December Travel from Arizona to Georgia????

[kjsett]

Hi All.

Probably silly to ask this question:
My better half wants to be in Atlanta, GA the 4-5th of December (business). We are currently exploring travel options. There's the usual: airplane (just her-least cost); Cager (drive with her and keep down the overall time/cost, but still more money and me just along as a driver; or take like 10 days and ride the bikes. Last one is my favorite, but i am a little on the nuts side anyway.
Problem one: her bike is not as protected as my ZG1200 (hers is a VN800 vulcan with just a large windshield), so she is more exposed to wind and weather.
Problem two: road conditions across NM, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and George the first week in December.
Some rain understandable, but what are the likelyhoods of ice and or snow (freezing temps).

Odds are, we will probably just send her, but I thought I would ask all these wonderfully informed (opinionated) people who may live in those areas.

We used to live in the panhandle of Florida (2003-2006), so have a feel for that time of year there, but it can be a whole lot different just north of the Florida line.
Thanks for any response,
Ken

PS. Crossed my mind she could ride behind me, but she has her own bike because of the wind buffeting issues (one reason) and i haven't gone to a larger windshield since she rides her own.

[grumpin]

Ken, I can't really comment on the roads or conditions, but I can on the 800 Vulcan, I had an 05. That was the coldest bike I ever rode. Even with a big windshield! We can ride in some pretty cold temps up here and it may not be a good comparison. I don't know what is was about that bike. My KLR was better. Just a thought. I don't know if you could find some lowers to deflect wind or not. Sounds like a fun ride.

[kjsett]

Ken, I can't really comment on the roads or conditions, but I can on the 800 Vulcan, I had an 05. That was the coldest bike I ever rode. Even with a big windshield! We can ride in some pretty cold temps up here and it may not be a good comparison. I don't know what is was about that bike. My KLR was better. Just a thought. I don't know if you could find some lowers to deflect wind or not. Sounds like a fun ride.

Klamath Falls - cold and wet memories. April '12, my first long distance ride on my '03 XII (w/trailer). Stopped for gas and it started blowing and spitting cold rain (on my way to Portland/Vancouver area), and I was trying to put on my warm and rain gear and got pretty cold (under gas station cover). Going over the pass to Eugene it was even spitting some snow as the temp's dipped to 34f per gauge. Finally stopped after riding through heavy rain as far as Albany. (GOOD TIMES)
But then I knew what I was getting into as I rode out of Springfield (Eugene) from '87 to '92 on a 78 Yamaha XS1100 (with fairings and luggage).
I rode her bike last month over to Albuquerque and back, temps never got below the 50's and yes, alot of air comes up around the gas tank and up the body under the chin (can't wear my 1/2 helmet as too much wind in the eyes).
Thanks for your thoughts. Like I said, a long shot as the priority is to get my spouse to Atlanta in good shape (and home again). We have some latitude on time as we could leave as early as the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but the more time on the road, the greater the motel expenses. Plus two bikes combined mileage I figure at about the same as her car . Warmer and cheaper on my bike 2-up, but she doesn't like the helmet buffeting.
Later, Ken

[grumpin]

That sounds like K. Falls! Summers are wonderful though, and so much to explore around here. Did that on the KLR. That's tough, I'm getting crippled up, so I would probably drive. I absolutely loathe flying airlines anymore. If I don't have to, I won't. Enjoy whichever way you choose!

[debron]

Put the wife on the plane and you hop on your Voyager!!

[kjsett]

Put the wife on the plane and you hop on your Voyager!!

I have suggested that

We Shall Seeeeee?

[Mr Jensee]

Back to the request, December in Louisiana is often cool but not cold. October through December is usually our driest months. If you ride I-10 you will probably find that through Louisiana it will be rougher than most of the other southern states but not terrible. We reserve our terrible roads to two lane highways. If you plan on coming this way I would love to meet you guys and you can grab some Cajun food while in the area. Then you can understand why we are so fat here.

[kjsett]

Ok,
The reason for the ride is out. She isn't going this time, maybe later.
Now I am juiced for a ride, oh well, maybe I will find some other excuse to go.
Thanks for your responses,
Ken