Route Suggestions - Florida to Washington State

[narcop482]

I'm in the planning stages of a solo cross-country trip from Vero Beach, Florida to Kirkland, Washington. I'm using the first three weeks in April to get this done. I will be camping the entire time there and back. I have initially planned on taking a diagonal route across (I-75, I-24, I-64, I-70, I-29 then I-90) on the way up. On the trip back, I was going to take I-5 to the PCH or just stay on I-5 till I get down to I-10, then take I-10 across to Jacksonville, then I-95 home to Vero Beach.

I guess my big question is: Is my northern route do-able in April? I'm being told, I might have some weather problems (snow and ice). I know the southern route will be no problem that time of year, but I'd like to take two different routes, there and back.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[G wizz]

You have been told correctly, to go through those northern states that time of the year on a bike could be a real challange, maybe even dangerous.
Myself, I wouln't do it till toward the end of May.

[DAD]

You can still have quite a bit of snow in June, and into early July in the higher elevations. :)

[bigTom]

I wouldn't worry too much, on the interstate. You might find snow, but the road won't be frozen by the middle of April. By that time of year, you might have to wait a day, but certainly no more (he says confidently). The probable problems are Lolo pass in Montana and Snoqualmie in Washington. Snoqualmie should be fine, Lolo is higher.

You might want to consider reversing your route. I think I would at that time of year...

I would make sure I gots the warm and warmer gear packed, it can be cold.

[narcop482]

Now this is why my wife says I'm addicted to this site. Great info so far, I like the fact that no ones going to B.S. with me and that there are very slight differences in the input. Reversing the routes, now why didn't I think of that? I guess heading home later in the month, taking the northern route will probably be better with the weather.

I also have a lot of different campgrounds in mind on both routes. Would love to hear from you guys on that subject.

Please keep it coming...............

Thanks again.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Jim, you if you are taking I-24 through southwestern TN you should be fine that time of year. Get in touch with me closer to the time of your trip and I'll give you my phone numbers in case you have problems. I have 44 wooded acres you can camp on, or a spare bedroom you are welcome to.

[bluepoof]

Oh no, must you take interstates?? Friends don't let friends do all expressway! :eek: :D

What's your preferred mileage per day? Do you like to ride straight through or stop a lot for pictures/touristy stops?

What's your favorite kind of scenery?

Mmmmm, so many roads and parks and campsites. :D

[greybeard]

I would have to agree that if you can spend the time stay off the interstates at least use the US highway network to see the towns and people and the scenery with the IH you will bypass everything that is worth seeing

[narcop482]

I have no problem taking some secondary roads but my main goal is to get there and spend some time with my brother. There are several places I do intent to stop for that "kodak moment". I'm hoping to average about 550-650 miles per day, if that is possible because I'm planning on not driving a night. I'd like to go from sun-up - to sun-down. I'd like to make camp just before sundown. Not a big fan of big animals jumping out in front of me.

I think I'm going to take my southern route there and then hopefully by mid-April I can take the northern route back home.

[G wizz]

I have no problem taking some secondary roads but my main goal is to get there and spend some time with my brother. There are several places I do intent to stop for that "kodak moment". I'm hoping to average about 550-650 miles per day, if that is possible because I'm planning on not driving a night. I'd like to go from sun-up - to sun-down. I'd like to make camp just before sundown. Not a big fan of big animals jumping out in front of me.

I think I'm going to take my southern route there and then hopefully by mid-April I can take the northern route back home.

Ah, just woundering ... Have you run any 500 mile (or longer) days back to back? If you haven't, doing so can take it's toll. It can whip you if you'r not used to it, or if you come down with a cold, or flu, it'll chew you up and spit you out.
Not trying to scare you from your trip. Just saying, if you'r not used to long days in the saddle ... well, you get the picture.
Good luck, and, Oh hay,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

[narcop482]

G-wizz, I appreciate the concern and I would be too, without knowing the background of a rider. It is a legitimate concern that needs to be asked. I've been a member of the Iron Butt Association since 1998 and have a few of their rides under my belt. I was planning and still planning to complete their 50cc ride either on my there or the way back. I guess I just like those certificates to hang on the walls in my garage. I like the 500-650 mile day, not to long and not to short. Plus I can get that done in the daylight. I have decided to take my southern route on my way out plus have thrown in a few secondary roads (Rt66) for one. I guess I have to see what the movie CARS is all about.

I thank ALL for the input so far.................

[Mr. Guy]

If you run Rt 66 in Oklahoma, you'll be going about 12 miles north of my house. Free tent space if you want it, plus a shop if you need to change oil or whatever.

Guy

[narcop482]

Guy,
Thanks for the offer, my second night on the road will be staying with friends in Durant, OK. How close is that to you?

[Mr. Guy]

I live about 7 miles west of Prague, Ok. Or about 2 hours, 140 miles north of Durant.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Prague&state=OK

Guy

[Stump]

I think you'll like PCH going North. Less glare and haze as the sun is behind you. I've driven it many times and much prefer the south to north direction. Check Cal Trans for road restrictions befor you leave... April is end of the rainy season and slides can close PCH.

[narcop482]

For those who responded..............Thanks. My trip has been pushed to July due to my brother's (Flashdog) schedule out in Washington. This will probably work out better for the weather and plus the National BMW rally is in Johnson City, TN. the week of July 26th so that will be figured in to my return trip back to Florida. I guess it works out better this way anyway. I'm glad I have the job I have that I can cancel my vacation for the month of April and take off the entire month of July.

Will keep you all posted.................

Thanks.