We're doing Route 66 next year. Anyone toured Stateside recently? And Americans

[shafty]

As the title says, we are riding Route 6 in 2011 - in about 11 months actually, and just wondered if anyone on here has toured the States recently, or if any US locals are on KB?

At this stage it looks like 1 rental car and 2 bikes with pillions.

We are just wanting to know the easiest way of sorting cell phone contact between couples, and are currently thinking it may just be easier to buy three cheapie phones upon arrival and pre pay - does anyone have any knowledge on this? Cheers.

Also, is doin the Route 66 in any particular direction cheaper than the other? - I'm thiking maybe relocating rental bikes back to Chicago might be a bit cheaper - not that thats critical.

Thanks in advance

Shafty

[SPman]

If you are going the rental bikes route - take your own helmets. We took all our own gear except helmets, and all we could hire were those appalling "shortie" style helmets - which made us realise why so many riders in Arizona wear no helmets.....they're fecking uncomfortable and useless.

[sosman]

From what I saw on that movie "cars"......route 66 looks doesn't look to bad...Muhaha!

[avgas]

re cellphones.

If you want to - take your own there. I simply took my vodafone there and got a T-mobile sim card (pre-paid, US$40 = 200 minutes)
Otherwise make sure you PAY CASH UP FRONT WHEN BUYING A PHONE.
Cellphone companies make all their money over there with cellphone contracts. So while a $100 iphone sounds good, they don't tell you that you will make payments of $100 week for the next 25 years.
Pay cash and buy the phone outright

[shafty]

re cellphones.

If you want to - take your own there. I simply took my vodafone there and got a T-mobile sim card (pre-paid, US$40 = 200 minutes)
Otherwise make sure you PAY CASH UP FRONT WHEN BUYING A PHONE.
Cellphone companies make all their money over there with cellphone contracts. So while a $100 iphone sounds good, they don't tell you that you will make payments of $100 week for the next 25 years.
Pay cash and buy the phone outright

Cheers Avgas

[Hitcher]

We were in the States two years ago. You can buy really cheap prepaid phones with lots of minutes on them. However making international calls on these can be problematic, as the "operators" aren't that helpful when you want to activate your phone to take advantage of those minutes. Go to a Target when you arrive and get your prepaid there.

Otherwise cellular coverage in the US is problematic once you're out beyond the big cities and towns.

A way of mitigating this would be for one member of your group to get a prepaid on an alternative network carrier. Many Americans who roam around their great country carry two phones -- each on a different network -- as a means of ensuring they stay contactable as much as possible.

One thing you will learn from buying prepaid phone deals in the US is how we're ripped off here in NZ.

[smallgear]

prepay phones are also pretty cheap. 3 years ago i was paying about 30$ for the phone. cant remember pricing. beware which provider u choose coverage wise. Or if its just for communication whilst on your bikes u could try walkie talkies??

[DarkLord]

One thing you will learn from buying prepaid phone deals in the US is how we're ripped off here in NZ.

I'll say. A friend of mine who lived in the US for 12 years was telling me she could get something ridiculous like 3,000 minutes for $50 per month.

Unreal.

[Korumba]

Yep phone coverage sucks arse on the west coast and mid states but does get better on the east coast. I could go two days without being able to make a call in Wyoming and Montana and I was with AT&T
The little bits of Route 66 I saw while on the interstate in Arizona and California it looked like crap.... the surface is a mess and lots of potholes... all good where it goes through towns but that also takes a up a lot of time. Have you checked the road conditions out, I dont think it is the dream trip it once was..again out east it may be better.
Drawing cash out on ATMs is expensive with lots of fees I would recommend buying prepaid fuel cards on your visa for gas.
Have fun, I did 40,000 fantastic km and everyone of them was a blast!

[longwayfromhome]

Shafty...I am a year back from 12 years in the States. Buy a phone when you get there, get a national carrier. Coverage is OK, a bit thin in the remote areas, surprisingly good in some places.

One thing I will say is....do you really have to travel route 66...its OK, but there are plenty of other places to see that sink it well and truely. I've done 200k over there and every state except Alaska and RI + lower Canada...if you tell me how long you have got and how long you want to average on the road each day (ant type of rider you are), I could suggest some routes that have a very high probability of staying with you forever. Happy to spend some time with you on this...planning routes in the US is half the fun...work productivity plummets :-). Get Microsoft Streets and Trips now and use it for planning.

