Trip ideas

[Chuck in Indiana]

I was talking to the Kid on the phone last night, and he said, "want to do another week bike trip while you can still ride?" Hell yes.  I've previously led him to the Tennessee/Carolinas Blue ridge area, and NW Arkansas. I asked him where he wanted to go, and he said, "You pick."  Of course we barely dented either of those areas, and going back is an option.
I've been everywhere, man.. and he hasn't, since he has a j jj job.  I'm thinking about maybe the Cody, Wy area, and do the BB museum, Chief Joseph, Beartooth, etc.
The rules are either ride all week, or trailer on the interstate for no more than 18 hours from Indiana or Wisconsin.
I'm open to suggestions, if you would..
TIA

[Zoom Zoom]

If he hasn't been to Beartooth/Cody/Chief Joseph, I would not hesitate to drag him out there. It is spectacular in every way, as you probably know. The Cody museum can take the better part of a day if you want it to. 

My next thought might be Zion and Brice. Rt.12 out of Brice is a nice ride that can get you up to Canyon Lands and Arches. Or do it backwards from that.

John Henry

[Wayne Orwig]

Black hills are nice.
I know a campground near Cody that serves beer and pizza.  Yellowstone is nice of course, but there are the thousands of  tourists holding the large tablets up in your face getting photos. (what is up with that)
There is Glacier National Park, if you have never been.
I still like the long slow ride the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

[giusto]

I was talking to the Kid on the phone last night, and he said, "want to do another week bike trip while you can still ride?" Hell yes.  I've previously led him to the Tennessee/Carolinas Blue ridge area, and NW Arkansas. I asked him where he wanted to go, and he said, "You pick."  Of course we barely dented either of those areas, and going back is an option.
I've been everywhere, man.. and he hasn't, since he has a j jj job.  I'm thinking about maybe the Cody, Wy area, and do the BB museum, Chief Joseph, Beartooth, etc.
The rules are either ride all week, or trailer on the interstate for no more than 18 hours from Indiana or Wisconsin.
I'm open to suggestions, if you would..
TIA

Chuck,

The Great Lakes lend themselves well to a week long trip. most of which are about 900 to 1200 miles to ride around. You're proximate to Michigan, Erie and Huron...the ride around Superior is awesome with wonderful picturesque provincial Parks scattered perfectly. I'm planning to ride around Huron this summer....up around the Georgian bay and onto the Bruce peninsula which is stunning. Next year, Lake Ontario and I'll be finished with all 5.

my 2 cents 

[guzziart]

If he hasn't been to Beartooth/Cody/Chief Joseph, I would not hesitate to drag him out there. It is spectacular in every way, as you probably know. The Cody museum can take the better part of a day if you want it to. 

My next thought might be Zion and Brice. Rt.12 out of Brice is a nice ride that can get you up to Canyon Lands and Arches. Or do it backwards from that.

John Henry

 

[Gliderjohn]

If he hasn't already hard to go wrong with Colorado and Northern NM.
GliderJohn

[Tusayan]

Fly overnight from Chicago to Innsbruck,  Munich or Milan.  Pick up a bike and head to the Dolomites...

[Wayne Orwig]

Fly overnight from Chicago to Innsbruck,  Munich or Milan.  Pick up a bike and head to the Dolomites...

 

[Travlr]

3 Flags Ride: 

I did 191 up Devils Highway - Yellowstone - etc.  But there are others.

Mike

[twowings]

Beartooth/Chief Joseph/Wind River Canyon/Cody...YOLO

[Chuck in Indiana]

My next thought might be Zion and Brice. Rt.12 out of Brice is a nice ride that can get you up to Canyon Lands and Arches. Or do it backwards from that.

