Solo Road Trip Risks if any??
Solo Road Trip Risks if any??
Hi all,
Planning a Bucket List Solo Road Trip, visiting old friends etc. about 2200 miles. Taking the Coastal Route down to Ft Lauderdale from Richmond, swinging through Atlanta and Nashville back to Richmond. Going to avoid the Interstates as much as possible. Never had any Problems with 1%'rs or LEO's while Riding in my Region. I'm a grown man and have driven the Lower 48 in a Peterbilt, so I do have a bit of life expeerience. Anything I should pay particular attention too or area's to avoid? Any of you had any experiences good or bad you'd like to share about a trip like this.
Thanks in advance , John
Planning a Bucket List Solo Road Trip, visiting old friends etc. about 2200 miles. Taking the Coastal Route down to Ft Lauderdale from Richmond, swinging through Atlanta and Nashville back to Richmond. Going to avoid the Interstates as much as possible. Never had any Problems with 1%'rs or LEO's while Riding in my Region. I'm a grown man and have driven the Lower 48 in a Peterbilt, so I do have a bit of life expeerience. Anything I should pay particular attention too or area's to avoid? Any of you had any experiences good or bad you'd like to share about a trip like this.
Thanks in advance , John
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 11
From: TN
Sounds like a great trip! Every May I ride from AZ, to Nashville, to Minneapolis, and back solo. No problems. Just be smart. If you are staying in motels, ask to park your bike under the front portico where it is well lit.
Bwana
Bwana
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Canada
I would follow the same script as allot of Mountain climbers. Send an email out every few days saying where you are where you are going and list a check in time (day you will send your next email) instruct whomever you are sending the emails too that if you dont check in by a certain time to report you.missing and give yhe police your emailed route. Has worked for me and other friends fir years in back country mountain climbs. Good luck!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,613
Likes: 9,059
From: In My Boots
plus 1 on the motel parking. I always ask when checking in for a well lit spot in front of my room so I can look..keep the tv on and the curtains cracked open so it looks like you're awake all night. Also, no offense to anyone but on that route I didn't feel comfortable in the Virginia Beach area. Have Fun.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
Most of my motorcycle travels have been solo. When out in the desert on a dirt bike it's a big concern. On the road, not as much. But, if you want to be cautious, you could get a Spot Tracker and have somebody monitor you occasionally. It also has an "emergency" button that calls for help. Key is to wear it, not put it on your bike for obvious reasons. Or, map out your route for someone and have check in calls. Also, check your route out on the web. Lots of trip planning threads out thee. Helps you see the good stuff and avoid the bad.
Just curious - does anyone ever have problems with 1%ers? I come across them all the time on the road and never had a problem. Of course I don't go wandering into their club houses or bars looking like a store bought pirate either (Wild Hog reference). I just figure they're out enjoying the road like me.
Just curious - does anyone ever have problems with 1%ers? I come across them all the time on the road and never had a problem. Of course I don't go wandering into their club houses or bars looking like a store bought pirate either (Wild Hog reference). I just figure they're out enjoying the road like me.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
well........
A fully charged cell phone and a small first aid kit is a good idea. A list of Highway Patrol phone numbers on the route you are planning may come in handy? Check tire pressures and belt tension regularly. Have a couple extra turn signal bulbs with you. Take the time to take some pictures along the way. Over the years if I could go back and change anything, it would be the lack of photos. Be sure to stay hydrated as you ride. You didn't mention your full days in the saddle but, if it is warm you need water. A Camel back is a great investment to take care of the fluids thing. There are other cheaper bags but, the Camel Back has a large fill opening and you can dump a lot of cubed ice in it. After it is full of ice then just fill it with H2O and yer good to go for a long time.
A Xeno disc brake lock is worth the cost. It has a built in alarm and is loud enough to alert you to it. You also don't have to have the orange cord looped around the handlebars.
Good luck and NO deer whistles don't work so watch for them.
Baggs
A Xeno disc brake lock is worth the cost. It has a built in alarm and is loud enough to alert you to it. You also don't have to have the orange cord looped around the handlebars.
Good luck and NO deer whistles don't work so watch for them.
Baggs
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
....EDIT...
