Toronto to Las Vegas Aug 2006

[garry_kramer]

All

My SO and I want to got to the Grand Canyon and Vegas the last 2 weeks of Aug 2006 and on our way back hit CCR this year. Any comments? Last year we did 12,000 km in 12 days so long days are not unusual (SO wants shorter days though) We bought a tailer this year, last year we only had the saddle bags on the LT.

Thanks

[STARFIGHTER]

Hmmm.......
Gonna be mighty warm in Vegas...............
Do you have a route settled yet or open ?
seems like staying North until the last minute would be best....
A lot to see on the way no matter how you go.....................

[garry_kramer]

Wrong time of year? I was thinking of staying north to Denver then head down.

[mjordans2000]

It will be very warm, especially from Utah down to Vegas. I've done it several times that time of year. I wouldn't let it stop me if I wanted to go to Las Vegas, just be prepared for the heat.

[RonKMiller]

I would avoid the desert Southwest until mid-October. It is so freakin' hot and nasty. Anything below 5,000 feet MSL will be ugly.

Your SO will be particularily impressed with the 30C ++ temps...

You COULD do it, but only with evaporative cooling vests, neck gaitors, long sleeve microfiber shirts, perforated jackets, broad brimmed sun hats, the Euro BMW summer helmets and a certain seat I know of that constantly soaked with water will keep your blood cooler. ;) A five gallon water jug in the trailer would be mandatory, along with a cooler and ice.

On the plus side you can get a five star hotel in Vegas in August for $100.00. :)

Not only would you need this stuff here, but on the way to CCR as well.

[meese]

Coming from Las Vegas through St. George on the way to CCR last year it was well over 100F (easily 40C). Mesh jackets help, as do the neck bands that you soak with water (or full vests), and drink a lot of water as well.

On the way back it was a little hotter, but we left Utah early and got into Vegas around 11 a.m. where we went to a cheap movie theater for about four hours, then had dinner and got back on the road after it had cooled off some. That made things much more pleasant.

The rest of the trip sounds great. The Grand Canyon will be much cooler, as the village at the south rim is at 6760 feet.

[ATFLT]

If you go through the mountains it should be nice enough. I would try to stop on the west edge of the mountains in a motel. From there I would get up before first light and make the Interstate run. That way you should get in Vegas before it gets real hot. When it is time to leave I would leave before first light again and head back up to the mountains. That way you can avoid the heat and rush hour traffic in Vegas. Vegas is getting pretty big these days and the traffic will slow you up leaving.

[garry_kramer]

If you go through the mountains it should be nice enough. I would try to stop on the west edge of the mountains in a motel. From there I would get up before first light and make the Interstate run. That way you should get in Vegas before it gets real hot. When it is time to leave I would leave before first light again and head back up to the mountains. That way you can avoid the heat and rush hour traffic in Vegas. Vegas is getting pretty big these days and the traffic will slow you up leaving.

Not being from anywheres around there, how about suggesting a route and towns from the Chicago area avoiding the HOT areas you suggest.

[S2DOG]

Garry,

Vegas in the Summer Time during the day will be miserable on a bike. Early morning riding only upon your arival and inside the AC hotels during the day.

Altitude is your friend in the desert states. I live near Phoenix and typically we try to ride to the higher altitudes to be cooler.

If it were me, I would stay at the Brand Canyon hotel and leave early to arrive in Vegas up Hwy 40 perhaps? Check out a map and look seriously at the Topography for higher altitude during the day.

That will help you...

[STARFIGHTER]

Coming from the Chicago area West, there are no cool routes to Denver/Grand Canyon/Vegas............it's gonna be hot.
But..............if you need to do it then, just be prepared.
Carry plenty of water (Karen and I use Emergen-C mixed with water and a little sugar for hydration) Beats the high price of Gatoraid and contains better "stuff."

we recently did Hwy 2 West, coming from Illinois, and
We just finished 1/2 of 93 border to border, and planning to do 50 coast to coast this Spring or fall..............Love those 2 lanes !!

Sounds like you'll be having a great ride.........keep us posted

[TandemCyclist]

These guys keep talking about hot. I'll bet you will be more miserable in the heat at CCR than almost the rest of your trip. That's a short time to see much along the way. My suggestion is no more than two nights in Vegas so you have gas money to get to CCR. Check out the National Parks in Utah on a map. Many are at a good elevation so are cool. I push Bryce Canyon because you can see a lot in 3 or 4 hours plus I lived there a few months this summer. Last two weeks of August are the slow time so rooms are easy to get. I would suggest staying in Flagstaff or Williams rather than the Grand Canyon. This would allow you to keep your schedule more open. If you are going to stay at the GC and want to stay on the actual rim (not back in the woods) you better call today.

If you need some serious info about CO, UT, AZ, or NM, send me a PM.

When you are in the heat just drink lots of water.

Rick

[tvguy]

HI Garry,

Yes, Vegas will be VERY VERY HOT. When I have to ride in the heat, start very early in the morning and get out of the valley to higher elevations as soon as you can.... I also put a Camelback bladder in my tank bag or wear it backwards so it is on the front of me. The real trick to making it through the heat is LOTS of water... "Drink and Drive" DO NOT run out of water... The plus side is you will feel good when you finish your ride for the day. I drink about 1 - 1.5 liters per 60 - 65 miles... (yes I have to hit the rest stops a lot)

The water soaked vests don't really work to good for me because there is not enough air flow to make it worth wearing on the LT... The light weight - perforated summer jacket is the way to go..

Remember to "Drink & Drive" - put the Camelback piece in your mouth and keep drinking during the day.

TVGUY

[tvguy]

Forgot to mention that is very nice on the North rim of the Grand Canyon in August. Went there last Aug. and froze at night. 8K plus in elevation. 65-70 by day, 35-45 at night. You can stay in the hotels or camp on the edge. As soon as you head back down the hill it will be hot again.. Hope this help. let me know if you make it to Vegas this summer. Jeff :cool:

[toronto]

Well, they all say it'll be hot, but I'm going from Toronto to CCR, overnight Th and Fri only at the Elan. If you are looking for a "there" or "back" riding partner, lemmeknow.

I've only done 800 miles in a day before, so about 1300 km, but this summer trying for IronButt lic plate holder, so 1000 miles in a day. Like to go a bit fast, so that gives you the idea of my riding style if interested.........

Rod.