[Smifffy]

I did a small piece of Route 66 3 years ago in a cage, through Az.

It was enjoyable, but really just another road. I'd say if riding this road is something that you feel strongly that you want to do, don't be put off. If you are looking for magical rock and roll inspiration I doubt you'll find it on Route 66. You may well get your kicks though.

We got a cell phone pre-paid at either target or wal-mart. It was cheap enough, we got the brickiest looking one for about $20 (US) that came with some pre-paid minutes included, and extra minutes were cheap enough. Coverage wasn't too bad, just be aware that unlike here, the carrier we had charged for the minutes required to activate & top up the phone. Also your minutes are charged for calls in both directions, ie it costs you to receive a call as well as to make them.

[Smifffy]

I did a small piece of Route 66 3 years ago in a cage, through Az.

It was enjoyable, but really just another road. I'd say if riding this road is something that you feel strongly that you want to do, don't be put off. If you are looking for magical rock and roll inspiration I doubt you'll find it on Route 66. You may well get your kicks though.

We got a cell phone pre-paid at either target or wal-mart. It was cheap enough, we got the brickiest looking one for about $20 (US) that came with some pre-paid minutes included, and extra minutes were cheap enough. Coverage wasn't too bad, just be aware that unlike here, the carrier we had charged for the minutes required to activate & top up the phone. Also your minutes are charged for calls in both directions, ie it costs you to receive a call as well as to make them.

Make sure you set aside some time at Flagstaff Az to go and see the Grand Canyon, it'll blow you away.

The meteor crater at Winslow Az is another impressive hole in the ground and worth seeing IMO. Yes, there is a mural of a girl (my lord) in a flat-bed ford on a corner in Winslow Arizona. Unfortunately I missed it.

Traditionally, the freedom journey was from East to West (Chicago to LA)

[shafty]

prepay phones are also pretty cheap. 3 years ago i was paying about 30$ for the phone. cant remember pricing. beware which provider u choose coverage wise. Or if its just for communication whilst on your bikes u could try walkie talkies??

Cheers for that Mate, - I also thought of radio, but we will be meeting up at the end of the day at times, eg travelling independently.

MANY moons ago - pre cell phones, some friends did a 2 or 3 week trip over there, got seperated in traffic and never saw each other til the plane home! DOH!

[shafty]

Make sure you set aside some time at Flagstaff Az to go and see the Grand Canyon, it'll blow you away.

The meteor crater at Winslow Az is another impressive hole in the ground and worth seeing IMO. Yes, there is a mural of a girl (my lord) in a flat-bed ford on a corner in Winslow Arizona. Unfortunately I missed it.

Traditionally, the freedom journey was from East to West (Chicago to LA)

Thanks Smifffy, appreciate your input! :yes:

[shafty]

Yep phone coverage sucks arse on the west coast and mid states but does get better on the east coast. I could go two days without being able to make a call in Wyoming and Montana and I was with AT&T
The little bits of Route 66 I saw while on the interstate in Arizona and California it looked like crap.... the surface is a mess and lots of potholes... all good where it goes through towns but that also takes a up a lot of time. Have you checked the road conditions out, I dont think it is the dream trip it once was..again out east it may be better.
Drawing cash out on ATMs is expensive with lots of fees I would recommend buying prepaid fuel cards on your visa for gas.
Have fun, I did 40,000 fantastic km and everyone of them was a blast!

Thanks for the tips Dude!:yes:

[shafty]

We were in the States two years ago. You can buy really cheap prepaid phones with lots of minutes on them. However making international calls on these can be problematic, as the "operators" aren't that helpful when you want to activate your phone to take advantage of those minutes. Go to a Target when you arrive and get your prepaid there.

Otherwise cellular coverage in the US is problematic once you're out beyond the big cities and towns.

A way of mitigating this would be for one member of your group to get a prepaid on an alternative network carrier. Many Americans who roam around their great country carry two phones -- each on a different network -- as a means of ensuring they stay contactable as much as possible.

One thing you will learn from buying prepaid phone deals in the US is how we're ripped off here in NZ.

Many thanks for your advice :Punk:

[shafty]

Shafty...I am a year back from 12 years in the States. Buy a phone when you get there, get a national carrier. Coverage is OK, a bit thin in the remote areas, surprisingly good in some places.

