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[G_Fend]

Hopefully, within the next week or two, I'll be flying out to KC to pick up my new Breakout (Crimson Red) and riding her back to N. Virginia over the course of 2 or 3 days.

There's several options for my route, and I thought I'd solicit any feedback from folks that know the areas better than I do.  Biggest thing I'm concerned about is the unpredictability of the weather this time of year...

1. I could essentially take I-70 all the way (KC to St Louis to Columbus to S of Pitt and on into MD/DC/VA)
2. Or, I could take the more Southern option of I-64, but this leads me more into WV, which I assume brings with it more mountainous terrain
3. Or, I can stay off the interstates and go more along US36 and/or US50.  Certainly more scenic, although a bit slower, but again some tricky weather/terrain concerns.

If anyone is familiar with the general areas/routes during this time of year and could help me make an informed choice, that'd be great!!

Greg

[Rocketman69]

While I-70 is obviously the direct route, it is extremely boring, and will likely put you to sleep....that is, if the wind doesn't blow you off the road.  I'm not sure why it's so windy here in Kansas and Missouri, but at times, it's downright painful to ride east or west on 70.  36 is more scenic, but not much more to see than I-70 offers, at least until you get close to the border of MO.  I took 24/36 from Kansas City on a trip back to Michigan once.....on a Softail Rocker 'C'......in May.  Not the smartest decision I've ever made.  It gets downright cold once the sun goes down in Illinois and Indiana.  64 is probably the better ride, but regardless, you're going to be gambling with the weather.  I will tell you this:  Pack warm gear and rain gear.  Be prepared to hate the bike after 350 miles.....probably much sooner.  Regardless of how much you ride, that Breakout isn't much more comfortable than my Rocker, and on the return trip from Michigan, we did almost 900 miles in 15 hours.  I don't recommend that to anyone.  Keep your rides shy of 500 miles if you can afford the time.  Rest up, give the ass a break, and you might still like the bike when you get home.  It's too bad I won't have any time off any time soon, or I'd make most of the trip back with you, just so you wouldn't be goin' it alone.  The girlfriend has been wanting to see the east coast anyway.

Good luck, and congrats on the scoot.  Those babies look AWESOME!  May I ask which of our 4 dealerships you purchased from?

[G_Fend]

Rocketman,

Thanks for the insight.  I'm going to try to make it back as quickly/safely as I can while not killing myself.  I know the feeling, as I made the ride from MD to Milwaukee in 2 days in 2008 for the 105th Anniversary...all on my '05 Super Glide (without windshield!)

I got the bike from Worth H-D based on a recommendation from a friend that lives in St. Joe.  They offer a great military appreciation program, too!

[chaos901]

Bad as I-70 is across MO it is transportation.  You may want to consider taking it to St. Louis, picking up US-50 at Salem, IL, east to Cincinnati, SR-32 and SR-124 east to Parkersburg, WV then US-50 across WV.  Provided of course all of the recent snow is gone by then.   

Do not know how much time you have but most I those I have done and they will do. 

[backroad Mike]

Bill has a good point.  While 50 through WV is a great road when the weather is good, it's downright dangerous in bad weather.  I believe you said you wanted to make time..  I'd stick to the interstate.  You could always drop down and take 64 across.

[muddypaws]

Dress warm...and watch out for the deer..

[Supershooter]

Not to change the subject, but why did you go so far from home to buy?
Supershooter

[G_Fend]

Not to change the subject, but why did you go so far from home to buy?
Supershooter

I was looking around to see who would be one of the first dealerships to receive the bike and could guarantee me a red one, and Worth H-D seemed to fit the bill.  Plus, I had a great recommendation for them from a buddy due to their great Military Appreciation program.  15% off all parts, accessories AND labor!

It also gives me the opportunity to do a great ride bringing her home

[flhrse4]

  I would suggest that you invest in some heated gear, then the cold will not be an issue.  The biggest problem I have is turning the heat down.

[spada84]

I normally would never discourage any ride, however, the negatives out weigh the positives.
* Softtail Breakout not a great long distance bike.
* Brand New - not the best method of break in.
* Middle of November, weather could suck, and a bit of salt on the road could ruin that new finish.
* If you have limited time, a weather event could cost time and expense of an extra night in a hotel.

I would consider renting a truck and hauling it home.  I70 and you'll be home in no time.  This advice is coming from a guy that has 65K on a 2010, and rides to Daytona every year, usually leaving when it is 22 degrees.

[G_Fend]

I normally would never discourage any ride, however, the negatives out weigh the positives.
* Softtail Breakout not a great long distance bike.
* Brand New - not the best method of break in.
* Middle of November, weather could suck, and a bit of salt on the road could ruin that new finish.
* If you have limited time, a weather event could cost time and expense of an extra night in a hotel.

I would consider renting a truck and hauling it home.  I70 and you'll be home in no time.  This advice is coming from a guy that has 65K on a 2010, and rides to Daytona every year, usually leaving when it is 22 degrees.

I've considered doing that, too, especially as it is getting chilly.  I've got a truck and a 16' enclosed trailer so I could go that route too.  Riding it back is just so damned tempting....

Thanks for the advice!

[spada84]

Dang - If I had more time I would be glad to make the truck run with you.  I love a good road trip!  Just that my BSR is recovering from ankle surgery, so being primary care taker, then burning the last of this years vacation taking my Grand Son to Disney in FL.

[G_Fend]

Dang - If I had more time I would be glad to make the truck run with you.  I love a good road trip!  Just that my BSR is recovering from ankle surgery, so being primary care taker, then burning the last of this years vacation taking my Grand Son to Disney in FL.

Think I might have come up with an in-between solution. About as cheap for a one way ticket to KC, and then I can UHaul it back. Saves time and mileage on my own truck.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I would not ride that bike home this time of the year.  Do yourself a favor and put that beauty in a closed trailer to take it home.