Question about US 50 from Carson City to Holden, UT

[REWDOC]

I'm thinking of riding US 50 on my way home from a trip to CA. Is US 50 a good road, what is the speed limit, is fuel readily available? How hot is it? Looks like it would be mostly desert. Should I try this or just take I-80 to Salt Lake?

[tbarstow]

Take US 50 instead of I-80, its a better ride and you don't have to go to Winnemucca or Battle Mountain. Holes above ground. Makes Detroit look like an inviting place.

The speed limit is 70mph. Like the map says, it is "The Lonliest Road In America." Tank up in Fallon, NV. Its only 257 miles to Ely. Austin has gas stations (110 miles from Fallon).

Take plenty of water with you, as its going to be F'N hot in the desert.

Have good tires before you leave, as the hot chip seal roads in Nevada eat up tires pretty quick.

[hallzee]

Like the map says, it is "The Lonliest Road In America."
He ain't lying...

[REWDOC]

Take US 50 instead of I-80, its a better ride and you don't have to go to Winnemucca or Battle Mountain. Holes above ground. Makes Detroit look like an inviting place.

The speed limit is 70mph. Like the map says, it is "The Lonliest Road In America." Tank up in Fallon, NV. Its only 257 miles to Ely. Austin has gas stations (110 miles from Fallon).

Take plenty of water with you, as its going to be F'N hot in the desert.

Have good tires before you leave, as the hot chip seal roads in Nevada eat up tires pretty quick.
Thanks Tim. I'll have a new rear tire when I leave Columbus and about 3k on the front tire. I'll make sure I take my evaporation vest. :yeah: Sounds like I should take a book to read along the way! :eek:

[gr8fulfred]

Take plenty of water with you, as its going to be F'N hot in the desert.

Have good tires before you leave, as the hot chip seal roads in Nevada eat up tires pretty quick.

I think it's actually (slightly) cooler going 50 instead of 80, but I would agree with both statements. Definitely drink lots of water and don't leave with worn tires. I've come to prefer 50 over 80 if there is a choice, and there's a great place to stay in Border, Utah with rooms at $45, restaurant, gas and store all together in the middle of nowhere. There is gas available in Middlegate and Austin on the way so you don't have to worry about making it to Ely on one tank. Have fun, it's a great ride.

[Buck]

It gets windy on that road too! The north-south valleys can be quite gusty, and they come at you at 90 degrees.

[amarider]

On of my favorite rides!:D
There is now gas at Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Stateline and Delta if your following 50 all the way in to Utah. I would take a hour or two and ride to the top of Wheeler Peak near the state line in Great Basin NP. It's really a gem that most people pass by and only take one hour up and down if your in a hurry.
If your going to spend the night along the way the Hotel Nevada in Ely is an old Time place out of the early 1900's. They will allow you to park right up front in the yellow zone with your M/C and give you a discount on the room. Nothing fancy by a neat place at a good price.

Oh and Dick why don't you drop in and join us Nor Cal Boyz for a meal or HDDC?

[REWDOC]

On of my favorite rides!:D
There is now gas at Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Stateline and Delta if your following 50 all the way in to Utah. I would take a hour or two and ride to the top of Wheeler Peak near the state line in Great Basin NP. It's really a gem that most people pass by and only take one hour up and down if your in a hurry.
If your going to spend the night along the way the Hotel Nevada in Ely is an old Time place out of the early 1900's. They will allow you to park right up front in the yellow zone with your M/C and give you a discount on the room. Nothing fancy by a neat place at a good price.

Oh and Dick why don't you drop in and join us Nor Cal Boyz for a meal or HDDC?
Thanks, I'll write Hotel Nevada in my book. I'm still trying to decide if I have enough time to make the entire trip. If I'm not running too far behind schedule, I'll check out Wheeler Peak, also.

[jzeiler]

On of my favorite rides!:D
There is now gas at Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Stateline and Delta if your following 50 all the way in to Utah. I would take a hour or two and ride to the top of Wheeler Peak near the state line in Great Basin NP. It's really a gem that most people pass by and only take one hour up and down if your in a hurry.


Not to hyjack Dick's thread but, Thanks John.

I will add the trip to the top of Wheeler Peak on my leg from Zermatt to Ely on Saturday after CCR. While I have you guys - one question. As I head west, I was planning on taking 722 out of Austin rather than staying on 50. It looks like a better ride for scenery. Can you comment on that leg?

[REWDOC]

Oh and Dick why don't you drop in and join us Nor Cal Boyz for a meal or HDDC?
John,

Email details and contact info to rewdoc@aol.com and I'll try to give you a call. My youngest daughter lives in SF and I'll be leaving there in the AM to go towards Tahoe. Not sure of the exact day yet. I'm on a 7,200 mile ride and depends on stops, weather, traffic, etc.. I imagine it's going to be around August 22 or 23. Roseville is on y way back home.

Both of my normal riding partners were unable to make this trip, so I'll be solo. Is US 50 safe to ride alone? If it's the loneliest highway, sounds like I might could get stranded if I have mechanical problem. What are the chances of tagging along with someone out of Carson City or Reno?

Thanks,
Dick

[widebmw]

Highway 50 got the name "The Loneliest Highway" from Life Magazine about 20 or 30 years ago.
There is not alot of traffic but you won't go more than a few minutes (5-10) whithout a car or truck. The Highway Patrol are on it every day. The speed limit is 70. They don't bother you until 80. The towns only have one main road don,t speed through them
Nevada 722 just west of Austin is a nice road with no traffic. It comes back into Hwy 50 about 65 miles west of Austin.
The heat is not bad until you get to Holden or Delta, UT.
If you want to stay in Ely go to the Bristlecone Motel.
http://www.bristleconemotelelynv.com/

[REWDOC]

Highway 50 got the name "The Loneliest Highway" from Life Magazine about 20 or 30 years ago.
There is not alot of traffic but you won't go more than a few minutes (5-10) whithout a car or truck. The Highway Patrol are on it every day. The speed limit is 70. They don't bother you until 80. The towns only have one main road don,t speed through them
Nevada 722 just west of Austin is a nice road with no traffic. It comes back into Hwy 50 about 65 miles west of Austin.
The heat is not bad until you get to Holden or Delta, UT.
Thanks.