Cross country touring advice

[eric2186]

So about a year and half ago I moved across the country, riding my Griso 1100 from California to Chicago. Fast forward to today and the Griso 1100 has transformed into a Griso 8V SE. No, not transformed in the sense of via fast-paced CG and Michael Bay-esq explosions, but simply by the magic of eBay.

But back to the topic. I'm looking at the possibility of moving back to California and, of course, it would be swell to ride a Griso back as well, this time by a completely different route. I'd love to go through Missouri, a bit of Arkansas, and through Oklahoma and New Mexico, as I've never ridden through any of those states. The issue is, the only time I could go would be around the second or third week of November.

So my question is, temperature- and weather-wise, would mid-November be a realistic option for such a road trip, on a Griso? My planned route will be something like the following (with google maps link):

link: https://goo.gl/maps/g0xJd



Just for fun, here is the Griso I came here on, and the one that (timing permits) I would leave on:






And a link to the story of the way here: http://thesunhaswings.blogspot.com/2014/08/ode-to-west.html


Cheers!

[nunzio]

Do you feel lucky?
Well do ya?

I would think that coming into Flagstaff,Az would be your most likely problem area.

The weather there can turn REAL nasty in about 20 miles. DAMHIK

In Dallas,Tx. we have had ice storms on a regular basis during Thanksgiving week.

Go for it and tell us the Tale!!!!! 

Oh, if you drive  near Dallas,Tx. you welcome to stay with us....Alan

[rocker59]

You should be fine in Missouri and Arkansas 2nd week of November.  Fall colors will be in full display.  We have occasional early winter weather, but it's unusual.  Most years it's just beautiful fall weather.

Where you may get cold, or face some snow will be at elevation in Northern New Mexico.  I'm guessing you've picked US-64.  Eagle Nest/Angel Fire will be cold.  And, the ride between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla will be cold.  Both sections hitting 10,000 feet.  The section between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla is closed winters when there's snow, so early snow means a possible detour down to Espanola.

Highway 19 in Missouri is a good route.  Hannibal to Mammoth Spring is a great ride!  Google Map Link MO

And, here's a nice route across NW Arkansas:  Google Map Link  NWA

From Arkansas, I'd grab US-412 at Siloam Springs and run it all the way across Oklahoma to Clayton New Mexico, then Springer.  Run Springer to Cimarron, then back on US-64 for the run over to Taos, then over to Tierra Amarilla/Chama. Google Map Link OK to NM

[shaka]

I lived in New Mexico for 16 years, and rode an R60/5 through the northern part of the state more than a few times in winter. The bike always seemed to run better in colder temperatures. If you wear appropriate clothing, it can be quite exhilarating. The mountain air is sharp and clear, and the scenery is spectacular no matter what the season. Be sure to stay well-fed/-hydrated/-rested. Whatever you do, don't let yourself become so cold that your focus isn't sharp.

[oldbike54]

 Oklahoma weather in November is completely unpredictable , it might be 75 with light winds , or 20 with gale force winds trying to blow Oklahoma into Texas  . Lately we haven't had much in the way of winter , so you will probably be alright , just beware that conditions can change in 10 minutes time .

  Dusty

[Jurgen]

The second or third week in November are no problem in New Mexico or AZ, but if you can move back to Calif after leaving it (not knowing when you did it), you are a better man than I.  We left Del Mar (San Diego area) in 2001 after 50 years there, and moved to Santa Fe and there is no way we could afford to move back now.  But then, we moved because of congestion and pollution, and don't really miss the place, except for the ocean.  Good luck on your ride!  Jurgen

[biking sailor]

Oklahoma weather in November is completely unpredictable , it might be 75 with light winds , or 20 with gale force winds trying to blow Oklahoma into Texas  . Lately we haven't had much in the way of winter , so you will probably be alright , just beware that conditions can change in 10 minutes time .

  Dusty

Of course even with frozen precipitation in Oklahoma (not very common before December), at that time of year the roads will be clear pretty fast, as it will warm quickly and the ground will still have a lot of heat to melt and ice quick.  Main roads should be no problem.

If problems arise in Oklahoma, there's several of us here to call on!   

[Groover]

Much respect for all you guys/gals riding such long distances 

[Guzzistajohn]

If you don't like Missouri weather in November, get a room and kick back for awhile, It'll change before you know it. We could have cold rain one day, and the very next day it could be a great warm fall day perfect for a ride. Unpredictable mostly, but not likely to be below freezing. I say have some good riding gear and go for it!

[LowRyter]

keep abreast of the weather.  You can always get a bus ticket.

[alanp]

You should be fine in Missouri and Arkansas 2nd week of November.  Fall colors will be in full display.  We have occasional early winter weather, but it's unusual.  Most years it's just beautiful fall weather.

Where you may get cold, or face some snow will be at elevation in Northern New Mexico.  I'm guessing you've picked US-64.  Eagle Nest/Angel Fire will be cold.  And, the ride between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla will be cold.  Both sections hitting 10,000 feet.  The section between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla is closed winters when there's snow, so early snow means a possible detour down to Espanola.

+1 on Mike's comments.   One of the worst drives of my life was through northern NM in late October.  I was in car, and didn't think I was going to make it.  That said, take a look at elevations along the route through NM and AZ, and also watch the weather as you travel.  If you stay to the lower elevations, you should be fine.

[normzone]

Hey, you're coming to San Diego ! Keep me posted on when you are arriving - maybe I can ride out and escort you in 

[Bill N]

I'd say give it a go. If the weather is too cold or the forecast is bad, drop down to I-10. Be careful along the way.
Bill

[Kent in Upstate NY]

I rode thru Colorado in July and had to deal with snow and freezing rain.

[charlie b]

Yep, it depends.  NM and AZ can be really nice, or horrible.  Several years ago Thankgsgiving we were driving at 20mph on I40 from just outside Alb into AZ.  Packed snow and ice.  State cops were at the head of the line trying to keep everyone slowed down.  We counted 10 vehicles off the road.

The nice thing is you can ride west and watch the weather.  If it turns bad in the mountains then head south.  At least one of the routes through the state will be open, even if it is I10  :)

Your route through AZ includes the White Mountains, named that for a reason  :)  Flagstaff is frequently a better route in the winter than the mountains.

And don't forget Alpine, CA.  It snows there when there is sun everywhere else.

AZ and NM both have good road condition apps for smartphones and tablets.  They are kept up to date in bad weather.  And sometimes a couple of hours makes a difference.  It can be snow covered and icy at 9am and clear by 1pm.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Don't worry about the weather, go for it.

[PeteS]

In this era of smart phones and wi-fi in fast food joints and some rest stops you can easily keep track of the weather and detour if necessary. Many times a hundred mile detour will miss the heavy weather.

Pete

[mtiberio]

Be flexible, you can always go further south to el paso

[LowRyter]

Be flexible, you can always go further south to el paso

I'd be a little more concerned with that leg N of St Louis.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'd be a little more concerned with that leg N of St Louis.

Yeah, me too. Last year, there was no riding around here in mid November. It can vary, though. Wx forecasting is certainly *much* better than even 5 years ago, so you should be able to find a window to get south fast.

[nunzio]

Yeah, me too. Last year, there was no riding around here in mid November. It can vary, though. Wx forecasting is certainly *much* better than even 5 years ago, so you should be able to find a window to get south fast.

I can loan you my weather rock.