Chicago To Yellowstone
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 23
From: Edwardsville, IL
Sounds like a good trip. My gf and I are rolling out that way at the end of June. Heading to MT and Glacier Nat'l park, then to Yellowstone, CO, UT, and where ever else the road takes us. We are still in the planning stages.
Our original plan was to take 20 out to Wyoming then run down to Estes Park and run 34 back as they are still mostly 2 lane with a couple of highway stretches in them. Then we decided that all we would be doing is turning out miles and not enjoying the trip, so change of plans we will spend 4 days there 6 days out in Wyoming and Montana and 4 days home.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
That can be a long, hot run crossing what is mostly "flyover country"!
The last time we did that (2010) we took three bikes on my flatbed trailer and using two drivers, drove straight through from the Detroit area to Billings, MT on I-90.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend the straight through drive with only one driver but trailering is a lot more comfortable and it would give you more time to do much more sight-seeing once you're reached your destination.
I've done my share of riding just to get from point A to point B in my time.
I'm now focused on enjoying my long distance trips and making the most of my wife's vacation time and by trailering and having her fly to a predesignated destination maximizes the scenic riding, especially if she wants to ride solo.
Another plus in trailering is that in case of any problems (mechanical, accidental or medical) getting transportation home is as close as to where you park your car/truck and trailer.
The last time we did that (2010) we took three bikes on my flatbed trailer and using two drivers, drove straight through from the Detroit area to Billings, MT on I-90.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend the straight through drive with only one driver but trailering is a lot more comfortable and it would give you more time to do much more sight-seeing once you're reached your destination.
I've done my share of riding just to get from point A to point B in my time.
I'm now focused on enjoying my long distance trips and making the most of my wife's vacation time and by trailering and having her fly to a predesignated destination maximizes the scenic riding, especially if she wants to ride solo.
Another plus in trailering is that in case of any problems (mechanical, accidental or medical) getting transportation home is as close as to where you park your car/truck and trailer.
That can be a long, hot run crossing what is mostly "flyover country"!
The last time we did that (2010) we took three bikes on my flatbed trailer and using two drivers, drove straight through from the Detroit area to Billings, MT on I-90.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend the straight through drive with only one driver but trailering is a lot more comfortable and it would give you more time to do much more sight-seeing once you're reached your destination.
I've done my share of riding just to get from point A to point B in my time.
I'm now focused on enjoying my long distance trips and making the most of my wife's vacation time and by trailering and having her fly to a predesignated destination maximizes the scenic riding, especially if she wants to ride solo.
Another plus in trailering is that in case of any problems (mechanical, accidental or medical) getting transportation home is as close as to where you park your car/truck and trailer.
The last time we did that (2010) we took three bikes on my flatbed trailer and using two drivers, drove straight through from the Detroit area to Billings, MT on I-90.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend the straight through drive with only one driver but trailering is a lot more comfortable and it would give you more time to do much more sight-seeing once you're reached your destination.
I've done my share of riding just to get from point A to point B in my time.
I'm now focused on enjoying my long distance trips and making the most of my wife's vacation time and by trailering and having her fly to a predesignated destination maximizes the scenic riding, especially if she wants to ride solo.
Another plus in trailering is that in case of any problems (mechanical, accidental or medical) getting transportation home is as close as to where you park your car/truck and trailer.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 23
From: Edwardsville, IL
Our original plan was to take 20 out to Wyoming then run down to Estes Park and run 34 back as they are still mostly 2 lane with a couple of highway stretches in them. Then we decided that all we would be doing is turning out miles and not enjoying the trip, so change of plans we will spend 4 days there 6 days out in Wyoming and Montana and 4 days home.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,925
Due to time constraints I too am considering either shipping the bike to Rapid City and both of us flying in then shipping it back when done or putting it on the back of my truck then picking her up at the airport.
Made the ride a few times. It's a long trip from Tampa Bay.
Made the ride a few times. It's a long trip from Tampa Bay.
Due to time constraints I too am considering either shipping the bike to Rapid City and both of us flying in then shipping it back when done or putting it on the back of my truck then picking her up at the airport.
Made the ride a few times. It's a long trip from Tampa Bay.
Made the ride a few times. It's a long trip from Tampa Bay.
We are planning a trip this summer and it will be our first long trip in a long time. My only other long trip was Chicago to Missoula, MT back when I had a 69 sportster that was 1973. Work has always been in the way. Anyway we are going to ride out and spend 3 to 4 days going each way. We have friends in Cody so we will just stay there while we are out there. My question is with all the trip planning software we are trying to find campgrounds with cabins rather than a regular hotel. Problem is the software gives you the routing with options which we don't want any highways or toll roads basically 2 lane all the way out and back. The software doesn't give the names of the towns we will pass through or is there an option I am missing?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,925
That would be a ride probably for later unless you have the time. I have never shipped a bike so do you ship it to a harley dealer? They will hold it for you until you get there and ship it back for you? I'm not sure how prompt the guys are that operate the shipping companies.
I've spoke with several transport companies. Most are not interested in shipping to RC unless the rally's going on. I did find a co "Simply Motorcycle Shipping" that said they can do it within 7-10 days to find a driver and make delivery. Price was reasonable considering some of the other quote's I got.
To ride the bike or drive adds 3-4 days one way to my trip or 6-8 days round trip total. We only have 10 days.
Thought about renting but DanG it would cost about $3K. Shipping looks to be half of that.
Will know by end of week if Ma-Ma's time off is approved.
Last edited by Nokkon Wud; Mar 6, 2019 at 07:14 AM.
My father has a Road Glide Ultra, i will talk to him tonight for dinner and ask him about software tips and let you know tomorrow. For our last trip to Nordkapp i remember him loading maps with a pen drive. I suppose the software used to make the maps bits is the same. I'll let you know