First Overnight Run?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 603
Likes: 18
From: Akron
My first overnight trip was a couple weeks ago with my gf on the back. It was only 80+ miles each way, but it was great. Packed up an HD overnight back and off we went.
The most stressful part for me was leaving my bike in a hotel (LaQuinta) parking lot overnight. Once we were in the room for the night, I called the front desk to make sure they had security cameras monitoring the lot.
Woke up at 5 am, which is normal for me, looked out the windows in the hallway, and all was fine.
We're taking off again for another night or two in a couple weeks. Looking forward to it.
The most stressful part for me was leaving my bike in a hotel (LaQuinta) parking lot overnight. Once we were in the room for the night, I called the front desk to make sure they had security cameras monitoring the lot.
Woke up at 5 am, which is normal for me, looked out the windows in the hallway, and all was fine.
We're taking off again for another night or two in a couple weeks. Looking forward to it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 188
From: West Chester, Ohio
My first road trip was from Cincinnati, Ohio to Maine. We took back roads and made tons of stops at all the cool places along the way. Took us 10 day's but it was worth it. Take shorts and sandals, in the evening it will fell great to get those boots off and relax.
I just did a short 650 mile trip this past Saturday and Sunday, light jacket and gloves were packed in case, other than that it was a pair of jeans, shorts and a couple of shirts plus sandals. Over the 2 days of riding i felt like i was off work for a week. No time to be here or there, just roll in whenever we get there.
Enjoy your trip
I am headed for West Virginia this weekend.
I just did a short 650 mile trip this past Saturday and Sunday, light jacket and gloves were packed in case, other than that it was a pair of jeans, shorts and a couple of shirts plus sandals. Over the 2 days of riding i felt like i was off work for a week. No time to be here or there, just roll in whenever we get there.
Enjoy your trip
I am headed for West Virginia this weekend.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 835
From: North Carolina
Take the scenic route , stay off interstates, lots of butt breaks and enjoy the country side . For a newbie 250 to 350 miles days on the first road trip are a nice break in period. Your gonna learn as only you can say how you can handle it or want to till you get out and do it
This is good advice ... Don't let all the "tough guys" intimidate you. The idea is to enjoy the ride, not make it a contest.
This is good advice ... Don't let all the "tough guys" intimidate you. The idea is to enjoy the ride, not make it a contest.
Some good advice right here ^^
As for the other guys...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,557
Likes: 6
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
It's like the old saying about sex and those who talk a lot about it. The guys who are always talking about sex are the ones who aren't having any. Same here, the ones who talk about how scary riding is are the ones who don't do any. LOL!! Some of my most memorable rides are the ones where I got caught in storms from hell without rain gear! 
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 780
Likes: 18
From: Massachusetts
Grandslam, I don't even roll out of bed 'til 9-10 AM, but your point is well taken. Sometimes when I'm out riding, I just get surprised how little distance I cover for the time it takes because I enjoy being out there. To the other responders, thanks for the stories and advice.
FPB, Wish I were so bold as to not to need to pre-think my travels when I only have 3 weeks experience riding. BTW - your FXB looks great in those pics sitting in your driveway.
FPB, Wish I were so bold as to not to need to pre-think my travels when I only have 3 weeks experience riding. BTW - your FXB looks great in those pics sitting in your driveway.
LOL - wrong model, genius. But then again you only have 3 weeks experience. As if that matters. What, exactly, do you think you need to take differently on an overnight trip on your bike you wouldn't need on a normal trip? But to help you out buddy here's what I take on a single overnight trip on my motorcycle:
1) An espresso machine
2) A large cooler
3) a 4-burner Coleman stove
4) A 20-lb propane tank for the above
5) A hair dryer
6) An 8-person tent
7) A 1500w diesel generator
8) Two 5-gallon jugs of gasoline for the generator
9) A picnic table
10) Two months supply of food
11) Four months supply of water
12) A king-size foam mattress
13) Enough clothes for 2 weeks
14) Various maps
15) 4 Rolls of toilet paper
16) My 4-drawer filing cabinet with important work papers
17) 3 months supply of hair products
I think that about covers it for me on an overnight trip. I mean, why would I just bring a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt? I need to be comfortable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 835
From: North Carolina
LOL - wrong model, genius. But then again you only have 3 weeks experience. As if that matters. What, exactly, do you think you need to take differently on an overnight trip on your bike you wouldn't need on a normal trip? But to help you out buddy here's what I take on a single overnight trip on my motorcycle:
1) An espresso machine
2) A large cooler
3) a 4-burner Coleman stove
4) A 20-lb propane tank for the above
5) A hair dryer
6) An 8-person tent
7) A 1500w diesel generator
8) Two 5-gallon jugs of gasoline for the generator
9) A picnic table
10) Two months supply of food
11) Four months supply of water
12) A king-size foam mattress
13) Enough clothes for 2 weeks
14) Various maps
15) 4 Rolls of toilet paper
16) My 4-drawer filing cabinet with important work papers
17) 3 months supply of hair products
I think that about covers it for me on an overnight trip. I mean, why would I just bring a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt? I need to be comfortable.
