August 2009 So. Cal Trip from Washington

[Netnorske]

As many of you may have read in the Off-Topic section, I was recently selected to umpire the Little League Western Regional Tournament in San Bernardino, CA. in August of 2009.

Since I will be quartered at the tournament site for 10 days, I originally planned to fly and rent a car for the week. Well several of my buddies not-so-graciously informed me that I would be a complete idiot-moron not to ride my Nomad down there and back...to which I soon came to my senses and could not have agreed more... .

This will however add extra days to my time off, but I thought about it and have decided to make it one big two and a half week adventure! I can strap all my umpire gear and other stuff to the bike and add substantially to the once-in-a-lifetime experience it already will be... !

Although I haven't made a definitive ride plan...it is winter so what else am I going to do? If I can't ride, I may as well PLAN a ride, huh? Keep in mind, this is entirely above and beyond my plans to ride to Custer in June! That trip will include the wife and we are both looking very forward to that, but the August run will be solo. BTW ....there will be a question forthcoming.... ;)....so bare with me!

I have to arrive at the complex in SB probably on a Tuesday night, so my tentative plan is as follows:

1. Leave Saturday morning Aug 1 taking long winding road (Hwy 410) up and around Mt. Rainier over Chinook Pass and spend the night at a friends place in Kennewick, WA.

2. Sunday morning Aug 2 head south through Pendleton on Hwy 395 and stop somewhere around Chandler State Park (Lake Albert) in southern Oregon...(approx. 400 miles).

3. Monday Aug 3 continue south on Hwy 395 to Carson City, NV where I will spend the night at my stepson and his girlfriends house (approx. 264 miles).

4. Tuesday morning Aug 4 continue south on Hwy 395 straight south to San Bernardino arriving at the Little League Complex late afternoon (417 miles).

Obviously I will be riding Hwy 395 all the way from southern Washington to southern California which will help keep me from getting lost... . My planned route is about 1300 miles total.

I have to admit I am not thrilled about riding anywhere in So. Cal in the middle of August as it will be like riding in a blast furnace, but can anyone tell me what I can expect along Hwy 395? I have never been on it or even close, but it looks interesting, maybe a bit boring, but not nearly as much as I-5.

Also...if any KawaNOW members would like to meet up with me along my path...to ride or even just to meet for a cup of coffee...that would be most welcome.

2009 will be the year of bike rides for me and all of my usual fishing trips will have to be put on hold until the following year. The Little League tournament assignment was completely unexpected, but I might as well use it as a great excuse for another long ride should I not... ..???

Cheers....Kris