Touring Joshua Tree Stops?

Seems to be the consensus. I'll probably end up doing that.

 

Well I just take spiders for granted everywhere. Nowhere is as bad as the PNW when I lived northwest of Seattle. They are in the desert for sure but I can't remember the last time I got a spider bite, and I don't use bug repellant. If you're concerned just use a bit of jungle juice of something similar. Most of the critter warnings you hear from people are vastly overblown in my opinion. The only thing I worry about in the desert are mountain lions because they actually view humans as food, but they're very rare to see. Oh yes, and the cactus. I always carry a small multitool for removing their thorns, mostly from my boots but occasionally from my body. Worst are the tiny ones like nettles that you can barely see and can't easily remove. Hurt like hell. Scraping the skin with a knife, like using a straight razor, sometimes works. Got some in my thumb yesterday and have no idea where they came from.

 

Man, I'm jealous. I went from Newport OR down to San Diego, mostly on the 101. South of SF I'd have loved to have spent more time seeing places in Big Sur, but the ride through is enough if you can keep your eyes on the road and don't come off. Half Moon Bay for Mavericks will have the big wave surfers out there now which would be amazing to see. Santa Barbara makes a nice stop. And I agree with others to avoid downtown LA, but Malibu, Santa Monica mountains, Topanga, Mullholland, Laurel Canyon, and a cruise through Santa Monica/Venice beaches, you can't miss them! Also to the north east of Pasadena, all the mountain roads through there towards San Bernadino and Big Bear, into Palm Springs and Joshua Tree.

If I was you I'd go one way coastal and the other through Mohave, Death Valley, Yosemite and up to Tahoe. Might need a week but it's a dream ride.

Would love to see your photos!
Alisdair

 

Thanks for all of the stops! I will definitely try to hit most of these up. I don't think I'll be able to hit Tahoe this time, but that is definitely on my list of rides that I want to do, along with the ride up through Yosemite.
Cheers.

 

Here is my preliminary route if anyone cares to see:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=14-amcYrqmlEeswvGkPVcsfGVF-87CEzP&usp=sharing

1400 miles over 5 days. Seems a bit ambitious, but we'll see.

 

5 days is not going to give you much time for sightseeing and veering of the route to ride Mullholland drive etc.. the temps in the Mojave and Death Valley shouldn't be too hot in November so you should make good time through there.hope you have a great time

 

So, I did my trip. 1600+ miles over 5 days and 4 nights. Camped 3 of the 4 nights. The last night I got drunk with my buddy in LA. You can check the pics here https://photos.app.goo.gl/IffubxcuKgiORj5y2

 

When all is said and done, this trip made me realize that you need to follow your gut. I read so many blogs and stories about not doing a tour by yourself, and I think that’s complete BS. Being on a bike on your own is the main reason I have a bike. Be safe, be smart, take that trip, don’t look back. Cheers mates.

 

Thanks for posting the pics,sounds like you had a great time

 

Yeah. I just spent from May to October touring Europe by myself (any else would have ruined it!).
Photos look amazing, dude. Clear skies and open roads and your Thruxton looks sweet. How comfortable was it to ride on all day?

 

did you get home before the wild fires?

 

Looks like you had a good time mate
Jealous????
Bloody right I am

 

Amazing photos of scenery & bike. Isn't that one of the best looking bikes ever? Not that I'm influenced in any way . I think everybody should tour at least once by oneself, not for everybody, if you like it, plan the next one. Great thread

 

The comfort wasn't so bad, nor so great. After a full day of riding I was definitely looking forward to getting off my ass and on my feet. I would feel the same if in a car or any other time in the same position for that long. Overall I'd say it was pretty great for the amount of miles I covered in 5 days.

 

Yeah, I made it home a couple of days before the fires got to 405.

 

I had a blast. Deserts, mountains, old saloons, me, and my bike.

 

Another Note: I would never do this trip in 5 days ever again. It was way too short for the amount of scenery there was. From the Genoa Saloon, Death Valley, to Joshua Tree, those could have all been week long trips themselves. Well, only if you like spending a week at a saloon. Your mileage may vary. I am glad that I was able to scout locations for future rides and share findings with fellow riders in the season to come. For now my rides will be along PCH down to Santa Cruz or up to Russian River Brewing Company.