Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
14 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2008

Rider Reviews

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MotoForever
August 2, 2014
I'd like to add a bit of information about this…
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ricksca
2 McR Points
April 21, 2014
Middlegate is all the author says it is.…
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Written Directions

Start in Carson City, NV and head east on US Highway 50. Continue on 50 through Massie and through the city of Fallon. From Fallon, continue eastbound on Hwy 50 for another 47 miles till you get to Middlegate. Of course you don't have to stop here if you like what you've rode on so far ... then continue heading east on "The Loneliest Road in America"!

Scenery

On this route, you will see the Nevada desert and all its beauty. As you travel over several different mountains and into several different valleys, the mountains and rock formations are breathtaking and kinda makes you think about what used to be out there millions of years ago. It's not uncommon to see wild horse running through the open valleys or even seeing the occasional rattle snake slithering across the road. If it's tall pine trees and green scenery you are looking for, this is not the ride for you!

Drive Enjoyment

Nevada has always been known for it awesome roadways. Old Hwy 50 is no exception. The road is nice and wide, very smooth and there are no potholes. It gets its name "The Loneliest Road In America" for one reason and one reason only...there is no traffic. It's not uncommon to travel 20 to 30 miles before seeing a single car. *Speed limits are mildly enforced until you get to Fallon. Once you get into Fallon, DO NOT GO ABOVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT!!! The Fallon police love to write speeding tickets. Once you exit the city limits of Fallon traveling eastbound, the speed limit increases from 45 mph to 70 mph. However, you will never see a state trooper and it's not uncommon for bikers to go in excess of 85 mph. It's the perfect road to ride wide open throttle.

Tourism Opportunities

The biggest amenity of Old Highway 50 is Middlegate Junction....which is located on the corner of Hwy 50 & Hwy 361. It's located approximately 47 miles east of Fallon. This place is the true definition of the old wild west. Middlegate Junction offers gas, a restaurant with awesome food and good inexpensive overnight lodging. The hospitality from the owners (Freda & Russ) is the best in Nevada. This is a 100% biker friendly establishment. Lastly, when you get to Middlegate Junction, make sure to ask the owners about the "Shoe Tree". If you are not sure about the "Shoe Tree", look it up on Google.





Photo contributed by visitor in May 09 - "Old stage coach station along the original Pony Express Trail"

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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MotoForever
August 2, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I'd like to add a bit of information about this ride. Going from Reno east to Ely, there is a card you can get stamped to qualify for a honorary loneliest road in america pin and certificate. The bonus is you'll get to see and talk with people from various towns along the way. The museum in Fernley is exceptionally good and the people there, a wealth of culture and information about the area and history. Fallon is where top gun is now, I stayed in Austin (for the motels, gas and food which can be rarities on this road), and heard a few sonic booms! Watch out if you detour to Sand Mountain Recreation Area. There are HUGE water diversion cutouts that are DANGEROUS if going more than 5 MPH! Ely has one of the best Railroad museums and working trains that I've seen and worth seeing. The ride was a mix of straight slabs, but also includes mountain curves, hilly areas, some beautiful landscape and old historic towns. I saw 4 mustangs in the distance while riding this road. Don't forget your water and start with a full tank for sure.
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ricksca
April 21, 2014
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Middlegate is all the author says it is. Recommend going on to Austin and then to Spencer hot springs (on a fine, but dusty, dirt road. Continue to Toquima Caves, Monitor Pass, Diana's Punchbowl, Monitor Valley, back to 50. SOOO much to explore, so few people doing it. Heaven for the anti-social.
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2 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
September 28, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode from Carson City, NV to Delta, UT during 9/2010. Great road to me mainly because of the solitude. The road conditions were excellent as well (ran into two minor repair stops but it was minimal time lost). Had a low altitude flyover by a couple of jets just East of Fallon for some extra buzz...too cool! Only advice is try to ensure your bike is in good working order - if you breakdown it can be a long, long walk for help!!
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2 riders found this road review useful