Winter motorcycle vacation - are we nuts?

[Critical Mass]

So a few days back, here in the great white north, we were lamenting the task of preparing our motorcycles for months of winter storage.

One of the enlightened among us suggested a winter ride. Why couldn’t we trailer our bikes to somewhere south of the snow line and have some fun in the sun? Why not, indeed?

I need some information from y’all southerners. Is there part of your “winter” that this isn’t advisable? Your definition of winter and mine may differ.

We’re looking at going to Houston and riding east along the coast to east Florida, traveling north to somewhere around Savannah and then due west for a time before ending up back in Houston.

We’re looking at a 2 week period in late January – early February.

Is this nuts at that time of year? I’ve heard of winter ice storms and the havoc caused. Is the temperature likely to be somewhere above 50? Is that time of the year more likely to be rainy? Is it less temperate going a little bit inland?

Timing is flexible – a few weeks later is feasible if this isn’t a good idea at this time of year.

Looking forward to your responses – good motorcycle route suggestions welcome too.

Thanks.

[Johnny L.A.]

I'm in SoCal right now. Except in the rainy season in February, you can pretty much ride year-round. It doesn't get that cold here, though I used to commute from L.A. to San Bernardino and saw temperatures as low as 33ºF on a sign near Ontario. I visited my mom in Phoenix one December. The temperature was nice.

I'd like to ride across the country myself, only I have a sportbike and it gets uncomfortable after 100 miles or so.

[Critical Mass]

Our 'plan B' is the Southwest - I'm more sure that the climate is warm and dry in the Arizona area. But I haven't seen the south-east states before.

I'll be on my V-Star with a brand new Mustang seat that I just ordered. Bring on the road!

[Hirundo82]

This should give you an idea of the weather here in Houston by month. It should be about the same anywhere along the Gulf(Mobile, Alabama for example).