Here I ride again!

[nomad]

Last Updated on 07/22/10

I will leave on 08/04/10, unless there is a hurricane, or big storm in S. FL


Just trade the RSTD in for an Electra Glife Ultra Classic Limited 2010.

Hi all!
I plan to cross the country this August and part of September, 2010.
I hope my RSTD will pull my Lil-B bunkhouse trailer up over the Rocky mountain.
It would be nice to meet and say "hi" to as many riders as possible along the way, which will be a round trip from south FL. to North CA.

Here is the plan:
 - Sturgis: for a couple of days, then heading west to Utah, then San Jose.
 - Stay in CA for a week or so, and I may ride along the coast to San Francisco.
 - On the way home, ride through Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Tetan, then somewhere that I haven't planned yet.
 - Who knows where I want to ride after this, I have a whole month to spare.

If anyone would like to join me, part or all the way, then let me know.
It should be a challenge and fun trip.  
Any suggestion and/or info would be appreciated.
Nick

[venturemc]

You won't have any trouble with the Venture/Bunkhouse over any pass.

Can't speak for the rest of the country in May, but once you get west of the Rockies, odds are very good that weather will not be an issue. We still have threats of storms through May in the No. Cal. Sierras, but it's typically pretty dry by then.

Not sure how you're planning to get over the Sierras. 80 is usually the best bet if there's any weather involved, but there are many options, most of which are more fun on a bike. Some of the passes are still closed until mid or late June though.

If the storms are still in action, you may want to consider taking a more southern route. 10 is pretty free of snow threats pretty much all the way across the country.

I'm in Sacramento - happy to be a point of contact for you once you get near here. I even have an extra bed if you need a night out of the tent or need to do laundry or whatever. There's plenty of day rides around here and would be happy to advise or guide you on one or two if that's in your schedule.

[nomad]

Thanks MUCH for the offer.
I have used  I-80 to get to CA in most of the trips, except one year.  Usually, I stay in UT from a couple days, then cross NV to San Jose, CA in one day.
What has concerned me most is the power of my bike; I wish it is a Venture, but it is called "classic" Royal Star Tour Deluxe (2001), which much less power than all models later than 2005.  The elevations of the mountains after Reno into Sacramento are always a challenge, even though I have never pull a trailer up over them.  The road is so stiff that I'm afraid of "pulling back" by the trailer.
One year, I took I-10, I-40 (across Mojave desert) to S. CA, then up to to San Jose. CA. and I didn't really like it.
Any how, I love to get with you, even for just a couple of coffee.  I will let you know.
I have a habit that I only know my destination, but I may change my route, very much based on weather, road constructions, or my current location, which is close to an attraction. 
Thanks again.
Nick

[venturemc]

Oh yeah, RSTD, my bad. I'm surprised to see that you have trouble doing passes without trailer with the RSTD. I used to have a '97 and never had issues on any roads with mine. I know I was leary of towing with the stock setup and was going to do the "vmax differential swap on mine, but stepped up to a Venure instead when I decided to get into the towing world.

The Vmax differential swap cganes the gear ratios just a bit, giving you a little better low end torque.

If your "challenge" over passses is power, than you may not be riding  in the right gears. The Royal Star line all get their power at high revs. I Unless I was doing 70+ on the RSTD, I was rarely in 5th gear. Don't forget that you can get to 90 mph in 3rd gear on these without risk of motor damage and they have a built in rev limiter that will prevent you from crossing the "red line".

Anyway, you probably knew all that stuff...

If you're heading to San Jose from 80, you'll be coming right through Sacramento. Be happy to meet up with you for that "cup of coffee" (or whatever) when you come through. I'll PM you my phone #. You can call me when you stop for a break after crossing the Sierras and figure out where to meet up. Be sure to check for constrruction work between Reno and Truckee. I'm not sure where they are now, but they did a lot of road work in that pass last year and it was NOT fun to be towing a trailer on the road when I went through there last year. (I'm going up there this weekend so I can give you a better idea if you should think about rerouting between Reno and San Jose. The primary re-route would be to head down and take 50, but there are other routes as well.

