I 80 trip planning

[Vagabond]

I couldn't get away all summer. I have a brief opening now. Anyone out there have any ideas about the advisability of taking I-80 across the mountains to get to Oakland next week? I know October gets a little bit of weather sometimes.
Do you recommend a more southerly route.

Bob Salmi
Darlington, WI
3003 K1200LT

[rglassma]

The biggest problems I have experienced on I-80 around this time of year is:

Strong Wind through Iowa and Nebraska with rain
Strong Winds Across Wyoming

I find it hard to believe you would avoid the weather through another route.

[donsobeck]

Snowed yesterday in the mountains, about a foot.

DON

[wyorock]

I,m not sure what part of Wisconsin Darlington is in, I'm originally from Kenosha. I'd highly recommend taking I-90 instead of I-80 if it's conveinent for you and you want to travel on interstates. I-80 has way too much truck traffic and is very boring, at least on I-90 you'll have great scenery through much of Montana.

I now live in Laramie Wyoming and although I can see I-80 from my front door, I avoid traveling on it when ever possible.

Dress warm the mornings can get cold.

[STARFIGHTER]

One of your biggest problems is Donner Pass West of Reno...............
Storms come up fast and strong..............

[Retread]

I live in Sparks, NV right at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yesterday we had snow in the mountains just west of here and I80 was closed at the Cal state line for a short time.

Your timing seems good for Donner though. Forecast for next week here is for highs in the low 70's. Even up at the summit it will probably be in the 50's.

If you do need a detour around Donner, 7200 ft, you can always take Hwy 70 through the Feather River Canyon. The highest summit that way is only a little over 5000 ft. It usually doesn't get snow this time of year.

Taking 70 will only add about an hour to your ride. I rode it last week and it's one of the prettiest rides in this part the country. I highly recommend it.

Have Fun

[Zotter]

Hey rock,

My boy is down there for the game today. Wave at the ol stadium when the purple toads get stomped, k?
Forcast is for 40s to mid 50s, rain and wind. Rain changing to snow about 6:00pm today.

It's a day by day gamble this time of year out here. Next weekend may well be back to 60s and 70s or so. Got a bud headed back to NY from CA going down I-80 right now. He's out in NE someplace - just missed some uncomfortableness.

[Vagabond]

thanks for the suggestions, i am planning on leaving out of SW Wisconsin Tusday Morning. I will check the forcasts before I leave. I appreciate the alternative routes. I wanted to see Donner Pass but maybe it better wait. Or, the weather could be good by then. Thanks,
The Vagabond
Darlington, WI
2003 K1200LT

[oknplm]

Just got back from a west coast trip yesterday. Been very strange year, weather wise. We experienced heat, cold, very high winds, hail, and virtual downpours on this trip. We were also amazed at the amount of road construction we saw as well. Nothing quite like riding while it’s raining on a freshly oiled road that has recently had tar snake repair done to it! This is a great time of the year to ride, due to reduced tourist traffic, but everything is contingent on the weather. Have seen I-40 temporarily closed west of Amarillo as early as November due to snow and ice. The further north you go the chance of fluctuating weather conditions is only increased. Just keep checking the weather reports and if you see an opening go for it. That part of the adventure of a good road trip.

May we never see the end of the road!

Perry Ridgway

oknplm