IA to CA trip planning

[Farmer]

Want to go visit my friend in California sometime this summer.

He is near Sacramento.

I could blast out there on I-80 with the Gold Wing,or I could 2 lane it with the KLR or the GW.

Fort Collins CO is a required stop, To see one of my daughters.

Just trying to make a few decisions, my head hurts.

[LSGiant]

Are you camping or hotel. How much time do you have.

[Sleddog]

Highway 12 & 20 to Chadron/Ft Robinson State Park, you'll love the history & original buildings.
Wiggle your way to Ft Collins via some two lane roads.
Rocky Mountain National Park is great to ride through.
Take 40 to Provo, then 50 to Sacramento.
Coming home, head North & catch highway 12 & ride to Missoula. Head toward Billings on whatever roads look interesting (they're all good in Montana) Ride Beartooth Pass & Chief Joseph to Cody. Visit Buffalo Bill Museum.
Ride 14a or 14 to Sheridan, then on to Gillette via 14.

[Farmer]

Are you camping or hotel. How much time do you have.----- Some of each hopefully more camping, Time? from when I leave till
I get home, Not trying to be a smart a** but wife says not to rush it and see some things on my travels. Maybe around ten days to 2 weeks. 2 days at my friends home.

Jack your route to CA is what I already had in mind except in Nebraska, Took that northern route 2 years ago, and if I rush any of the trip it will be the first leg to Fort Collins. Your route from there and back home would get me into lots of country I have never traveled.

[Frump]

I've never been to Chimney Rock or Scott's Bluff National Monument, but I want to go there some day. I've seen Carhenge, Alliance, Chadron and Fort Robinson a few times. I have zigzagged through the state NE to SW several times without using a map, which was always a good ride... but I prefer the Sandhills (Hwy 12 & 20). Do you qualify for a Golden Age (Eagle or Senior Pass or whatever they calling them this year) pass yet? Can't wait until I do, but I have to wait a few years more.

[Sleddog]

If you want to add to the adventure, zig zag through the National Parks in Utah!
If you haven't visited them it's well worth the detour.

[Lapchik]

(05-29-2019 08:45 AM)Frump Wrote:  I've never been to Chimney Rock or Scott's Bluff National Monument, but I want to go there some day. I've seen Carhenge, Alliance, Chadron and Fort Robinson a few times. I have zigzagged through the state NE to SW several times without using a map, which was always a good ride... but I prefer the Sandhills (Hwy 12 & 20). Do you qualify for a Golden Age (Eagle or Senior Pass or whatever they calling them this year) pass yet? Can't wait until I do, but I have to wait a few years more.

Scotts bluff national monument is absolutely worth the stop. there are some hiking trails there too, which I didn't do, because I have a severe aversion to physical exercise. I have a couple pictures, but obviously they do not do it any justice. you can actually see chimney Rock from there, it looks like it's the size of a point of a pencil held out at arm's length from Scottsbluff.

Farmer, tagged you in a picture of that area on facebook.

[Farmer]

Decision made on what to ride. Jack, remember Alan's prayer and the mention of Good decisions?

Traveling alone, if on the KLR every side road will be drawing my attention and desire to explore. Opening the possibility of getting
myself into a situation that could be difficult alone. Gold wing will keep me from that sort of misadventure.

Plus with the wing most of my things can be locked in the bags, And being away from the bike will not be much of a concern.

So Gold wing it is.

[Sleddog]

Did you complete your trip John?
What were the highlights?

[Farmer]

It never panned out Jack. My friend out there has had a some small problems with his motorcycle, and we had planned riding the coastal roads for a day or two while I was out there. Hoping he gets his sorted out for next summer. Meanwhile, I am getting the KLR ready for some possible travel next week for a few days. Other wise my summer has been mostly at home, bikes have accumulated very few miles this summer. I sold the TW200.

[Sleddog]

That's too bad John. Was looking forward to hearing how it went. I really like riding through the country you planned. But nothing like hearing a first timers perspective.
BTW, I often think back to Alan's prayer! Once in a while too late.