Road trip advice
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Mesa Arizona
Been thinking of doing a ride myself to the tail in a few weeks. Just packing some essentials and hopping on the bike to clear the mind and just enjoy life as it is. The way things are going in this country I believe it's about time to do a trip. Have read all the posts on here and agrre with all of them, sometimes a guy/gal just has to do what has to be done, ride on ride safe.
Have fun, and just do it. You'll have memories that will last the rest of your life.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
From: Pa
I did the Tail last year. Had 8 in our group. Spectacular scenery all around N.C. and Tenn. The actual "Tail" was fun, but over quickly. There is so much to see in that area. We visited The Fugitive Dam, Fontana Dam, Cheroholla Skyway, and of course, the BRP. Also did a trip to the Biltmore... pretty cool place!
Have fun, and just do it. You'll have memories that will last the rest of your life.
Have fun, and just do it. You'll have memories that will last the rest of your life.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 497
Likes: 8
From: New Egypt, NJ
I disagree completely with not taking any maps. In fact, I would take a road atlas like the National Geographic Adventure Edition or any other atlas. Most of them denote scenic routes, so they can be very useful in staying off highways and still going in the direction you want to go. You don't need a plan, but I find road trips MUCH more enjoyable if they involve a limited amount of interstate riding. This doesn't apply as much to the southwest, where you're limited to desert highways or mining tracks, but for much of the rest of the country an atlas is invaluable.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I strongly agree with paper maps. I don't disagree about not pre-planing everything in advance but a GPS and a cell phone will only get you so far. MadMaps is a great site for regional maps. You might just sit around over a few beers in the evening looking them over to see what is in the area.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Digging up my old thread here. I had to post pone this a couple years back due to an illness, but would like to do it again now that I have the ability to work remote. With that being said, I will need to carry a laptop and need advice on what type of tent, waterproof backpack (most important) and other light essentials. My bike is a Softail Slim with a sissy bar so not a lot of area for storage.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
I toured for years with a t-bag that slid over my sissy bar and onto a removable rack. Tons of space, backpack shoulder straps that tucked away when not in use, rain cover that did the same. Easy access pockets on both sides. Sounds like just what you need.
For a tent, I recommend the REI Half Dome 2 Plus. It sleeps 2 adults, with entry on both sides of the tent so you don't have to climb over each other to get in and out. There is storage under the rain fly for your boots or other wet/muddy items you don't want inside.
For a tent, I recommend the REI Half Dome 2 Plus. It sleeps 2 adults, with entry on both sides of the tent so you don't have to climb over each other to get in and out. There is storage under the rain fly for your boots or other wet/muddy items you don't want inside.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 4,695
From: Fix'n 2 N, TX
What direction are you heading, or have you been thus far ?
Heading to Wyoming/Montana myself. North Rim last year, Colorado the past 3 years. But we trailer to a place (New Mexico) and ride for 5/6 days.
I wouldn't leave out without a plan, but that's me. The NAV has saved my butt a few times in a Rainstorm..
Heading to Wyoming/Montana myself. North Rim last year, Colorado the past 3 years. But we trailer to a place (New Mexico) and ride for 5/6 days.
I wouldn't leave out without a plan, but that's me. The NAV has saved my butt a few times in a Rainstorm..
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
Digging up my old thread here. I had to post pone this a couple years back due to an illness, but would like to do it again now that I have the ability to work remote. With that being said, I will need to carry a laptop and need advice on what type of tent, waterproof backpack (most important) and other light essentials. My bike is a Softail Slim with a sissy bar so not a lot of area for storage.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
Read [or listen] for a good taste for what you are planning: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gho...xoCeusQAvD_BwE
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 20
From: Connecticut
Most inexpensive way to travel is camping, showers in truck stops (when needed),
eating at Mickey D's and occasionally at buffets if you can eat lots of food at one meal.
"Mom and Pop" motels off the beaten path for bad weather, with Motel 6 for urban areas.
For security, only camp in real campgrounds where lots of people.
eating at Mickey D's and occasionally at buffets if you can eat lots of food at one meal.
"Mom and Pop" motels off the beaten path for bad weather, with Motel 6 for urban areas.
For security, only camp in real campgrounds where lots of people.
I prefer state or national campgrounds. Much cleaner, no rif raf and less children.
My preference is Canada or Appalachia (West Virginia). Cheaper, too!