Long distance travels alone
#1
02-22-2022, 06:39 PM
Long distance travels alone
I am putting my stuff together for a trip to NC. It's only about 500 miles, not much for some, but for me, this will be a big deal. I am shopping for a luggage now, which I will strap to the passenger's back rest and use it as my backrest. I have tire kit, couple cans of slime, tools, gloves, full face helmet, jacket. I need couple more things though like rain gear and good boots and setup motorcycle AAA
One question I have, that I've been thinking about. It's about 7-8 hours trip. How do you guys go about stopping for food and bio stops? The stops on the way are more of a places where you park your vehicle on a big parking lot and walk to the place to get food, ****...etc..Aren't you scared that someone can ****** your luggage? It would be so easy to just grab and go while I am inside the place. Do you pack your own food, so you don't have to go inside the food court?
My trips is still until May or so, but I am trying to get ready now lol...
What are your experiences?
One question I have, that I've been thinking about. It's about 7-8 hours trip. How do you guys go about stopping for food and bio stops? The stops on the way are more of a places where you park your vehicle on a big parking lot and walk to the place to get food, ****...etc..Aren't you scared that someone can ****** your luggage? It would be so easy to just grab and go while I am inside the place. Do you pack your own food, so you don't have to go inside the food court?
My trips is still until May or so, but I am trying to get ready now lol...
What are your experiences?
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Mr.Softy (02-23-2022)
Top Answer
02-22-2022, 07:32 PM
Road Master
As unlikely as it feels right now, this prep thing you are going through will be a fond recollection of yours decades from now.
You never forget your first trip. It's like your first kiss. Special but not as special as the first time you got laid.
Here's my advice.
Every trip, regardless of length is simply a string of 150 mile runs.
Decide now, before it gets confusing, it's OK to have a short day.
Why 150 miles?
The first thing you got to do is a through MIND sweep of everything you thought you knew about MILES PER HOUR AVERAGES.
159 miles represents roughly 3 hours in the saddle and sometimes the last hour of that is pure hell.
At 150 miles or three hours in you are ready to stop and stretch your legs and walk around a minute.
Smoke em if ya got em, drain the vein, HYDRATE, walk around, visit with people who come up to tell you about their Grand dad and his Harley.
You are on your time here and I don't ever wanta catch you looking at a watch during FUEL STOPS.
Fuel Stops.
Yeah, that's what we call them but they are the thread that keeps this ride between the curbs.
It's OK to plan them because in some areas 150 miles between fuel stops can be concerning.
You can plan them but don't you dare attempt to plan what happens or set a time to roll.
It's SPONTANEOUS....get that?
So at a fuel stop you are going to talk to people and not get back on the bike until you are ready..
Back in the day we would stand around the gas pump, smoking cigarettes, and looking at maps.
Ain't nothing that draws in friendly and helpful people like whipping out a map.
I don't care if you got blue teeth and are wired up to satellites....just do the map thing.
Right now you are living large and this right here is as good as it EVER gets.
When you pull up to a stoplight, all eyes at the intersection are on you and your bad azz Harley.
So, you're Doing It. They are looking at you and wishing....ya know, live it up while you are on the road.
You really got the time to just stop right here if something interesting presents....and man, I could tell you some stories.
Some pretty lady would take me seriously for a minute and my plans for the night would change.
For you it might be helping some local get his dog unhung from the fence.
That 150 mile stop has been a lot of fun and it really breaks up a long ride into manageable sections.
Like for instance your last 150 may have just melted away.
Sometimes that happens. I call it "finding the groove".
Sometimes I still find the groove because I've always been a Guardian of the Groove.
If you find yourself in the groove how about challenging yourself to hammer down for the next 150?
You never forget your first trip. It's like your first kiss. Special but not as special as the first time you got laid.
Here's my advice.
Every trip, regardless of length is simply a string of 150 mile runs.
Decide now, before it gets confusing, it's OK to have a short day.
Why 150 miles?
The first thing you got to do is a through MIND sweep of everything you thought you knew about MILES PER HOUR AVERAGES.
159 miles represents roughly 3 hours in the saddle and sometimes the last hour of that is pure hell.
At 150 miles or three hours in you are ready to stop and stretch your legs and walk around a minute.
Smoke em if ya got em, drain the vein, HYDRATE, walk around, visit with people who come up to tell you about their Grand dad and his Harley.
You are on your time here and I don't ever wanta catch you looking at a watch during FUEL STOPS.
Fuel Stops.
Yeah, that's what we call them but they are the thread that keeps this ride between the curbs.
It's OK to plan them because in some areas 150 miles between fuel stops can be concerning.
You can plan them but don't you dare attempt to plan what happens or set a time to roll.
It's SPONTANEOUS....get that?