1) An espresso machine
2) A large cooler
3) a 4-burner Coleman stove
4) A 20-lb propane tank for the above
5) A hair dryer
6) An 8-person tent
7) A 1500w diesel generator
8) Two 5-gallon jugs of gasoline for the generator
9) A picnic table
10) Two months supply of food
11) Four months supply of water
12) A king-size foam mattress
13) Enough clothes for 2 weeks
14) Various maps
15) 4 Rolls of toilet paper
16) My 4-drawer filing cabinet with important work papers
17) 3 months supply of hair products
I think that about covers it for me on an overnight trip. I mean, why would I just bring a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt? I need to be comfortable.
OK even I have to admit that was funny
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 941
Likes: 9
From: Denver, CO
Grandslam, I don't even roll out of bed 'til 9-10 AM, but your point is well taken. Sometimes when I'm out riding, I just get surprised how little distance I cover for the time it takes because I enjoy being out there. To the other responders, thanks for the stories and advice.
FPB, Wish I were so bold as to not to need to pre-think my travels when I only have 3 weeks experience riding. BTW - your FXB looks great in those pics sitting in your driveway.
FPB, Wish I were so bold as to not to need to pre-think my travels when I only have 3 weeks experience riding. BTW - your FXB looks great in those pics sitting in your driveway.
3 weeks experience, or 30 years experience...it doesn't matter. Don't think of the trip as a long trip...just look at it as a few consecutive days of riding.
Riding within 100 miles of your house is no different than riding anywhere else.
The most important thing is to ride your ride, focus on your surroundings and ride safe rather than focusing on how much further you have to go. And STOP when you feel fatigued or tired. A distracted rider is a dead rider.
Don't push your limits and stay safe. Road trips are the best part of riding, in my not so humble opinion. Enjoy, take pics, and come back and tell us all about it when you get home.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 941
Likes: 9
From: Denver, CO
LOL - wrong model, genius. But then again you only have 3 weeks experience. As if that matters. What, exactly, do you think you need to take differently on an overnight trip on your bike you wouldn't need on a normal trip? But to help you out buddy here's what I take on a single overnight trip on my motorcycle:
1) An espresso machine
2) A large cooler
3) a 4-burner Coleman stove
4) A 20-lb propane tank for the above
5) A hair dryer
6) An 8-person tent
7) A 1500w diesel generator
8) Two 5-gallon jugs of gasoline for the generator
9) A picnic table
10) Two months supply of food
11) Four months supply of water
12) A king-size foam mattress
13) Enough clothes for 2 weeks
14) Various maps
15) 4 Rolls of toilet paper
16) My 4-drawer filing cabinet with important work papers
17) 3 months supply of hair products
18) 2 boxes of Maxi-pad ultras
19) Bulk-sized bottle of Midol
20) 2 boxes of extra large tampons
I think that about covers it for me on an overnight trip. I mean, why would I just bring a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt? I need to be comfortable.
1) An espresso machine
2) A large cooler
3) a 4-burner Coleman stove
4) A 20-lb propane tank for the above
5) A hair dryer
6) An 8-person tent
7) A 1500w diesel generator
8) Two 5-gallon jugs of gasoline for the generator
9) A picnic table
10) Two months supply of food
11) Four months supply of water
12) A king-size foam mattress
13) Enough clothes for 2 weeks
14) Various maps
15) 4 Rolls of toilet paper
16) My 4-drawer filing cabinet with important work papers
17) 3 months supply of hair products
18) 2 boxes of Maxi-pad ultras
19) Bulk-sized bottle of Midol
20) 2 boxes of extra large tampons
I think that about covers it for me on an overnight trip. I mean, why would I just bring a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt? I need to be comfortable.
Added some things you apparently forgot.
My first overnight was a little over 1000 miles from Fargo ND to Denver CO back in the early 90's was ill prepared and got lost in SD hence the extra 200+ miles I was young and dumb and did not pack proper clothing so I froze at night. Didn't bring enough money so had to sell blood and do day labor a couple of days... But it was a blast. Just make sure you dress for the expected weather and remember layers.