HVs Fly and Ride Adventure

[HV]

Ok....so it all started with a few drinks on New Years Eve ....a bunch of us OFs thought...Damn we should do a fly and ride... to Vegas and ride over to CA and back... do some sight seeing in between etc... well.........Its a Done Deal...we Fly out from the great white north here on Monday  Mar 23 ...Get in Vegas in the evening ...Bikes will be ready Tue AM ... and we are off to CA ... not sure what route etc yet we are taking... one of the guys is programing various ones in to his GPS ... we will be riding in between LA and SF ... North or South ..... perhaps Grand Canyon area etc we will be doing a week deal so the bikes have to be back in Vegas in 7 days ...Ill be taking a Camera and note book and keeping track of the ride...for a detailed HTT Report 

[RK101]

Sounds Great Brian. We'll be looking foward to the pics.

[BaggerRed]

Kool!!!!!! Have fun and enjoy the ride! (actually , I'm jealous)

[HIPPO]

Do you know where you will stay in Vegas?

[HV]

Not yet Frank ...as soon as we book something Ill let you know 

[HIPPO]

If you are getting the bikes from the dealer, they are quite a bit East of the strip as is the airport. Prolly best to get a small hotel close to the dealer rather then one of the big hotels. They usually are a pain with bikes. The small motels you can park the bikes right outside of the room. We always get rooms at ground level.

[truck]

Be sure to see the Grand Canyon and the giant Sequoias, two sites you will never forget.
Might be a problem with the Sequoias though....snow on the roads.

[HIPPO]

I'm sure that you already know that both Nevada and California are part of the PITA states that require hellmets.

[HIPPO]

Be sure to see the Grand Canyon and the giant Sequoias, two sites you will never forget.
Might be a problem with the Sequoias though....snow on the roads.

No, the real big redwoods are close to sea level, maybe rain but odds are that by the end of march the weather will be fine. Heck, run the race track between Fortuna and Red Bluff, one of the best motorcycle roads ever. Part of it is like a redwood tunnel.

Even the Grand Canyon should be OK by then, the least preferable south side almost for sure.

[CraigArizona85248]

Even the Grand Canyon should be OK by then, the least preferable south side almost for sure.

I'm not sure if the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is open in March.  Pretty sure they don't open until mid April or May due to snow.  If you want to see the North Rim (which is the nicest as Frank pointed out), you better make sure it will be open.

Sounds like a fun trip!

-Craig

[Dennis The Menace]

Brian, I was just in Vegas on Weds.  Picked up my boat from Lake Mead and brought it back to Denver (yeah, that was me pulling a boat down I-40 in 9 degree weather in northern AZ on Weds--I aint very smart). 

It was nice at 60 degeres.  The traffic and peds at the Hoover Dam were unreal for this time of year, but I recommend you stop by and look over the edge anyway. lol  Also, they are building a huge bridge over the dam and it will have a helluva view when done, for your next trip.

You will have good weather that time of year, plenty of sunny warm days.  Nights will be cool tho in March.  Also, the airport is just SW of the strip, but I would stay out of there with a bike.  Get a cab from wherever you stay if you need to go downtown to tour the sites.  The casinos are hurting big time right now, so you should be able to get some great deals on lodging and maybe even a complete air-hotel package.

If you head over to Grand Canyon, I would plan the southern route through AZ.  The trip via Utah and Zion Park are great and very scenic, but you can get cold and snow that time of year, especially on the north rim.  But, check the weather when you get into town and go from there.

I dont think we will have our place out there until summer, but if we do, I would sure let you guys stay with us.  But, we are getting a place in Lake Las Vegas, which is pretty far to the southeast side, near Henderson.  Still, my place is yours if I am there.

Any way we can help, let us know.

Dennis

[CraigArizona85248]

Actually the airport in Vegas is not SW of the strip or quite a ways east of the strip.  It is located at the southern end of the strip, right across the strip (to the east) from Mandelay Bay and the Luxor.  The entrance to the airport is 1 mile east of the strip off of Tropicana Blvd.

-Craig

[HIPPO]

Even the Grand Canyon should be OK by then, the least preferable south side almost for sure.

I'm not sure if the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is open in March.  Pretty sure they don't open until mid April or May due to snow.  If you want to see the North Rim (which is the nicest as Frank pointed out), you better make sure it will be open.

Sounds like a fun trip!

-Craig

It changes from year to year, as you know. A few years ago went that way in the first week of April (HV is talking last week of March) on the way to UT following the ridge road all through the NP's and into Moab.
Perfect weather.
A week later it was snowing and hailing golf balls. 