I've done all of that and I agree, 12 may be the most scenic road in America. It's out of the 18 hour range, though. Thanks for your vote on Cody. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Black hills are nice.
I know a campground near Cody that serves beer and pizza.  Yellowstone is nice of course, but there are the thousands of  tourists holding the large tablets up in your face getting photos. (what is up with that)
There is Glacier National Park, if you have never been.
I still like the long slow ride the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Agreed on all points. Done all that, too. Tell me about the campground with beer and pizza.. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Chuck,

The Great Lakes lend themselves well to a week long trip. most of which are about 900 to 1200 miles to ride around. You're proximate to Michigan, Erie and Huron...the ride around Superior is awesome with wonderful picturesque provincial Parks scattered perfectly. I'm planning to ride around Huron this summer....up around the Georgian bay and onto the Bruce peninsula which is stunning. Next year, Lake Ontario and I'll be finished with all 5.

my 2 cents 

We've done Superior a few times. I think we'll go another direction. Thanks. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Fly overnight from Chicago to Innsbruck,  Munich or Milan.  Pick up a bike and head to the Dolomites...

  That's thinking out of the box. Hmmmm. Probably not, but.. I will look into it. Thanks!

[ohiorider]

I was talking to the Kid on the phone last night, and he said, "want to do another week bike trip while you can still ride?" Hell yes.  I've previously led him to the Tennessee/Carolinas Blue ridge area, and NW Arkansas. I asked him where he wanted to go, and he said, "You pick."  Of course we barely dented either of those areas, and going back is an option.
I've been everywhere, man.. and he hasn't, since he has a j jj job.  I'm thinking about maybe the Cody, Wy area, and do the BB museum, Chief Joseph, Beartooth, etc.
The rules are either ride all week, or trailer on the interstate for no more than 18 hours from Indiana or Wisconsin.
I'm open to suggestions, if you would..
TIA

I did it once and would (hopefully 'will') do it again.  I took the 'northern' route out West, first riding from Cleveland, OH to Toledo, then north to the UP of Michigan, and across it to Superior, WI (stopped at the Richard Bong Museum there.)  Across MN, ND, MT to Lewistown.  Then south thru Roundup, and the Bear Tooth to Chief Joseph, and into Cody.  Stayed at the YPI (Yellowstone Park Inn close to Cody.  Obviously, I'll do anything to avoid riding Interstate near Chicago.  Although I did take a lot of Interstate back home.  Had a few things to do back in Ohio so took fastest way home.  This was a solo trip.

Bob




Collage of Montana and Utah stuff - 2009

[John A]

like they say the journey is the important part,  usually more so than the destination.  time and distance hopefully wont be a limiting factor like they usually are.  You should make damn sure you go, no matter where it is. that's my two cents.

[Chuck in Indiana]

like they say the journey is the important part,  usually more so than the destination.  time and distance hopefully wont be a limiting factor like they usually are. You should make damn sure you go, no matter where it is. that's my two cents.

No doubt. I do my very best to live and enjoy the present, but I can read the actuarial tables as well as the next guy. 

[LowRyter]

Chuck,

The Great Lakes lend themselves well to a week long trip. most of which are about 900 to 1200 miles to ride around. You're proximate to Michigan, Erie and Huron...the ride around Superior is awesome with wonderful picturesque provincial Parks scattered perfectly. I'm planning to ride around Huron this summer....up around the Georgian bay and onto the Bruce peninsula which is stunning. Next year, Lake Ontario and I'll be finished with all 5.

my 2 cents 

I am guessing that you've been all over the Lakes.  For us flyover people it's an exotic treat.  Duluth, Grand Marias, Gunflint Trail and Boundary Waters are real highlights.   I'd like to try the Minn Rally there sometime.   Roads are entertaining, scenery is wonderful and the traffic is light.



EDIT:  never mind, maybe someone else will be affected.

[Testarossa]

If you were to barrel right on thru, Madison to Ouray could be 18 hours. Join us at the Colorado NAR in September.

[Chuck in Indiana]

If you were to barrel right on thru, Madison to Ouray could be 18 hours. Join us at the Colorado NAR in September.

Great idea! I'll check that out, too.
Edit: crap, it's during a really busy antique fly in time. Probably not. If we go west, it will probably have to be mid August.

[kballowe]

We based out of Durango, Colorado.  Hit Pikes Peak on the way from St, Louis.  Rode 550 north and up thru Silverton to Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway.  4-Corners.  Aztec NM, and more.
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https://wikitravel.org/en/Southwestern_Colorado
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Year before, we based out of Wall, South Dakota - and hit the badlands, Sturgis, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil's tower........
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We are leaning towards Ouray/Montrose Colorado area this year.  Probably late August or early September.  "Plan B" is Cody, Wyoming area.  Lots of great rides there.
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Of course, there's always the Smoky Mountains.  We like to find the obscure little 2-lane roads and ride for days, criss-crossing the hills.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks Kevin.. I've done all of that, but he hasn't. I'll give that some thought, too. 

