Prepping for bucket list trip

[blackbuell]

Have been planning this trip for some time; got some good destination suggestions from the good folks on this forum. Another member, guzzi ride (Kirby), will be going as well. From Cincinnati we will head west on the slabs until we get to route 36 in Hannibal, Missouri. Cross Missouri on 36 into Kansas. Will then head up to route 2 in Nebraska. Hope to camp in the Nebraska National Forest (sounds like an oxymoron, but there actually is a National Forest in Nebraska). From route 2 we will head up into the Badlands of South Dakota. Might then stop at Devils Tower in Wyoming.

Next, on to Cody, Wyoming and then to the Beartooth Highway (done this several times in a car, but never on a bike). Next major destination is Missoula, Montana, and then on to Lolo Pass (long-time bucket list ride). From there down through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. After that I want to see the backside (western side) of the Gran Tetons (have seen those mountains many times, but only for the east).

The rest is up in the air; depends on what Kirby and I decide based on weather, time left, and how we are feeling.

Possibilities: Flaming Gorge, eastern Utah (Moab and area south), northern Colorado. I do want to stop and see my daughter in Fort Collins.

We have 15-16 days for this. Do want to see many places, but don't want to get road weary. Plan to camp as often as feasible.

You folks have any must-see spots along the general route? (we plan to leave June 8). Watch out for two 2-valve Norges on the road!

Thanks for your suggestions,

Jon

[TDF]

A forest in Nebraska?  Of course..     though its hand planted, and is the largest hand planted forest in the US.  No joke.

Hwy 2 is a nice way to see the state.  Not challenging but far more scenic than the interstate.  Before you get to hwy385 kick north on either highways  27, or 250.  Both are almost trafficless and a nice ride through the sandhills.  You'll just then come into the forest from the east on 20 instead of the south on hwy 385.  Sounds like a fun trip overall.

TDF

[tazio]

Approx how many miles a day does that work out to?
Sounds like fun!

[LowRyter]

Whatever you do, DON'T MISS THE BLACK HILLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See Mt Rushmore, Hill City, Custer and Deadwood.   

[nc43bsa]

Whatever you do, DON'T MISS THE BLACK HILLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe you'll meet Rocky Racoon.

[Moto]

The skies in the Nebraska National Forest are extremely dark, so be sure to pack binoculars if you like star gazing. Look for the Andromeda Galaxy, which you can also see without binoculars. Just west of the National Park across 385 is the very nice Chadron State Park, with small, separated cabins in addition to tent camping, and a swimming pool. The skies are dark there too!

If you've already seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind you probably don't have much to gain by visiting Devils Tower, IMO. I've never thought much of the Black Hills, either. Or any of its towns and attractions.

West from Devils Tower (and/or the Black Hills) is Buffalo, WY, a very nice place to overnight. Consider the Mountain View Motel and Campground on Fort Street, downtown, which has log cabins and a nightly campfire in the commons, last time I was there. In the morning walk a short distance to the Main Street Diner for breakfast. Consider a swim in the very large public swimming pool across from the motel before you leave. It's free.

Crossing the Big Horn Range on US 16 to get to Cody is nice, but going north to cross on 14 or 14A gets you less traffic and better scenery.

On your way from Cody to the Beartooth Highway don't miss Dead Indian Pass on Wyoming 296. It is far superior to WY 120, and may be better than Beartooth itself, depending on the lighting and your tastes.

After crossing the Lolo Pass, there is no way to ride down through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area that I know of. The best I can see is to head south 179 miles to Banks, then east another 90+ miles on ID 21 to Stanley. Just south from Stanley is Redfish Lake, well worth a side trip. Continuing south is Sun Valley, which is not worth one. Better is to return to Stanley and head northeast along the Salmon River to Salmon, ID. This is some of the best motorcycling in the West, I think.

The views of the west side of the Grand Tetons from Driggs and Victor in Idaho are nothing like the views from the east side. But a good way to see the mountains from there is to take Idaho 33/Wyoming 22 southeast from Victor over the Teton Pass, to Jackson, WY. (The square in Jackson is not too different from how it looked 50 years ago, even though the town has changed greatly. Don't miss the arches made of elk horns in the square, and have a sarsaparilla or something in one of the old saloons.) Then you could continue south from Jackson on US 191 to Flaming Gorge, which I do recommend even though it is not the tourist attraction of some other places. (Or maybe because it's not.)

