Tips for a Nevada in-state SS1000

[Foxton1]

Hi everyone, this Aussie will be attempting a Nevada in-state SS1000 on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. I'm super excited - as this will be my first ever motorcycle ride in the USA*

I plan to stop at Crystal Springs just after daybreak for some photos by the Alien Highway signs, but that's the only thing on my to-do list. I'd value any other photo opportunities you recommend along my route. E.G. West Wendover, Winnemucca, Reno, Carson City ?
In addition to any general must-do's and things to avoid. I can't shift the ride date, as I'm holidaying with my wife and friends - so it's that date or nothing.

My route:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1K_-EJV1FX7iBFf4KJgytjeKKOptKj34&usp=sharing

I've hired a BMW K1600GTL, will be purchasing a small gas can to avoid range anxiety, and intend to use Apple Pay or Cash when re-fuelling. All going well, a 4am departure from Las Vegas going anti-clockwise should get me to Reno around 530pm, then finishing back at Las Vegas around 1-2am. Cheers, Sam.

* I've driven cars in the USA a couple times in the last 10 years.

 

[IBA-Tiger]

Well, That'll cover the 6-cylinder 'bike for the Piston Insanity!

 

[Russ Black]

I was bored so I looked at your data and the longest distance between your points is only 166 miles assuming you get fuel DBR at each of them. As for range anxiety, I get 200 miles before the low fuel light eluminates on my GL-1800 with it's 6.2 gallon tank. Reserves are comparable. I usually take a small fuel can too even when I have my Aux tank mounted. Mostly out of habit. My other bike has the On, Off, Reserve petcock and I have forgotten to take it off reserve when I filled up and have ran it out of fuel. I use it now to rescue other drivers who ran out of gas.

Assuming 10 min per stop I figured your times are pretty much spot on, assuming your traveling the posted speed limit.

 

[OX-34]

Have a great time over there, it is some very spectacular scenery. I've ridden in the USA a few times, but in that area only Highway 50 (Loneliest road in America*) which cuts straight across your route.

I recall researching gas cans for my 100CCC on Interstate I10 (12 years ago next week). Some states allow you to carry a jerry can. Some states don't. Some states allow you to fill your bike from a jerry can. Some states don't. In some states it is permitted to carry a jerry can, but not use it. In some states it is not permitted to carry one, but you can fill from one. In some states you can neither carry, nor use. In some states you can do whatever you like, its America dude.

Next discussion is paying for fuel: at the pump vs pre-pay; with debit cards only in some states vs credit cards only in other states; Zip codes vs PIN vs 90210 vs your Aussie postcode with a '0' in front.... In about 20K or so of riding over there I only once, just once**, sat on my bike, swiped the card and rode away giggling at my good fortune. It was short lived though as I was busting for a leak and actually would have preferred getting off and going inside

They are our friends and cousins and all, but remember it is 50 states only just barely united


* https://travelnevada.com/road-trips/loneliest-road-in-america/
** Coincidentally on Highway 50 at the Border Inn (39.056635140131746, -114.04889881883699)

 

[Foxton1]

Tiger: 100%, that's the plan Then it's just a 4-cylinder ride when I get back.
Russ: Awesome, thanks for checking. Good to know about the fuel aspects, ta. Yes, aiming for 10-min stops and looking forward to the higher speed limits than most limits here in Oz. Stamina-wise I'm good to go up to the 24hr mark if I have to, so I think it will come down to weather, traffic and how many photo stops I take - as I am a sucker for spectacular scenery, be it desert, iconic locations or city-scapes.
Ox: Thanks! It says a lot about me that I went straight for the Weirdest Places in America section - that's an awesome link, greatly appreciated. I'm definitely going to pop in at the ET Fresh Jerky store now. The pay-at-pump had me a bit anxious, but I got some great advice not to keep trying to make pump payments work after the first try - and just go inside to pay if it fails. Haha - I too am getting to the age where I value good 'facilities' in addition to a quick refuelling experience.

 

[Russ Black]

There is one other quirk of Americana that your going to run into that I hope is a minimum... And that's no receipt paper in the pump. It seems to me that most of the time when I make the clerk aware of this fact I get the "It's not my job" answer. I have experienced another issue at the Kent Kwik Chevron in Ft Stockton, Texas was the address on all of their receipts were that of the Corporate HQ, hundreds of miles away in Odessa, Texas.

 

[Jerry L. Stevens]

OX, you are so on the mark.

