Debating going east from London or doing TAT. What kind of time is needed to do this - this could be a more likely option for me. On an '08 XT660Z

Comfortably a month.

The point of the TAT is not to simply knock off the miles, but since it passes by and close to some really interesting places, I would use it to see some sights you might otherwise not get the chance to unless you were taking that particular route.

There is a ride report here: Trans-Am 500 of my trip taken last summer (start at very beginning of that thread if you want to read about the initial West-East journey too).

I had also ridden the vast majority of the TAT back in 2008/09 - on an '08 XT660Z Tenere too as it happens! - and it would be the perfect bike for that trip.

The current TAT route also goes close to Memphis (worth a visit to see Graceland) and depending on the time of year, I would suggest a few extra days in mid Colorado - Pikes Peak, and the alternative passes across the Continental Divide are great fun. If you do have time, the Durango-Silverton railroad is also an epic day off the bike.



Also, you'll really want more than a day in Moab - it would be a huge shame to simply pass though...

Hell, perhaps you ought to allow five (or more!) weeks after all!

Sure beats eating boiled testicles in a Mongolian yurt in my opinion!

Jx

Thanks Jenny! I've spent the winter so far reading your various threads on XT660.com and advrider. My only limitation is the 3 month visa, and I'd probably fly the bike out to Canada so I have a buffer to avoid deportation.. Other than that I'd like to take my time.

When is too late/too early? The earlier the better for me so I can find a real job when I return.

Thanks again

Hi Lanky - I'm not sure of the procedure for bringing a bike in overland via Canada, but certainly once you bring it into the USA you are allowed to keep the bike for a maximum of a year before you need to take it out again, and you can insure (in the US) over the phone with Progressive as long as you have a US mailing address. Alternatively, I understand it is now possible to have 3rd party insurance arranged before you go via some of the dedicated motorcycle shipping agents.

An alternative if you're set on Canada is to fly the bike using Air Canada - they are/were offering very attractive rates for motorcycle shipping as effectively excess baggage, and unlike the US, they don't seem to mind if the bike is even on the same plane as you. I'm sure there is more info on this subject elsewhere on the HUBB.

For yourself, ESTA will give you 90 days as you surmise, which ought to be long enough - the alternative is to apply for a full B1/B2 (6-month at a time) visa via the embassy.

Last year I rode the TAT from East to West starting at the beginning of June, however, there was one pass in Colorado (California Pass) that was still blocked with snow and I had to route around. If you want ride any of the others (such as Tincup, Tomichi, Old Monarch and Hancock for example) then June is probably going to be too early still...

My suggestion would be to leave the east coast around the beginning of July, and you ought to have a clear run. August is also good, although very hot once you get into the desert in Utah and Nevada.

Basically on a trip of this length and altitude diversity, you're likely to get a bit of everything - wind, rain, floods, sun, serious heat and even still some snow on the higher elevations, if only at the side of the trail.

For example, I rode the high passes at the end of September in 2009, and there was already some snow - but things still ought to be passable, and certainly earlier in the month.

After the beginning of October though you are likely to face the same problems at elevation as you do in June - although at least you'll have had the summer to help things thaw.

Hope that helps!

Jenny x

That's great, thank you!

Hey,
I plan a ride from NH anywhere westward with no plan yet ( Alaska perhaps) sometime in June. Only date I got to keep is June 16 in Jackson, Wyoming.

Is anyone thinking of doing this in June? I'm keen but would need a travel partner. If nothing materialises I'll probably point the bike east instead.