Atlanta to Socal Trip.

[sometimesido]

As some of you know already, I've been planning a trip from the "A" to Socal.
Here's the route as of 4/22/09.
Google Map was seriously bogging down, I had to separate it into two.

Link to map: Atlanta to Socal



#2 The Way Back

Link to map: Pasadena to Atlanta



Some facts about the trip:

1. Leaving the last week of May.

2. Cannot be more than two weeks for the whole trip.

3. Must stop at point K to and from to stay at my buddy's house.

4. Must stop at point F once to stay at my other buddy's house.

5. Have a buddy in L.A. where I can stay the night.

6. Money is limited. Planning to stay at a motel at point J on the way back, but also thinking about camping.

7. Saturday the 23rd of May is my friend's wedding in Atlanta and I'll need at least two days to get ready. Meanwhile, one of two buddies that stays in L.A. says she's out of town on the 30th and 31st. So, I have to be there either before or after those dates.

8. Most likely I'll take three days to travel one way and three days back. That leaves one week in between to do whatever. I'd like to spend at least two or three days in Socal. (would be nice to meet some of you out there)

9. I'm out of town for training from 25th of April til 15th of May. That leaves 3 days in April and not much in May to finalize the preparation.

10. I'm supposed to be making a packing list and figure out how I'm going to pack, but I've been lazy. Also, I'm supposed to be welding up the mounts for custom saddle bags. Haven't even measured anything.

11. If I decide to camp, that means carrying extra gear. Extra gear means more weight. More weight means less mileage. Must remember maximum load on my ninja is 350lbs. I weigh 160.

12. I'd really like to use up whatever time I have left from above to switch it up from highways. It might be the fastest way, but it's also the boring way.




So, any suggestions you have I would appreciated.

p.s. my left knee will probably kill me.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Will you be giving us reports from the road?

[CC Cowboy]

Don't forget to pack a lunch. It sounds like you will be on the interstate riding straight through. Hopefully you are used to riding full days. If not practice doing a few 8 to 10 hour days of riding before you go so your body is used to it.

Are you going alone? If so bring a blow up doll ( it's a lonely ride all alone).

[sometimesido]

I will have computer access at sleeping points so yea, that is possible.

[sometimesido]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Don't forget to pack a lunch. It sounds like you will be on the interstate riding straight through. Hopefully you are used to riding full days. If not practice doing a few 8 to 10 hour days of riding before you go so your body is used to it.

Are you going alone? If so bring a blow up doll ( it's a lonely ride all alone).

yep. combination of can food, MRE's, and ramen noodles if I decide to camp.

I most definitely will go for a long ride. Thanks for that.

I am going alone. I don't think nobody in Georgia is crazy enough or have time to do this lol. Blow up doll costs money.

[speedgsx98]

Gee, I hate to see you come all that way and skip San Diego! The coastal ride from SD through Orange County is nice. Well, if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them for you about San Diego.

[sometimesido]

I might do that since I'm starting a new day from Phoenix.
why i posted this, to get opinion. Thanks.

[Alex]

Get a SPoT so we can all watch your progress! (and as a pretty helpful safety feature as well...)

[speedgsx98]

Originally Posted by sometimesido

I might do that since I'm starting a new day from Phoenix.
why i posted this, to get opinion. Thanks.

Right after you get through Phoenix, you can either go straight and take the 10, or go through Gila Bend to get to the 8 which goes into San Diego.

[sometimesido]

Originally Posted by Alex

Get a SPoT so we can all watch your progress! (and as a pretty helpful safety feature as well...)

thanks for that.

[speedgsx98]

Originally Posted by speedgsx98

Right after you get through Phoenix, you can either go straight and take the 10, or go through Gila Bend to get to the 8 which goes into San Diego.

Depending on the day, maybe I can meet up with you and ride north from SD to LA for a bit if you decide to come this way.

[sometimesido]

that would be cool.
map updated on original post.