[HIPPO]

Yeah, the airport isn't that far to the East of the strip down there, but if you run straight N from the airport without going to the strip it's like running one side of a triangle going to the dealer.

I guess a cab would take you the scenic route though. 

[HV]

Great information guys... Ill be making notes all the time until we leave... and ill post where we will be as soon as I know for sure... 6 of us going.... Myself ...a guy that owns his own HVAC Company .. A Auto Tech that works for the local Dodge Dealer.... A Semi retired Auto Tech that worked on High End cars ... ( BMW  etc ) ....and 2 more guys that just want to go... ....

[Dakota]

 If you're riding to San Francisco, I believe I remember a park on the north side called Muir Woods, I think, that has a lot of the big redwoods.  That wouldn't be much out of your way-I think it's on the north side of the bay, north of SF.


   I just googled it and here it is:   http://www.nps.gov/muwo/

  Zion National Park in SW Utah is beautiful but I would guess too cold and wintery that time of year.

[truck]

I'm talking BIG.

More Sherman Tree statistics:
(If your browser does not support tables, you may see the Sherman Tree statistics here.)

Feet Meters
Height above Base 274.9 83.8 
Circumference at Ground 102.6 31.1 
Maximum Diameter at Base 36.5 11.1 
Diameter 60' (18.3 m) above base 17.5  5.3
Diameter 180' (54.9 m) above base 14.0  4.3
Diameter of Largest Branch 6.8 2.1 
Height of First Large Branch above the Base 130.0  39.6
Average Crown Spread 106.5 32.5 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Grant_tree

[seattledyna]

second on the Muir Woods, since you will be limited on time you can experience the Redwoods without riding 100s more miles up the coast.

That whole area in Marin County is amazing!

and maybe some of us guys in the region can catch up for a visit.

[HV]

We may set up in a room for a few days and 2 or 3 guys can run on day trips any place they want..., hard to say what we will do for sure......Ill try to get online at some point from there and check in here

[Dennis The Menace]

If you do stay a few days in LV area, also look into riding up to Charleston Peak, if there isnt too much snow.  I havent been yet, but locals told me its a popular ride and very good views of the LV area from up there.  Its got a lot of snow up there now, but I dont know about late March. 

Laughlin River Run is late April, but worth a ride down to check out the scenary.  I havent been through there in many years, buts it should be a nice putt down from LV for lunch or drinks.

It would also be a good time to ride over to Death Valley, since it will only be 10 degrees less than hotter than hell. lol  Lowest point in the US at 282 feet below sea level, you can expect 80 degree temps that time of year.  The surrounding peaks make for an awesome experience, as some are well over 10,000 feet above sea level.  It is very possible to go from hot weather to snowline in a matter of miles in the park.  And, all in a day ride from LV.

Anyway, sounds exciting, and you guys will have fun planning teh trip, and even more fun riding it.  And, Craig is correct, the airport is directly south of the strip.  I would try to hole up even farther south or in Henderson, but south to southwest of the airport would be best if you are wanting to take day trips.  The traffic on I-15 through LV is horrible, so avoid it at all costs during the day.  South side is closer to things to see on a day trip anyway.

Dennis

Dennis

[someday69]

hey don't forget the santa cruz area,,there are some great rides through redwoods,-(big basin national park) santa cruz has a boardwalk,,and the pacific coast highway from there to san francisco is way kelw,,,AND,,,you could let me ride with ya....too...someday...

[HV]

hey don't forget the santa cruz area,,there are some great rides through redwoods,-(big basin national park) santa cruz has a boardwalk,,and the pacific coast highway from there to san francisco is way kelw,,,AND,,,you could let me ride with ya....too...someday...

Damn fine idea.. the PC highway is a must IMHO

[texaskatfish]

HV ya rascal we're jealous!!!

How yall gonna be able to tell if stock rental bikes are even running or not?

Megasnikkerâ,,¢

[03deuce]

