Motorcycle trip from Casper to E Oregon next week (Rawlins: fit in, moving)

[Rick6t6]

Hi all,
I have a motorcycle rally I will be headed to next week in Eastern Oregon. Will be leaving the Casper area on Thursday morning. I don't spend a lot of time, or have much experience with anything West of Rawlins.
My question is this, for those of you that travel that side of the state. What would you consider the best route. Road conditions, and weather this time of year? Should I pick up I-80 at Rawlins, and then get on 84 in Ogden? It's a few extra miles, but slightly quicker time wise. What I would prefer is 26 from Casper, and then overnighting in Idaho Falls, and continuing on till i reach 84. But crossing this Tetons this time of year has me a bit concerned. I don't mind getting a little wet, but not into getting stuck in a downpour. Keep in mind, i'll be on a bike, and not in a enclosed vehicle.
Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

[sunsprit]

Given the number of slow moving frontal passages we've had in the area over the last couple of weeks ...

Your guess as to the weather conditions to be encountered next week are as good as any forecasters at this time.

Best to plan your preferred routes now and reserve your decision until the morning of your departure.

[WyoNewk]

Where in eastern Oregon are you headed?

There aren't very direct routes from Wyoming to Oregon due to the many mountain ranges. From I-80 we often take Hwy 95 north out of Winnemucca, then Hwy 140 west into southern Oregon. We've also taken Hwy 20 across to I-84 where we cross into Oregon at Ontario and continue on Hwy 20. And sometimes we take I-90. They're all good roads for a car or motorcycle, particularly Hwy 20/I-84. Weather should be your main concern.

The way the weather patterns have been coming across this week and are forecast for next week, if I were you I'd plat two routes, then take a good look at the very latest weather information immediately before you leave and make your decision based on that. Take your chains.

On edit: I see Sunsprit agrees with me on the weather. There's just no point in guessing today.

[Rick6t6]

Thanks both for the replies. You didn't tell me anything I didn't know already, but exactly what I was expecting to hear. LOL
At this point, I do have a couple contingency plans. And I agree with both of you on the fact that at this point, and given the weather patterns, it's going to be "dealers choice".
Newk, the destination is Baker City.

[StealthRabbit]

I would do 26 to Mtn Home, ID (and have several times by MC). Tetons not an issue, as you can skirt through Hoback, Jct. I have had to take the 'southern' route to Farson / Pinedale, but if you do that, head on west and enjoy Bear Lake(UT) and Lava Hot Springs (ID). I do very little MC riding on Interstate Highways, as I find myself falling to sleep over the boredom.

Hopefully you can find a nice 'round-trip' route, tho ID wilderness presents a challenge.

I like taking 55 out of NW Boise, there are some Hot Springs on north of McCall.

If you can fit in a trip through MT and over the Beartooth on the way home, I would do that!!. I also like 14a across the Bighorns.

[K-Bot]

Sounds like a wonderful ride, you guys, maybe we'll see ya "on the road" next year! We'll be on a teal blue Suzuki Intruder that often gets mistaken for a Harley

[Goin'toasquarestate]

Originally Posted by Rick6t6

Thanks both for the replies. You didn't tell me anything I didn't know already, but exactly what I was expecting to hear. LOL
At this point, I do have a couple contingency plans. And I agree with both of you on the fact that at this point, and given the weather patterns, it's going to be "dealers choice".
Newk, the destination is Baker City.

Baker City. Real decent Oregon destination there, State Highways out in far E. Oregon are great rides; not so much the Interstate, yes?

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by K-Bot

Sounds like a wonderful ride, you guys, maybe we'll see ya "on the road" next year! We'll be on a teal blue Suzuki Intruder that often gets mistaken for a Harley

And I on a 1972 XS2 Yamaha. It doesn't get mistaken for a Harley
yamaha xs2 650 - Google Search

Mine is back to Red and White after many yrs / trips with different paint jobs. It is still tempting (and able) to lean her over and do some sweeping slides on gravel roads in canyons... just like the good ole 'flat-track' days. Sturgis and beyond, circa 1970's.