Just curious - does anyone ever have problems with 1%ers? I come across them all the time on the road and never had a problem. Of course I don't go wandering into their club houses or bars looking like a store bought pirate either (Wild Hog reference). I just figure they're out enjoying the road like me.
Just curious - does anyone ever have problems with 1%ers? I come across them all the time on the road and never had a problem. Of course I don't go wandering into their club houses or bars looking like a store bought pirate either (Wild Hog reference). I just figure they're out enjoying the road like me.
Have ended up amongst 1%ers at gas stops, bars and the like with out any issues.. One time they even surrounded me at a gas stop and I thought "uh oh" but nothing but exchanging "pleasantries"
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Almost all my rides are solo. I like it the best. Take some basic tools and a tire repair kit and compressor. Oh, and some tunes.
If you take the coastal route in Florida, US A1A, it will take you a week to get to Ft Lauderdale. A1A is too developed and the stop lights, city intersections, etc will kill you. Run 95 and the Turnpike south. If there is something you want to see on the coast, then turn left and go see it. Then get back on the slab.
The only time I ever really see 1%'s is around bike week and biketoberfest. Mostly Outlaws or smaller support clubs sporting 3 piece colors. It has never been an issue. I don't waste time and am usually in the left lane so I usually overtake them. No issues at all. I wouldn't tuck in behind them or pull over in front of them. Just stay in my lane and keep on moving.
If you take the coastal route in Florida, US A1A, it will take you a week to get to Ft Lauderdale. A1A is too developed and the stop lights, city intersections, etc will kill you. Run 95 and the Turnpike south. If there is something you want to see on the coast, then turn left and go see it. Then get back on the slab.
The only time I ever really see 1%'s is around bike week and biketoberfest. Mostly Outlaws or smaller support clubs sporting 3 piece colors. It has never been an issue. I don't waste time and am usually in the left lane so I usually overtake them. No issues at all. I wouldn't tuck in behind them or pull over in front of them. Just stay in my lane and keep on moving.
Last edited by Jonesee; Dec 29, 2011 at 11:16 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
As long as your bike is in good shape and you are of normal riding ability, then its really no different than a car trip. If you are going to camp, plot your route a bit more detailed and you'll be amazed to find the number of places that you can camp for free.
I don't understand the 1%er reference: unless you are flying unauthorized colors or worse yet, fake colors, you have virtually nothing to worry about with them on the road. If you perchance meet some on your trip, you might find that they are pretty much like most HD riders, as long as you treat them respectfully. In fact, most have less attitude than wannabes. They don't need the attitude....
I don't understand the 1%er reference: unless you are flying unauthorized colors or worse yet, fake colors, you have virtually nothing to worry about with them on the road. If you perchance meet some on your trip, you might find that they are pretty much like most HD riders, as long as you treat them respectfully. In fact, most have less attitude than wannabes. They don't need the attitude....
That all makes sense.... In this tech savvy world it's easy to let people know where you are and stay in touch, FB, Email etc. FB on the phone has a feature where you can "Check in" and it posts your location. I have planned stops and alternates mapped out, giving a copy to a friend is a good idea. I'm also familiar with Locator Beacons like ACR being a former Hiker/Camper... that to is a great idea lets say if you went down on a lonely backroad....
Va Beach, Like Myrtle Beach or Daytona etc are very transient areas... draws opportunists along with the tourists... I'll also be camping every other night... in a State Park when possible (helps the wallet). And although not looking for trouble, will be Legally armed in all of the states I pass through.
Interestlingy, I've only occasionally run into HA's or one of the Local Richmond MC's and I've found just respect them and they'll respect you... but like was said, don't walk in to a situation like your the Ultimate Biker...
Thanks for the opinions, we're all pretty much on the same page.
Va Beach, Like Myrtle Beach or Daytona etc are very transient areas... draws opportunists along with the tourists... I'll also be camping every other night... in a State Park when possible (helps the wallet). And although not looking for trouble, will be Legally armed in all of the states I pass through.
Interestlingy, I've only occasionally run into HA's or one of the Local Richmond MC's and I've found just respect them and they'll respect you... but like was said, don't walk in to a situation like your the Ultimate Biker...
Thanks for the opinions, we're all pretty much on the same page.