HV,
I live on the central coast of California, so I can probably offer some suggestions for that portion of your trip.  There are two routes from LA to SF, the PCH (Highway one) and the interstate (US 101).  You can make faster time on the 101, but I agree that the PCH from LA to SF is a biker must do.  Not sure if you guys have been in this area of the US before or if this will be your first trip.  You guys are from Canada, so the weather probably won't be a problem, but riding along the ocean, when it is foggy, can be quite cool, so be prepared for warm weather and cold/cool. 
I have always enjoyed riding the PCH from Santa Monica to the Oxnard/Ventura area, you are right next to the pacific ocean all the way.  If you have time, I would stop in Santa Barbara.  You can ride your bikes out on to Stearns Wharf (the pier) and take in the ocean and the mountains at the same time.  North of Santa Barbara there are some interesting and quaint beach towns.  Pismo Beach and Morro Bay are a couple you could check out.  Time permitting I would stop at the Hearst Castle visitor center, good place for a pit stop.  From there heading north toward Big Sur there is a beach area full of elephant seals, further north you can stop at Ragged Point, park and walk down behind the motel/restaurant.  The view of the California coast looking north is one of my favorites.  You will be right along the ocean from here to Monterey, several places to pull over and take pictures.  Another must stop is the Nepenthe restaurant  (http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/) From the highway it just looks like a parking lot and some trees, but when you walk up the stairs to the restaurant, you have this fabulous view of the ocean, very cool.  In the Monterey area you could check out Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, or Pebble Beach to name a few.  Someone else mentioned checking out the coast redwood trees in the Santa Cruz area.  Further north near Half Moon Bay you can turn right and ride to the top of the mountain.  From there you can see the San Francisco Bay to the east and the pacific ocean to the west, very cool.  Highway one takes you through San Francisco right to the Golden Gate bridge.  You can cross the bridge and pull into the visitors center on the north end.  Great views of the bridge and the city from there.  The last suggestion I'll add, is a day trip to Yosemite National Park.  March could be a little cool there, but the scenery is great!
P.S.  As a final comment, the PCH can be very foggy at times, so you could keep an eye on the weather and decide if you want to ride it going north on your way to SF or wait and ride it going south on your return trip to LA.
Hope this helps.

[HIPPO]

If you pack too much into the trip, it's just going to be a rat race from a to b to c and back.

Pick up the bikes and take it one day at the time.

[HV]

I agree with Frank... not going to make a whole lot of set in stone plans... great ideas though... nice to have info from the area to fall back on... as for cool riding ....remember we are from the land of riding in 45 to 50 F feels WARM...anything over 55 is T Shirt weather  ... I ride the Atlantic coast every weekend ......in the summer its not common to leave my house and have the temp drop 20 Degrees in 15 Miles to the beaches ...but its the price you pay for ocean riding    I may just be like my dog... find a warm place in the sun and sleep 

[Joncin]

It's too bad you're not gonna be out a week or so later. You could make a quick run down to AZ for Bike Week, hit some drag races and meet a few desert rats at my BBQ.

[inspector]

My wife and I were out there the 1st week in june 08.you said you were used to cold weather,I hope so.The morning we left the south side of GC,it was 38 deg.(as the elevation in 7200'),when we pulled in to Vegas it was 110.We rode thru the Mojave Desert in the morning and it was cold also.If the roads are open,Yosmite NP is the prettyist place I have ever seen.I hope you have a good trip.

[Tollbooth]

 Bring every piece of cold weather gear. Gets real cold/snows at the canyon in march. Check out AZ Bike Week. Other than that, you are in for a great time.
TB

[HV]

Its tempting... ...My wife and Boss may have something to say ..

[apendejo]

The ride from LV to the SF area is a solid FULL day haul. Just so ya know. Depending on the snowpak this year you may also be limited by which routes you will be able to take. Heavy snow you are going to have to go thru LA then up the coast. If the passes are open you can go thru Death Valley to 395 then north to Lee Vining and take 120 across the Eastern Sierras. That is a very nice ride which will take you thru Yosemite National Park. Be aware that there is a rather steep fee to use this road. The free road is 108, a few miles up above Bridgeport. A very nice slow windy narrow azz mountain road that drops you out on 49 in the gold country. Still quite a haul to SF from there.
Be aware that there is an awful lot of good things to see out in the desert that time of year. Valley of Fire State Park is a must see.
Keep us posted.
AP

[HIPPO]

It's too bad you're not gonna be out a week or so later. You could make a quick run down to AZ for Bike Week, hit some drag races and meet a few desert rats at my BBQ.

Just cook up a couple of burgers and we deliver them to LV.

[HV]

It's too bad you're not gonna be out a week or so later. You could make a quick run down to AZ for Bike Week, hit some drag races and meet a few desert rats at my BBQ.

Just cook up a couple of burgers and we deliver them to LV.

Ya never know...we may just come back early and go to AZ... ( Ill have Mozza / Bacon ) on mine 

[Phu Cat]

Feel sorry for ya, HV.  You're gonna leave Canada in March to go to Vegas?  It'll be hot that far south.  You'll come back to Canada with thin blood........or maybe ya won't go back?  Who knows. 

Enjoy.  Safety first.

PC

(March in Ohio usually sucks.)