So at a fuel stop you are going to talk to people and not get back on the bike until you are ready..
Back in the day we would stand around the gas pump, smoking cigarettes, and looking at maps.
Ain't nothing that draws in friendly and helpful people like whipping out a map.
I don't care if you got blue teeth and are wired up to satellites....just do the map thing.
Right now you are living large and this right here is as good as it EVER gets.
When you pull up to a stoplight, all eyes at the intersection are on you and your bad azz Harley.
So, you're Doing It. They are looking at you and wishing....ya know, live it up while you are on the road.
You really got the time to just stop right here if something interesting presents....and man, I could tell you some stories.
Some pretty lady would take me seriously for a minute and my plans for the night would change.
For you it might be helping some local get his dog unhung from the fence.
That 150 mile stop has been a lot of fun and it really breaks up a long ride into manageable sections.
Like for instance your last 150 may have just melted away.
Sometimes that happens. I call it "finding the groove".
Sometimes I still find the groove because I've always been a Guardian of the Groove.
If you find yourself in the groove how about challenging yourself to hammer down for the next 150?
#2
02-22-2022, 06:54 PM
I have been at this for 51 years. never had a thing stolen off my bike. never had my bike messed with. Sure it can happen. Park smart. If it is a meal or rest stop try to keep eye on the bike. In motel take you stuff in side.. park in area that has lights. Don't stay in Motel 6.,days Inn ect get the idea. Packing food is for camp pick a place park bike go in eat get back on the road. 500 miles is a part of a day. Take you time enjoy the ride and don't worry so much.
No one will steal you gas until it get to $11 dollars a gallon..
One person 500 miles you should have room in the two bags for all you need really. Lay your stuff out. get rid of what you do not have to have. Then do it again until it fits.
No one will steal you gas until it get to $11 dollars a gallon..
One person 500 miles you should have room in the two bags for all you need really. Lay your stuff out. get rid of what you do not have to have. Then do it again until it fits.
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#3
02-22-2022, 06:56 PM
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#4
02-22-2022, 06:59 PM
Thanks @smitty901 . I agree that I am probably way overthinking this. I am not planning to stay at the hotel. It's a straight shot. Good point on the bags only. That would probably be lot easier.
#5
02-22-2022, 07:09 PM
Find a way to secure your luggage and secure it to your bike with a cable lock if possible, if your bike is going to be out of your sight for more than a couple of minutes. When I'm on the road I usually make quick pit stops, eating gas station food and using their facilities. Park your bike as close to the entry door as you can.
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#6
02-22-2022, 07:26 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I have been at this for 51 years. never had a thing stolen off my bike. never had my bike messed with. Sure it can happen. Park smart. If it is a meal or rest stop try to keep eye on the bike. In motel take you stuff in side.. park in area that has lights. Don't stay in Motel 6.,days Inn ect get the idea. Packing food is for camp pick a place park bike go in eat get back on the road. 500 miles is a part of a day. Take you time enjoy the ride and don't worry so much.
No one will steal you gas until it get to $11 dollars a gallon..
One person 500 miles you should have room in the two bags for all you need really. Lay your stuff out. get rid of what you do not have to have. Then do it again until it fits.
No one will steal you gas until it get to $11 dollars a gallon..
One person 500 miles you should have room in the two bags for all you need really. Lay your stuff out. get rid of what you do not have to have. Then do it again until it fits.
Last edited by Uncle G.; 02-22-2022 at 07:30 PM.
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#7
02-22-2022, 07:31 PM
Road Master
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#8
02-22-2022, 07:32 PM
Two years ago I wanted to make a ride to OHIO. be a part of a ride then come home. 1,100 round trip. I left late in the day, had things to do. Took 1 change of clothing rolled up rain suit. Spare pair of gloves . Rain was a for sure thing . Arrived at late dinner time in Harrison OH. Checked in went to eat. Was planning on leaving after the event. but it was just to much hung out with some riders. Weather was getting cold and storms coming. Checked back in was in no mood to sleep. Weather showed rain delayed until after Midnight and heading home I could Stay in front of it. If i went to bed it was storms all the way home. Got up at Midnight and headed home staying just ahead of the rain. Rolled through Chicago at day light and was home 3 hours latter.
If where you are going you have a place to wash clothing then pack less. These bikes we ride now are pretty darn reliable . You do not need the entire tool box.
Ride , life is to short to get involved in to many details. Some times when Wife and I take off we have not even looked at how we will get there. How we getting there? Ohh we will go south then half left ride stop around dinner time find motel finish the next day.
That is the great part of riding a lone no ones else ideas on what to do.
If where you are going you have a place to wash clothing then pack less. These bikes we ride now are pretty darn reliable . You do not need the entire tool box.
