San Francisco to Maryland

[LostInAlaska]

Kicking around the idea of flying into San Francisco and riding cross country to Virginia. Would like to stop in Phoenix and visit family for at least one night. Will start this adventure on or about August 28th.

My question to all you veterans is how many miles per day should I plan on riding. I realize that my body and mind will make the final decision but in a perfect world while in the planning stages what should I plan on.

In exchange for your wisdom I will answer any and all questions about traveling in Alaska as long as you do not ask about Palin. :histerica

Thanks for your input.

[STARFIGHTER]

My favorite way to do that ride is hwy. 50 (the lonliest road)
Staraight as an arrow from California to Maryland............
I usually plan on 300 to 350/ day, but I like to stop and smell the roses and get my tent up before making supper.
Coming out of Phoenix, I believe it's 60 East to 54 that will get you to 50....
Greatroads all and you'll see few other vehicles.
Hope you have a great ride

[sanjaun2]

A few months ago I was riding around Hells canyon and came across three guys from Alaska on GS's. It was about 100 degrees and they were really having a hard time with the temperature. Are you ready for Phoenix in the summer?
The mileage per day depends on you and the bike your riding. I would take the most days for the ride that you can get and make the best of it. NO Slab, Just small towns and country roads. Give us a idea of how many days you have for the trip.

[LostInAlaska]

The Phoenix weather is a concern. Spent a week there last summer and the heat was a problem. I expect to ride into Phoenix in the evening and ride out early the next morning.

Aware of the desert heat and will do my best to get in and out as fast as possible,

Looking at 10 days. So far my schedule is 1st night in Las Vegas, 2nd night in Phoenix, 3rd night in Albuquerque.

After that no idea.

[sanjaun2]

Lost,
Just make sure to keep hydrated through the hot country and you'll be fine. I stop every hour and drink some cold water and gatorade. I then soak my shirt and head with water. Just like air conditioning for the next 45 minutes. You could head north from Alburquerque and eventually pick up hwy 50 Like Allan recommended. That would get you around the toll roads in Oklahoma. Also get you off I-40 which can get pretty windy and lots of trucks. After leaving Northern NM you will be in the plains. You will be able to make really good time. The roads get better when you get to the "hills" on the east coast. I rode from Long island NY to ABQ in 3 days but they were long days.

[LostInAlaska]

Did the trip and enjoyed EVERY minute to include the 2.5 days of straight rain from New Mexico into Fort Smith, AR.

As expected, the heat going into Phoenix was a problem. Purchased a camelback in California and glad I did. Back held 70 oz and I had to refill twice. Most water I have drinken in last 12 months combined. Saw a few rain clouds while I was passing through and was actually praying for rain. Never got the rain.

Next year I'll be ridding the Alcan and the year after Denver to ? Don't know where the destination will be...but don't really care. It's all about the journey.