Need advice for a long trip
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Canton, GA
Great advice on this thread as usual. Just got back from a trip from Atlanta to Dallas and back. My first day was perfect weather (light breeze and 37 degrees when I left the house). Took back roads (HD Ride Planner) and ended up at 675 miles for the first day. Trip back was not so much fun. 91 degrees and about a 30mph wind gust. Felt like I was leaning right all day. My advice would be:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Riding goggles with foam cushions.
3. I wore bicycle riders padded shorts...with cotton "underneath"...made a HUGE difference in my "pain factor"
4. Pack light. There is usually a Wal-Mart close to SOMEWHERE you'll be. Plus most of the stuff is cheap enough to throw away.
5. For my LONG trip this summer (Atlanta-Montana-Sturgis-Minnesota-Atlanta), I'm shipping some of my clothes to the hotel in Sturgis and using the same box to ship junk back.
Have a great trip and ride safe............
1. Drink lots of water
2. Riding goggles with foam cushions.
3. I wore bicycle riders padded shorts...with cotton "underneath"...made a HUGE difference in my "pain factor"
4. Pack light. There is usually a Wal-Mart close to SOMEWHERE you'll be. Plus most of the stuff is cheap enough to throw away.
5. For my LONG trip this summer (Atlanta-Montana-Sturgis-Minnesota-Atlanta), I'm shipping some of my clothes to the hotel in Sturgis and using the same box to ship junk back.
Have a great trip and ride safe............
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Ah Great Advice on the bicycle riders padded shorts. I had considered that, but wasn't exactly sure if it would benefit me any. Glad to hear from someone who has tried em.
And I never thought of shipping the things I buy back home. Even better idea. I was nervous about posting this thread, because on a lot of forums you get bitched at for asking a question that has already been answered.
I can't begin to say thank you enough for all the great info I've gotten.
And I never thought of shipping the things I buy back home. Even better idea. I was nervous about posting this thread, because on a lot of forums you get bitched at for asking a question that has already been answered.
I can't begin to say thank you enough for all the great info I've gotten.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
I have done several IBA rides, all on my 02 fatboy with no shield. Prior advice excellent, but I also never do a long trip without a "crampbuster" for my throttle. They only cost around $10, can be removed (though now I never take off) and make a huge difference in your hand comfort. The star lock on an hd is worthless.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 13
From: Langley, BC. Canada
I have to agree with NoDeal that a crampbuster is better than nothing, but you can't take your hands off the throttle grip with one of those without the throttle going to idle. I totally disagree with the statement that the HD starlock is useless. It is totally useful, but not as convenient as the Universal Vista cruise control , which I paid $34.95 for and worth twice that amount. I just found it on the internet for $28.99. Both the HD starlock and the UV are cruise control items, whereas the crampbuster is a simple relief from the throttle spring tension. One thing to note about the HD starlock is that the cables have to be adjusted correctly or the throttle tube can interfere with its operation.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, Oh
Another good idea is to check your bike for anything loose first thing in the morning. It isn't no fun to tighten up an exhaust flange in the middle of a desert with the sun beating down on you and your hot bike. I found it is much easier to work on it when it's cold. A small tube of blue loctite in your tool kit is good to have too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
I tried the sheepskin, but found the beadrider to be significantly more effective at preventing tired butt. It allows for more airflow and also seems to kind of provide a little massaging action as you ride. I got one before my iron butt ride and had no issues with TB.
I also agree with the suggestion for underarmor or other compression type underwear. In addition to better wicking the sweat, there is reduced friction. Heat and moisture are the biggest enemies to your butt on a long trip.
Finally, I agree with the less is more them regarding clothing. On my next long trip, I'll probably take one extra pair of pants and one or two t-shirts (none if you know you're going to buy one the first day). I'll also pack a heavier jersey type shirt in case the weather turns cold. Even if you don't have laundry facilities, you can wash out your clothes in the sink at your hotel (including your underarmor, which you will not want to throw away).
Sunscreen is probably as important at the compression underwear -- maybe even more important because there are workarounds for butt fatigue. If you get sunburned there is no really effective relief.
The suggestion for a white jersey is interesting, but I have found very very few days are too warm for my vented leather jacket (MAYBE last summer riding across the Mojave at 115 deg.) and none of the pavement I have traversed is forgiving enough for a cotton t-shirt. The jacket is only too hot when you're not moving, and you can take it off for those times.
I also agree with the suggestion for underarmor or other compression type underwear. In addition to better wicking the sweat, there is reduced friction. Heat and moisture are the biggest enemies to your butt on a long trip.
