BMW Luxury Touring Community banner
Cancel

Cross Country Ride (East to West)

2621 Views 83 Replies 20 Participants Last post by  kbob12, 
jrprocacci
I'm blending a bucket-list Cross Country ride from West Chester PA to Laguna Beach CA, with a work meeting in California which is pretty important. My route is through Denver in late April (hopefully the weather is OK). Question: I'm allowing 7 days to make the trip which will be pretty much be 7+ hours per day of riding (not much sight seeing other than through my helmet shield). IS THIS REALISTIC???

Thanks for any insight anyone can share.

John
2022 R1250RT

Map Line Atlas Parallel
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
21 - 40 of 84 Posts
2tired
jrprocacci said:
So, God willing I will amp up my long distance trips into and in retirement.
Click to expand...
Jeez John, you're already riding back and forth across the entire country! I'm wondering what your "amped up" trips will look like.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 3
kbob12
jrprocacci said:
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the follow up. I've never really joined any motorcycle clubs, however the MOA with the Anonymous Book seems to be a wise membership considering my desire to continue with long distance rides. I'm 59 and plan to officially retire at 62, however I've decided to leave the corporate world at the end of this year to do something less demanding and stressful for 2 years before officially hanging up the briefcase. The company I work for is based out of Irvine CA, and I thought it might be interesting to do this ride for a customer meeting, and then ride to El Paso on the way back to attend a 3-day trade show before ultimately heading back to West Chester PA. As it stands, the total time away from home will be 20 days. Fortunately my wife is taking my daughter to London for 7 of those days. She likes to go on short around-town rides, but would not last beyond a couple hours.

So, God willing I will amp up my long distance trips into and in retirement. This forum is certainly helping provide the awareness there are many others who are already down the path. That's assuring and helpful...as they say, you don't know what you don't know.

Perhaps our paths will cross at some point. In the meantime, looks like I need to sign up for MOA!

Thanks again Bob.

Regards,
John
Click to expand...
Hi John - yeah... time flies! I retired at 59 and 8+ years have gone by quickly!
You have a great bike, and time to get where you need to go.
I think the main thing is to keep it simple and comfortable for your whole trip.
I can carry what I need on my bike in the side cases and top trunk for a month on the road. A credit card is a big part of the equation. If I were planning to camp I would have to adjust my priorities somehow. I carry a lot of tools and equipment and hope for the best since I am riding a 23 year old motorcycle.
Besides bike maintenance, maintaining fluids, nourishment, and a proper sleep schedule goes a long way!
The anonymous book is a great resource when you need help on the road, or you want to meet for a cup of coffee. lol.
I ride solo everywhere.
Each time I have joined up with other riders they either go too fast, or too slow, or they ride into the night when i would like to relax... set up camp, or find a hotel and have an early dinner, and call my wife to see how things are going at home.
(Too many times over the years riding with others has turned into a headache for me... no campsite reservations, or you arrive at midnight because someone disappeared along the way for some dumb reason and you have to track them down before continuing and they aren't answering their phone, etc., sheesh. Memories!)
Anyway, you've got this... and, you won't go wrong with the anonymous book!

One other thing... gas up before you get into California! You will be shocked by the prices we pay for fuel here!

Cheers!
Bob
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
kbob12
nh1200c said:
Of course each day offered its own unique personality to the trip, whether it was weather, scenery, traffic, etc., but the longest mileage day for me was only ~650 miles. A big part of my ride, however, is each day's objective as to friends or family who I will be meeting/eating with, or unique opportunities to sightsee, so for me the miles just stream by. When the days get hot and the traffic slow, then it becomes more of a chore and I really look forward to that nice meal, comfortable bed and hot shower at the next hotel.

I will turn 70 in July this year and will (hopefully) get my final states to complete the lower 48. These are the two rides I have planned, the first (Southern route) starting three weeks from today! (On this chart the green pins are single night stops, the red pins multi-night stops.

View attachment 182023

Larry
Click to expand...
Nice! I have two states to go for the lower 48... I thought I would get to them this spring, but family obligations will put that off for a long trek around... hmmm... looking at your map route I may be able to add Oregon and Washington into my plans before traveling to Wyoming on my way to New Jersey, onto Toronto, Maine, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida... before heading back to southern California... hmmm... thanks!
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
S
kbob12 said:
Nice! I have two states to go for the lower 48... I thought I would get to them this spring, but family obligations will put that off for a long trek around... hmmm... looking at your map route I may be able to add Oregon and Washington into my plans before traveling to Wyoming on my New Jersey, onto Toronto, Maine, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida... before heading back to southern California... hmmm... thanks!
Click to expand...
You've got a bed in N. Idaho if you want it, 10 minutes off I-90, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Let me know.
(Just give me a few days notice so I can clean out the garage a bit and fix up the ol' dog bed in there for ya.) 🤣🤣😎
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
kbob12
Scott9999 said:
You've got a bed in N. Idaho if you want it, 10 minutes off I-90, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Let me know.
(Just give me a few days notice so I can clean out the garage a bit and fix up the ol' dog bed in there for ya.) 🤣🤣😎
Click to expand...
Thanks so much!
We shall see... I tend to stay in hotels/motels so I can sneak out by 6:30AM!
I am used to dog beds. We have three that sleep between me and my wife! :rolleyes:
Cheers!
Reply
Save
Like
S
kbob12 said:
Thanks so much!
We shall see... I tend to stay in hotels/motels so I can sneak out by 6:30AM!
I am used to dog beds. We have three that sleep between me and my wife! :rolleyes:
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Lol, my wife is up at 3:30 AM for work every morning, so ya won't be stealing any sleep from her, or from me ... her AM driver. 🙄😴

