Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Planning to ride San Diego to N.C

Hoping to get back on my bike soon. I was in an accident July 25th 2012 and haven't rode since. I am thinking of riding to my Daughter who lives in N.Carolina. I would welcome input as to where to go and what to take on the trip. I'm retired (medically) from the accident so no need to do it in a rush, maybe 5-7 days. I have a 2009 Speedmaster and would like to wire a power outlet so i can keep in touch with my wife who won't be coming along. Des.

A cell phone charger and a good smart phone is probably the best way to do that bit about keeping intouch with the wife.
You definately want to ride the Hot Springs area of Arkansas.

Good morning Desmond,

Hope the elbow and wrist are mended properly. So you want to ride cross county as your first time back in the saddle? Whoa now! Your butt might not cooperate! I'd say you'll average 400 miles per day. Taking it easy and having time to stop and see the sights. Let's see you are looking at 2600 miles. That is every bit of 7 days. The easiest route will put you on I-40.

What would you like to see? The Grand Canyon is along I-40. You'll be rolling through the freaking desert though, until you reach Amarillo TX. You might consider skipping up to Utah on I-15 instead (Zion National Park). Then there is the land of biblical rains (Trail Ridge Road through Estes Park CO). Heck might as well do the Clint Eastwood High Plains drifter, and roll up to Spearfish Canyon and see Mt Rushmore, etc...Whatever your route, consider looking at Motorcycle Roads U.S. and use the routes suggested there to deviate from the base line route.

You'll be riding to NC. You riding back to San Diego too? HA! Then head NORTH first while the temps are still temperate, then return on I-40 or take the road with lots of border agents: I-10.

You lucky dog. Riding across country. Have Fun!

P.S.: If you think you'll be able to ride 400 miles per day, by day three you'll be riding closer to 300. Just the way riding works. Heck that rule of diminishing stamina is more prominent at miles per day closer to 800. Point is you'll ride further daily, earlier in the trip than you will towards the end.

I direct wired a DC outlet from my battery to just under my left thigh. A small hole in the bottom left of a small tank bag with a clear face. Plugged in an inverter there. GPS, cell phone and anything else stays high and dry on the tank right in front of you.

With the noise you can then see who is calling you.

Or a bluetooth helmet.

Elbow and wrist are ok now, went in hospital 3 weeks ago and had arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder which was also damaged in the crash and carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. I had back surgery 2 yrs ago L-5/S1 and they also did my left carpal tunnel at the same time. Then 3 weeks after that i got a Staph infection in my back and had to go in for surgery again to remove it. It was 3cm in size (30mm) and they couldn't get the last 1cm. I then had a PICC line with a pump with antibiotics for 7 weeks.
A PICC line goes from your elbow area into a big vein that goes into you heart to feed medication. When they removed it it was 18" long.
The back pain was excruciating and i had to learn to walk again. I had to have a hospital bed rented for me as i couldn't get upstairs. I slept in a Lazy boy chair for a month. I finally returned to work after 6 months then 8 months later got in the crash that put me out of work for good. It's been a tough last few years and now my wife fell a month ago and broke her foot. Sorry to ramble on here. Keep the info coming, Des.

Dang Des, it seems you've been through the wringer, props on your planned coast to coast.
Best advice I can give you is to take your time and enjoy this beautiful and diverse country we live in.

Dang, after all that and he's riding across the country ? He's TUFF.

Take a look at U.S. 50 too,, rode it from Sacramento to Kansas City before ducking south down to Ga a few years ago. Takes you through some beautiful places.

One of these days I hope to do the ride around the US. I'm envious! Ride safe and enjoy!

Sounds like a great ride we will be envious of. So what do you do when you get to the other end other then the obvious visit?

I plan on looking at houses in N.C, Virginia and other states local to N.C. Wife and i will probably be moving from Calif. in 2 yrs. I've lived here since i emigrated from England in 1980. Too many fruit & nuts here now and we want 4 seasons. Des.

That'll be a challenge. Good for you!

How far into NC will you be going? Some beautiful areas in the Western part of the state, but it gets boring in the middle. We're heading back up there on Friday - 8 wheels, not two .

Not too sure about the "TUFF" part but being an only child i think has something to do with it. I think we ( only child) tend to do things that don't need a lot of interaction from a group. Not to say we are "loners" but being on our own is something we are used to when the need arises. Des.