Vegas Road Trip?

[demon_668]

Just a quick little poll to help make up my mind
Met with a friend last night and was offered a chance to join in on a guys trip to Vegas in August. Nothing too crazy, just 6 married guys getting away for a weekend. Since I'm in Colorado and am itching for a road trip, I'm debating taking an extra couple days and ride there. I figure I could make it easy in 2 days, and have always liked the thought of riding through the desert to Vegas. Although it would probably be a little brutal, I think it would be worth it . My only concern so far is having to chain down the bike so it doesn't wander off while in Vegas . Has anyone taken a cycle trip to Sin City? Any tips for the (possible) trip?

BTW - Not really worried about the bike breaking down or comfort issues through the desert. 06 Meanie w/ Mustang seat. Gotta love liquid cooled...

[Svetlana]

Originally Posted by demon_668

Just a quick little poll to help make up my mind
Met with a friend last night and was offered a chance to join in on a guys trip to Vegas in August. Nothing too crazy, just 6 married guys getting away for a weekend.

ah-huh.... that's what they all say....


Seriously though, I think that would be a great ride down there. Can't help out w/ your questions, but gutt reaction says go for it

[demon_668]

Originally Posted by Svetlana

ah-huh.... that's what they all say....


Seriously though, I think that would be a great ride down there. Can't help out w/ your questions, but gutt reaction says go for it

lol, yup, and got the buy-off from the wife too... As long as I don't forget my wedding ring at home

[idmtchris]

A couple of disc locks and a big chain and you should be safe.

[seadood228]

I've made the trip at least twenty, although never on a bike. I'd seriously suggest breaking it up into small stages with lots of rest if you plan on doing it in August. The weather will be almost unbearable for 2/3 of the trip, and once you've started there will be no turning back. I prefer to leave CO at around 11pm by car, so by the time dawn hits you are driving through Utah, which is absolutely beautiful that time of day.

If you do plan to ride, there probably isn't a good way to space the trip as such to avoid the heat by driving at night, unless you are willing to throw off your sleep schedule. But then you've got worry about the lack of light and late night animals on the road.

Actually you could leave here around noon which would probably put somewhere in SW Utah by bedtime. Then you could try and wake up early to blow through the last 300 miles or so, which will be the hottest parts. In doing this you'll be driving through the hottest stretches during the evening and early morning.

I think your bikes will be fine if you park them in a hotel parking lot, although I have nothing to base that off of. For the most part though, the riff-raff stay away from those areas.

There is a stretch after Green River that will be very scary on the Meanie. You've got a ~110 miles with no gas stations, meaning there is a good chance you'll be riding for 20-30 miles with your gas light on.

Good luck and have fun.

[demon_668]

Thanks seadood, the weather would be the "brutal" part. It sounds like evening/early morning would help on that front. The other thing is that this would be a solo trip, none of the other guys ride (what can I say, I'm one of the few "cool" IT guys I know of... at least in my mind lol), so plenty of "mind clearing" riding if I decide to do this I'm assuming I-70/I-15 the whole way. What are the speeds like? You know, over 80 and the Meanies don't sip, over 90 and I can assume that they gulp the gas down pretty good...

I've been getting 45-48 MPG average commuting, so hopefully the 110 mile stretch wouldn't get too nerve racking, but an "extra" gas can (or clean gatorade bottle ) might not be a bad thing, along with lots o' water, and sunscreen...lots of sunscreen...

[UKMIKE]

Wish I could go with you guys, sounds like an excellent trip.

ATB
Mike

[stem]

hello all! i live here in vegas and also worked in a casino. i would suggest seeing if valet can give you space to park them, usually they're cool about it. if you do choose to park in a garage, make sure they are tied down, even interlock all the bikes, there shouldn't really be any problems since security does a lot of patrolling garages.

watch out for the heat in august though definitely drench yourselves in water.

good luck!!

[anrfknm]

went with my sons three years ago. three bikes parked in the hotel parking lot and had no trouble at all.

[seadood228]

Originally Posted by demon_668

Thanks seadood, the weather would be the "brutal" part. It sounds like evening/early morning would help on that front. The other thing is that this would be a solo trip, none of the other guys ride (what can I say, I'm one of the few "cool" IT guys I know of... at least in my mind lol), so plenty of "mind clearing" riding if I decide to do this I'm assuming I-70/I-15 the whole way. What are the speeds like? You know, over 80 and the Meanies don't sip, over 90 and I can assume that they gulp the gas down pretty good...

I've been getting 45-48 MPG average commuting, so hopefully the 110 mile stretch wouldn't get too nerve racking, but an "extra" gas can (or clean gatorade bottle ) might not be a bad thing, along with lots o' water, and sunscreen...lots of sunscreen...

You are probably aware of the speeds going through the mountains, but if you aren't they generally range from 45-70 with lots of sweepers, but nothing like the twisties you probably ride. I'd try to be well rested for this stretch because there are so many turns and elevation changes. Through Utah 80 should be fine, but watch out for cops because there are some around. Generally 70-80 will keep you in the fast lane but out of trouble, and you can probably just tail a fast car if you desire. There are some dicey bits towards the last stretches of Utah and Arizona consisting of 20-40 mph switchbacks with cliff dropoffs, but speed limits are accurately posted and corner markings are very clear. Still, you never can be too careful. If you are heading that way at night, you probably won't notice the dropoffs

Lemme know how it goes.. I was seriously considering doing a solo in September..

[seadood228]

BTW yes I-70/I-15 is the way to go. Honestly I think it's the most beautiful 700 miles you can drive next to the Pacific Coast Highway.

[demon_668]

Update:
Ended up going, smelling the sweet (?) smell of "roasted nuts" in the desert
Pics are at:
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...-big-pics.html
Thanks all for the tips. Yes, it was hot. Yes, I drank about 2 gallons of water. No, I didn't go to the bathroom once