Besides, us 67 year old dinosaurs gotta stick together. 😏
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
jrprocacci
kbob12 said:
Hi John - yeah... time flies! I retired at 59 and 8+ years have gone by quickly!
You have a great bike, and time to get where you need to go.
I think the main thing is to keep it simple and comfortable for your whole trip.
I can carry what I need on my bike in the side cases and top trunk for a month on the road. A credit card is a big part of the equation. If I were planning to camp I would have to adjust my priorities somehow. I carry a lot of tools and equipment and hope for the best since I am riding a 23 year old motorcycle.
Besides bike maintenance, maintaining fluids, nourishment, and a proper sleep schedule goes a long way!
The anonymous book is a great resource when you need help on the road, or you want to meet for a cup of coffee. lol.
I ride solo everywhere.
Each time I have joined up with other riders they either go too fast, or too slow, or they ride into the night when i would like to relax... set up camp, or find a hotel and have an early dinner, and call my wife to see how things are going at home.
(Too many times over the years riding with others has turned into a headache for me... no campsite reservations, or you arrive at midnight because someone disappeared along the way for some dumb reason and you have to track them down before continuing and they aren't answering their phone, etc., sheesh. Memories!)
Anyway, you've got this... and, you won't go wrong with the anonymous book!

One other thing... gas up before you get into California! You will be shocked by the prices we pay for fuel here!

Cheers!
Bob
Click to expand...
Bob,

My thoughts exactly in regard to riding solo. In fact, my wife thinks I'm a bit of a recluse (furthest from the truth!) because I generally don't pursue riding partners for very similar reasons. I'm very comfortable in my own skin and enjoy the solitude, however I'll be happy to engage with other "friendlies" for a bite/beer/laugh.

And your warning about CA gas prices is spot on. I travel there often for work, and thankfully the company pays for expenses. Without getting too political and jumping on a soapbox, CA is an amazing state that has been corrupted by those who lack common sense. Stepping down from the box...'nuff said.

And thanks for the vote of confidence. Having conversations with you and others on this forum has helped out immensely!

Best,
John
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
jrprocacci
jrprocacci said:
Bob,

My thoughts exactly in regard to riding solo. In fact, my wife thinks I'm a bit of a recluse (furthest from the truth!) because I generally don't pursue riding partners for very similar reasons. I'm very comfortable in my own skin and enjoy the solitude, however I'll be happy to engage with other "friendlies" for a bite/beer/laugh.

And your warning about CA gas prices is spot on. I travel there often for work, and thankfully the company pays for expenses. Without getting too political and jumping on a soapbox, CA is an amazing state that has been corrupted by those who lack common sense. Stepping down from the box...'nuff said.

And thanks for the vote of confidence. Having conversations with you and others on this forum has helped out immensely!

Best,
John
Click to expand...
And now an official member...thanks for the suggestion!

Font Rectangle Magenta Circle Darkness
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
nh1200c
kbob12 said:
... One other thing... gas up before you get into California! You will be shocked by the prices we pay for fuel here!
Cheers!
Bob
Click to expand...
Bob this resonated with me - these were the fuel prices when I made my coast-to-coast trip last year.

Larry

Attachments

Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
kbob12
nh1200c said:
Bob this resonated with me - these were the fuel prices when I made my coast-to-coast trip last year.

Larry
Click to expand...
Larry - thanks for sharing! I was relieved the gas prices dropped the further east and south I went! Cheers!
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
kbob12
Scott9999 said:
Lol, my wife is up at 3:30 AM for work every morning, so ya won't be stealing any sleep from her, or from me ... her AM driver. 🙄😴

Besides, us 67 year old dinosaurs gotta stick together. 😏
Click to expand...
(Pssst-I think we are among the youngsters in this group!)
Reply
Save
Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 1
2tired
Scott9999 said:
You've got a bed in N. Idaho if you want it, 10 minutes off I-90, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Let me know.
(Just give me a few days notice so I can clean out the garage a bit and fix up the ol' dog bed in there for ya.) 🤣🤣😎
Click to expand...
Dog bed > Tent.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
S
2tired said:
Dog bed > Tent.
Click to expand...
depends on the tent, and the tent location 😏
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
T
jrprocacci said:
I'm blending a bucket-list Cross Country ride from West Chester PA to Laguna Beach CA, with a work meeting in California which is pretty important. My route is through Denver in late April (hopefully the weather is OK). Question: I'm allowing 7 days to make the trip which will be pretty much be 7+ hours per day of riding (not much sight seeing other than through my helmet shield). IS THIS REALISTIC???

