About the Pony Express Trail

The Pony Express was an American express mail service that used relays of horse-mounted riders between Missouri and California. It was operated by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company.

During its 18 months of operation beginning in 1860, the Pony Express reduced the time for messages to travel between the east and west US coast to about 10 days. It became the west's most direct means of east–west communication before the first transcontinental telegraph was established (October 24, 1861), and was vital for tying the new state of California with the rest of the United States.

Riding a motorcycle on the Pony Express Trail offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and challenging terrain.

You can trace the route of the legendary Pony Express riders, who braved harsh conditions to deliver mail across the American West. Encounter remnants of the past, such as old stagecoach stations, mining towns, and ghost towns.

The trail encompasses a mix of paved highways and unpaved dirt roads, offering a variety of riding experiences. Navigate challenging mountain passes, traverse high-desert plains, and explore rugged canyons. Be prepared for long stretches of isolation and challenging terrain, especially in the more remote sections of the trail.

Riding the entire Pony Express Trail requires significant physical endurance and technical riding skills. Be mindful of extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain, which can impact your ride. Carry essential tools and spare parts to address potential mechanical problems in remote areas. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer, elk, and coyotes, which may cross the trail.

Riding the Pony Express Trail on a motorcycle is an unforgettable adventure for experienced riders seeking a challenging and rewarding journey. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history of the American West and experience the beauty of diverse landscapes.

Plan your route carefully, research the trail conditions and plan your fuel stops. Bring essential gear, including extra fuel, tools, spare parts, and plenty of water. Consider riding with a friend or group for safety and companionship. Practice Leave No Trace principles and minimize your impact on the natural surroundings.

By carefully planning and preparing, you can embark on an epic motorcycle adventure along the historic Pony Express Trail.

About gpsKevin Rides

This is a rougher ride for intermediate to advanced riders only. No beginners.  

I have added some easy and harder options for riders that are looking for extra or just to relax.

This is a 10 day adventure across the USA.  You will be staying in different motels each night during the week.   

You will be eating in restaurants during the week, so no need to bring cooking equipment or food. 

The riding should be scenic to rough depending on your choices.

The exciting part about this ride is that riders can choose their own level of adventure exposure each day to meet their desire and excitement.

Each day our route will take us to the next motel and many days we will have an option of lunch on the trail.  

Each morning riders will grab breakfast and team up with their riding buddies, grab their daily snacks and begin their adventure.  

The day's adventures are long with many rich options along the way. 

After the day's ride, riders perform bike maintenance and join up for happy hour and dinner.  Then it is often to bed early as the next day comes quickly.

Be prepared for any sort of weather. It can be a bit rainy in the spring. Sharp knobbies recomended! 

Riders should also carry any supplies for bike repairs and maintenance on the trail (like flat tires).

Ride Details

 I know many of you also enjoy dreaming about the ride and making your plans, so here is the detail, enjoy! 

Signup info:

The cost to join this 10 day ride is $2,250.  This covers your lodging for the 10 nights during the ride and the cost of the luggage van and driver. Hotel rooms are double occupancy. This also covers your ride packets which include custom Garmin GPS maps on a micro SD card and printed ride maps and descriptions. Not included is the cost of meals, drinks and gas. 

Now taking signups: You can now reserve your spot on this ride by leaving a $200 Deposit  

Not taking signup yet.  If you are interested in joining this ride please add your name to the interest list below and we will send you an email when signup begins.  gpsKevin 

Interest List Pony Express Monkey 2027 

After your signup riders will receive an email from me with further ride information and instructions.

FAQ's

What are these Adventure Rides like? These rides are designed along the theme of exploring the world.  They include a mix of remote dirt routes, back paved roads, sometimes some very seldom ridden paths and pavement.  Rides are a mix of all these things and sometimes some surprises due to weather conditions.  These rides are for experienced, well seasoned riders that are capable of turning a washed out road experience into just part of the day's fun.  Riders should be comfortable with turning around when necessary and finding an alternative route around unexpected obstacles. These rides are not for new riders. As an experienced rider, the tough part of having a great motorcycle adventure is the routing and logistics.  What routes do I take? Where do I stay? How do I find the best routes and places?

We have done the homework for you: We have studied and developed and ridden to find the best possible routes and then we have put them into great daily rides.  As riding skills and desires for riders can be different, we have developed and include route options.  We find that many riders like to ride with their best friends, however their friends may not always have the same riding skills and desires.  As the day's ride progresses, riders have choices of easier and harder routes.  This allows you to tailor the ride more towards your own riding desires and allows you to make choices that might better suit your friends when necessary.  Sometimes riders may just want a break too.

How does the ride navigation work?

This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own.  You are responsible for your own riding.  You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit.  People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together.  You are not encouraged to ride alone.  You are responsible for your own riding and yourself. 

 (see my ride Navigation Video) 

Are you right for this ride?

When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help?  You should be in the more likely to offer help camp.  This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help.  Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.

How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?

I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride. They come from much of what I and others have ridden.  I take the best from all my rides and make new ones. 

(See my Custom Ride Maps Video) 

What will the weather be like this time of year?

In October the weather is most often nice, but can be colder in the mornings and in the mountains. There is the potential for rain and wet and muddy routes can force us to change our plans. Come prepared with extra gear for cold and wet weather.

Would this be a good ride for new riders?

No, this ride is for intermediate and experienced riders only. The riding has easy route choices and tough route options. Each evening we will study the following day's choices. You will find lots of supportive people at the ride.

What are motel room arrangements?

Rooms are double occupancy, meaning each rider shares a two bed room with another rider.

What bikes are right for this ride?

Bikes including and in between the Adventure Bikes and Dual Sport all can do well by choosing the easy or hard route options.

What do I do if I don't have a Garmin GPS?

Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)

Is the riding really on my own?

Yes, but almost everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.

Note from me, gpsKevin

My goal for this ride is simple, great riding, so you can count on great routes and places to ride.

But in addition: the ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

Thanks

gpsKevin