[HV]

Ill prob have thin blood when I get back....but not from the ............heat   

[Yukon]

 Glad to hear your taking a well deserved rest HV. That blue electraglide I left in your shop took that trip in the summer of 96. Went through Death valley and the gas bar in Pharumph(sic) said it was 130 F. PCH was amazing. Redwoods were something else. Stayed at center city hotel in LV but later was told it wasn't a good end of town. Better off on the strip. Anyway, hope ya have the trip ya deserve................Yukon

[HV]

Thanks Mike ... Ill have a beer down there for ya... actually had a guy in today looking at your old bike.. 

[Buckwheat]

Hey HV....while in San Francisco if you want to do something different,
go to Fisherman's Warf and take a ferry out to Alcatraz Island.  They have
a really cool tour of the prison and of the whole island.  It's worth the trip.

[taz95dog]

hv,be sure to ride out to red rock canon,there is a 13 mile one way loop thru the park. down the rode ,two miles, is old nevada - bonney springs.great burgers and cold beer. it won't be to hot in march and it's a "dry heat".about 10 miles more is mtn.springs bar,it's on the hill 5,000", between lv and parump.the bar is 50 years old .(and looks it)cool place,it is the biker bar around here.no shorts or sandals please! the sahara hotel is close to lvhd,I-15 and us-95.older place but not in the middle of all the strip mess. ya'll will have a good time....bill...

[HV]

Taz...thanks Man...Im takin NOTES!!

[Norton Commando]

K & N filters flow more air and more dirt.   

[HV]

K & N filters flow more air and more dirt.   

[texaskatfish]

HV - hate to keep piling on bubba - you need a MONTH in that area!
You'll be within striking distance of the '4 corners' and Monument Valley (especially if you're an old western movie fan) in southern Utah.

And not much further to Durango Colorado which is of course where one can ride the Durango-Silverton- Ouray- Telluride loop around the 'Alps of America' (all except for your trip being in March - likely too early for this one)

Yall are gonna LOVVIT!!

[HV]

I may go to a local Dealer and get a job for a few WEEKS ... 

[Dennis The Menace]

Brian, I may be out that way around the same time looking at some houses.  Likely wont have the bike, but if you guys slow down anywhere around the LV area, I wouldnt mind stopping by a watering hole and buying ya a round or two.  Like you, my plans arent firm yet, but sure would like to meet you, shake your hand and at least buy a round for an HTTer who has helped so many of us.

Whatever your plans, have fun and dont plan too much...just go for it!

Dennis

[Biscuit]

ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You sure have something to look forward to.

[HV]

About the only thing im sure of is where we are starting and ending up at.. LV ...where we are in between is any ones guess...

[IBARider]

I may go to a local Dealer and get a job for a few WEEKS ... 

You mean there's a chance of getting my bike diagnosed correctly and repaired in under 3 weeks?

[apes]

Don't forget the Pacific Coast Highway and Ditto what Hippo said about the road between Fortuna and Red Bluff, ( hwy 36 ) incredible bike road....2+ hours of constant turns and by March we will be well in to spring....

[Fxstchewy]

Sounds like fun. 

[apendejo]

While hwy 36 is a wonderful motorclcle road just be careful and alert when you are riding it. It is real popular with these little Columbian Blacktail critters
Pic was taken in Dec on 36. They are thick all year round.

AP

[82fxrstroker]

     Another very senic ride is the Valley of Fire S.P. 50 mi outside of Vegas increadabley colored red rock a must see if your in the area.  Have a safe ride!

[NtoBoris]

HV, check out pashnit.com for some nice looking motorcycle routes in Calf. It's a pay site, but they have some free routes, videos and pictures. I've thought about doing a fly and ride from Vegas, look forward to seeing some pictures.

Not the original Boris 

[apendejo]

If you are in Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a must.
Look for the black desert varnish on the rocks.
AP

[apendejo]

Look close and this is what you will see.
AP

[HV]

-49 here with the wind chill this AM... .....Man I cant waite brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[HV]

And then I see this


http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Hwy1BigSur.htm

[Dennis The Menace]

HV, I think its becoming nearly official now...you need to plan a month stay here, not a week.  lol

menace

[HV]

HV, I think its becoming nearly official now...you need to plan a month stay here, not a week.  lol

menace

HELL YA

[apendejo]

HaHa, I live here in SoCal and try to plan at least one trip a year up to Eureka,Ca via the Pacific Coast Hwy.
You never have time to soak in all the things you really want to see, so the OL has a checklist of where we have stopped and where we will stop the next trip. I grew up in a little place called Avila Beach. I am still amazed with the coast of California.
AP

[03deuce]

Avila Beach is one of my favorite spots on the California coast! 

That Big Sur website is great, has all the highlights.  This week would have been great for a visit.  Weather has been in the high 70's, low 80s all week.  The average temps are probably mid to high 60s this time of year.  I was in Morro Bay today, 80 degrees and sunny!