Looking for road warrior advice
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
Looking for road warrior advice
In about a month I'm embarking on my first long road trip. I'll be by myself. I figure "there and back" to be around 1700 miles. I'm planning on four days on the road with a couple of days visit. I haven't decided yet whether to "tent-it" or stay at "hotels". I know this is probably a longer distance than my first "long haul" should be but the destination is set.
I'm 50 years old, in fairly good physical shape. My "Renee" is a 2009 Heritage. It just had the 10K service completed.
What I'm looking for is advice on what I need to purchase and/or prepare for on a long trip. I've already headed out in the rain to get some rain riding experience and found that a half-shell with riding glasses doesn't cut it in the rain and I certainly need lower leggings to keep below the knees dry. Above my knees I stayed dry with a good Harley rain jacket on.
Expense wise; if I really need it I'll buy it, but if it's "just nice to have" I'll consider it.
So shoot away, what do I need to purchase and/or prepare for (besides good life insurance)?
Thanks,
I'm 50 years old, in fairly good physical shape. My "Renee" is a 2009 Heritage. It just had the 10K service completed.
What I'm looking for is advice on what I need to purchase and/or prepare for on a long trip. I've already headed out in the rain to get some rain riding experience and found that a half-shell with riding glasses doesn't cut it in the rain and I certainly need lower leggings to keep below the knees dry. Above my knees I stayed dry with a good Harley rain jacket on.
Expense wise; if I really need it I'll buy it, but if it's "just nice to have" I'll consider it.
So shoot away, what do I need to purchase and/or prepare for (besides good life insurance)?
Thanks,
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
If you like your half helmet and want to use it in the rain, get a visor with a shield attached. They look goofy but I just pack mine away just in case. Good rainwear is always a must for long rides, get yourself a good pair of rain pants.
How much gear can you (and want to) travel with? I assume you want to keep it as minimal as possible. One thing I like to always have on long trips with the possibility of "camping" in some form, is a very light weight hammock that can be slung up most anywhere, even useful for brief napping. Obviously a good knife and some tools, just in case of emergency...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
Honestly, I'd consider a full-face helmet. The windblast and noise will be dramatically lessened, leading to less fatigue. at the very least - wear earplugs!
Try a few FF helmets out. They're not all created equal!
Try a few FF helmets out. They're not all created equal!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,166
Likes: 1,801
From: Puget Sound, WA.
In about a month I'm embarking on my first long road trip. I'll be by myself. I figure "there and back" to be around 1700 miles. I'm planning on four days on the road with a couple of days visit. I haven't decided yet whether to "tent-it" or stay at "hotels". I know this is probably a longer distance than my first "long haul" should be but the destination is set.
I'm 50 years old, in fairly good physical shape. My "Renee" is a 2009 Heritage. It just had the 10K service completed.
What I'm looking for is advice on what I need to purchase and/or prepare for on a long trip. I've already headed out in the rain to get some rain riding experience and found that a half-shell with riding glasses doesn't cut it in the rain and I certainly need lower leggings to keep below the knees dry. Above my knees I stayed dry with a good Harley rain jacket on.
Expense wise; if I really need it I'll buy it, but if it's "just nice to have" I'll consider it.
So shoot away, what do I need to purchase and/or prepare for (besides good life insurance)?
Thanks,
Attachment 268377
I'm 50 years old, in fairly good physical shape. My "Renee" is a 2009 Heritage. It just had the 10K service completed.
What I'm looking for is advice on what I need to purchase and/or prepare for on a long trip. I've already headed out in the rain to get some rain riding experience and found that a half-shell with riding glasses doesn't cut it in the rain and I certainly need lower leggings to keep below the knees dry. Above my knees I stayed dry with a good Harley rain jacket on.
Expense wise; if I really need it I'll buy it, but if it's "just nice to have" I'll consider it.
So shoot away, what do I need to purchase and/or prepare for (besides good life insurance)?
Thanks,
Attachment 268377
Don't ride after sundown, stop, relax, meet people.
I would stay at Best Western- they have a deal going on with H-D
https://goldcrownclub.bestwestern.co...nts.asp?cfg=hd
That way you stay fresh and revitalized for the next day's ride.
Without having to camp, it frees up room on your bike for water, raingear, SPF 100, dry clothes, and room for stuff you buy on the road.
Take essential items and buy as the need arises.
I absolutely love being on the road-could do it for the rest of my days, so much to see!
Take lots of pictures and share them!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 465
Likes: 3
From: North Shore of Massachusetts
Just finished a solo 5k ride . I camped 9 days and got a room for one . The trip was quite the adventure with many good memories . I will do another trip next year . There were some lessons learned from my ride that I will use in my next one . None of them are new but I think are worth repeating .
Don't over pack . It was amazing to see how little I needed . I'm talking about clothes to tools to camping gear. You just don't need much.
Don't stay on the bike to long . Some days I just plain simple rode to many miles . By doing that I missed out . Didn't get to meet people , see places and tired myself out needlessly .
Start early , end early . It sets a nice relaxed pace . I would try to do a hundred miles before stopping for breakfast .
Don't eat at the national franchise restaurants . Do the local coffee shops, diners , restaurants . You have a better experience .
Happy Trails
Don't over pack . It was amazing to see how little I needed . I'm talking about clothes to tools to camping gear. You just don't need much.
Don't stay on the bike to long . Some days I just plain simple rode to many miles . By doing that I missed out . Didn't get to meet people , see places and tired myself out needlessly .
Start early , end early . It sets a nice relaxed pace . I would try to do a hundred miles before stopping for breakfast .
Don't eat at the national franchise restaurants . Do the local coffee shops, diners , restaurants . You have a better experience .
Happy Trails
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 131
From: Central Texas area
Cellphone (leave it off when on the bike), Credit Card, HOG Touring Book, Sunscreen, Motrin, Eye Drops, stay hydrated. We started riding 6-7am and ended by 3:30...
Last edited by rossn2; Aug 24, 2012 at 08:19 AM.
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