LA to Vancouver in Late November

Kiel · 11-21-2012, 11:14 PM

Hey Everyone need some advice,

Looking to get from LA to Van as fast and safely as possible. I have no idea about how the interstate 5 is like to ride or if it goes through mountain passes that are unridable. Anyways leaving tomorrow morning so any advice would be great! Is it just best to stick to the PCH the whole way and stay out of snow even though its slower?

lexluther11 · 11-22-2012, 05:39 AM

I rode Vancouver to LA on the I5 last Dec 24th and will again next month. It can get very cold so be prepared with warm riding gear. I had late starts in the mornings because of black ice but once the sun came out it was good. The ride over Mt. Shasta is the only place that had snow but they keep the hwy in good shape so it wasn't a problem just the cold air. I think the PCH is even colder because you get the damp cold air from the ocean.

spafxer · 11-22-2012, 06:07 AM

Near Ashland Oregon was the coldest and wettest for me... Ice in the hotel parking lot, but the freeway was clear.

Rain gear and electric jacket and gloves I would consider mandatory this time of year.

Papas · 11-22-2012, 11:47 AM

The weather will dictate your success. The mountains from Redding to Grants Pass can turn to dead winter in a heartbeat this time of year. The coast is generally warmer w/o snow/ freezing temps AND a wayyyy better ride, IMO. Definitely a case for electrics! have fun and good luck!

steve

11-21-2012, 11:14 PM	#1
Kiel ^OP Adventurer Joined: Apr 2011 Location: Tofino, BC Oddometer: 19	LA to Vancouver in Late November Hey Everyone need some advice, Looking to get from LA to Van as fast and safely as possible. I have no idea about how the interstate 5 is like to ride or if it goes through mountain passes that are unridable. Anyways leaving tomorrow morning so any advice would be great! Is it just best to stick to the PCH the whole way and stay out of snow even though its slower?

11-22-2012, 06:07 AM	#3
spafxer Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Oddometer: 2,319	Near Ashland Oregon was the coldest and wettest for me... Ice in the hotel parking lot, but the freeway was clear. Rain gear and electric jacket and gloves I would consider mandatory this time of year. __________________ People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent. -- Bob Dylan

11-22-2012, 11:47 AM	#4
Papas n00b Joined: Sep 2012 Location: Long Beach, WA / Greenville, SC Oddometer: 3	chancy......... The weather will dictate your success. The mountains from Redding to Grants Pass can turn to dead winter in a heartbeat this time of year. The coast is generally warmer w/o snow/ freezing temps AND a wayyyy better ride, IMO. Definitely a case for electrics! have fun and good luck! steve

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-22-2012, 05:39 AM	#2
lexluther11 Ride,Eat,Rest-Repeat Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Oddometer: 681	I rode Vancouver to LA on the I5 last Dec 24th and will again next month. It can get very cold so be prepared with warm riding gear. I had late starts in the mornings because of black ice but once the sun came out it was good. The ride over Mt. Shasta is the only place that had snow but they keep the hwy in good shape so it wasn't a problem just the cold air. I think the PCH is even colder because you get the damp cold air from the ocean.