Thanks for any insight anyone can share.

John
2022 R1250RT

View attachment 182015
Click to expand...
I do a lot of long distance road trips all over the country. That distance in 7 days is about 400
Miles a day. That’s ok. The big wild card is gonna be the weather. And there is always the possibility of having some kind of bike issue. If the meeting is important I’d add a couple extra days in for such contingencies. Good luck.
Reply
Save
Like
painter
Last June my son and I did a 5600 mile round trip from New Jersey out to Boise, Idaho (I have a childhood friend there) and back. It took 14 days, which included passes through national parks and slower byways out west. Due to time constraints we took superslab until we got out west. It looks like your route is highway 36 and 70, which is also how we went out. The worst states were PA and especially Ohio. We did some repeated 600+ miles days. I'm not sure how much fun you'll have if you must stay on the highway the whole trip. I would avoid Denver and stay more south in April. We loved Colorado for the Rocky Mountain National Park, but the more urban areas were not enjoyable. And, in June last year there were still road closures in Idaho and Montana due to snow. My next trip out that way I hope to do the Trans Canadian highway and avoid some of the annoying highway parts in the US. Anyway, it is possible for you to do your trip in 7 days, but you'll be a lot fresher and happier if you give yourself 9.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
V
Hi Bob,

I only have one thing to add. I live in Colorado and we have a saying here. If you don't like to the weather wait 10 minutes and it will change. Mountains in April this year with the way the weather patterns have been could be very iffy. Good Luck.

Best regards,

Alan
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
radar41
John,

As mentioned by others, I-70 through Colorado in April is a roll of the dice weather wise.
Stay alert and check the weather along your route. A good source for Colorado Road conditions is

COtrip Traveler Information

Reports regarding traffic incidents, winter road conditions, traffic cameras, active and planned construction, etc.
www.cotrip.org www.cotrip.org

If you are NOT a member of the BMWMOA, JOIN!! The anonymous book, to a touring rider, is worth the cost of membership!
One final thing, I-70 has some serious "chuckholes", after the rough winter we have had here, especially in the center (between the two lanes) of the 2 lanes. SO, if you change lanes at speed pick your spot! The holes are large enough to ruin you trip! 🙁
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
gtkoppmann
jrprocacci said:
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the follow up. I've never really joined any motorcycle clubs, however the MOA with the Anonymous Book seems to be a wise membership considering my desire to continue with long distance rides. I'm 59 and plan to officially retire at 62, however I've decided to leave the corporate world at the end of this year to do something less demanding and stressful for 2 years before officially hanging up the briefcase. The company I work for is based out of Irvine CA, and I thought it might be interesting to do this ride for a customer meeting, and then ride to El Paso on the way back to attend a 3-day trade show before ultimately heading back to West Chester PA. As it stands, the total time away from home will be 20 days. Fortunately my wife is taking my daughter to London for 7 of those days. She likes to go on short around-town rides, but would not last beyond a couple hours.

So, God willing I will amp up my long distance trips into and in retirement. This forum is certainly helping provide the awareness there are many others who are already down the path. That's assuring and helpful...as they say, you don't know what you don't know.

Perhaps our paths will cross at some point. In the meantime, looks like I need to sign up for MOA!

Thanks again Bob.

Regards,
John
Click to expand...
Hi John,

I'm in roughly the same spot you are. I'll be 57 this year and finally have some time and finances to do some more riding. Our wives would get along well as a couple hours is also her max ride limit too. I live in El Paso so if you have some extra time while you're here, give me a shout. Maybe we can grab dinner & a beer.

Regards,
Gil.
Reply
Save
Like
kbob12
Hi Alan!
I didn't say I didn't like Colorado weather... it is so beautiful in the mountains, but just so cold in April if one is not prepared! Geez, it's cold in June! lol.
I prefer to ride cross country in April - May, but the last two years family/friends visits require me to ride in triple digit heat in a lot of places since I need to be in NJ and FL again this summer in June and July!
That being said, I don't want to carry my winter leathers along with my summer vented gear so I try to avoid the cold as much as possible. (I can always cover my vented gear with my rain gear and waterproof gloves if it gets to cold!)
There is nothing like Colorado riding! Cheers!
Reply
Save
Like
C
Why the trip, it looks exciting. Everyone is trying to discourage me to do the same trip. Too old or too boring, I’m 61 years old and this is a dream trip for me. What kind of budget are you planning for this trip? I have seen budget up to $5000 with a motel gas etc. This is realistic or is this too conservative or underestimated?
Reply
Save
Like
21 - 40 of 84 Posts
BMW Luxury Touring Community
A forum community dedicated to BMW Luxury Touring motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
K1200LT RT Series (Post 2013) Bike Talk K1600GT/GTL K1200/1300GT (The Next Generation)
Top