One thing I will say is....do you really have to travel route 66...its OK, but there are plenty of other places to see that sink it well and truely. I've done 200k over there and every state except Alaska and RI + lower Canada...if you tell me how long you have got and how long you want to average on the road each day (ant type of rider you are), I could suggest some routes that have a very high probability of staying with you forever. Happy to spend some time with you on this...planning routes in the US is half the fun...work productivity plummets :-). Get Microsoft Streets and Trips now and use it for planning.

Many thanks for your info, Mate. I've toured for months in the US in the past, and now Mates want to check out the States, so Route 66 was born from that, and I'd agree that here are many many prob better bike options....I guess part of it are the bragging rights, but I'll "throw it open to the group" (of travellers.)

Me and Mine will be doing many more miles anyhow, picking up a bike from Montana and returning it from LA, if things go to plan....

Once again LWFH and others, your ideas/input really appreciated!

[Stormdragon]

I did Route 66 from Indiana through Texas about 15 years ago, and did the Flagstaff through Albuquerque section a few years before that. I'd have to say that the Indiana to Texas section, while very pleasant was pretty nondescript. If you like fairly straight 1 lane (1 in each direction) roads through grasslands , that only have 1 car every half hour or so, then that's the road for you! Remember to bring a shotgun, as there's probably a guy with a hook for a hand hiding in every bush. :shifty: North Texas is kinda nice, depending on the time of year, although the mobile speed bumps (armadillos) can be a bit of a hazard on a bike. The Albuquerque to Flagstaff section, while somewhat tourist trappy, is pretty nice. Good road West of Flagstaff, and lots of Scenic Wonders(tm) to look at.

If you're doing the Southwest, I'd strongly suggest just staying off the major highways, and taking the smaller routes to the interesting places. I always manage to find stuff that's not really mentioned on a map, but is really interesting. (Plus there's usually nobody else around since it's not a major tourist draw)
Allow me to suggest:
White Sands New Mexico (http://www.nps.gov/whsa/)
Carlsbad Caverns (http://www.nps.gov/cave/)
Chaco Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/chcu/)
Arches National Park (http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm) (busy in the summer, quiet and empty in the winter)
Zion National Park (http://www.nps.gov/zion/) (always busy, big tourist spot, fantastic in the fall or winter)

And if you haven't found them already, try these websites for your Route 66 info.

The Mother Road, Route 66 (http://www.historic66.com/)
Legends of America (http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-main.html)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66)


Also: On the subject of cell phones. Coverage will be poor to non-existent if you're not in a town, or on a major highway. Frankly, I dumped mine a couple years ago because I see no reason to pay $250 a year for something that only works half the time. I'd suggest you buy one of the phones with minutes already on them. You can always add minutes as you need them. You'll want to make sure the phone uses one of the major carriers in the US, either Verizon, or AT&T. Any other company, will have agreements to use those networks, but will probably either charge you extra, or else cut your minutes in half for using said networks.

If you make it out to northern Californiyay, drop me a line and I'll drag you around some local roads as well.

[pritch]

The little bits of Route 66 I saw while on the interstate in Arizona and California it looked like crap.... the surface is a mess and lots of potholes...

That would've been the impression I had from what I'd read previously.

There is currently a show on TV "Worlds Great Motorcycle Rides" or similar. (Should called be Great US Rides?) The rider mentioned that parts of Route 66 have been/are being done up because there of the continuing high level of interest.

Shafty will be able to give us the good oil soon enough. :yes:

[Korumba]

I did Route 66 from Indiana through Texas about 15 years ago, and did the Flagstaff through Albuquerque section a few years before that. I'd have to say that the Indiana to Texas section, while very pleasant was pretty nondescript. If you like fairly straight 1 lane (1 in each direction) roads through grasslands , that only have 1 car every half hour or so, then that's the road for you! Remember to bring a shotgun, as there's probably a guy with a hook for a hand hiding in every bush. :shifty: North Texas is kinda nice, depending on the time of year, although the mobile speed bumps (armadillos) can be a bit of a hazard on a bike. The Albuquerque to Flagstaff section, while somewhat tourist trappy, is pretty nice. Good road West of Flagstaff, and lots of Scenic Wonders(tm) to look at.