Though I have been through Vernal, Grand Junction, and Green River, all more or less on the way to Moab (and none of them worth a visit on their own), I haven't been to Moab itself. But if I were going there, I would continue on to Monument Valley, which is another 150 miles, as you probably already know. That's one on my bucket list! Great movies like The Lone Ranger (2013) have been filmed there, and also some ones by John Ford, I understand.

I may have already given you some of this advice in an earlier thread. If so, my apologies.

Have fun.

Moto

[LowRyter]

moto- 

Devil's Tower was OK,  easy to drive by and see it from the road,  the Black are Hills perhaps the most scenic place anywhere and worth several days to see.

[Moto]

moto- 

...the Black are Hills perhaps the most scenic place anywhere and worth several days to see.

Not in my opinion, but isn't nice we can each have our own?

[oldbike54]

 Carhenge just North of Alliance Nebraska , and Chimney Rock nearby . The wetlands preserve South of North Platte Nebraska is cool .

 Dusty

[Sheepdog]

I just completed a similar trip. Prepare for cool weather, as many of your destinations will involve higher altitudes. Weather changes quickly, too...good gear is essential. Consider secondary routes throughout your trip as conditions may warrant a change of plans. I had good luck using a combination of a moto-centric GPS and my compact Rand-McNally road atlas to find my way around. Don't be too ambitious with mileage. I found that 350 miles per day was just right on secondary roads. The Rockies are a national treasure.

[blackbuell]

tazio,

The entire trip will be about 5,000 miles. The first two and last two days, largely done on interstates or high-speed US highways, will cover more than 2,000 of those miles. Assuming the trip lasts 16 days, that leaves 12 days to ride 3,000 miles. 250 miles per day for the heart of the trip is a good pace for checking out scenery and stopping frequently at interesting locations.

Moto,

I've been to Devil's Tower more than once; will leave it up to Kirby to decide if he wants to check it out. Thanks for the tip about the back side of the Tetons; if it isn't really spectacular, perhaps I'll skip it. I will check out some of the routes in Wyoming and Idaho that you suggested, Thanks.

Sheepdog,

We are prepared to deal with low temps; not below freezing, but close to it. Though I'm only bringing a mesh jacket, it's got a good waterproof liner, and I'll have a turtleneck plus a warm sweater to wear underneath it. Will also bring cold weather gloves. Our Norges have good wind protection plus grip heaters, too. I just read that Beartooth Pass will be cleared before this weekend begins. The long range weather forecast predicts that it will be about 60 degrees when we are likely to ride over it.

TDF,

I will bypass US 385 in favor of one of those more scenic, less-traveled routes. Good idea, thanks.

Jon

[Charles in Lake Charles]

Hwy 2 is a nice way to see the state.  Not challenging but far more scenic than the interstate.  Before you get to hwy385 kick north on either highways  27, or 250. One of my favorite rides through Nebraska especially Hwy 2 and 250.

[Guzzistajohn]

Just rode the black hills last week, beautiful place, I’ll go back under different circumstances later.

[alanp]

If you are going to Ft. Collins, get there from the west by taking CO State HWY 14 from Walden.  This is the best way to get to Ft. C by far.  There are several ways to get to Walden, all of them good, so I will leave that part up to you.  Just don't take I-80 except as a "connector" because you will be bypassing some fantastic motorcycling roads and scenery if you do. 

Sounds like a great trip.  Good luck and enjoy!

[alanp]

If you do go to Moab, there are two roads to it from the north.  US 191 (BORING) and Utah 128 (SPECTACULAR).  Choose wisely. 

[blackbuell]

alanp,

We have similar preferences for MC routes: 128 in Utah, and 14 in northern CO are two of my favorite roads. Have ridden on 128 at least 5 times; have driven on 14 many times; ridden on it 2-3 times. I think my fellow traveler, Kirby, would appreciate them, too.

Jon

[Huzo]

alanp,

We have similar preferences for MC routes: 128 in Utah, and 14 in northern CO are two of my favorite roads. Have ridden on 128 at least 5 times; have driven on 14 many times; ridden on it 2-3 times. I think my fellow traveler, Kirby, would appreciate them, too.

Jon

Sounds great mate, go for it...
Good prep I find is, service the bike and bugger off...!