Ride , life is to short to get involved in to many details. Some times when Wife and I take off we have not even looked at how we will get there. How we getting there? Ohh we will go south then half left ride stop around dinner time find motel finish the next day.
That is the great part of riding a lone no ones else ideas on what to do.
Last edited by smitty901; 02-22-2022 at 07:38 PM.
#9
02-22-2022, 07:32 PM
Road Master
As unlikely as it feels right now, this prep thing you are going through will be a fond recollection of yours decades from now.
You never forget your first trip. It's like your first kiss. Special but not as special as the first time you got laid.
Here's my advice.
Every trip, regardless of length is simply a string of 150 mile runs.
Decide now, before it gets confusing, it's OK to have a short day.
Why 150 miles?
The first thing you got to do is a through MIND sweep of everything you thought you knew about MILES PER HOUR AVERAGES.
159 miles represents roughly 3 hours in the saddle and sometimes the last hour of that is pure hell.
At 150 miles or three hours in you are ready to stop and stretch your legs and walk around a minute.
Smoke em if ya got em, drain the vein, HYDRATE, walk around, visit with people who come up to tell you about their Grand dad and his Harley.
You are on your time here and I don't ever wanta catch you looking at a watch during FUEL STOPS.
Fuel Stops.
Yeah, that's what we call them but they are the thread that keeps this ride between the curbs.
It's OK to plan them because in some areas 150 miles between fuel stops can be concerning.
You can plan them but don't you dare attempt to plan what happens or set a time to roll.
It's SPONTANEOUS....get that?
So at a fuel stop you are going to talk to people and not get back on the bike until you are ready..
Back in the day we would stand around the gas pump, smoking cigarettes, and looking at maps.
Ain't nothing that draws in friendly and helpful people like whipping out a map.
I don't care if you got blue teeth and are wired up to satellites....just do the map thing.
Right now you are living large and this right here is as good as it EVER gets.
When you pull up to a stoplight, all eyes at the intersection are on you and your bad azz Harley.
So, you're Doing It. They are looking at you and wishing....ya know, live it up while you are on the road.
You really got the time to just stop right here if something interesting presents....and man, I could tell you some stories.
Some pretty lady would take me seriously for a minute and my plans for the night would change.
For you it might be helping some local get his dog unhung from the fence.
That 150 mile stop has been a lot of fun and it really breaks up a long ride into manageable sections.
Like for instance your last 150 may have just melted away.
Sometimes that happens. I call it "finding the groove".
Sometimes I still find the groove because I've always been a Guardian of the Groove.
If you find yourself in the groove how about challenging yourself to hammer down for the next 150?
You never forget your first trip. It's like your first kiss. Special but not as special as the first time you got laid.
Here's my advice.
Every trip, regardless of length is simply a string of 150 mile runs.
Decide now, before it gets confusing, it's OK to have a short day.
Why 150 miles?
The first thing you got to do is a through MIND sweep of everything you thought you knew about MILES PER HOUR AVERAGES.
159 miles represents roughly 3 hours in the saddle and sometimes the last hour of that is pure hell.
At 150 miles or three hours in you are ready to stop and stretch your legs and walk around a minute.
Smoke em if ya got em, drain the vein, HYDRATE, walk around, visit with people who come up to tell you about their Grand dad and his Harley.
You are on your time here and I don't ever wanta catch you looking at a watch during FUEL STOPS.
Fuel Stops.
Yeah, that's what we call them but they are the thread that keeps this ride between the curbs.
It's OK to plan them because in some areas 150 miles between fuel stops can be concerning.
You can plan them but don't you dare attempt to plan what happens or set a time to roll.
It's SPONTANEOUS....get that?
So at a fuel stop you are going to talk to people and not get back on the bike until you are ready..
Back in the day we would stand around the gas pump, smoking cigarettes, and looking at maps.
Ain't nothing that draws in friendly and helpful people like whipping out a map.
I don't care if you got blue teeth and are wired up to satellites....just do the map thing.
Right now you are living large and this right here is as good as it EVER gets.
When you pull up to a stoplight, all eyes at the intersection are on you and your bad azz Harley.
So, you're Doing It. They are looking at you and wishing....ya know, live it up while you are on the road.
You really got the time to just stop right here if something interesting presents....and man, I could tell you some stories.
Some pretty lady would take me seriously for a minute and my plans for the night would change.
For you it might be helping some local get his dog unhung from the fence.
That 150 mile stop has been a lot of fun and it really breaks up a long ride into manageable sections.
Like for instance your last 150 may have just melted away.
Sometimes that happens. I call it "finding the groove".
Sometimes I still find the groove because I've always been a Guardian of the Groove.
If you find yourself in the groove how about challenging yourself to hammer down for the next 150?
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#10
02-22-2022, 07:34 PM