If you're doing the Southwest, I'd strongly suggest just staying off the major highways, and taking the smaller routes to the interesting places. I always manage to find stuff that's not really mentioned on a map, but is really interesting. (Plus there's usually nobody else around since it's not a major tourist draw)
Allow me to suggest:
White Sands New Mexico (http://www.nps.gov/whsa/)
Carlsbad Caverns (http://www.nps.gov/cave/)
Chaco Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/chcu/)
Arches National Park (http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm) (busy in the summer, quiet and empty in the winter)
Zion National Park (http://www.nps.gov/zion/) (always busy, big tourist spot, fantastic in the fall or winter)

And if you haven't found them already, try these websites for your Route 66 info.

The Mother Road, Route 66 (http://www.historic66.com/)
Legends of America (http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-main.html)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66)


Also: On the subject of cell phones. Coverage will be poor to non-existent if you're not in a town, or on a major highway. Frankly, I dumped mine a couple years ago because I see no reason to pay $250 a year for something that only works half the time. I'd suggest you buy one of the phones with minutes already on them. You can always add minutes as you need them. You'll want to make sure the phone uses one of the major carriers in the US, either Verizon, or AT&T. Any other company, will have agreements to use those networks, but will probably either charge you extra, or else cut your minutes in half for using said networks.

If you make it out to northern Californiyay, drop me a line and I'll drag you around some local roads as well.

Also Bryce Canyon Rocks.... http://www.nps.gov/brca/

O yeah buy a concesion ticket for the parks....

[scumdog]

We were in the States two years ago. You can buy really cheap prepaid phones with lots of minutes on them. However making international calls on these can be problematic, as the "operators" aren't that helpful when you want to activate your phone to take advantage of those minutes. Go to a Target when you arrive and get your prepaid there.

.

Just back from the US after touring there for a month.
$20 will buy you a phone card that will give you 6 HOURS of international calss!:yes:

[scumdog]

If you are going the rental bikes route - take your own helmets. We took all our own gear except helmets, and all we could hire were those appalling "shortie" style helmets - which made us realise why so many riders in Arizona wear no helmets.....they're fecking uncomfortable and useless.

Wore one of those helmets while going to/from Sturgis over 10 days, (I wear one here in New 'lets be really safe 'cos we're all going to die' Zealand).
I found it comfortable and ideal in the 106+ degree F. heat, likewise I dispensed with a leather jacket for the same reason.

[scumdog]

As the title says, we are riding Route 6 in 2011 - in about 11 months actually, and just wondered if anyone on here has toured the States recently, or if any US locals are on KB?

At this stage it looks like 1 rental car and 2 bikes with pillions.


Also, is doin the Route 66 in any particular direction cheaper than the other? - I'm thiking maybe relocating rental bikes back to Chicago might be a bit cheaper - not that thats critical.

Thanks in advance

Shafty

There's s.f.a. of the original Rt66 left, you can't drive its entire length anymore - but still worth a look especially in the south-west..

[phill-k]

Wore one of those helmets while going to/from Sturgis over 10 days, (I wear one here in New 'lets be really safe 'cos we're all going to die' Zealand).
I found it comfortable and ideal in the 106+ degree F. heat, likewise I dispensed with a leather jacket for the same reason.

Oh you're a naughty boy:Punk:

[scumdog]

Oh you're a naughty boy:Punk:

Oh, and I cruised at 90mph wherever I could AND was wearing chaps too.:D

[shafty]

Just back from the US after touring there for a month.
$20 will buy you a phone card that will give you 6 HOURS of international calss!:yes:

Thanks Scumdog, - so they are all good for texting between phones within the USA?

[shafty]

I did Route 66 from Indiana through Texas about 15 years ago, and did the Flagstaff through Albuquerque section a few years before that. I'd have to say that the Indiana to Texas section, while very pleasant was pretty nondescript. If you like fairly straight 1 lane (1 in each direction) roads through grasslands , that only have 1 car every half hour or so, then that's the road for you! Remember to bring a shotgun, as there's probably a guy with a hook for a hand hiding in every bush. :shifty: North Texas is kinda nice, depending on the time of year, although the mobile speed bumps (armadillos) can be a bit of a hazard on a bike. The Albuquerque to Flagstaff section, while somewhat tourist trappy, is pretty nice. Good road West of Flagstaff, and lots of Scenic Wonders(tm) to look at.