Finally, I agree with the less is more them regarding clothing. On my next long trip, I'll probably take one extra pair of pants and one or two t-shirts (none if you know you're going to buy one the first day). I'll also pack a heavier jersey type shirt in case the weather turns cold. Even if you don't have laundry facilities, you can wash out your clothes in the sink at your hotel (including your underarmor, which you will not want to throw away).
Sunscreen is probably as important at the compression underwear -- maybe even more important because there are workarounds for butt fatigue. If you get sunburned there is no really effective relief.
The suggestion for a white jersey is interesting, but I have found very very few days are too warm for my vented leather jacket (MAYBE last summer riding across the Mojave at 115 deg.) and none of the pavement I have traversed is forgiving enough for a cotton t-shirt. The jacket is only too hot when you're not moving, and you can take it off for those times.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Some very good advice on this forum!!!! There are some things I learned reading this thread.
I have done part of your planned route a couple of years back.
It will be HOT, lots of fluid and sunscreen. Start early in the AM.
We usually ride about 100 miles and do a short stop to stretch and fuel. I know it is a bit of a pain to fuel each stop but depending on how far you can stretch a tank. For example I get 180 miles to a tank, if I don't fill up on a stop after 100 miles I HAVE to stop in the next 80 miles. If you top up each time you can stretch out your stops if you are feeling ok or pressed for time. anyway just a thought.
After leaving Amarillo, the panhandle tends to be Windy and there is alot of sand that comes with that wind. Have eyewear that will allow you to ride in a sandy wind....It was the worst part of the ride when we did it.
Not far past the Big Texan Hotel and Restaraunt is the Cadilac Ranch. 1 Buried Caddy's in the Ground...they are just in an open field, not really any signage so keep your eyes open.
when going to the Grand Canyon, have your shorts and sandles packed near the top. once you get their you will want to change quickly...
Also a short drive but a must from Flagstaff is Sedona...Gotta go there....Fabulous scenery and the road going down into Sedona is a twisty turny fun ride.
well thats all i have to offer....Enjoy your ride! you will love it.
I have done part of your planned route a couple of years back.
It will be HOT, lots of fluid and sunscreen. Start early in the AM.
We usually ride about 100 miles and do a short stop to stretch and fuel. I know it is a bit of a pain to fuel each stop but depending on how far you can stretch a tank. For example I get 180 miles to a tank, if I don't fill up on a stop after 100 miles I HAVE to stop in the next 80 miles. If you top up each time you can stretch out your stops if you are feeling ok or pressed for time. anyway just a thought.
After leaving Amarillo, the panhandle tends to be Windy and there is alot of sand that comes with that wind. Have eyewear that will allow you to ride in a sandy wind....It was the worst part of the ride when we did it.
Not far past the Big Texan Hotel and Restaraunt is the Cadilac Ranch. 1 Buried Caddy's in the Ground...they are just in an open field, not really any signage so keep your eyes open.
when going to the Grand Canyon, have your shorts and sandles packed near the top. once you get their you will want to change quickly...
Also a short drive but a must from Flagstaff is Sedona...Gotta go there....Fabulous scenery and the road going down into Sedona is a twisty turny fun ride.
well thats all i have to offer....Enjoy your ride! you will love it.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Thank u to all who have contributed to this thread! I have learned valuable information that I otherwise would have not known. I'm in countdown mode already with only 31 days left til we leave.
Thank u for suggesting Sedona, we are heading there too. Gonna spend two nights in Sedona and probably travel down to Tucson. We will then make our way to I-10, then eventually take I-20 back home. It's stupid, but I have a phobia about returning the same
way I came.
Hadn't seriously considered the throttle rest until reading these past few posts. It sounding more and more like a must have.
Not sure how many of u guys have gps on ur bike, but I just ordered one to hook up. I'm thinking we are going to buy a 12 volt power cord with a plug I can plug straight into my tender. Also looking at the u bolt mounts on expressmounts.com. If u have had any experience with this set up, share ur imput with me please.
Thank u for suggesting Sedona, we are heading there too. Gonna spend two nights in Sedona and probably travel down to Tucson. We will then make our way to I-10, then eventually take I-20 back home. It's stupid, but I have a phobia about returning the same
way I came.
Hadn't seriously considered the throttle rest until reading these past few posts. It sounding more and more like a must have.
Not sure how many of u guys have gps on ur bike, but I just ordered one to hook up. I'm thinking we are going to buy a 12 volt power cord with a plug I can plug straight into my tender. Also looking at the u bolt mounts on expressmounts.com. If u have had any experience with this set up, share ur imput with me please.