My first long trip - Maine to Florida
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Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Bangor, Me.
My first long trip - Maine to Florida
1700+ miles in 39 hours. I started out with the duffel bags on top, and the bike was top heavy as hell. Before I even got on the interstate, I noticed that one of my bags was coming untied. I pulled over on the side of the road to readjust it, when BLAM, my damn bike fell over. Riding down the road it would look like I got in an accident, but do you think anyone would stop for the long haired biker dude? Finally 2 construction workers helped me get it back up, I readjusted it, and off I went. Being full of **** and vinegar, I shot for 900 miles on day one. LOL, I only made it 450. Came through the Bronxe and the George Washington bridge at 5:15, not a good thing when you're riding a bike loaded down. Got completely lost in Jersey, finally some guy on a custom chopper had me follow him to the turnpike, and off I went. 15 hours day 1, 13 hours day 2, and 11 hours on day 3. I completely fried my shoulder and neck, reading on here, I guess that happens with RK handlebars. It might have been different if I had done this 20 years ago, but at 44, you start to feel muscles you forgot you had. I always envied guys before I had a bike who said they rode halfway accross the country. I can now say I've done it, but I'll tell ya one thing, I'll probably never do it again!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk Va
cross country
I did Sturgis in 05 then down to New Mexico 6000 miles total in 3 weeks, hurt like hell. In 06, 1996 miles from my doorstep, on the second trip rode 1600 miles in 2 days, all the way to the badlands. its all about how comfortable your seat and handlebars are. The first trip I my shoulders were black and blue, the second trip no issues at all with a seat change and handlebar risers, higher is better as far as I am concerned
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I'm taking a wild guess here, but I think you EXCEEDED the MoCo recommendations for weight. Man, you are seriously loaded down. That trip shouldn't have been too bad. The key is take the two laners, see the country, and take your time. You're a better man for doing it, but don't say you won't do it again. In the middle of this winter, you're going to be thinking about your next big trip. But Geez, you need to take the course on "How to pack a bike" LoL, and reduce some of that baggage. I've been from New Jersey to Ca and back to Washington D.C., and from DC to New Hampshire, and down to Daytona. I don't think I took that much on all my trips combined. Seriously, you know you took too much crap. Or did you have your wife/GF/significant other on there too? Then that would explain the whole thing.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,661
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From: East Northport, NY
Wow... You took git 'er done way too seriously... That was one hell of a ride. where is the kitchen sink?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
How long did you go for, 2 years, man you do need to learn to back "light". Your right it's all about the seat & handle bar location. I just did NJ to Florida, best day was 600 miles, just stopping for gas and a snack and didn't feel any fatique.
Can't wait for my next trip, it's all about enjoying the ride and seeing the country, don't rush it it's no fun then.
Can't wait for my next trip, it's all about enjoying the ride and seeing the country, don't rush it it's no fun then.