If you're doing the Southwest, I'd strongly suggest just staying off the major highways, and taking the smaller routes to the interesting places. I always manage to find stuff that's not really mentioned on a map, but is really interesting. (Plus there's usually nobody else around since it's not a major tourist draw)
Allow me to suggest:
White Sands New Mexico (http://www.nps.gov/whsa/)
Carlsbad Caverns (http://www.nps.gov/cave/)
Chaco Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/chcu/)
Arches National Park (http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm) (busy in the summer, quiet and empty in the winter)
Zion National Park (http://www.nps.gov/zion/) (always busy, big tourist spot, fantastic in the fall or winter)

And if you haven't found them already, try these websites for your Route 66 info.

The Mother Road, Route 66 (http://www.historic66.com/)
Legends of America (http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-main.html)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66)


Also: On the subject of cell phones. Coverage will be poor to non-existent if you're not in a town, or on a major highway. Frankly, I dumped mine a couple years ago because I see no reason to pay $250 a year for something that only works half the time. I'd suggest you buy one of the phones with minutes already on them. You can always add minutes as you need them. You'll want to make sure the phone uses one of the major carriers in the US, either Verizon, or AT&T. Any other company, will have agreements to use those networks, but will probably either charge you extra, or else cut your minutes in half for using said networks.

If you make it out to northern Californiyay, drop me a line and I'll drag you around some local roads as well.

Grateful thanks Dude!

[shafty]

Many thanks to one and all for your inputs!

Shafty :yes:

[skeelo221]

Any specific reason you want to do Route 66? To be honest I think that will be a bit boring for you. Us Americans always try to forget about the states in the middle of the country :)

May I recommend a trip down the west coast? Maybe fly into Vancouver, BC and cruise down through all the wonderful Washington and Oregon roads, into California and the coastal Highway 1. It's really a beautiful ride and the roads will not disappoint. The journey from Vancouver down to San Diego will not be forgotten!

As for the cell phone there's been some good advise. Pay cash for a pre-paid card (all the main cell phone companies here lock you into a 2 year contract). Then, sign up for a Google Voice account which will allow you to make extremely cheap international calls! The only problem with this suggestion is you will have to register for google voice once you get your cell phone and know your US number as you can link a US number only at this time. Not a huge deal though.

www.google.com/voice

[scumdog]

Thanks Scumdog, - so they are all good for texting between phones within the USA?

Since we didn't do any texting I can't comment except to say that talking on the phone is so cheap there that bugger all people seem to text - well nowhere as much as they do in NZ.

(Maybe they've got less crap to plague their mates with? - 'wassup' 'wher u at' and shit like most text here)

[Fatt Max]

You lucky bastard,

Route 66 is on my bucket list. I am doing a big trip to Vegas in 5 years time and Route 66 will follow for my 50th Birthday

[caseye]

Yes already over 50 ya young looking devil you! Enjoiy the trip mate, I'm told that these days route 66 is more like route How many highways? beren split up mand sepereated all over the place.
Nevertheless , it's just plain opld jealousy talkin g here. go Have fun, enjoy, barstards.

[Chaos_Warrior]

Hi, me and a mate (old bass player in a band i used to be in :Punk: ), had the pleasure of touring the whole of Highway 101 which incorperates Route 66 in parts when we hired a Mustang for a week and drove to San Diego and pit stopped our way all the way up to San Francisco, fortunately we had been contacted by an old promoter/friend who used to work with us and he had managed to get us on a tour bill as guests for Ian Hunter & The Rant band and The Zombies covering four gigs in Healdsburgh, San Fran, Hollywood and Anaheim. :wings:
Needless to say we had an amazing time over the two weeks, the only thing that would have improved it would have been if we on two wheels and not four. :scooter:
What i can say is that The 101 is a fantastic drive (one of the top ten drives in the world), and we were treated brilliantly by all the locals we came across, so don't believe the hype, you are in for the trip of a lifetime. :wings:
There are loads of pics and stuff on my facefook page should you wanna peek, even one of me serving brandy/JD's n coke in John Lee Hookers Boom Boom Room in San Fran !:rockon:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Henshall/583866635
Regards,
Chaos. :devil2:

[Pixie]

Wore one of those helmets while going to/from Sturgis over 10 days, (I wear one here in New 'lets be really safe 'cos we're all going to die' Zealand).
I found it comfortable and ideal in the 106+ degree F. heat, likewise I dispensed with a leather jacket for the same reason.

