly appreciated. I also talked to one of my friends who passed through states such as Arizona/Utah and was told it is generally acceptable to ride at higher speeds on the long lonely highways.

I have heard many horror stories about small town speed traps and whenever I am passing through small towns in America, I always do the speed limit. Heck, even in Canada, you'll rarely find me exceeding the speed limit in a 40/50 zone.

[homme de fer]

I forgot that you mentioned ADVrider. I suggest contacting some of them in the tent space thread for a place to stay. I did that last year and it really made my trip; I get to spend the night in the company of others who "get it". I'll be doing it again each and every time I head out on another multi day ride, if for no other reason than just to meet up with other riders.

I think camping gear is a good idea to bring but make sure the equipment takes up very little space. Sure, it's expensive, but you get what you pay for. My air mattress from MEC folds rediculously small (size of a fist) and yet, when blown up, is as comfy as my bed. I've read of people using nothing but tarps for camping on ADV so that may be a good place to research.

Revrandy made some great recommendations. I suggest forgetting about heading south then across Texas. Rather, I'd head straight west to Denver and then turn south. That way, you get to ride through the mountains along roads that your SS will find highly agreeable. When coming into Arizona, ride down the East side of the Grand Canyon into Monument Valley. I wouldn't ride into Phoenix because the congestion is HORRIBLE (my parents are snowbirds there and I've been many times). I suggest Flagstaff and area then head across to Las Vegas. Be careful though, as again, the winds that blow in Death Valley from Vegas to LA are really strong and could make for a difficult ride. SoCal highways are very busy so it may be good to plan hitting the area on a weekend.

Whatever you do, keep us posted and take lots of pics. I expect to see a ride report when it's all over.

[revrandy]

I suggest Flagstaff and area then head across to Las Vegas. Be careful though, as again, the winds that blow in Death Valley from Vegas to LA are really strong and could make for a difficult ride.

This cannot be highlighted enough. One time I rode in on I-10 I had to stop every 2nd or 3rd exit because of wind fatigue. They were incredible and extremely tiring. Another time in West Texas (I-10 heading towards El Paso), the winds went between 25 mph and 50 mph and shifted directions. At times I was leaning left, others right, other times I could fly at 100 because of tail winds and other parts lucky to hit 55 consistently. They tend to get worse in late afternoon and stay that way until 7 or 8 p.m. They were so bad that day I cut my riding time down by 120 miles because of fatigue. My gas mileage also dropped from an average of 50 mpg to 22 mpg on one tank, because of the head winds. Yes that strong!

SoCal highways are very busy so it may be good to plan hitting the area on a weekend.

Myth - pure myth. There is no more traffic on California highways than on the 403 between Brantford and the 401

Average speed during rush hour is under 20 mph, outside of rush hour not bad. If you lane split, you can increase your speed but still not get it to 60 or 70 mph (too dangerous). I recommend trying lane splitting in the city before trying it on the highway. It does take getting used to and does require a level of skill and awareness you normally don't need when just riding along.

[Wheelieboy]

I forgot that you mentioned ADVrider. I suggest contacting some of them in the tent space thread for a place to stay. I did that last year and it really made my trip; I get to spend the night in the company of others who "get it". I'll be doing it again each and every time I head out on another multi day ride, if for no other reason than just to meet up with other riders.

Revrandy made some great recommendations. I suggest forgetting about heading south then across Texas. Rather, I'd head straight west to Denver and then turn south. That way, you get to ride through the mountains along roads that your SS will find highly agreeable. When coming into Arizona, ride down the East side of the Grand Canyon into Monument Valley. I wouldn't ride into Phoenix because the congestion is HORRIBLE (my parents are snowbirds there and I've been many times). I suggest Flagstaff and area then head across to Las Vegas. Be careful though, as again, the winds that blow in Death Valley from Vegas to LA are really strong and could make for a difficult ride. SoCal highways are very busy so it may be good to plan hitting the area on a weekend.

Whatever you do, keep us posted and take lots of pics. I expect to see a ride report when it's all over.

I'm aware of the tent space thread and I plan on taking a look at that. Great bunch of people over there

I did consider going straight west to Colorado but I am concerned about the flat spot that it would make on my tire which would throw off the handling of the bike for the rest of the trip. There arent many twisties along the way and 1500-2000kms of highway doesnt sound very appealing to my tires. From what revrandy said about the toronados, it might actually be a better idea. I might even be able to ride through Utah and skip the southern states. But I still really do want to do the Apache Trail. Hmmm, I'll take a look at my options and see what I come up with.

I do plan on doing a ride report, whether it is in real time or post-trip. I might just ditch the laptop and do a post-trip ride report to save myself some luggage space and work. I will be carrying my SPOT GPS tracker that tracks my progress so in a sense I can take my friends and family along the way.

[Pete5000]

A lot of good suggestions here. I agree with staying away from any large US City if you can. Or at the very least only go there on weekends.

I'm not a camper but what I have found is that budget motels (by this I mean Super 8, Days Inn, HJ's) are often quite acceptable in smaller towns,
but if you get into a big city (bad choice in St. Louis!) they turn into crapholes.

Also noted are the small town speed traps - hit a town in NY that was down to 20mph with 3 leos hanging about, 2 with flies in their spiderwebs. Ouch.

I like revrandy's comment on snow at 8000' disappearing early April. I've got snow in my driveway right now! What are we at here? 823'!!

I plan to head to Cali in 2013 (if the world hasn't ended) so I will look forward to your review.

[FriendlyFoe]

I do agree that there may be concern about the aggressive riding schedule. I wish I did have more time but I do want to see as much as I can within the time that I have. My goal is to actually get a taste of the different places across America and head back to the places I like at a later time to explore.

Then do it in a car. You have to pay way too much attention to the road on a bike, its a lot harder to enjoy the scenery.

Remember the saying its about the journey, not the destination? You're planning a trip full of destinations. If you only have 15 days i'd recommend doing a ride down to maybe the gap, or flying out west, renting a bike and riding the west coast.

What you have planned sounds more like work then fun.

[Wheelieboy]

Then do it in a car. You have to pay way too much attention to the road on a bike, its a lot harder to enjoy the scenery.

Remember the saying its about the journey, not the destination? You're planning a trip full of destinations. If you only have 15 days i'd recommend doing a ride down to maybe the gap, or flying out west, renting a bike and riding the west coast.

What you have planned sounds more like work then fun.

I'd be bored out of my mind in a car...To an extent it is about the destination, but a lot of it is about the journey as well. I have a lot of places I want to see along to way, I don't really have a "final destination" but I marked California as the turnaround point. While it is one of the places I want to ride around, it is not one of the places I most look forward to in this trip.

The route thats planned is pretty preliminary. I'll have alternate routes planned incase I run short of time or if I just want to take it easy for a few days.