Headed south, Central Oregon to Big Bear Lake, California thru Death Valley

[CatTomb]

Mapping a trip south and would appreciate any insight (or incite ) from those of you familiar with the route (gas stops, food, road conditions, etc.)

I usually drive/ride down the 395 but am looking for something new. 

https://goo.gl/maps/KR4ov

Thanks,

Jeff

p.s. I'll be posting a ride report with SPOT tracking starting tomorrow.

[movenon]

Looks like "the desolate" tour Jeff. One thing I like about some of the roads you picked is that there isn't much traffic and you can make some good time. Open range so keep an eye out. That stretch of road when you turn off the the freeway going into Fallon I have pinned the throttle a few times in there.
Have fun, be safe.  If you need any big time support up to the Fallon / Tonopah area give me a call Jeff.  Try to keep your fuel tank in the upper half.....
George

[moparman70]

I had some friends take part of that route VEGAs to Reno part --- they didn't like it -- it is very very out there and boring.  It gets old real quick.  I did the Reno to Fallon south bit and bailed on the route at Hawthorne -- headed to the 395.   

You know what you see when you do the desert after a while --- you see more desert but if you wait long enough you see more desert.

all joking aside ( I think) -- you might consider popping over to Death Valley if you haven't been there but hit it further south around the 190 at Owens Lake.

another Idea might be to start the way you have --- but keep in mind some return to 395 points along the way for when you get bored of the desert stuff and want to bail -- ie -- just after fallon 359 in Hawthorne like I mentioned -- that way you mix up the scenery a bit --  you Start in some forest/mountain then to the desert --- back to mountains -- then back to the desert in Death Valley then to the Circus in Las Vegas.

make sure you take the Rim of the World road Hwy 18 when in Big Bear.

[Capn Ron]

Hey Jeff!

Looks like you're heading down into our territory!  You can definitely make good time on those roads, but as you probably know...that is a LOT of desert! 

If you stick to that route, you will be going through a town called Beatty, NV.  A nice short trip (6 miles down the 374), there's an old ghost town called Rhyolite.  WELL worth the stop over!



If you're looking for grub in Beatty, just past the 374 turnoff on the 395 on the left hand side going south out of town is this place:



Mel's diner.  Inexpensive, lots of interesting locals and the cook when I was there really seemed to care about the food he put out.

[Capn Ron]

Wait...you're heading to Big Bear?  How long will you be around?  You're going to NEED a twisty ride after all that desert slab!!   

This is a GREAT 130 mile ride from Big Bear west:



That will take you through some amazing mountains AND the coveted Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2)

From there it's just 30 miles to MY HOUSE!



Ride over and you've got a place to stay and all the tools you need!  We'll grill up some steaks and talk about where we're going to ride the next day because THIS is my back yard:



The Santa Monica Mountains are excellent roads, great views, ocean breezes and includes The Snake:





From there, you can head north along the coast and run my favorite chunk of highway in North America (the Big Sur section of the Pacific Coast Highway):



Seriously, I'd be happy to have you stay over...and if I'm being honest...I'll be a little pissed if you're this close and don't!   

[FJmonkey]

I am in if I can make it.... Sounds like too much fun...

[moparman70]

me three  --- or would it be me four

[Capn Ron]

Jeff,

You on the road?  PM me if you need any support as you get closer to SoCal...

[CatTomb]

  Made it to Barstow.

Long ride south. I will update the report with photos as I'm able in the next few days. I am speaking at a Transformational Leadership Conference, Thursday-Sunday, offering personal sessions but should have some quality time to upload photos and do some writing.

Sunday I am headed to San Clemente to see my first born for a few days and then up to Ventura to see my granddaughter and second born. Once my plan is finalized I will get in touch with you guys (Ron and Mark) and see what we can set-up.

Ok, time to fine tune my presentation and get some sleep.

Jeff

[Capn Ron]

Ahhh, wonderful downtown Barstow!     I bet you've had nothing but time to think inside that helmet over the last 800 miles!

I forgot that you had a kid in Ventura.  You'll be rolling right past my house on the way there.  I more than understand about schedules and miles, but we could just meet up for lunch if you're short on time.

Let any of us know if you're in need of tools or assistance out on the road.  Safe travels!