[CC Cowboy]

Chris, would you like us to suggest places to see and experience along the way?

Just to say you did, you need to hit Route 66.

I take it you will be doing the Grand Canyon on the way out. There is nothing like watching the sunrise as it lights the canyon at dawn.

In New Mexico the "Billy the Kid Trail" is scenic and will cool you down riding the mountains. From Phoenix you take 60 through the mountains to 380 towards Roswell (Area 51). This is a fantastic ride.

If time is permiting, I would go through Austin on the way back. Austin is a party town with great, women, music, and food.

Speaking of food, I hope you like Mexican food. There will be lots of great Mexican Restaurants along your way in the southwest. Look for small local restaurants with lots of cars in the parking lot. The food will be fresh, delicious, and cheap.

Then I'd go along the Gulf Coast from Austin and dig on the seafood in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The people are friendly and you will think you are in a different world.

If the Gulf Coast can't be done. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a nice road to take once in Mississippi.

Don't forget to bring lots of energy bars and water.

I just looked at the member map. Maybe if you message the members that are along your route they can recommend some places of interest, roads to ride, restaurants, brothels, or things to avoid.

Start doing sit-ups and push-ups. You need to be able to do one thousand per week. Believe me it will help.

[CZroe]

I already did it on my '08... and froze my balls off (Newnan, GA to San Diego, CA in mid December)! I was moving so, of course, I was going one-way, but I took the longer way (most southerly route in hopes of warmer/drier conditions). That was basically the I-10 corridor (I-85 S to I-65 S to I-10 W, I-8 W into San Diego). Almost the entire trip was on I-10 and I-8.

The winds in New Mexico are INSANE and they blew my little Ninja all over the road... hit a few small tumbleweeds while drafting semis... drafting may be dangerous but it was a necessary evil to get over 50mph with those headwinds. I was only reaching 45-51 indicated MPH otherwise.

If you get any rain in the desert states and you stop at rural exit ramps, WATCH OUT FOR CATTLE GUARDS. I had a few encounters in AZ and nearly dropped the bike several times due to stop signs making me stop or turn across them. When starting from a stand-still, your tire will spin and then go one of the only directions the slats will allow: Left or right. I had never encountered one before, but now I know. It took many attempts and near drops to get off the damn thing. Even my feet could barely find footing (kinda the effect they want for cattle).

I guess you aren't going to need any tips about warming your hands on the muffler (muffler[S] in your case) to avoid frostbite or buying special products for your cold/wind chapped face (mine flaked dead skin for weeks), but I'll return if I think of anything else relevant.

[capt_bugaloo]

Over 5000 miles is a heck of a lot of road to cover in just 6 days.

[sometimesido]

Oscar: I will take a look at the roads you mentioned, I'm home for few minutes right now and has to leave. "Along the Gulf coast" idea sounds awesome.

JET: I will be making a note for that. thanks.

Bruce: 2500 one way and few days to recover. I am doing this fo sho'. Next time around will be farther away.

[capt_bugaloo]

I find that after maybe 400 miles or so, I'm tired and want to knock off for the day. I wouldn't be able to ride 800+ miles a day for three days in a row.

If you are up for it, good luck and have fun.

[Beast]

5. Have a buddy in L.A. where I can stay the night.

I might be able to offer my place up to stay Chris Just let me know your cemented plans when you figure everything out.

[sometimesido]

Bruce: pregen has less aggresive seating position. I probably couldn't do it on the new gen.

Chris: thanks for the maybe offer I have one back up plan for L.A. so I should be good to go. It'd be nice to go for a ride with you guys though.

[sometimesido]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Chris, would you like us to suggest places to see and experience along the way?

Just to say you did, you need to hit Route 66.

I take it you will be doing the Grand Canyon on the way out. There is nothing like watching the sunrise as it lights the canyon at dawn.

In New Mexico the "Billy the Kid Trail" is scenic and will cool you down riding the mountains. From Phoenix you take 60 through the mountains to 380 towards Roswell (Area 51). This is a fantastic ride.