 

[Chris Rasmussen]

You might want to consider doing the www.tourofhonor.com and doing the Nevada Memorial Sites. Still two trophies to be had and the Memorial Sites are not far off your planned route. There is plenty of time to bag these sites nd you might get lucky and grab a 2n or 3r place trophy. You would need to get your number prior to starting nd then fabricate a "flag" for scoring. But hat a tale to tell if you were able to get that award.
Here's a map of the Nevada Memorial Sites.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1UoFx554H8qF7KHXKTrScsPeA2wptvVA&ll=37.16916280312919,-116.35819287548813&z=6

 

[Foxton1]

Hi Chris, the Nevada Memorial Sites align to my route, you are correct. Let me read-up and consider this further, thank you for this info and map.

 

[Stephen!]

Last July I did a Nevada In-State Bun Burner Silver (in "The Silver State" no less) while participating in a Cog Rally on my 2018 K1600 GTL.

<https://new.spotwalla.com/trip/5f30-25a1d70-ed84/view> Started and ended in Ely.

Although I do carry a fuel cell that puts my total capacity at just under 11.5 gallons, it really was not necessary. Even at the typically elevated Nevada speeds, the range of the K16 is easily 220 miles with the OEM tank. There are a couple places where you do have to plan properly, but if you do, carrying a fuel can is not necssary.

Be careful navigating around West Wendover as it can be very easy to accidentally cross into Utah and invalidate the In-State part of your ride.

Getting a picure or three of some of the various legal brothels in the state might be a fun adventure.

 

[Chris Rasmussen]

Be careful navigating around West Wendover as it can be very easy to accidentally cross into Utah and invalidate the In-State part of your ride.
.

i.e. Don't get trapped on I-80 going East

 

[Stephen!]

...or turn the wrong way on Wendover Blvd. Although I seem to recall there being a border line actually painted on the road, by the time you notice it there, it may be too late to make a legal turn-around.

 

[Chris Rasmussen]

On I-80 Business turn around

Be careful navigating around West Wendover as it can be very easy to accidentally cross into Utah and invalidate the In-State part of your ride.
.

And don't go past the pedestrian overpass by more than a few feet. Turn into the Nugget Parking Lot and turn around. The state line is buy the tall sign just past the Nugget

 

[Chris Rasmussen]

...or turn the wrong way on Wendover Blvd. Although I seem to recall there being a border line actually painted on the road, by the time you notice it there, it may be too late to make a legal turn-around.

Plenty of space and warning if you are looking for it.

 

[Foxton1]

Thanks so much Stephen & Chris, great advice - the Wendover Nugget & pedestrian overpass have been noted. I've changed my route to turn left off 93 and get a photo at the Wendover Will Neon Cowboy. After the photo, it looks like I can double-back to Florence Way, turn left, go under the interstate, and turn left again to get on Interstate 80 to Elko.

I've got a few more photo opportunities lined-up now too:
- Mona's Ranch brothel at Elko (amusing as that's our travelling friend's name - she'll get a kick out of that)
- Welcome to Winnemucca sign
- Reno Arch
- Carson City Nugget Casino

I haven't ruled-out the TOH yet... I'll do some route and time calcs on the weekend to play with the time and location of starting-point options. The Chicken Ranch brothel photo op is only 11 mins from the memorial at Pahrump.

 

[Chris Rasmussen]

Thanks so much Stephen & Chris, great advice
I haven't ruled-out the TOH yet... I'll do some route and time calcs on the weekend to play with the time and location of starting-point options. The Chicken Ranch brothel photo op is only 11 mins from the memorial at Pahrump.

While all the Trophies in NV have been claimed. The ToH Sites are memorable, though American. lot's of sites to see all over NV. Enjoy the trip and post some pictures to the forum and on Iron Butt Facebook Page.

 

[Foxton1]

Thanks again everyone for your help. I’m here in Nevada, and all set to go tomorrow morning

 

[OX-34]

Have a great ride

 

[jstrode]

I just did the reverse of your route this last Sunday. BE AWARE Nevada out there is OPEN RANGE the cows and piles they leave behind are on the road. I had to stop for 3 of them to clear the road

 

[Donald Lowrey]

Hi everyone, this Aussie will be attempting a Nevada in-state SS1000 on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Iars.

WATER - The temps will be hitting 90's, low humidity. You will become dehydrated much faster than you will realize. Keep a gallon on the bike, replace it every fuel stop. Drink even when you are not thirsty. If you get stranded, or have a flat, you will thank me for this tip.