Gasp!!!!!!!

[shafty]

You lucky bastard,

Route 66 is on my bucket list. I am doing a big trip to Vegas in 5 years time and Route 66 will follow for my 50th Birthday

Cheers Maxx!

[shafty]

Hi, me and a mate (old bass player in a band i used to be in :Punk: ), had the pleasure of touring the whole of Highway 101 which incorperates Route 66 in parts when we hired a Mustang for a week and drove to San Diego and pit stopped our way all the way up to San Francisco, fortunately we had been contacted by an old promoter/friend who used to work with us and he had managed to get us on a tour bill as guests for Ian Hunter & The Rant band and The Zombies covering four gigs in Healdsburgh, San Fran, Hollywood and Anaheim. :wings:
Needless to say we had an amazing time over the two weeks, the only thing that would have improved it would have been if we on two wheels and not four. :scooter:
What i can say is that The 101 is a fantastic drive (one of the top ten drives in the world), and we were treated brilliantly by all the locals we came across, so don't believe the hype, you are in for the trip of a lifetime. :wings:
There are loads of pics and stuff on my facefook page should you wanna peek, even one of me serving brandy/JD's n coke in John Lee Hookers Boom Boom Room in San Fran !:rockon:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Henshall/583866635
Regards,
Chaos. :devil2:

Sounds like a blast Mate - sweet! Cheers for the pix, will have a Butchers at work tommorrow. I did a 30K mile spin around the place in '94 on a new 'Wing, doing a bike swap this time, my ST1300 for his.

Should be good.

Many thanks to all for your contributions - mucho appreciated!

Shafty

[Smifffy]

In terms of phones, we are Stateside at the moment. I brought my NZ phone and got a prepaid sim for literally a couple of bucks. The info I had was that onlt AT&T, ans T-mobile offer prepaid plans. I went with AT&T since they have an office close to our base of operations. The best plans are either $60 for 30 days - unlimited txt & talk, or $2 per day for unlimited txt & talk, with the charge being made when you 1st txt or talk on the day. I went with the $2 per day plan, since I don't expect to use the phone every day, and I'm a cheap bastard.

You get charged $2 for the day if someone calls you too.

[Troll]

Hi, me and a mate (old bass player in a band i used to be in :Punk: ), had the pleasure of touring the whole of Highway 101 http://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Henshall/583866635
Regards,
Chaos. :devil2:

route 101 is in california

I think you are missing several states ????

[Hitcher]

If you plan to ride the length of California, ride highway California 1 up or down the coast.

[Stormdragon]

If you plan to ride the length of California, ride highway California 1 up or down the coast.

But don't bother doing it South of Santa Barbara, unless you really like urban environments. http://magicink.com/Smilies/laughing.gif
I'll also point out that we have lots of good roads away from the coast as well. And depending on the time of year, they carry a lot less traffic. After all, everyone wants to see Big Sur.

A good set of maps for whatever area you're going to cover is Mad Maps (http://www.madmaps.com/). Made by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists. http://magicink.com/Smilies/thumbup.gif

[T.I.E]

Bloody hell if any of you folks plan on coming by this way mlet me know will ya, Be bloody nice hearing a kiwi accent. Im between LA and vegas, in the desert, "F"en hot in summer freezing in winter (shrinkage is bad) But seriously if i can help in anyway please let me know. been living in california for almost 3 years and it would be good to hear a kiwi voice again.
drop me a line if i can help in anyway

[shafty]

In terms of phones, we are Stateside at the moment. I brought my NZ phone and got a prepaid sim for literally a couple of bucks. The info I had was that onlt AT&T, ans T-mobile offer prepaid plans. I went with AT&T since they have an office close to our base of operations. The best plans are either $60 for 30 days - unlimited txt & talk, or $2 per day for unlimited txt & talk, with the charge being made when you 1st txt or talk on the day. I went with the $2 per day plan, since I don't expect to use the phone every day, and I'm a cheap bastard.

You get charged $2 for the day if someone calls you too.

Cheers for that Smiffy, Great info - sweet - must catch up for a ride when we are back, you must be reasonably handy to Matiere?

[shafty]

I did Route 66 from Indiana through Texas about 15 years ago, and did the Flagstaff through Albuquerque section a few years before that. I'd have to say that the Indiana to Texas section, while very pleasant was pretty nondescript. etc.............
[/URL]
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66)


.