If time is permiting, I would go through Austin on the way back. Austin is a party town with great, women, music, and food.

Speaking of food, I hope you like Mexican food. There will be lots of great Mexican Restaurants along your way in the southwest. Look for small local restaurants with lots of cars in the parking lot. The food will be fresh, delicious, and cheap.

Then I'd go along the Gulf Coast from Austin and dig on the seafood in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The people are friendly and you will think you are in a different world.

If the Gulf Coast can't be done. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a nice road to take once in Mississippi.

Don't forget to bring lots of energy bars and water.

I just looked at the member map. Maybe if you message the members that are along your route they can recommend some places of interest, roads to ride, restaurants, brothels, or things to avoid.

Start doing sit-ups and push-ups. You need to be able to do one thousand per week. Believe me it will help.

Wow, historic route 66 is kind of confusing.
http://www.historic66.com/arizona/det-az1.html

Hm, I will have to keep that in mind about sunrise @ Grand Canyon.

60 to 380 looks like an amazing ride!!!!

Gulf coast, looking at it now.

member map timed out.

I'm doing sit ups and push ups as we speak and I bought a knee brace today.

[sometimesido]

ok, edited the map again...

way back is now 2 days and 2 hours straight driving lol.

If anyone in Texas knows about the ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar, please post here.

[CC Cowboy]

Don't forget a gel seat.

[sometimesido]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Don't forget a gel seat.

Too rich for my blood right now.

I have this though


http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/e...otectant+-+9ml

[tiburonsita]

Wow, this will be a fantastic trip! I can't offer you any direction cause I'm from Atlanta too and haven't made a trip like that but I will say that you need to take a camera Even if it's just a point & shoot that fits in your pocket... you'll want to document this.
Be safe!

[sometimesido]

Hello Mari.

yea, saw your other post.

[tiburonsita]

haha thanks
Would be fun to follow your progress on a blog. You should consider that if you have access to the internet along the way.

[Verus Cidere]

Sounds like you're gonna have quite a bit of fun on this ride! All the ideas you've had on here are good ones. On the note of the ridiculous winds he re in NM, he's right. They can get pretty insane. Be absolutely SURE to pay attention to exactly where you are while making turns on highways in the mountains. One gust while you're not paying attention and you're in the guardrail! I don't know a whole lot about the roads here in NM, but I saw that you're headed to White Sands. Be sure to have plenty of water there, as it gets HOT! If you decide to stop for food in that area, post that you're going to the day before and maybe I'll meet you or give you some ideas of where to go. Also, if you get the chance, you might consider heading over to Carlsbad Caverns. I know it's a little off your path, but it's the largest cave system in North America, and it's a really awesome place to tour! Here's a link to an info site for it:

http://www.nps.gov/cave/

Oh, and have fun!

[sometimesido]

Mari: I plan to.

Michael: I might be able to do this on the way back if I leave early enough from Phoenix!
Look at the updated map on post #1!

[Verus Cidere]

That's true. You could take a little detour south from Roswell, and then head from Carlsbad to Brownfield, connecting with your original route! Sweet!

[CZroe]

El Paso/Chihuahua at night was impressive (and crowded/intimidating!), but your route would get a lot more "nothing" in between if you changed it to include that. I enjoyed riding around Tuscon looking for an Apple Store. They couldn't help me, but I wasn't the only crazy biker out riding in the rain! Yuma was pretty cool too.

Originally Posted by Verus Cidere

...Also, if you get the chance, you might consider heading over to Carlsbad Caverns. I know it's a little off your path, but it's the largest cave system in North America, and it's a really awesome place to tour! Here's a link to an info site for it:

http://www.nps.gov/cave/...

I SOOO wish I had time to do that. I've always wanted to go there but have only been to "The Lost Sea" (TN) and "Desoto Caverns" (AL).

