My first loaded trip

[Pete Masterson]

The primary grade out of Oregon is shortly before the state border south of Ashland. While there are upgrade stretches after that (near Shasta) it's actually mostly down hill. Coming down won't be too bad, as the roads are mostly straight or have relatively gentle curves. (Watch out going around Lake Shasta, as there are a few serious curves along there.)

Once you're in the Central Valley, it's mostly straight and flat. Modest traffic until you hit Sacramento -- then it lightens up once you're south of there. Your next serious grade is The Grapevine south of Bakersfield. It's a steep, but mostly short grade. I dropped down to about 35-40 on it, so it may really slow you down (I have 140 more HP). It's a pretty long grade on the LA side of the hill, though.

Flying J near Corning (100+ miles north of Sacramento) is a good place to fill up, if needed. While CA fuel prices are rarely that good, they're often better than Oregon -- but check prices on the Internet, as things vary.

Another good fuel stop is Rotten Robbie at Santa Nella (State Route 33 and I-5). There are a couple other truck stops near Santa Nella, so it pays to check prices.

Other than that, there's a whole lotta nothing on that route.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 16, 2009, at 9:21 PM, jburgessx2 wrote:

Thanks to all that responded. I guess I don't feel too bad about it now. I was beginning to think something might be wrong.

I will be taking I-5 back to SoCal vice 101. I truly enjoy 101 but it's a lot of work in the motorhome with a tow car. I've done it twice now and I think I'll skip it. Of course, now I'll have to climb Shasta and a few others on the way home. Worse yet, I'll have the down hill to contend with and there's a few long down hills on that drive.

Jerry
85 PT40

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