Many many thanks Stormdragon, you've gone to a lot of trouble there Mate - really appreciate it! Cheers. Love ya Avatar BTW :not:

[shafty]

Bloody hell if any of you folks plan on coming by this way mlet me know will ya, Be bloody nice hearing a kiwi accent. Im between LA and vegas, in the desert, "F"en hot in summer freezing in winter (shrinkage is bad) But seriously if i can help in anyway please let me know. been living in california for almost 3 years and it would be good to hear a kiwi voice again.
drop me a line if i can help in anyway

Cheers TIE, ya never know Bud, may pop in for a cuppa! What are you doing over there?

[Stormdragon]

Love ya Avatar BTW :not:

It really is where I live. As in... An actual picture of the local sign.Three times more horses than humans. Stop by. Wentworth Springs AKA 11 Pines (http://kneeriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7764), Mosquito Road (http://kneeriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6041), and Sierra City (http://kneeriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7731), all three are worth the ride.

[shafty]

Great pix there Storm!

[shafty]

10 days to go and we can't wait!

This has been a long time coming, and we'll be stoked to be leaving the Middle East just quietly....

[Gremlin]

1 week for me.... Saturday next week I fly out and finally see my bike again :weep:

How long Shafty? My route is 6 weeks, 14,000km ish.

[shafty]

We're also doing 6 weeks and prolly similiar km's - had a look at the route you are doing - AWESOME!

Have a blast Gremlin!

[Gremlin]

Are we potentially crossing paths at any point (I haven't seen any route for you)? Would be amusing for kiwis to say hello in middle of USA :laugh:

[shafty]

Yeah, that would be a hoot. We pick up a silver ST1300 from West Virginia, head up to Pennesylvania (Bikefest) then Chicago > Route 66 to LA with mates on a GL1800 (Dont know what colour - its a hire bike).

Then they fly home, we wander up the coast to Oregon then probably head north-east, eventually returning the bike to WV. From memory thats where we could possibly cross paths.

On www.advriders.com there are some Mosgiel boys doing a trail trip, plus a few Kiwi's dotted around the US looking for a chat with a Kiwi accent!

I know your accomodation is prolly all organised (?) but we hope to take advantage of joining up to www.motorcycle-travel.net - a $20 a night reciprocal B and B deal, - the main advantage to us being meeting some locals, and later, hopefullly hosting some visiting o'seas Riders.

[nadroj]

Yeah, that would be a hoot. We pick up a silver ST1300 from West Virginia, head up to Pennesylvania (Bikefest) then Chicago > Route 66 to LA with mates on a GL1800 (Dont know what colour - its a hire bike).

Then they fly home, we wander up the coast to Oregon then probably head north-east, eventually returning the bike to WV. From memory thats where we could possibly cross paths.

On www.advriders.com there are some Mosgiel boys doing a trail trip, plus a few Kiwi's dotted around the US looking for a chat with a Kiwi accent!

I know your accomodation is prolly all organised (?) but we hope to take advantage of joining up to www.motorcycle-travel.net - a $20 a night reciprocal B and B deal, - the main advantage to us being meeting some locals, and later, hopefullly hosting some visiting o'seas Riders.

At the Matiere Hilton?

[shafty]

At the Matiere Hilton?

That's the bugger, the Matiere Cosi, where bets are honoured, good bastards drink and everyone knows ya name....

[Gremlin]

Then they fly home, we wander up the coast to Oregon then probably head north-east, eventually returning the bike to WV. From memory thats where we could possibly cross paths.

On www.advriders.com there are some Mosgiel boys doing a trail trip, plus a few Kiwi's dotted around the US looking for a chat with a Kiwi accent!

I know your accomodation is prolly all organised (?) but we hope to take advantage of joining up to www.motorcycle-travel.net
Yeah, accommodation all fully sorted. Attached a screenshot of our route, we go clockwise... You're certainly going to rack up the k's going coast to coast... I don't even get to the middle :blink:

[Stormdragon]

In case you folks weren't aware, we've been having some unusual weather this year. Last week the southwest was hitting 118F, (48C) although it's a more tolerable 107F (41C) this week. http://www.magicink.com/Smilies/laughing.gif I'd strongly recommend everyone on the ride have an evaporative cooling vest, and that you all remember to drink lots and lots of water. More than you want to drink. Better to be pissing every hour, than passing out and crashing from the heat. http://www.magicink.com/Smilies/thumbup.gif

[Gremlin]

Thanks for the tip... except I can't seem to find any here (couple of weekends ago I was riding in 2C, so not too surprising :laugh:)

I'm hoping to see the afternoon of the LA bike show (land in morning), so I'll look there, otherwise hit up a dealer or two, as I need some oil for my BMW anyway...