Feel free to contact me if you need help with anything once you get in the vicinity. I've enough tools to do anything you might need. I don't have a trailer but could probably wrangle one if it came to that. And, as I said, I've got a spare bed if needed.

[nomad]

Thanks MUCH for the offer!
Here is the latest update for my plan.
I am able to "negotiate" with my boss, so I can take my vacation in August, and I will be on the road for a month.
I know it is still 6 months away, but prepare early in advanced is always the good thing.  I always remember that no matter how much early I have prepared for my trip; there is something still "not there" that I make me get upset with myself, because I should have brought, or prepared in advanced.
My plan is I will leave FL either 08/09, or 08/10/10 to Sturgis, and head to UT for a couple days to see a few old friends, then go straight to San Jose, CA to see my parents.
After visiting my parents in San Jose, CA, I will head back to FL, but I will spend as much time as I have left to wander around the country, such riding through Yosemite, YellowStone, grand Teton, and who knows where I will be on the road.
Of course, the route can be changed.  
I hope that many riders will join me, at least, from FL to Sturgis.
I will pull a camper, so my speed probably slower than normal, but 3 days from South FL to Sturgis is not bad.
Let me know for more details of the plan.
 
Nick

[Steppenwolf]

Well Nick I will join ya spirit anyway
You got a few miles to put on...if you are worried about your bike being under powered already you are going to be a nervous wreck when it is time to leave Pity your better half:-)
Just get it ready the best you can before you leave and go.Well you not going close me so I can't meet ya along the way.
If you forgot something,you won't,whip out the wifes credit card
Three days from your house to Sturgis is about 2100 miles,don't tell me you are going slower than normal
Where ya going in UT?
I stayed in Redwood City for 6 weeks years ago,just north of San Jose..lots to see around that area.
 I hear the national parks are pretty full in the summer,might check out the web site from each park ya wanna hit to see about acess,maybe a multiple park pass.

[nomad]

Thanks Bill,
Who knows, I may swing by you, if I decide to see my friend in Augusta, GA.
I have the whole month to ride, so I can change my route any time.
I still want to stop at Sturgis for at least a couple of days.  I haven't been there for a while.
No matter how many times that I have crossed the country, I always have the same feelings as the first time:  Excitement + nervousness. 
This time, I will try to video/take pictures, and upload daily so everyone can keep track where I was.
I will try to stop by and say "hi" to as many members as I can.
Wish me luck!
Nick

[Steppenwolf]

You're not getting excited about your ride are ya
In the up coming events section and your own Nicks count down event section... you have your ride posted...

[nomad]

I couldn't wait, buddy!
A new direction is coming up; either I am able to ride my current bike, or buy a new Venture, or Gold wing.
I have to decide within next month.

[DavidLSI]

You have not mentioned your route, asked Google to show me Jacksonville to Sturgis to see if there is a chance you may be riding close to me.  If I was you I would not be coming anywhere near Northern Illinois on the way.



http://maps.google.com/ma...34589&ie=UTF8&z=5

[nomad]

Hi David,
I will ride from West Pam Beach, FL to Sturgis, and I think I will not be near to Northern, IL at all.  Just south of IL.
It would be nice to meet you.  Give me the best location that you can be.
I may be able to do something.
Nick

[Steppenwolf]

Did I ask this already some place else..if so whoops.
You hauling a trailer?

[Steppenwolf]

How many days left? Oh you are keeping count....

[nomad]

I am counting down, and my bike is not done yet.
Actually, I broke one of the heater elements, so I have to order one, and waiting.
The bike is now running soundly, but then I need a new rear tire.
I hope two more weeks, then I will be able to take it around the Okeechobee Lake, FL for a ride.
 

[nomad]

I have set up an album for this trip, so check it out!
I will try to record and update this album as often as possible.  Of course, I will upload and report my trip along the road.  
It should be a fun trip.
Nick

Crossing the USA 2010 Album