Solo trip question
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: San Diego area
San Jose Ca to Myrtle Beach SC for bike week. 4000 miles one way since I couldn't get out of Texas for three days trying to avoid the storms. Mostly back roads and turns left or right when I felt like it.
Limited time
I know it’s hard to plan a trip due to time constraints. It sucks having the one to two weeks a year thing. Most of us have families and can’t steal too much time away from them. I on the other hand have been blessed with a job where I work five weeks and have five weeks at home and get paid year round. The only thing is that the five weeks I work are usually overseas somewhere and I’m away from my family. On the upside the five weeks I’m home are mine and I can go ride when I want.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 25
From: Santa Fe NM
A few years ago I did a cross country Rahway NJ to Redding CA 3,300 miles...
This year I rode Tampa FL to Redding CA 3,200 miles...
Both trips were riding the bike home after an eBay purchase...
This year I rode Tampa FL to Redding CA 3,200 miles...
Both trips were riding the bike home after an eBay purchase...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
Solo is a great way to see the country and tune yourself up! I started doing them about 15 years ago, and had the some of the best experiences to date. Although the last 3 have been non solo, but still great experiences. I really do miss it though.
As far as mileage? Your first day will probably be a long one, due to adrenalin. After that you'll probably start out doing 300 - 350 / day, but increasing over time as you get into your "oneness" with your bike and the open road.
Camping is a great way to do it too. You'll feel as though you are part of something much bigger when you're emersed in it full time.
I've found that a days ride should only be a ballpark guess so I can really explore all that is in front of me.
Settle down, unwind, and just wonder. That's my basic advice.
Oh yeah - just do it! You couldn't possibly regret it.
As far as mileage? Your first day will probably be a long one, due to adrenalin. After that you'll probably start out doing 300 - 350 / day, but increasing over time as you get into your "oneness" with your bike and the open road.
Camping is a great way to do it too. You'll feel as though you are part of something much bigger when you're emersed in it full time.
I've found that a days ride should only be a ballpark guess so I can really explore all that is in front of me.
Settle down, unwind, and just wonder. That's my basic advice.
Oh yeah - just do it! You couldn't possibly regret it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 199
Likes: 118
From: Pocono Mountains
I enjoy both solo & group trips. There are times during both that I wish I was doing the other. Either because I want to share an experience with someone, or because I'm not happy with the "group decission".
So far as longest trip, Orlando area to North Georgia. Mostly back roads. Just make sure you have a map & a cell phone. Let your family know where you are, and have a blast.....
So far as longest trip, Orlando area to North Georgia. Mostly back roads. Just make sure you have a map & a cell phone. Let your family know where you are, and have a blast.....
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 1
Did Seattle to Salt Lake City & back in 36 hours.
In February. If I ever do it again. I'll wait past April
In February. If I ever do it again. I'll wait past April
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: las vegas nv
solo
Did 5500 mile roundtrip from Las Vegas to PA. I set a limit of no more than 450 miles per day. I knew that limiting myself to this would ensure I would enjoy the ride and not hate the bike at the end. One other note, even though I was traveling alone, I met some great other solo riders along the way and even joined them for portions of the trip. So plan your trip, figure out your limits and ride!! You'll have the greatest time of your life. I guarantee it!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,112
Likes: 20
I've been riding alone since the kid's were born,the all your egg's in one basket thing.Over the yrs. I've discovered that when calling home don't over emphasize how great a time your having.Even when the wife know's you're lying she does'nt want to know,by that I mean no serious lie's just do not say what a beautiful day it was, throw a few negative's in there.Also refrain from saying how great that road is when you see it in a movie or on TV.