D
Dave.TX
So my friends dad's 70th birthday is on April 19. He's in SoCal, I'm in CenTex. I'm contemplating on how to get there. I already have the vacation time set, April 15-25. Been looking at maps online and figuring distances, where to make fill ups and where to stay overnight.
I've done the drive several times, it's roughly 1,300 miles each way the most direct route. If I ride I'll be laboring through west Texas until I cut north towards Carlsbad, NM, and start taking a more scenic route. The route goes through several National Forests in NM and AZ and by the time I get to San Diego it'll be around 1,600 miles. I'll have to make at least two overnight stays somewhere either at a motel or a campground I s'pose. In Artesia there's an RV park that has tent camping for $15/night for instance. Once I get to SW Arizona and have to drive through the desert into CA... until I get to San Diego County it's pretty boring and monotonous. Not sure I can handle that on a motorcycle without cruise control and by myself...
So the dilemma is: take my truck with bike in back and go direct or take the bike and the scenic route. Would anyone be available to ride with me at least part of the way? Suggest routes? I'm not looking for an Iron Butt award as my back and this bike don't quite like each other for long distances. Any input would be appreciated. I think I'm leaning towards taking the truck.
Dave
P.S. The last time I drove out I went from Elgin, TX to Willcox, AZ in a day (about 840 miles) and could've made Tucson easy but had reservations in Willcox. I can go much farther in a day in a cage than on a bike.
I've done the drive several times, it's roughly 1,300 miles each way the most direct route. If I ride I'll be laboring through west Texas until I cut north towards Carlsbad, NM, and start taking a more scenic route. The route goes through several National Forests in NM and AZ and by the time I get to San Diego it'll be around 1,600 miles. I'll have to make at least two overnight stays somewhere either at a motel or a campground I s'pose. In Artesia there's an RV park that has tent camping for $15/night for instance. Once I get to SW Arizona and have to drive through the desert into CA... until I get to San Diego County it's pretty boring and monotonous. Not sure I can handle that on a motorcycle without cruise control and by myself...
So the dilemma is: take my truck with bike in back and go direct or take the bike and the scenic route. Would anyone be available to ride with me at least part of the way? Suggest routes? I'm not looking for an Iron Butt award as my back and this bike don't quite like each other for long distances. Any input would be appreciated. I think I'm leaning towards taking the truck.
Dave
P.S. The last time I drove out I went from Elgin, TX to Willcox, AZ in a day (about 840 miles) and could've made Tucson easy but had reservations in Willcox. I can go much farther in a day in a cage than on a bike.