[Moto]

Moto,

I've been to Devil's Tower more than once; will leave it up to Kirby to decide if he wants to check it out. Thanks for the tip about the back side of the Tetons; if it isn't really spectacular, perhaps I'll skip it. I will check out some of the routes in Wyoming and Idaho that you suggested, Thanks.

The view of the Tetons from Idaho's Teton Valley (Driggs, Victor) is spectacular. I'd just forgotten, from taking it too much for granted. They are visible from the outskirts of Idaho Falls, 70 miles southwest, where I grew up! So you should probably go. You can of course get an idea of what to expect by googling "view of Grand Tetons from Driggs". However, that said, the view from the east side is quite a bit more spectacular.

If you'd like more mountain spectacle I strongly recommend the Sawtooth Range, in between Stanley and Sun Valley, which would mean continuing south instead of turning around at Redfish Lake as I suggested before. Along the way you would encounter Galena Summit at 8701 feet above sea level, said to be the highest highway pass in the northwest U.S. There is quite a noticeable lack of oxygen up there, and wintry conditions can be expected, especially in June. Really memorable ride between Stanley and there, I think.

Idaho is big, about twice the size of Ohio, with few highways, especially through the mountainous parts. So you have to make compromises in planning a tour through it. (Alaska reminded me of Idaho in this respect.) Doubling back north from Galena Summit or even Sun Valley should not be dismissed out of hand, since it can avoid boring roads through the east Idaho desert, and give you a chance to enjoy the Salmon River road up to Challis and Salmon on Idaho 75 and US 93.

New itinerary recommendation: Lolo > Banks > Stanley > Galena Summit > Stanley > Salmon > Driggs. That's almost 800 miles, all in Idaho.

Moto

[blackbuell]

Moto,

Seems like there are several good options for us in Idaho. I definitely want to ride over Lolo Pass, then maybe camp at one of the National Forest campgrounds on the west side of the pass, turn around and head back to Missoula, then head down route 93. That way, we can ride along the Salmon River, and eventually ride through the Sawtooth Range. Kirby has a friend in Salt Lake City who has offered to put us up for a night; will likely head down there after the Sawtooth area. From SLC, might ride to Flaming Gorge. If we follow this plan, we will miss the Tetons, but that's OK with me; I've spent much time camping/hiking in the Tetons.

Jon

[Daniel Kalal]

I’ve got you avoiding freeways for the most part (without being too stupid about it).

Turn north at Hyannis, NE to get to the Badlands (a nice route across the Sand Hills).

I like the Shell Creek route across the Bighorn, but they’re all good—on the way to Cody.

When people talk of Lolo Pass they’re generally meaning the entire Lochasa River and Clearwater River route across the state--and endless sweeping road that is well-suited for Guzzis. (I find the pass itself is nothing special).  From Lewiston/Clarkston, drop south towards Enterprise OR and then continue south through Joseph and Oxbow.  This last bit is fully paved, but you may not see anybody else.  Then angle up to the Sawtooth and come out at Idaho Falls.

From there aim for Afton and then Green River and south through Flaming Gorge.  From here, run across to Fort Collins and then stay on the old highway across 36 and Kansas…

[Moto]

Moto,

Seems like there are several good options for us in Idaho. I definitely want to ride over Lolo Pass, then maybe camp at one of the National Forest campgrounds on the west side of the pass, turn around and head back to Missoula, then head down route 93. That way, we can ride along the Salmon River, and eventually ride through the Sawtooth Range. Kirby has a friend in Salt Lake City who has offered to put us up for a night; will likely head down there after the Sawtooth area. From SLC, might ride to Flaming Gorge. If we follow this plan, we will miss the Tetons, but that's OK with me; I've spent much time camping/hiking in the Tetons.

Jon

Jon,

That sounds good, except for the route south from Lolo MT through Hamilton on US 93. This is a formerly beautiful valley that was completely spoiled by new construction for wannabe pioneers. Nothing but traffic (and lots of that is cabin-ready log trucks) until you reach the forest boundary, last time I went through.

If you're up for it, Daniel K's route through Oregon is an excellent suggestion, though he's got you missing the Salmon River, which I think would be a shame (and one you could rectify of course).

Eastern and Southern Oregon is exceptionally empty of people, for which I have a lot of people to thank!

Moto

[Sheepdog]

Idaho is fantastic. ID550 from Boise to McCall is really gorgeous, as is the aforementioned Clearwater River route from Lewiston.

