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The route starts in Roseville on Aug 16. Comfortably, it takes 2 days to drive from Vancouver WA to Roseville CA, then two more days to get back home, so I would not be back until Aug 26. However, I think I'll probably ride part way home Monday night Aug 24, so I can get the rest of the way home on Tuesday the 25th.
This Google Doc is Scott's 2026 PCT Detailed Daily Ride Description
The 9-day route is approximately 1,800 miles with an average daily distance of about 185 miles with the longest of 216 miles and shortest of 150. Fuel will be available every 100 miles or fewer unless noted. Overall, the route has fewer daily mileage and is less strenuous than the '24 PCT. All two-wheeled machines welcome, even maxi scooters and motorcycles - however, you generally must be able to match the speed limit and in some places this is 55 with hills but it's OK if you come up a bit short there because those are usually tourist spots (e.g., along the west coast). In '24 we had a Super Cub complete the entire 1,900 route without issue and he had a blast (RIP, Dave). We expect to be on the road (riding and sightseeing) 7-10 hours per day (5-6 hours of riding, 2-4 hours of stops). Roads will be as small, out of the way, winding, hilly and scenic as possible but there will be some necessary highway (not freeway) sections. All roads are paved (there is one short optional dirt section). For the most part, there are no minimum (or maximum) speeds but there will be places that you might be holding up traffic if you can't do 40 or better (not that we care). The official route avoids all freeways but there are a few short sections where the slab option is far more expedient. The organizer has ridden most of the route many times.
I’ve been a bit quiet for a few months here on the forum. I thought I’d give an update just in case anyone was wondering what’s happening.
I don’t have a lot to report. The ride is, of course, 100% on! As of now, we have 12 riders, 11 machines (1 is 2-up). Pam, of Scooter Cannonball fame just announced she found a new job and, of course, that takes precedence over this ride. She’s not sure yet what she wants to do with her room reservations. A dozen or so riders is a great number but if we can get a few more, it will help with some logistics as discussed below. Please pass the word.
The V6 Ranch, the only overnight I am handling booking for, still has 10 beds (some are in their own room while others share rooms). These rooms are saved for us until July 1. After that, there are no guarantees. I saw the manager the other day while we rode through on another ride and while camping may be possible, it’s not something they normally handle. Also, I toured the large common room and it’s a fantastic meeting area - we will have a lot of fun telling riding stories there! Dinner at the V6 is still up in the air - the restaurant is normally closed that day but if we get 15 people, they will cook for us (we are close!). An alternative is they have nice BBQ pits and if we do have a SAG vehicle, we may do a community BBQ. This is only possible with a vehicle to haul food from Hollister, 100+ miles away. While it’s tempting and fun to do a social BBQ, the logistics of this may be overwhelming given shopping, dietary needs, cooking, etc. We shall see. We will sort all this out sometime late July.
As of now we may have a support driver and a 2-rail trailer. This would be great for off-loading gear but also the sense of security in case we have a breakdown, etc. It’s not yet 100% certain. On this note, if any of you have a friend or significant other who will or wants to follow along in a vehicle, please let me know. That route will be very scenic, even in a car with lots of sights.
Finally, it’s been a long time since most of you signed up. I know things change, life happens. And, a few if you will be travelling a long way to get to California. If you are having second thoughts about being able to make it, please let me know. Normally, it would not be crucial that I know but with me making these lodging and possibly food arrangements for night 3, the sooner I know, the better.
