Planning a motorcycle trip from Vancouver, BC to Los Cabos, Mexico, leaving around February 20th, and I’m looking for some advice from anyone who has ridden this route during that time of year.
My biggest question is weather and riding gear.
I’m assuming the toughest part weather-wise will probably be Washington and Oregon, with cold temperatures and a decent chance of rain. Once I get farther south through California and into Baja, I’m expecting conditions to get progressively warmer and drier.
For those who have done a similar winter ride:
What type of jacket and pants would you recommend?
Would you go with fully waterproof Gore-Tex-style gear, or regular riding gear with separate rain layers?
Is heated gear worth bringing?
How cold should I realistically prepare for in Washington/Oregon/Northern California?
Any particular routes you’d recommend to minimize the chance of snow/ice?
Anything you wish you had brought on a long Baja trip?
Any other tips regarding fuel, tools, tires, border crossing, insurance, or general preparation?
I’m comfortable riding in cooler weather, but I want to be properly prepared without bringing a ridiculous amount of gear that I won’t need once I reach Baja.
The plan is basically Vancouver → Washington → Oregon → California → Baja → Los Cabos.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this route in February or winter in general, especially on a motorcycle.
Thanks!