East Coast to Sturgis I90 & I80 Advise

[DMcBiker]

Hi guys, I planning a run out to Sturgis next year from the East Coast and it looks like I’ll be on big flat top all the way (2400mi ea. way) What kind of advise can you give me about I90 & I80. Road congestion is my main concern. I’ve never ridden in heavy traffic congestion on a bike, we just don’t get that up north!! I’d like to ride about 500 – 600 miles a day if possible. Thanks for the input…

[glide69]

I ran 80 out to SWII this year. straight out 1100 miles!! some construction here and there but still steady flow no real congestion.ran 80+ all day long.just have plenty of $$$ on your EZ-PASS or in your pocket for tolls!! I think its like $15 for N.Y. another$10 for OHIO those are the big ones but thats a quick $50 round trip for just those 2 states!! 5-600 miles a day will be easy!!

[DMcBiker]

Thanks, I appreciate the insight. I’ve driven I90 to Buffalo in the truck, you’re right it’s expensive. I plan to get an EZee pass and mount it on the bike.

[dmize]

South of Chicago is the only congested part.

Its about 15 - 20 miles of wall to wall commuters and semi's

[PGR]

My advice....... take an extra day and do 2 lane blacktops. If you're going to do I-80 and I-90, you might as well trailer the bike.

Better scenery...... better food...... If you see something interesting, you can just stop to look without a semi trying to turn your bike into a hood ornament.

You won't have that beat up feeling when you get there.

You'll also burn through less fuel.

Sturgis 2010, I took I-80 and I-90 thinking I would get there sooner. Two day trip. Well, I did cut a couple hours off, but I had to take the next day after getting there to lay around and recover.

Sturgis 2012, I took all blacktop roads.... didn't touch an interstate the whole way from home to Rapid City, where we were staying. Two day trip. Took an extra 2 1/2 hours (big whoop).... but the next day, I rode to Wyoming just to do lunch, and it turned into a 350 mile day of exploring.

Did the same back road, 2 day route on the way home...... unloaded the bike in the garage, and went for a ride.

Use a GPS, set to avoid Interstates, and enjoy the adventure.

Just 2 cents

[dmize]

Originally Posted by PGR

Use a GPS, set to avoid Interstates, and [B][I][U]enjoy the adventure

Just 2 cents

great advice. This past trip to SW2 was my longest road trip and I did all highway...

from now on I'm doing just as you advised!

[Stray Mutt]

Agree with the above. If you like dodging and fighting 18 wheelers, then I-80 is your playground. Not a very enjoyable road at all for me, though. It's their road, not ours.

[Northwoods_Maine]

If you have the time, take the Canadien route up around the Great Lakes. Avoiding the greater Northern Indianna/Illinois area will make it worthwhile in itself. Anywhere within 75 miles of Chicago really sucks. I lived there for almost 10 years and avoided it like the plague.

[mea4dxl]

rt 80 sucks around IL . to many ppl on the road even at night. good luck

[Fahred]

I presume you're talking about 80 across Iowa then north from Omaha on 29 to 90 across South Dakota. Be forewarned that 90 across SD is extraordinarily windy and not a pleasant run. I would urge you to consider riding through Nebraska and either picking up Highway 2 near Grand Island and riding through the Sandhills or taking Highway 75 up to Valentine. The Sandhills route will add about an extra hour to your travel time but Highway 2 is considered by many to be one of the most scenic highways in the country. I'd google both routes then decide. Safe travels..