I've been thinking about trying the SS1000 challenge for a while now. Am hoping to try it this Spring (before the roads become too hot).
My original goal was to complete the SS1000 in a straight shot, no loop. So was considering the following routes:
(1) San Jose --> Salt Lake City --> Moab, UT. (Google Maps Link)
(2) San Jose --> Laramie, WY (maps link)
(3) San Jose --> Albuquerque, NM (maps link)
Of all the routes, I like the Moab, UT one the most because then I finish in Utah and on the way back can maybe visit bryce canyon/Canyonlands, etc., which I hear have some of the most beautiful roads in America.
The first two routes concern me because I don't really want to be in Donner Pass at night, or in the middle of Nevada at night, but I guess its' unavoidable for those routes. (Anyone have any issues with traversing the giant Nevada desert at night?)
The New Mexico route seems the "easiest", I know those roads well (I5 south, bakersfield, to kingman, etc.). Just ends up somewhere I dont really want to be (ABQ), nothing against it, just really liked the Utah idea.
Also, not sure if a straight-shot SS1000 is a great idea for my first attempt.
Also, trying to find loop rides in CA, but can't find one that interests me. Could go from San Jose to Needles, CA and back but I5 is super boring.
Equipment/bike: 2006 Harley Vrod, comfy seat, aftermarket windshield, additional gas tank bolted on (going to modify it for quick removal). My range without gas can is about 115, with gas can over 200 miles (vrods have a tiny 3.7 gas tank and get around 28 to 30mpg).
My original goal was to complete the SS1000 in a straight shot, no loop. So was considering the following routes:
(1) San Jose --> Salt Lake City --> Moab, UT. (Google Maps Link)
(2) San Jose --> Laramie, WY (maps link)
(3) San Jose --> Albuquerque, NM (maps link)
Of all the routes, I like the Moab, UT one the most because then I finish in Utah and on the way back can maybe visit bryce canyon/Canyonlands, etc., which I hear have some of the most beautiful roads in America.
The first two routes concern me because I don't really want to be in Donner Pass at night, or in the middle of Nevada at night, but I guess its' unavoidable for those routes. (Anyone have any issues with traversing the giant Nevada desert at night?)
The New Mexico route seems the "easiest", I know those roads well (I5 south, bakersfield, to kingman, etc.). Just ends up somewhere I dont really want to be (ABQ), nothing against it, just really liked the Utah idea.
Also, not sure if a straight-shot SS1000 is a great idea for my first attempt.
Also, trying to find loop rides in CA, but can't find one that interests me. Could go from San Jose to Needles, CA and back but I5 is super boring.
Equipment/bike: 2006 Harley Vrod, comfy seat, aftermarket windshield, additional gas tank bolted on (going to modify it for quick removal). My range without gas can is about 115, with gas can over 200 miles (vrods have a tiny 3.7 gas tank and get around 28 to 30mpg).