Amarillo to So Cal ride

[team5150]

I am flying to Amarillo next week to pick up the trike I bought and I will be riding it back to So Cal.

After having a steak at the Big Texan, I am planning to go through Albuquerque to Shiprock, 4 corners and staying at the View Hotel in Monument Valley for the night.

Then heading to the south rim of the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff staying at a resort in Laughlin at the Colorado River for $25 night and the final leg across I-40 through Barstow and back to Corona.

Anyone have any suggestions of what I might need or be aware of making this trip ? I have tools, frog toggs, full Fieldsheer winter gear, Glock, camera, Go Pro and an Reda gas can (I learned that from Wheels !).

I'm I missing anything ?

I'm not going to iron butt this ride. I'm allowing enough time to see the sights, get to know the trike and enjoy some time riding alone. My wife is pissed that she can't go - she has to work.

TIA

Tom

 

[Nana]

Hope you have your laptop with you and post a nightly "forum blog" on your adventure with a picture or two!!! We are all jealous.... might as well let us ride along in our imagination

 

[2fromTX]

Lot better places to get a steak than the Big Texan.

Shoot me a pm if you want.

Are ya flying in during the week? I am 100 miles west of 'rillo,but that ole 9-5 keeps me busy monday thru friday

 

[team5150]

OK that does it ! I am passing on the Texan steak by the advice of a number of people. I am told there is a good place called the Country Barn right next to where I'm staying at I-40 & Coulter.

I have been watching the weather and the window I'm working with is flying back there and leaving Amarillo on Friday the 25th, staying in Albuquerque that evening. I wanted the first day easy so I can get comfortable with the new ride.

The next day is heading north to 4 Corners and the over to The View hotel. It is the only hotel in the Monument Valley. That's about 350 miles.

Next day is south through Tuba City to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon, down to Flagstaff and then on to Laughlin. That will be a full day of riding - that's the 400 miler.

I got a $25 deal on a river view room at the AVI resort for 1 night, a movie at the theater, dinner and breakfast the next morning - a full buffet, not the rolls & juice at Comfort Inn !

I heard there is a GRRRRRRRR ride out there that weekend. Maybe I'll try to meet up with them for the ride back across I-40 to Corona.

My wife & I went to the Grand Canyon and Zion in 2009 so she isn't as bummed about this trip, but I will owe her a trip back to Monument Valley.

This is the plan and it is the basis for change along the road.

 

[shadow]

Hello Team 5150..........I work where they put the 5150's here in Arizona, the only advice I have while you are on your way home is don't ever spend the night in Barstow........the trains will keep you up all night..............

 

[joncallihan]

"The next day is heading north to 4 Corners and the over to The View hotel. It is the only hotel in the Monument Valley."

This statement is not ture, the View is fairly new, Goulding's has been there almost forever.

None the less, have a good ride.

 

[team5150]

Do they have gas there ?

 

[Blondie Gal]

There's even a McDonald's at the crossroads from Lake Powell! Careful, its speed bumps are lethal!

 

[pasadenajim]

Sounds like you have all the right gear.

I know you'll bring LOTS of water. Even this earlier in the season things can get HOT out there. Remember, there's not much in the way of gas between Laughlin and civilization. Why have to use the gas can?

The Avi is...quiet. You may want to detour into Laughlin proper for a few hours.

Have a great ride bringin' her home.

 

[joncallihan]

Do they have gas there ?

The last time I was there (1987?) yes. I have a friend that rides down there every January on a dual sport, spend the night, then rides back to near Grand Junction. I suspect that he refuels there. Goulding's Trading Post should get a pretty good Google response. For me, the first response included "gas".

Jon

 

[2fromTX]

Country Barn is good,also a Saltgrass right across the street. Its a chain but still cranks out purty good chow. Whatever you do,stay AWAY from Famous Daves BBQ.

Enjoy the ride!!