Illinois to New Mexico

[braq attack]

Originally Posted by rocker59

Here's my suggestion for the KS/OK/NM portion:

Google Map Link


Near Kenton, Oklahoma is the highest point in Oklahoma at Black Mesa.

NM-456 is now paved, and is a beautiful route through some mesa country.

You'll go through Folsom, NM. Namesake of the Folsom Point

Take NM-72 over Johnson Mesa into Raton. Another beautiful ride.

wow man thanks for this! i really like the scenery of that route. i did the 3d drive through feature . it really does look like an awesome route to take

[rocker59]

I love that part of the country!

[rocker59]

Originally Posted by braq attack

wow man thanks for this! i really like the scenery of that route. i did the 3d drive through feature . it really does look like an awesome route to take

I'm doubting myself about NM-456. I've ridden it a few years ago when there was 17 miles of dirt. It was my understanding that it had been paved all the way through, but I'm not positive. I put a shout-out in The Rockies regional forum to see if any locals could tell me. You may have a few miles of gravel in the middle of the section between Kenton and Folsom. It's no biggie when dry, but if it's been raining, you might not want to take NM-456, unless we can confirm they've paved it all the way through...

[braq attack]

Originally Posted by rocker59

I'm doubting myself about NM-456. I've ridden it a few years ago when there was 17 miles of dirt. It was my understanding that it had been paved all the way through, but I'm not positive. I put a shout-out in The Rockies regional forum to see if any locals could tell me. You may have a few miles of gravel in the middle of the section between Kenton and Folsom. It's no biggie when dry, but if it's been raining, you might not want to take NM-456, unless we can confirm they've paved it all the way through...

wow thanks. it would be real nice if its all paved. if not I might avoid it being a novice rider. I just wouldnt feel comfortable riding on gravel with lots of luggage on the back

[rocker59]

I PM'd an inmate that lives over that way. I'll let you know what he says. It's been a few years since I was through there.

[rocker59]

braq,

The localist local I could find doesn't know for sure. If you want to avoid dirt, there are a couple choices.

Google Map Link - Clayton = This route will take you through Liberal, Guymon, and Clayton on nice US Highways. It still takes you over Johnson Mesa, which is fun. The "B" pin is placed at Samson of the Cimarron. A bridge that was an engineering marvel of its time. Worth stopping for a few minutes.

Google Map Link - Kenton = This one still takes you to Black Mesa, if you want to score Oklahoma's Highest point at Black Mesa, but keeps you on pavement.


You're gonna have a blast. It's beautiful country. I live in the mountains, but really enjoy riding The Great Plains!

[braq attack]

thanks so much! this has really helped with the planning of this trip. well at least the last leg of the trip . Ive imported all of these into google earth. so much smoother and easier to use in google earth. also a great place to consolidate my planning.

[FatChance]

Do you have your license, insurance, plate, helmet, good riding gear and at least a couple hundred miles on the bike on the kinds of roads you are planning on riding to get to know it? How about a contingency plan and a couple days cushion if the bike craps out in BFE, Oklahoma? I know this is Adventure Rider and the adventure starts when things go wrong and you have to change your plans, but part of an adventure is to also hopefully get to your destination safely...