Opinions on Westerly route

[denk]

Just looking for opinions on a round trip from Michigan to San Jose, CA in the September, what have others experienced with respect to weather and mountains?

What routes are recommended and why, thanks

[sbleiweiss]

Originally Posted by denk

Just looking for opinions on a round trip from Michigan to San Jose, CA in the September, what have others experienced with respect to weather and mountains?

What routes are recommended and why, thanks

I 80 straight across will get you there the most directly. It is mostly flat and even crossing the Rockies they have done the best they can to "level" the route. September is a great time. Not as hot as it gets in summer and not yet winter.

[Waiter21]

I-80 straight across. good drive. I run this route several times a year.


Attempt to avoid Chicago between 6 - 9am and 3 - 7pm. I think there is one toll booth.

When you get to Sacramento, you may want to swing south on I-5 > I-205 > I-580 > I-680 .. This will help you avoid the east bay area.

You'll do a good long climb just east of Salk Lake City, and another just west of Reno (between Reno and Sacramento)

No big problems , just take your time. I have a driving tip that I pass on regarding mountain climbing:

Never go down a hill any faster than you were able to go up the hill.

I take my time, force the tranny into a lower gear so its not constantly shifting, fall in line with the 18 wheelers, turn the four ways on, and enjoy the ride. The same applies going down the hill, If I find I'm need to hit the brakes a lot to keep from building up speed, that means I need to slow down even more and get into a lower gear. The engine needs to be doing the majority of the braking.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by denk

Just looking for opinions on a round trip from Michigan to San Jose, CA in the September, what have others experienced with respect to weather and mountains?

What routes are recommended and why, thanks

There are mountains between here and there and the weather will be perfect.

I push down and drive through the Rockies on I-70 and possible slide through the Rt 24 -50-550 loop back to I-70 will allow you to see some of Colorado and then head across the desert to Rt 50 to Tahoe and then on to San Jose.

JMHO,