OT: Destinations

[Oreobob]

Seattle, San Diego, anywhere outta Texas.

Give me some ideas on places to see and do. It's mainly for cruising, but I do plan on taking off from Dallas in a year or two, so it may be also browsing for future destinations. Knock yourselves out.

[Kerry]

If you're looking for a TON of curvy roads that aren't TOO far away, I would recommend the NW quadrant of Arkansas (the Ozarks).  And hey, if you can land a job with Wal-Mart in Bentonville you'd be right there.  (Don't know if you're a techie type, but their global data center is in that smallish town out in the countryside.)

If you prefer mountains to hills, and don't mind going "a little" farther, ride around SW Colorado.  On your way try to take in Taos, New Mexico.  Not sure I'd want to live there, but if you're the artsy type it may be heaven on earth for you.

What's your emphasis?  Employment possibilities, or riding opportunities, or someplace that will offer you BOTH?

[Oreobob]

Really it's about finding something new. I graduate college in about 2 1/2 years and I'm trying to eek my way outta the old. Maybe a good job, but when all you know how to do is fix computers and networks...you're not top kibble in the dog bowl these days. I've been loving the idea of Seattle, for whatever reason I'm not sure. Guess my main vice is I hear they get a lotta damn rain. California is always beautiful, but I'd have to totally remod my bike and car just to pass inspection and the living cost is nothing short of a pit bull on your adam's apple. Phoenix is a thought, but hey, I'm leaving Dallas for comfort: same shaZam!, less water.    I'm originally from Chicago, but the 3 degree January's aren't my forte anymore. Really, I'm just looking for opinions from rider's about where they live and what they think to say about it. I love Atlanta, but...well, see note on Phoenix. Guess I'm just wanting a year round comfort.

Not too much to ask, eh? How about I just ask for the powerball numbers while I'm at it, I'm sure someone's asking themselves.  

[Michael]

At the risk of accusing you of parochialism (and offending all the Yanks in the process), have you thought about countries other than the US of A?  I'm sure the other Australian GSers will agree with me that we have the best combination of year-round riding weather and fantastic roads anywhere in the world (but I'm not biased at all!).  The Californians may disagree but then we don't have their draconian EPA.  :lol:
Maybe you could transfer your course, or take time out before you finish.  Just a thought.

[ladybrid]

Friends of mine moved to Colorado near Denver, and it was *gorgeous* to go and visit there.  Unfortuantely I'm addicted to living near the ocean.  yes California is stunning, but cost of living stuns your pocket book too.  Pretty much all states in the US have their good parts.
If I was going for something completely different tho, I think I'd aim for New Zealand... even before the Xena/Herculese/LordoftheRings thing, it was on my list of gorgeous places.

[pantablo]

If you want to go local (to the US) try heading to SD or LA and riding up hwy 1 to SF or even oregon/washington. the portion of the coast along big sur is breathtaking. but its all exceptional. You could hook up with the SD/LA  gs riders and then the Washington/norcal/etc riders along the way...