[Daniel Kalal]

...though he's got you missing the Salmon River...

I included quite a bit between Stanley and Challis, but you could run north to Salmon before dropping down to Idaho Falls without adding much time.  All this skirts around Craters of the Moon National Monument, which is an interesting place (but can also be brutally hot)

I've also cleverly skirted around Jackson WY, which is fine by me, but you might want to go over there and see all the latest in RVs as well as experience traffic of the first order.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've also cleverly skirted around Jackson WY, which is fine by me,

Me, too.  I couldn't get away fast enough..
Great thread, though. The Kid and I are going to take a similar but shorter trip this summer. He has a j jj jjj job.   

[PJPR01]

tazio,


We are prepared to deal with low temps; not below freezing, but close to it. Though I'm only bringing a mesh jacket...

Jon

All excellent routes, have loved riding thru there as well...one note about the mesh jacket which i prefer as well, after putting on layers including throat balaclava, not full face, I will often just put on the rain jacket to cut wind, it's light enough to put on / off as needed and still keep the mesh as the primary and does a wonderful job at keeping your core temps up...

Excellent trip planned ahead...all great roads...Chief Joseph highway out of Cody and up to Beartooth is my favorite combo...and Lolo Pass along the Clearwater is just unbeatable.  Watch for the cop at the almost beginning section after descending from Lolo...several folks seems to have received performance awards there ( not me thankfully) and then enjoy 112 miles of uninterrupted curves along the river!

Driggs by the way if I remember correctly has a very nice local brewery, I recall stopping there one time in the middle of a snow white out adventure from Jackson up to West Yellowstone on the Idaho side!

Post pics as you go...always fun to see the Norges in their element in the mountains!

[blackbuell]

Daniel, Paul, Moto,

Thanks for some great suggestions. Like Daniel and Chuck, I really dislike crowded tourist areas, regardless of how spectacular the scenery is; not likely to visit Jackson. In fact, we have already decided to bypass Yellowstone for that very reason. With so many possible great routes and places to see, we will likely decide which ways to go on the fly, based on weather, how we feel, and availability of good beer.

We will post pics.

Thanks,

Jon

[drw916]

Be very careful at the top of Lolo Pass.  There is usually an Idaho State Trooper just over the Idaho border from Montana.  He is there only to issue tickets.  Major speed limit drop from Montana to Idaho and he picks them off non stop

Whoops.  I see this has already been mentioned.  Well, it is worth stating again.  I learned the hard and expensive way.

[Testarossa]

When are you heading out? The weather is nice now but there's a weak front coming thru Monday/Tuesday and you can expect scattered rain and even a little snow above 8000 feet. We got a couple of feet of snow at the ski resorts earlier this week. Dress for it!

[Seventy One]

Wounded Knee massacre site is worth a stop. That's just south of the Badlands on SD18.

Not far away from Wounded Knee is Angostura Rec. area (SD). This is an excellent camp site.

There is virtually no camping anywhere near the Badlands. Hotels are expensive. Plan accordingly. 

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a must-see IMO.

Car Henge in Alliance Nebraska is cool but it's not a "destination" site. It's something you stop at when passing through. Fort Robinson is worth a look if you like Old West history. That's just off 385.

Nebraska surprised me. It's not a riders paradise but it's great for history geeks and fans of the old west.

Bring lots of water. Drinks lots of water. A mesh jacket nearly killed me a few years ago due to dehydration. I would never consider touring one again after that. It is possible to have too much ventilation. I didn't even know I was dehydrated until I started making stupid mistakes (mixing up the brake and clutch levers, blowing through a 4-way stop at 55mph, down shifting instead of upshifting, etc). Pay attention and be aware.

[blackbuell]

drw916,

As you are the second poster to warn us about the apparent speed trap at Lolo Pass, I will be extra careful to mind my speed while entering Idaho.

Seventy One,

Thanks for the suggestions; might check out Little Bighorn Battlefield and Angostura. Regarding the water: I'm a retired physiologist; spent 45 years doing research in deserts; I've gotten pretty good at remaining hydrated under adverse conditions. I've done OK in the past on long trips with a mesh jacket; rode to Death Valley last Spring and did fine.

Testarossa,

Not leaving until June 8; hopefully things will have warmed up a bit by then.

Jon