Interstate Riding
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
When I have a specific destination or long trip I prefer the interstates. Most of my interstate riding is west of the Mississippi so I haven't encountered heavy traffic.
Now that I have been to the 49 continental States I started using local roads and actually SEE the States that I went 75/80 miles per hour through previously.
Did a lot of Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana this year. Haven't set a goal for next year yet.
Now that I have been to the 49 continental States I started using local roads and actually SEE the States that I went 75/80 miles per hour through previously.
Did a lot of Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana this year. Haven't set a goal for next year yet.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I do both but my wife likes to go back home, a different way than the way we went and that usually involves interstate and back roads.
And it also involves getting there in a hurry and taking our time getting back.
And it also involves getting there in a hurry and taking our time getting back.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 982
From: Kansas
I can hardly wait for Spring so I can get back on the interstate!
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2936...7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2936...7i13312!8i6656
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 835
From: North Carolina
Love the back roads for seeing the sights, but the slab is awesome when I have miles to go and have to make time.
A friend of mine who hasn't been riding a long time says that he feels tense, too exposed, and vulnerable when having to ride in interstate traffic. Doesn't bother me. If it ever did, I guess I have forgotten about it.
Being on a touring bike makes it easier for me as I have a lot more protection from the elements and wind.
A friend of mine who hasn't been riding a long time says that he feels tense, too exposed, and vulnerable when having to ride in interstate traffic. Doesn't bother me. If it ever did, I guess I have forgotten about it.
Being on a touring bike makes it easier for me as I have a lot more protection from the elements and wind.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 8
From: Austin TX
I remember the first time I drove a car on the freeway when I was 14. Yup, scary. Now its actually relaxing. Same as a bike, first time was kinda sketchy. Now I look forward to long freeway rides. It will come, just keep the wheels turning.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
As others have said it is a way of moving down the road with out too much worries. Take your time you'll get better with it, it will get better with you.
A windshield is definitely an improvement.
The next thing to get use to is the rush hour traffic, stop and go and running good to stopping now for no reason.
If you come up on a semi hang back a little until you can pass the entire truck without having to ride next to him if possible, easy to get lost in a blind spot.
A windshield is definitely an improvement.
The next thing to get use to is the rush hour traffic, stop and go and running good to stopping now for no reason.
If you come up on a semi hang back a little until you can pass the entire truck without having to ride next to him if possible, easy to get lost in a blind spot.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
-- Stay the hell away from trucks. Hang way back or get them passed.
-- 2 second gaps both front and back between you and other cars. 4 second gaps with the first raindrop.
-- Pass cars or let them pass you. Never ride next to another vehicle.
-- Keep a bubble around you. If you are passing a car on your right, move to left side of your lane. Cars on each side, ride the middle, and so on. Always maximize the space between you and anyone else.
-- The passing lane is safest if there are entrance and exit ramps.. The middle lane is the death lane. Nowhere to go, no shoulders or escape routes if something happens.
-- 2 second gaps both front and back between you and other cars. 4 second gaps with the first raindrop.
-- Pass cars or let them pass you. Never ride next to another vehicle.
-- Keep a bubble around you. If you are passing a car on your right, move to left side of your lane. Cars on each side, ride the middle, and so on. Always maximize the space between you and anyone else.
-- The passing lane is safest if there are entrance and exit ramps.. The middle lane is the death lane. Nowhere to go, no shoulders or escape routes if something happens.
Last edited by Jonesee; Dec 5, 2015 at 11:02 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
There is nothing like running on the interstate on a well cared highway......did the S. & N Dakota, Montana, Wyoming lots of slab a pleasure to ride.....my guess not too many trucks nor cars just freedom and speed....can't say the same for congested highways east if the Mississippi river.
Love the west .....
Love the west .....