Wanted: Trip Tips in the Southwest

[advswede1981]

I'll be riding from Tucson to Salt Lake starting this Saturday and planning for each way to take no more than two days (interstate/highway) with a two day stay in SLC. Although I've done 400 mile day rides before, this will be my longest trip in cumulative miles. What are some things I should plan for?

My main concerns are...

1. I'm about 800 miles from the 8000 mile service and it's about a 1900 mile ride. OK to wait to get it serviced until I come back, or schedule one at my destination, if possible?

2. Thoughts on the monsoon, long days in the heat, and dehydration/gear etc.

Any serious suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[mashy]

Be sure to hydrate. Take plenty of water and I suggest using a Camel Back.

 

[Thunderwear]

Sounds like a great trip, stress less about it and be sure to stop and say hello to people in the small towns along the way. I've found the more I do that versus just whipping through makes the trip much more enjoyable and memorable. Water, water, water.....even if you think you don't need it.

2014 ES, Black, Inland Empire California

 

[tomatocity]

I'll be riding from Tucson to Salt Lake starting this Saturday and planning for each way to take no more than two days (interstate/highway) with a two day stay in SLC. Although I've done 400 mile day rides before, this will be my longest trip in cumulative miles. What are some things I should plan for?

My main concerns are...

1. I'm about 800 miles from the 8000 mile service and it's about a 1900 mile ride. OK to wait to get it serviced until I come back, or schedule one at my destination, if possible?

2. Thoughts on the monsoon, long days in the heat, and dehydration/gear etc.

Any serious suggestions are much appreciated.

-Riding at higher altitude is cooler.
-You did not say whether you were camping or moteling.
-Rain: if it is warm or hot I would wear mesh and ride the storm. I just returned from a trip that took me through some warm rain and the mesh worked. If it is cold then you need to put on rain gear with a layer under your jacket. Yep, I had my fair share of cold hail/rain on the same trip.
-Water: like the CamelBak idea. If you are not using a tankbag, strap the CamelBak to your tank and drink often.

If it was me I would...
- Day 1, take 10 N to 17 N to 89 N to Page/Lake Powell and spend the night. An evening ride to Lake Powell might be nice.
- Day 2, 89 N to 89/6 N till it meets 15 N to SLC.

Return trip...
- I would do the same and stay in Page/Lake Powell

 

[advmotomike]

rt 191 is a killer road though AZ high in the mountains along the Eastern border with NM, goes though 4 corners up in to Moab

 

[MotoJunky]

rt 191 is a killer road though AZ high in the mountains along the Eastern border with NM, goes though 4 corners up in to Moab

::026:: Temps are going up and up and up. Hydrate, hydrate, hydate. Mesh gear, cool dana, heat out long sleeve and shorts (Cycle Gear, in Tucson), Cooling vest.

 

[tomatocity]

::026:: Temps are going up and up and up. Hydrate, hydrate, hydate. Mesh gear, cool dana, heat out long sleeve and shorts (Cycle Gear, in Tucson), Cooling vest.

Yes Yes Yes, Cooling Vest!!! I have the Cycle Gear cooling vest (on sale now) and it made a HUGE difference when riding through 95 - North Las Vegas - Mesquite NV. Temps were 110+ in Mesquite. Also used the cooling vest a couple other times during the trip.

 

[Hungry Tiger]

Spend the xtra $10 and get the deluxe cooling vest with a neck collar.

 

[joneil]

Start early in the day. Mornings will be cooler afternoons will be very hot. Finish your day early. Do the service before you start.

 

[shrekonwheels]

+! to the camel back, if you can put some ice in before you leave as well.

Every time you stop drink a small bottle of water or a Vitamin water.

Make sure you wear lighter colors it does help keep you cooler.

I always loved going thru Zion Park, you should also consider hitting Bryce Canyon.

Take your time, do not rush, stop and take lots of pictures, I have none from my early trips back in the film days

Have Fun!

 

[talonboy]

Like said above, drink lots of water, constantly. You need to be able to drink while riding, a camelback works well, whether on your back or mounted on the bike. Start the ride early, try to get a lot of distance covered before noon. Take long breaks indoors, in the afternoon.

Mesh gear is great, and works well up into the 90s, but once it gets hotter outside than your body temp, I think blocking hot air is better than allowing the hot air to hit your body. A regular nylon jacket with just the sleeves and back open seems cooler to me. A bigger windshield will block that hot airflow and be cooler. A full face helmet and boots will also block that hot air. Wet your shirt or wear a cooling vest. A wet handkerchief or gel cooling thingy around the neck helps too.

Avoid cotton shorts, pants or socks. Many other materials are better.

 

[Bappo]

You have GOT to ride Utah 12 up to Torrey. One of the best rides in the US. Or down from Torrey. Or both ::012:: There are great campsites along 12 as well.

Ride to Flagstaff then 89 to 89A to 89 to 12. 12!!!!!! Then 24 to 89 again or to 15 and slab to SLC.

From SLC slab to Spanish Fork, then 6 to 191 over Soldier summit them Moab then down to the HEAT of AZ.

I bet that if you ride 12 up you will probably reverse your route and ride it back south.

 

[advswede1981]

Thanks for all the great advice and you guys are right on the money! I got my service scheduled for tomorrow so I'll leave crack of dawn on Saturday and aiming for Page. Should be a fun ride.

 

[MotoJunky]

Thanks for all the great advice and you guys are right on the money! I got my service scheduled for tomorrow so I'll leave crack of dawn on Saturday and aiming for Page. Should be a fun ride.

Like stated above, make sure you take lots of photos.

 

[Bigbore4]

Two Words

Moki Dugway