Western Trip

[leo3wheel]

Don, Will keep you in mind. Yes, the planned route is rather direct with few diversions. Ruled out Yellowstone from this year's plan, but next year is a new ball game. Need to see if the 2014 New Mexico ride-in materializes. This will determine when I travel. The only other planned ride for next year is the 2014 TrikeTalk Northeast Rally. Keeping my 2014 calendar clear will allow more time for trip out west, and Yellowstone may be a possibility. The cross country routes can be the same, but will want to rethink what to see upon arriving at the Rockies. Been to many of our national parks before, but in tour buses. Really want to ride our national parks on our trike. Thanks!

 

[werewolf]

Coming across Kansas in July/Aug maybe be a bit HOT.
The last two years have been extreme miserable due to the HIGH temp.
I would suggest being on the road at sun up and stopping for the
day by about 1 or 2 oclock.
We had two EMS runs this summer for motorcyclists who attempted
to ride in the 105+ heat and got overheated.

Your map shows you coming across US 54 Highway.
It is a high traffic road in western Kansas.
You might look at US 50 instead, the level of traffic is much lower
and you dont go thru Wichita.

If you have time for Pepsi in Pratt Ks, sent me a PM. I will buy.

PS, with the deer population and the odd cow or two on the roadway.
I would strongly suggest NO riding after dark.

 

[leo3wheel]

Bill, Postponed our trip until next year for a few reasons. Was trying to link up this trip with a ride-in in Illinois. This was determining the July/August timeframe. Can appreciate what you are saying about the heat. Decided we have too much going on this year, so decided to postpone our trip until 2014. Turns out someone may be organizing a ride-in in New Mexico in September 2014. If this happens, we will schedule to include this event and possibly get better weather. Riding early in the day is a good idea, and we don't ride at night. Disappointed to hear about US 54 being busy. Trying to drive through Texas and Oklahoma. Maybe we can touch these states and then work up to US 50. Would be nice to meet you when we pass through next year. Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated!

 

[Lucky]

We plan on going west from THE RALLY this year.Hope it turns out better than the trip to the northeast last year that did not happen.RIDE SAFE

 

[Rosy]

Hey Leo, keep me posted on the ride-in in New Mexico, I have kin that live there.
What would be the basis for the ride-in, like the Wing-Ding or Americade?
Thanks.

Rosy & Janice
From NH

 

[leo3wheel]

Hi Rosy, A ride-in/rally is usually a riding event that lasts about 4 days. Certain members of a group step up and host an event in their area of the country or even outside the country. Folks usually stay in common motel/campground. Folks ride pre-planned routes daily and eat together, much the same as our TT Northeast Rally. There can be 50-100 folks at one of these events, but they can be smaller. Not sure of the size of the New Mexico ride-in yet. Several folks from the East Coast have expressed an interest in such an event. The ride-ins are usually for members and guests, but your kin can be guests of mine. Folks in our group drive an assortment of bikes/trikes. This year, we are going to a ride-in at Lebanon, TN, rally at Galena, IL and TT NE Rally at Torrington, CT. Will keep you posted.

 

[werewolf]

To someone from a large population area, US 54 isnt that bad.
It is also/will be 4 lane for the most part from Pratt to Wichita by 2014.
They are working on it now.
My best guess would be that US 54 carries about 4 or 5 times the traffic
of US 50, this including a lot more big truck related stuff.
Having grown up running around Wichita on weekends, I am still not comfortable riding there on a trike. Have I? yes, but with reservations.
I have lived in the rural part of the state ThumbUp way too long.

Weather here is a new experience for most.
Checking the weather before you head out every day
is a must. Checking while taking a break is also a good idea.
Thunderstorms and tornados can pop up RAPIDLY.

Two days ago, it was 70 degrees. Today we have 6 inches of snow
and it is still coming down.

I hope you make it this way, there is a lot to see in Kansas.
(Yeah, its flat, but we like it :laugh

Ride safe.

 

[leo3wheel]

Hi Bill, Yes, we are used to a lot of traffic in Jersey. Still disconcerting when an 18-wheeler goes by at 85 mph. Will try to minimize our exposure to the trucks, but must pass through Texas and Oklahoma. Need to fill out my states traveled map. :laugh:

Yes, I am concerned about the weather in our heartland. Hoping for the best.

Have never driven across our country. Really excited to try it! :Trike1:

Thanks!