Originally Posted by tib

Wow, this will be a fantastic trip! I can't offer you any direction cause I'm from Atlanta too and haven't made a trip like that but I will say that you need to take a camera Even if it's just a point & shoot that fits in your pocket... you'll want to document this.
Be safe!

I took pictures with my iPhone 3G and, when I stopped for gas in Benson, AZ where I found that they were all lost forever... though it was only misting a little bit, my pocket was filled with water thrown up from the road by the 18-wheelers that I was forced to draft (mountain inclines + headwinds nearly as bad as NM). It was fate... the only reason it was even in that pocket was because I pulled over to take pictures of the "killer-looking storm clouds being shredded in the mountains ahead" before taking the on-ramp after my last stop for gas in New Mexico. I'm sure the rainy season is over in the desert states, but I'd still take some zip-lok bags for the others.

My advice is to watch out for misting... My pants were still completely dry, so I didn't pull over and bag my electronics. If it were out-right raining, it would not have happened!

[CC Cowboy]

I just rode up to Georgia to watch the sunrise. This is the second time I've done this lately. I missed the sunrise both times. I'm going to have to leave before 9 next time.

The ride to Georgia is about 2 hours so after a 4 hour ride I started thinking of others you will need to do and get before you take this trip. Since it is a long ride make sure you have gone over every nut and bolt and make sure it is tight. Use Loctite, gorilla snot, safety wire, or whatever you think will make everything stay on the bike. Since you will be riding through desert temperatures you will probably ride with your visor up to cool your face off. Bring some eye drops because they will dry out and more than likely get some road **** in them. Bring some hand cleaner in case you have to clean your hands or visor (ever had a bug hit your visor and smear the entire visor so you can't see?), I have. Take a couple Advil or Alieve every morning so you don't cramp up during the day. While you're doing sit-ups and push-ups, do some wrist curls. Get a cruise control.

I'll post more as I think of it.

[FroggyGreenInSD]

Don't forget to bring chain lube. As much as you're going to be riding in such a short time you will need to use it at least once a day, if not more.

[CC Cowboy]

I hope you know that Arkansas has some beautiful roads. If you have time do the Pig Trail, you have to give it a run. It's the perfect 250 road.

The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.

ROUTE: Ark. 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears.

LENGTH: 19 miles.

I was looking at your route. Is there a reason you are going to Nashville and Memphis? I know Memphis has killer BBQ ( Rendezvous, and Interstate), and there is always Beale street. It seems like they are out of the way, but worth the trip.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I SOOO wish I had time to do that. I've always wanted to go there but have only been to "The Lost Sea" (TN) and "Desoto Caverns" (AL).

The Lost Sea is cool. The fish are blind.

[Nemy]

aww man, you're hitting up some sweet spots!! Make sure you have a biggggg memory card for your camera, cause the grand canyon alone is the definition of photogenic. That's a crazy trip in such a short time. Does it qualify for any of the iron butts?

Sorry I can't offer any advise. We don't learn much American geography up here Enjoy the ride!

[CC Cowboy]

Since you will be riding through the hottest part of the country, with temperatures in Death Valley alone being in the 1200 degree range, make sure you have added the secret sauce to your radiator ( water wetter or simular).

Only ride during the day. The rattle snakes line the road at night to pickoff motorcyclists.

[sometimesido]

Hey guys, just got back from Fayetteville, NC. I went to go visit my buddy in the Army. It wasn't bad at all. Knee brace helped alot. I'll be out of town without intarweb til 15th of next month, so I'll go through all the suggestions when I get back.

Thanks all. See you next month.

[CC Cowboy]

Next time you go to Fayetteville stop by Thompson's Soul Food restaurant. The have killer ham hocks.

[sometimesido]

Hi, I am back and will be very busy getting ready for this....
only a week away...

[kkim]

Originally Posted by sometimesido

Hi, I am back and will be very busy getting ready for this....
only a week away...

GL, Chris. Be sure to keep us updated along the way.