First Road Trip Ever...
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 76
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From: Edmonton, AB
First Road Trip Ever...
Hi everybody,
Just want to know your thoughts on making the first road trip ever. Any advice? We're looking at starting from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, going through the Rocky Mountains and into British Columbia, and then down to Seattle.
Since this will be our first road trip together (I have Sportster 883, hubby has Fatboy), anything we should know in advance???
Just want to know your thoughts on making the first road trip ever. Any advice? We're looking at starting from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, going through the Rocky Mountains and into British Columbia, and then down to Seattle.
Since this will be our first road trip together (I have Sportster 883, hubby has Fatboy), anything we should know in advance???
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Oh boy, stay within your comfort zone, when either of you get tired, STOP. Its not worth it to ride longer if either of you are tired. Get some shorter trips in before you head out on this journey, make sure the bikes are in good riding condition, change fluids, enjoy the ride, make sure to keep notes along the way it helps when you get older to remember each day a little better. There is only one first road trip. Keep an open mind on the road, people will want to talk to you about where you're going, where you came from. Take warm clothes and rain gear.
So much more to add but I am sure others will chime in with good ideas. When are you leaving?
So much more to add but I am sure others will chime in with good ideas. When are you leaving?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 12
From: Mount Holly, NC
Thats a helluva first trip. Keep it below 200 miles per day. Set NO time tables. Expect bad weather. Drink plenty of water. Take your time.
If you find yourself in good weather and able to ride 12 hours in comfort: great. Most-likely, you're going to feel like you made a big mistake. Theres a reason why you see so many trailers at motorcycle rallys: it takes a special kind of whackjob to ride long miles on a scooter.
If you find yourself in good weather and able to ride 12 hours in comfort: great. Most-likely, you're going to feel like you made a big mistake. Theres a reason why you see so many trailers at motorcycle rallys: it takes a special kind of whackjob to ride long miles on a scooter.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
My first priority is to stay warm and dry. Weather always changes during long rides from high elevation to you name it, so bring warm clothes and good rain gear. Make sure you stay hydrated and bring plenty of sun screen.
Gas was never a problem for me in Canada, however watch your gas gauge and top off before it becomes a problem.
I like to ride about 700 miles per day, but everyone is different. Ride within your own limitations and do not try and over extend. I disagree on the keep it below 200 miles per day comment unless you are retired or have several weeks vacation. You will never get anywhere at that pace unless you are traveling close to home. I travel farther than that on after dinner weekday leisure rides.
Gas was never a problem for me in Canada, however watch your gas gauge and top off before it becomes a problem.
I like to ride about 700 miles per day, but everyone is different. Ride within your own limitations and do not try and over extend. I disagree on the keep it below 200 miles per day comment unless you are retired or have several weeks vacation. You will never get anywhere at that pace unless you are traveling close to home. I travel farther than that on after dinner weekday leisure rides.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
You mentioned Rocky Mountains. Coming through Co it can be snowing in the higher elevations in May as well so be prepared. Also are you packing lightly planning on using hotels to wash clothes? I sometimes bring raggy socks, and briefs, worn out tshirts and then throw them away as I go and if needed buy cheap ones at wally world...
..and when you are done you will be one of the whackjob's Certainteed talks about because you will and can easily put more than 200 miles on in a day. Without trying hard I'll have 150 on in the morning if need be...
One more last thing...pics to post on the forum!
..and when you are done you will be one of the whackjob's Certainteed talks about because you will and can easily put more than 200 miles on in a day. Without trying hard I'll have 150 on in the morning if need be...
One more last thing...pics to post on the forum!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Michigan
+1 on the tp
bring asprin/tylenol, chapstick, sunscreen,travel size tooth paste and toiletries. Stop every 100 miles or so top off your gas, stretch your legs a bit. Stay hydrated, where layers of clothing so you can adjust for temperature easilly. and finally one little trick I learned, keep a copule extra micro fiber towels handy, if you start getting the tail bone burn, fold them up and put one in each back pocket to raise your tailbone up, (kinda simulates having the tail bone relief in your seat padding, unless you already have ample "junk in your truck")
bring asprin/tylenol, chapstick, sunscreen,travel size tooth paste and toiletries. Stop every 100 miles or so top off your gas, stretch your legs a bit. Stay hydrated, where layers of clothing so you can adjust for temperature easilly. and finally one little trick I learned, keep a copule extra micro fiber towels handy, if you start getting the tail bone burn, fold them up and put one in each back pocket to raise your tailbone up, (kinda simulates having the tail bone relief in your seat padding, unless you already have ample "junk in your truck")