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Ride from the Bay Area to Reno

P777

P777

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2021
Location
Los Gatos, CA
Moto(s)
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Name
Alexey
Does anybody have experience of riding from the Bay Area to Reno or in the opposite direction? Is it doable in winter when I-80 is clean enough?
 
I've done it, but never in the winter. That said I've done the drive in years past and I managed to catch a break in the weather with clear roads the whole way. I stopped for a picture near the top of the pass and it was chilly, but not cold enough to freeze the meltwater running across the road in places. I think if you time it so you are crossing the mountains at the warmest time of day you'd have nothing to worry about so long as you have a few layers handy. Watch for sand and potholes of course.
 
I've driven that pass for work countless times. I've been stuck in a blizzard in June and have seen temps in the mid 70's during January. Watch the weather. If it rained snowed a day or two prior to your expected travel dates, it could possibly be wet and icy. If its been clear, you'll probably have one of the finest rides in your life... as long as you stay warm.
 
Is it doable in winter? Yes, if Mother Nature is being kind.

Even if the weather is amenable that given day, things to consider,

*Run off from snow melt. If you are on the pass, those signs that warn of ICE mean just that.
*Sand strewn by either CalTrans or the roadside grit can git ya.
*Downhill breaking, coming down the summit, is bad for EVERYONE. Might not be your tires that break loose but the speeding cager going by you.
*It can be cold. Really cold. Motorcycles are the apex of wind chill factor.
*...and more.

All that said, I've done it and am still here.
 
Wear elec gear and check the weather. Good friend rode his Goldwing up mid March to a meeting in Reno. Weather showed snow possible only up high on the pass, they were wrong. He ran into heavy snow on the top, rode slow until he fell. CHP said WTH and called a tow. No tow insurance so he told the tow to stop as soon as it turned to rain. I wish I had his picture of his wing in the snow bank.
 
Did it once. Made it. Won't do it again!!!

Had to follow a big rig to keep the bitter cold off and also clear a tire sized clear path in the shitty mix of sand and watered down snow.

That was in September and happened to be a bad weather spell, but I had a gig so went for it.

Good luck!
 
It looks like the consensus of those who survived the passage is that a winter ride there is for brave ones only. What month road conditions start getting safe enough for risk avert riders on i-80?
 
If it was me going (Cautious of weather when traveling and still get fucked) April but if it is not an urgent need May would be beautiful.

:ride
 
Did it once from SLC to the bay with snow in Tahoe/ Reno, on a GSX-R750. Worst experience ever. Like...ever, ever.

Never again. I don't know how I made it through snow. This was in February, however.
 
It probably doesn't need to be said, but take I-80 - don't be tempted by those nice twisty side roads...
 
I drove much of that route in November, taking Highway 50 into the Reno area. There was ice on the road on the east side of the Sierras. I do not want to try to get a motorcycle through stuff like that. The road up to the top would have been wonderful on a bike, though.
 
If you absolutely have to, watch the weather and make sure:
A) no possibility of the slightest storms in the forecast for when you are riding
2) no snow storms for several days before you plan on riding
2.5) preferably there have been warm days between the last storm and your ride day so any snow / ice melts
3) you have extremely warm gear on ready to put on once you start coming up to elevation
4) ride slow and cautiously

If you don't have absolutely have to and this is a joy ride, consider all the above as well as your desire to joy ride in the cold

Fwiw, I live in Truckee and the motos are generally put away in October and taken back out in April
 
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Thanks guys for the feedback. I am considering an alternative way to commute. If I am understanding correctly, riding in winter is quite challenging. I have noticed it too while driving back and forth over I-80. Hwy 70 extends the travel significantly. Budman mentioned that starting in May, riding there would be fine. It works for me.
Augustiron, greetings from a soon to be neighbor!
 
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