Apologies for the few days of radio silence – some fun real-life tasks to accomplish (like attending my first ever SCA event, or helping my roommate with her new kitten!).
Before I go on about the route, I want to thank those of you whom have donated (especially to two VERY generous people!). I won’t mention names (because I haven’t gotten permission form them to do so), but from the bottom of my heart – thank you for helping. I do not, and never have, expected anyone to donate, and your generosity will not be forgotten, and will most definitely be paid forward.
Alright, on to the topic of today’s post – The (Planned) Route.
The planned route will utilize roads such as US-50, US-34, and US-6, with others sprinkled in. I say planned, because detours happen – whether I want to visit somewhere, see a sign, or decide “no, we can’t go this route.”
How did I arrive at this particular route? First, Google Maps, using the Option to “Avoid Highways” so I miss the Interstates. Second, through Google Maps Street-view, to ensure I’d feel safe on those roads. Third, by research (routes others have taken) and talking with people.
All subject to change.
And now, without further ado, THE MAP (Insert trumpet fanfare, fireworks, and a half-hearted ‘yay’ here)
Let’s take a look at it arbitrarily selected region by arbitrarily selected region (Or, state-by-state), shall we? Please click on the maps to view them in higher detail.
Indiana
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: SpeedCity (Indianapolis), Crossroads Motorsports (Lafayette)
Notable Places: Bloomington, Spencer, Terra Haute.
Notable Roads: IN-46, US-150
Illinois
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Sportland (Urbana)
Notable Places: Decatur, (Possibly Springfield, as it can still be “on the Route”), Illinois River, Mississippi River
Notable Roads: US-36, US-136, US-67, US-34
UPDATE: As pointed out, this path may be a bit more difficult once I make my way into Iowa. As such, I will not plan to cross into Iowa at Fort Madison.
Iowa
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Rider Sales, LLC (Washington), Country Cycle (Winterset), Edwards Full Throttle Motorsports (Council Bluffs/Omaha)
Notable Places: ?
Notable Roads: US-34, Historic Hills Scenic Byway
UPDATE: As pointed out, US-34 might be a bit fast/busy for Donna to safely ride, at least until Ottumwa. Based on recommendations, I’ll now be entering into Iowa at Fort Madison, and then taking the “Historic Hills Scenic Byway” until it meets up with US-34.
Nebraska
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Edwards Full Throttle Motorsports (Council Bluffs IA/Omaha NB), Tri-City Cycleworks (Grand Island),
Notable Places: Omaha
Notable Roads: US-34, NE-92, US-83, US-30
I know that it looks like I’d be driving on I-80, and let me assure you, I am not. US-30 runs parallel to I-80, on the other side of the South Platte River.
Colorado
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Unique Rides, Inc (Ft. Collins), Sportique Boulder (Boulder), Extreme Power Sports (Steamboat Springs)
Notable Places: Pawnee National Grassland, Continental Divide, Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain National Park (Possibly), Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Steamboat Springs, Dinosaur National Monument
Notable Roads: US-138, CO-14, US-40 (MAYBE US-34 Trail Ridge Road, CO-125)
This is the fun part.
This is the point where I will make a decision on the fly, depending on how I am doing time wise, achy-wise, and how Donna is running. The straight through path would be to take CO-14 passed the mountains, and is the primary plan. However, If I am feeling good (about me, Donna, and finances), and making good time, I may opt to drive Trail Ridge Road, which takes me through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation goes up to around 12,000 feet. Not sure how Donna will do with less air in her engine, and I don’t plan on re-jetting during the trip. Any advice?
Utah
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: The Scooter Lounge (Provo)
Notable Places: Dinosaur National Monument, Provo/Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Scooter Co (Salt Lake City)
Notable Roads: US-40, US-191, US-6/50
Nevada
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: None
Notable Places: Ely, Eureka, Middlegate, Fallon, Carson City, Lake Tahoe
Notable Roads: US-50
This is where US-50 gets it’s “Loneliest Road in America” moniker – traveling through Nevada. Utah and Nevada are the reason I have opted to buy a 2 gallon jerry can and strap it to Donna as well, since there are places where there are no service s(gas stations) for 140 miles. Between the gallon in my tank, and 2 gallons in the can, I should be good for about 200, at the very least.
California
Genuine Dealerships Nearby: Barber’s Shop, Scooter City (Sacramento – Service only), Motoxotica (Vacaville), SF Scooter Center (San Francisco)
Notable Places: Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Oakland
Notable Roads:US-50, CA-84
This is it! I’ve opted to drive on US-50 so I can go through Lake Tahoe, which I’ve visited once before. I have some friends in Sacramento I may want to visit on my way through. Other than that, back roads all the way down to Oakland, which is where I plan on living. (Note: The address listed is near, but not at, the place I plan on living).
Also, there is a ferry that connects CA-84. Small ferry crossing a river, but should be fun regardless. A nice stretch break!
I’m eager to hear opinions, ideas, and sightseeing tips. Also, if anyone has camping, hotel, or other lodging recommendations, please feel free to let me know!
Want to Help? That would be super-cool!
Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:
$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)
If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up, or you can send me money via PayPal! đŸ™‚
If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!
You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)
I doubt I can get the Rubber Knife Gang to venture that far south, but I can probably ride with you part of the way.
Burlington, IA is home to the world’s most crooked street, and Fairfield is probably the strangest town you’ll ever see. Other than that, not much to report.
I forgot… Winterset is the home of the famous “Bridges of Madison County”. Unfortunately, most of the bridges have been burned down.
Oooh, The Quilt Museum is there too!
Your planned route into Iowa from Burlington to Ottumwa isn’t going to work. That’s all freeway.
If you enter Iowa at Ft. Madison, you can follow the Historic Hills scenic byway and join up with 34 on the back side at Albia.
Good call! I’ll definitely take that suggestion.