Solo Trips
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Iowa
Solo Trips
What advise can any of you give in regards to taking cross country SOLO trips. How do you know where to get good gas? What's the best route?
Been thinking about going to southern Idaho from Iowa in Aug. and coming back through Sturgis and meeting up with some guys before heading back home as a group. I know this might seem like a silly question but 3000 solo seems kind of a long ways. I've take plenty of 500's but normally have stops planned and reservations made. I hate to make reservation ahead of time only to find out I can't make that far or want to go father any given day.
Been thinking about going to southern Idaho from Iowa in Aug. and coming back through Sturgis and meeting up with some guys before heading back home as a group. I know this might seem like a silly question but 3000 solo seems kind of a long ways. I've take plenty of 500's but normally have stops planned and reservations made. I hate to make reservation ahead of time only to find out I can't make that far or want to go father any given day.
Last edited by Mudfoot; Mar 25, 2017 at 03:06 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Ohio
I know it can seem intimidating but it's no different than daily riding for me. I normally travel solo (mainly because I hate people and the feeling seems to be reciprocated).
"Good" gas? I usually fill up at name brand stations and they all seem pretty much the same to me. Best route? I usually scour some maps and google stuff to see when I'm planning out a route - the nice thing about travelling alone is that I don't have to visit any kind of committee when I want to change the route.
It's just like driving cross country alone... except your windows don't roll up and its a lot more fun.
"Good" gas? I usually fill up at name brand stations and they all seem pretty much the same to me. Best route? I usually scour some maps and google stuff to see when I'm planning out a route - the nice thing about travelling alone is that I don't have to visit any kind of committee when I want to change the route.
It's just like driving cross country alone... except your windows don't roll up and its a lot more fun.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
What advise can any of you give in regards to taking cross country SOLO trips. How do you know where to get good gas? What's the best route?
Been thinking about going to southern Idaho from Iowa in Aug. and coming back through Sturgis and meeting up with some guys before heading back home as a group. I know this might seem like a silly question but 3000 solo seems kind of a long ways.
Been thinking about going to southern Idaho from Iowa in Aug. and coming back through Sturgis and meeting up with some guys before heading back home as a group. I know this might seem like a silly question but 3000 solo seems kind of a long ways.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
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From: boston
I too enjoy traveling solo. Not many trips. Furthest was to Canton Ohio from Boston through New York, home through Pa so I could see the York plant. I had the whole route planned ahead of time including hotels. I called the morning before hitting the road for my reservation. Worked out well. Planning now to go to the dragon. Through Va. on the way down, Wv on the way home.
As for gas, just filled up at either Mobil or Shell. They are every where. No problems there
As for gas, just filled up at either Mobil or Shell. They are every where. No problems there
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Iowa
Thanks .............. I should add the more I'm around people "the more I like dogs" thus the whole SOLO thing. I like the call ahead in the morning for the next night idea, or at least by noon.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Michigan
Like Rjjj296 said your first day will be a bit scary, but once you start clickin off the miles and settle in you'll have a blast.
I've been out west a number of times solo, always camping, I like to look for available spots at about 450-500 mi increments although Ive ridden as far as 800 mi to get to a specific spot. Or you could do the same with Hotels.
The route depends on you, and how much time you have, super slabs are great for eatin up the miles or if you have some time the 2 laners are a lot more laid back.
Above all remember to drink lots of liquids, and don't forget the sun tan lotion.
I've been out west a number of times solo, always camping, I like to look for available spots at about 450-500 mi increments although Ive ridden as far as 800 mi to get to a specific spot. Or you could do the same with Hotels.
The route depends on you, and how much time you have, super slabs are great for eatin up the miles or if you have some time the 2 laners are a lot more laid back.
Above all remember to drink lots of liquids, and don't forget the sun tan lotion.
Last edited by Bricklayer; Mar 25, 2017 at 03:49 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Spartan Country, Michigan
i travel with one buddy...we never make reservations. we ride until we want to stop. then look for decent place. same for gas....always national brand. we plan what we would like to do, where we go, and are in no rush. if we see something, we stop. we have the highlights of the trip, but leave things open. we plan on the unexpected, and try not to worry. don't be rigid and take away from the moment. you'll enjoy!!!
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I don't plan my hotels, but you can start looking with your phone around 3pm and figure out where you want to be in a few hours and call ahead or use a booking app. Or head over to an interstate when you're ready for a hotel there are always clusters of them at the on/off ramps usually with a restaurant and gas station.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Somewhere SW
I rode solo from Massachusetts to California in 1989. I didn't make any motel reservations, stopped at your average off ramp gas stations and carried cash ($500).
When I rode up to Camp Pendleton I had 5 dollars in my pocket and half a tank of gas.
This was before bank cards and cell phones
Bring wet weather gear and if you're using cards let your bank know that you are going to be traveling.
Other than that enjoy the ride.
I remember riding through Tennessee during rush hour traffic and thinking how screwed I would be if something were to happen.. That impure thought left me as quickly has it came.
When I rode up to Camp Pendleton I had 5 dollars in my pocket and half a tank of gas.
This was before bank cards and cell phones
Bring wet weather gear and if you're using cards let your bank know that you are going to be traveling.
Other than that enjoy the ride.
I know it can seem intimidating but it's no different than daily riding for me. I normally travel solo (mainly because I hate people and the feeling seems to be reciprocated).
"Good" gas? I usually fill up at name brand stations and they all seem pretty much the same to me. Best route? I usually scour some maps and google stuff to see when I'm planning out a route - the nice thing about travelling alone is that I don't have to visit any kind of committee when I want to change the route.
It's just like driving cross country alone... except your windows don't roll up and its a lot more fun.
"Good" gas? I usually fill up at name brand stations and they all seem pretty much the same to me. Best route? I usually scour some maps and google stuff to see when I'm planning out a route - the nice thing about travelling alone is that I don't have to visit any kind of committee when I want to change the route.
It's just like driving cross country alone... except your windows don't roll up and its a lot more fun.
Last edited by JustDave13; Mar 25, 2017 at 05:11 PM.
I ride longer solo trips quite often and really enjoy it .Usually do everything on the fly if I see a nice spot that interest me I stop and spend time. Last year I spent 2 hours talking to a 83 year old woman selling peaches in the Carolinas she made my whole trip . As mentioned above start looking for a place to stay around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and kick back ..