First Road Trip; Looking for Advice
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
First Road Trip; Looking for Advice
I am getting ready to take my first "road trip" from Wisconsin to Birmingham, AL. I am familiar with the route as I have traveled it many times before and after I retired from the Army.
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Windsor, CO
I am getting ready to take my first "road trip" from Wisconsin to Birmingham, AL. I am familiar with the route as I have traveled it many times before and after I retired from the Army.
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
For what it's worth, I just finished a 2800+ mile trip from Utah to Oklahoma and back. Two things that I'd offer: (1) Don't wait until the leg is asleep to take a break, and (2) take lots of pictures along the way.
I like the website Roadside America to check on oddities I might find along any given path.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/
Another site I like when planning the roadtrip is ETravelogue ...
http://www.etravelogue.com
As for places to eat ... I rode from Utah to New Jersey last year and went through Indiana on the way. I stopped at the Triple X in West Lafayette, IN, for a late lunch. I got the Boilermaker Pete, a good burger made with prime cut beef.
A couple years before that I rode through Louiseville, KY, and stopped at a place called J. Gumbos. I was in the mood for Cajun and this place did a respectable job. For some reason I'm thinking the spot was on Frankfurt Avenue. Both of my sisters are married to true Cajuns (one of which worked at some good restaurants in New Orleans) and I work with a guy from southern Louisiana who loves to cook so I've had my share of good Louisiana home cooking.
One of the more unique places I've been in Birmingham is the Garage Cafe. If the weather is nice then eat on the patio. They have good sandwiches but be sure to bring cash because the last time I was there they didn't do credit cards.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: USA
I am getting ready to take my first "road trip" from Wisconsin to Birmingham, AL. I am familiar with the route as I have traveled it many times before and after I retired from the Army.
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
This will be my first time on the Road King for an extended period. Any helpful information from more seasoned riders is welcome. Also, if anyone knows of any interesting places to see or good restaurants along I-65, those too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for the help and stay safe!
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming, right in the middle
sunscreen, lots on the nose. keep a bottle of gatorade to sip on while on the road. stop when ever you want to rest and stretch. dont let yourself get too tired. and check your rigging every stop, a bag or bungie in the back wheel will ruin your day. and yea what these guys said too. 
have fun. i love doin long trips, bet you will too.
have fun. i love doin long trips, bet you will too.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Much Appreciated
Thank you for all the tips and suggestions. I have a new bottle of sunscreen, some sports drinks and, the bike just got it's 1,000 mile service. I will sit down later today and map out the route I am going to take.
When I return I will post some photgraphs.
Officer 391
When I return I will post some photgraphs.
Officer 391
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Covington, Ga.
Morbid as it is, make sure you have an ICE note for the bike and an ICE number loaded in the phone.
I'm a bit ocd on some things so I also e-mail a flight plan to responsible friends/family before I leave too..
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I'm a bit ocd on some things so I also e-mail a flight plan to responsible friends/family before I leave too..
.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 810
Likes: 0
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
If you're going solo, this stuff is important.
Have an ICE note on your person, on your bike, and in your cellphone, actually have the letters "ICE" inserted in front of "wife" or "spouse" of "NOK," i.e. not just a name. Emergency personnel in most areas are trained to look for such things.
Good reminder for us all, Cujo
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
I'm not very familiar with roads from Wisconcin to Alabama. I would try to ride as many stretches of smaller primary roads as your time allows. I don't know if you use ear plugs when riding, but I would definately recommend using them on an extended ride. You'll just feel better at the end of the day. I carry a flask, or a handfull of those "airplane bottles" for emergency purposes. You never know when you may end up staying over night in one of those TN or KY dry counties.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
Even if you're extremely familiar with the route, take good maps. +1 on the sunscreen, water, chapstick and other personal defense items. I would add earplugs - they help reduce wind noise fatigue on long stretches at high speed. Don't forget prescription meds and glasses. Camera and maybe a small notebook/diary to record your innermost thoughts on this great adventure. Check tire pressures and fluids daily for peace of mind. Have a destination in mind but be flexible along the way. You never know what may catch your eye!