[John A]

Which bike will you take?  Do you have a sense of one right off or do you have to cypher that out yet?

[oldbike54]

 Everyone mentions Northwest Arkansas , or Colorado , or Wyoming , or ...However , some of the best riding in the country is in Southwest Arkansas and Southeast Oklahoma . Depending on what time of year you are traveling , the Ouchita mountains are pretty incredible . Come down across Kentucky , central Missouri , central Arkansas and point your front wheel towards Hot Springs AR , then Mena AR , ride the Talimena Dr across to Oklahoma . No , there are no 13,000 foot peaks , but there is also very little traffic , and the roads are sweet . I'll put the Talimena Dr against any motorbike road in the country , 54 miles of bliss . Mid Sept to mid Oct is the best time , do bring rain gear .

 Dusty

[kballowe]

Thanks Kevin.. I've done all of that, but he hasn't. I'll give that some thought, too. 

Well, don't feel like the Lone Ranger.  We are also trying to figure out where to ride this year and it's a real head-scratcher.
We like hills and switchbacks and altitude. 

We both still work - so we've decided that it cannot be more than two days each way. 

Or, fly and rent.  The Alaskan Kenai Peninsula has occasionally entered my thoughts.

[John A]

Everyone mentions Northwest Arkansas , or Colorado , or Wyoming , or ...However , some of the best riding in the country is in Southwest Arkansas and Southeast Oklahoma . Depending on what time of year you are traveling , the Ouchita mountains are pretty incredible . Come down across Kentucky , central Missouri , central Arkansas and point your front wheel towards Hot Springs AR , then Mena AR , ride the Talimena Dr across to Oklahoma . No , there are no 13,000 foot peaks , but there is also very little traffic , and the roads are sweet . I'll put the Talimena Dr against any motorbike road in the country , 54 miles of bliss . Mid Sept to mid Oct is the best time , do bring rain gear .

 Dusty

I remember a Talimena Dr fondly.  Its one of them I learned from Ken Hand.  Lets not forget US20 across Washington Pass in the North Cascades.  Stop at a pullout near Newhalem where the gates are, they close for avalanches and feed the chipmunks.  after you stop ,they come out.  When a car goes by, they dive over the edge.  Long ride just to see some rodents

[Testarossa]

Edit: crap, it's during a really busy antique fly in time. Probably not. If we go west, it will probably have to be mid August.

If mid-August: OAT at 8000 feet in Colorado is a lot more tolerable than almost anywhere else. Montrose/Ouray/Durango is still a good target, and some of us will find time to ride with you. Ouray ave high August 76F, ave low 50F.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Which bike will you take?  Do you have a sense of one right off or do you have to cypher that out yet?

I'll take the MIghty Scura.. he'll take his 1100 Spot.

[Guzzistajohn]

Well, no ones said great bend down in Texas, never been there but no one's mentioned it. Saw some cool picks of it on the Motoventures site.
 <shrug>

[Chuck in Indiana]

Everyone mentions Northwest Arkansas , or Colorado , or Wyoming , or ...However , some of the best riding in the country is in Southwest Arkansas and Southeast Oklahoma . Depending on what time of year you are traveling , the Ouchita mountains are pretty incredible . Come down across Kentucky , central Missouri , central Arkansas and point your front wheel towards Hot Springs AR , then Mena AR , ride the Talimena Dr across to Oklahoma . No , there are no 13,000 foot peaks , but there is also very little traffic , and the roads are sweet . I'll put the Talimena Dr against any motorbike road in the country , 54 miles of bliss . Mid Sept to mid Oct is the best time , do bring rain gear .

 Dusty

Dusty, that's one place neither of us have been. Doing a little preliminary planning.. it looks like the middle of August is our best window. From what I understand, I think it might be a mite warmish.  September/mid October is out. Too many things going on. Thanks for the idea, though.. and Indiana/Wisconsin guys don't leave home without rain gear.