how far can you safely drive per day, realistically
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: North Carolina
I say 300 to 350 makes for a nice day without stress and time to stop and smell the roses.
I did 546 miles one way in a day and the same the following day on the return trip and it killed me. I only stopped for fuel and a bathroom break and it was not any fun.
A buddy just finished a 1500 mile Iron Butt ride weekend before last in 24 hours and after talking with him I would NEVER attempt that ride.
Don't push it too far and stop every hour or so and quit for the day when you mind and butt tell you to.
I did 546 miles one way in a day and the same the following day on the return trip and it killed me. I only stopped for fuel and a bathroom break and it was not any fun.
A buddy just finished a 1500 mile Iron Butt ride weekend before last in 24 hours and after talking with him I would NEVER attempt that ride.
Don't push it too far and stop every hour or so and quit for the day when you mind and butt tell you to.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
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From:
On my Heritage 500 miles is not a biggie....I would try to figure out how much Time you would be good for each day as opposed to miles. Then depending on the type of roads, you will have a good idea of how many miles you can expect to do safely. 500 miles on the highway is a LOT easier in a day than 250 cruising on the Blue Ridge Parkway!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nomad
^ +1
600-700 a day out here in the west is not bad if you stick to the interstate. Not bad at all. A windshield sure helps.
But on two-lane roads in the mountains and through small towns, 200-300 can be a *very* full day.
600-700 a day out here in the west is not bad if you stick to the interstate. Not bad at all. A windshield sure helps.
But on two-lane roads in the mountains and through small towns, 200-300 can be a *very* full day.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
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From: Maine
FWIW I drive 50,000 miles a year in my company pickup truck and I find 50 to 54 miles per hour is a typical average. My GPS confirms this too. In most cases I run 75 - 80 mph on the four lane but on a long trip the average with stops and traffic is 50/54.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
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From: Forest Lake, Mn
I can do here (Eastern Mn) to Rapid City/Sturgis in a li'l over 12 on a bagger, taking our time, but hitting it steady.
Takes 2 days on the chop. First day to Madison, Mitchell, or Pierre, that's at the 300 mark or more. Get up, hustle across SoDak before it gets too TOASTY. That's on a hardtail.
We have done Ky (Fort Campbell) to the Twin Cities in one go 'round on a bagger. Gas and go, gas and go, one sit down lunch break at noon, gas and go til home. This was with an MC, some had to be home.
I CAN, but don't do 400-450 on the chop, no more. That turns into a L-O-N-G azzed day.
Bagger with a back rest, ask Momma. You have to pry my azz outta the bucket.
HECK, some of them EVEN have a radio box on 'em!!! 
As to hours, I am an ol' sub sailor, so I LOVE my sunrises. Up early, and I will go til dark, or after, as LONG as I can stop regularly (hourly or so), stretch, walk 'round, have a pop, sammich, whatever.
And I have done SoDak thru the middle of the night, when it is 109 during the day. Gas is the only limiting factor, doing that.
To me, the key to 'monkey butt', is DO NOT let it get to that point, BEFORE you stop for a break. It is hard for me to resolve it, once I have waited too long. That ruins the rest of the ride.
Takes 2 days on the chop. First day to Madison, Mitchell, or Pierre, that's at the 300 mark or more. Get up, hustle across SoDak before it gets too TOASTY. That's on a hardtail.
We have done Ky (Fort Campbell) to the Twin Cities in one go 'round on a bagger. Gas and go, gas and go, one sit down lunch break at noon, gas and go til home. This was with an MC, some had to be home.
I CAN, but don't do 400-450 on the chop, no more. That turns into a L-O-N-G azzed day.
Bagger with a back rest, ask Momma. You have to pry my azz outta the bucket.
HECK, some of them EVEN have a radio box on 'em!!! As to hours, I am an ol' sub sailor, so I LOVE my sunrises. Up early, and I will go til dark, or after, as LONG as I can stop regularly (hourly or so), stretch, walk 'round, have a pop, sammich, whatever.
And I have done SoDak thru the middle of the night, when it is 109 during the day. Gas is the only limiting factor, doing that.
To me, the key to 'monkey butt', is DO NOT let it get to that point, BEFORE you stop for a break. It is hard for me to resolve it, once I have waited too long. That ruins the rest of the ride.
Last edited by Da Gumpmeister; Mar 18, 2009 at 06:09 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From:
It really depends on what you are used to. Last year we did a trip from Vernon, BC to the east coast of Virginia and back. First and last few days were 600-700 mile days to just make time so we could have shorter days back east. We were able to do that and still avoid a lot of freeways and cities, both of which I dislike. With your ride plan, those sort of days should be easy.
I don't want to plan your trip for you but you are taking mostly interstates and major highways - that's fine if that is the way you like to ride. There are a number of alternate routes that are a lot more scenic with less traffic. They would take a little longer but I find these much more relaxing. Let me know if you would like some suggestions.
I don't want to plan your trip for you but you are taking mostly interstates and major highways - that's fine if that is the way you like to ride. There are a number of alternate routes that are a lot more scenic with less traffic. They would take a little longer but I find these much more relaxing. Let me know if you would like some suggestions.