2017
2017.08 - CA OR ID
August 4 - 28, 2017
Africa Twins
3,400 miles
0. San Diego CA
1. Bishop CA (Travelodge) 336
2. Susanville CA (Super 8) 290
3. Burns OR (Best Western Rory & Ryan Inn) 295
4 - 19. Garden Valley, ID 230
20. Lakeview OR (BW Skyline Motor Lodge) 355
21. Portola CA (Sierra Motel) 230
22. Arnold CA (Timberline Lodge) 180
23. Oakhurst CA (Comfort Inn Yosemite) 130
24. Exeter CA (Best Western Exeter Inn) 145
25. San Diego CA, 205 mi
The late summer sun glinted off the fairings of our two Honda Africa Twins, packed and ready for a long haul north. August 4th, 2017, marked the beginning of a 3,400-mile journey from our home in Southern California, all the way to the scenic haven of Garden Valley, Idaho, and back. This trip, primarily on asphalt, promised stunning vistas and the comfortable mile-munching capabilities of our trusty Africa Twins.
Our first day was a familiar trek north, a 336-mile ride to Bishop, California. The desert heat shimmered on the long stretches of highway, but the Africa Twins’ comfortable riding position and smooth engines made the miles pass with relative ease. The Travelodge in Bishop offered a welcome respite against the backdrop of the majestic Eastern Sierra.
Continuing our northward trajectory, we rode 290 miles to Susanville, California. The landscape began to transition, the arid desert giving way to more verdant valleys and the scent of pine filling the air as we climbed in elevation. The Super 8 in Susanville provided a straightforward and comfortable overnight stay.
Our third day took us across the state line into Oregon, a 295-mile ride to Burns. The vastness of the Oregon high desert unfolded before us, with long, straight roads stretching towards the horizon. The Best Western Rory & Ryan Inn in Burns was a welcome sight after a day spent under the expansive Oregon sky.
The next leg, a 230-mile ride, brought us to our primary destination: Garden Valley, Idaho. The scenery transformed dramatically as we entered Idaho, the rugged mountains and lush forests a stark contrast to the deserts we had traversed. For the next several days, Garden Valley became our home base. This extended stay allowed for deep exploration of the area's natural beauty.
Reluctantly leaving the beauty of Garden Valley behind, our southward journey began with a long 355-mile ride to Lakeview, Oregon. The vast landscapes of Oregon reappeared, the Africa Twins effortlessly covering the distance. The Best Western Skyline Motor Lodge in Lakeview offered a comfortable stop on our return journey.
Continuing south into California, we rode 230 miles to Portola. The Sierra Nevada welcomed us back with its familiar beauty, winding roads leading us through picturesque mountain towns. The Sierra Motel provided a cozy and convenient overnight stay.
Our journey then took us through the heart of the Sierra Nevada, a 180-mile ride to Arnold, California. The towering pines and crisp mountain air were a refreshing change. The Timberline Lodge offered a rustic and charming mountain retreat.
Heading further south, we rode 130 miles to Oakhurst, the gateway to Yosemite National Park. While we didn't venture into the park on this trip, the surrounding scenery was still breathtaking. The Comfort Inn Yosemite provided a comfortable and convenient stop.
Our penultimate day on the road was a 145-mile ride to Exeter, California, bringing us back into the familiar Central Valley. The Best Western Exeter Inn offered a comfortable night before our final leg home.
Finally, after many days on the road, we completed the last 205 miles back to our home in Southern California. The Africa Twins, reliable and comfortable companions throughout our 3,400-mile asphalt adventure, carried us safely through diverse landscapes and created memories that would last a lifetime. The long days in Garden Valley exploring the Idaho wilderness remained a highlight, a peaceful interlude in our journey.
How to view a larger map ...
Let’s say you’re looking at your map in Google My Maps, but it feels a bit small, and you want to see it bigger. Here’s how you can do that:
Look for the Expand Option: When you’re viewing your map, check the top-right corner of the map area. You might see a little square icon with an arrow pointing outward (it looks like it’s trying to stretch). Click that. This makes the map fill your whole screen or at least a larger part of it.
Open in Google Maps (Alternative): If you’re previewing your custom map and see a link or button that says 'View in Google Maps' or 'Open in Maps,' click it. This takes your map to the full Google Maps website or app, where it’s bigger and easier to explore.
Zoom and Adjust: Once it’s larger, you can use your mouse wheel to zoom in or out, or drag the map around to see more details.
That’s it! You’re just telling the map to take up more space so you can see everything better.
This works whether they’re on a computer or a phone, though the exact buttons might look slightly different. If they’re stuck, they can also hit the 'Preview' button in Google My Maps to see it in a cleaner, larger layout.
How to export a track from Google MyMaps ...
How to Export a Track from Google My Maps
Open Your Map
Go to Google My Maps on your computer and sign in.
Select the map containing the track (e.g., a line or route you’ve drawn).
Identify the Track
In the left panel, find the layer with the line or route you want to export. This could be something you drew manually using the "Draw a line" tool (the squiggly line icon) or imported from a file.
If it’s not already a line, you’ll need to have drawn it as one (e.g., a path between points).
Export the Map or Layer to KML/KMZ
Click the three-dot menu next to the map title (at the top of the left panel).
Select "Export to KML/KMZ".
A dialog box will appear. Check the box if you want to export only a specific layer (e.g., the one with your track), or leave it unchecked to export the entire map.
Choose KML (for broader compatibility) or KMZ (a compressed version of KML).
Click Download. This saves the file to your computer.
Verify the File
Open the KML/KMZ file in a program like Google Earth to confirm your track (the line) is included. It’ll appear as a path or shape you can view.
Convert to a Track Format (Optional)
If you need a true "track" format like GPX (common for GPS devices or apps), use a third-party tool:
Online Converters: Sites like GPS Visualizer or MyGeodata Converter let you upload the KML/KMZ file and convert it to GPX.
Steps: Upload the file, select GPX as the output format, and download the converted file.
Alternatively, software like QGIS or Garmin BaseCamp can also handle this conversion.
Use Your Track
Once you have the file (KML/KMZ or GPX), you can import it into a GPS device, a mapping app (e.g., Gaia GPS, AllTrails), or another platform that supports tracks.
Notes
What’s a Track?: In this context, a "track" is typically a recorded path with timestamps (like from a GPS device). Google My Maps doesn’t record timestamps, so your exported line is more of a static route. Converting to GPX might add basic track-like properties, but it won’t include speed or time data unless you add that elsewhere.
Limitations: Google My Maps excels at static maps, not dynamic tracking. If you meant exporting a track from Google Maps Timeline (your location history), that’s a different process involving Google Takeout, which I can explain if needed!
Drawing a Route: If you haven’t made the track yet, use the "Draw a line" tool in Google My Maps to trace your path, then follow the steps above.