[ynot slow]

That's the bugger, the Matiere Cosi, where bets are honoured, good bastards drink and everyone knows ya name....

What's yur name?

Have a safe trip.may need to book at Matiere Hilton Cossie soon huh?

[Stormdragon]

Thanks for the tip... except I can't seem to find any here (couple of weekends ago I was riding in 2C, so not too surprising :laugh:)

I'm hoping to see the afternoon of the LA bike show (land in morning), so I'll look there, otherwise hit up a dealer or two, as I need some oil for my BMW anyway...

Cycle Gear has what I hear is a good model (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=EVS_CTRV-L_G). (The one I use isn't being made any more) I'm sure if you ordered via e-mail they'd either hold them at a store for you to pick up, or ship them to where you're getting the bikes.

You want them to be snug, so they're against your skin otherwise they don't cool well. So you should check the sizing chart carefully.

You also might want to check over the tips in the first post of this thread (http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6667330). We had a racer die last weekend from overheating during a race in Michigan.

[skeelo221]

Yeah, accommodation all fully sorted. Attached a screenshot of our route, we go clockwise... You're certainly going to rack up the k's going coast to coast... I don't even get to the middle :blink:

Looks fun!

Make sure you ride the section of road in CA that connects hwy 1 on the coast to 101 which is a bit inland. Once you get to Legett, hit hwy 101 for a while and exit a few miles north of there to ride up thru the redwoods.

Hwy 96 is another brilliant one, lots of great views and the road follows the beautiful Klamath river all the way until you get to I-5. The ride north on I-5 up to Ashland, OR is actually really nice for the interstate with nice views of Mt. Shasta. Ashland is a cool little town, recommended for a meal at least!

Bandon, OR is a fun little coastal town. Fish n' chups are good here!

Send me a message if you ride thru Portland!

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=fort+bragg,ca&daddr=happy+camp,ca+to:ashland,or+to:bandon,or&hl=en&ll=42.437647,-122.082825&spn=1.645924,3.56781&sll=42.167475,-123.072968&sspn=0.826504,1.783905&geocode=FdvkWQIdk-Ge-ClvSALFUzWAgDHfnKw3ioSF0g%3BFYTHfQIdzIul-CkXm1A4t9fPVDEqq0Fkd6-pgw%3BFZDWgwIdG5qv-ClV2-60jGLPVDGt8S14uB87mw%3BFZbxkQIdgK2V-Clh3u5CCZvEVDECn0JTQuiS6g&mra=ps&z=9

[Gremlin]

Bandon, OR is a fun little coastal town. Fish n' chups are good here!

Send me a message if you ride thru Portland!

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=fort+bragg,ca&daddr=happy+camp,ca+to:ashland,or+to:bandon,or&hl=en&ll=42.437647,-122.082825&spn=1.645924,3.56781&sll=42.167475,-123.072968&sspn=0.826504,1.783905&geocode=FdvkWQIdk-Ge-ClvSALFUzWAgDHfnKw3ioSF0g%3BFYTHfQIdzIul-CkXm1A4t9fPVDEqq0Fkd6-pgw%3BFZDWgwIdG5qv-ClV2-60jGLPVDGt8S14uB87mw%3BFZbxkQIdgK2V-Clh3u5CCZvEVDECn0JTQuiS6g&mra=ps&z=9
Cheers for that. Unfortunately, we're hugging the coast I believe (well, not that unfortunate as such, as I understand it's still beautiful) but it means we'll probably miss out on SH96 and Portland. Coos Bay and Astoria are our night stops in that area.

[R6Genesis]

Cheers for that. Unfortunately, we're hugging the coast I believe (well, not that unfortunate as such, as I understand it's still beautiful) but it means we'll probably miss out on SH96 and Portland. Coos Bay and Astoria are our night stops in that area. there is a awsome fort there that puts you on the most nw part of oregon. us americans thought the japanese were going to attack us from the pacific after pearl harbor during WWII.:blink: