Cross Country trip Advice
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 224
From: Coeur d'Alene
From the Motocampers forum, here's a check list below of items to consider. Of course you won't be able to take all this stuff on a Night Train but reading through it may give you some ideas. Since the Night Train is a Softail model, don't you have spoke wheels with tube-type tires? Obviously, tire plug kits won't do you any good then.
Agree with Nomad Billy on the rest area tent camping. Actually, I don't think very many states let you do it anyway. Just as well since through the night I imagine you'd get some real low life sob's coming through there. Plenty of other safe, low cost places to choose from.
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/sh...ighlight=stove
Agree with Nomad Billy on the rest area tent camping. Actually, I don't think very many states let you do it anyway. Just as well since through the night I imagine you'd get some real low life sob's coming through there. Plenty of other safe, low cost places to choose from.
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/sh...ighlight=stove
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Holland, NY
you mention problems with your neck and back--my story too. What kills my back isn't riding all day, its sitting in camp with no back support. I carry a "Kermits chair". While not inexpensive, mine has lasted over twenty years, fits in the saddlebag of my FL. I do a lot of bike camping, and consider the chair to be absolutely indespensable. If you choose to sleep on a self-inflating mattress(I don't), there is a chair option available for them. If my back hurts, the ride is no fun!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 1
From: NW Louisiana
Cross Country
I'll be going from WA state to FL panhandle. Then i'll be riding from FL to Sturgis with some old military buddies. I'm planning on packing/wearing...
1. carhart jeams...normal jeans don't hold up
2. debating on riding jacket or long sleeve shirt
3. sun screen for sure! I always bring it on long rides
4. i'm packing light... maybe 2 days worth of clothing, a small tent, & sleeping bag
5. maybe a small tool bag/flat tire kit...i'm debating on this... I do plan on getting a full service before i leave with new tires.
Other than that, i'm not sure what else is needed or advice i should go with. i'm more concerned about neck/back pain & staying alert. I'm hoping i can hit about 10 hours a day but that might be pushing it.
1. carhart jeams...normal jeans don't hold up
2. debating on riding jacket or long sleeve shirt
3. sun screen for sure! I always bring it on long rides
4. i'm packing light... maybe 2 days worth of clothing, a small tent, & sleeping bag
5. maybe a small tool bag/flat tire kit...i'm debating on this... I do plan on getting a full service before i leave with new tires.
Other than that, i'm not sure what else is needed or advice i should go with. i'm more concerned about neck/back pain & staying alert. I'm hoping i can hit about 10 hours a day but that might be pushing it.
If you are worried about neck/back pain then I would suggest a thick Thermarest mattress (at least 2") and some sort of packable pillow. You will want a decent nights sleep. Small tent is great, just get a good one, like North Face, REI, Marmot, MSR Hubba etc. Same goes for sleeping bag. I personnaly would never sleep in a rest stop and most of them would not allow it. Some IB Profin helps also.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 224
From: Coeur d'Alene
LOL...we all have our priorities. Bagga, you might like my hospital strategy. When I'm on the road and feel the need I just look for a hospital by following the big, blue H sign. Just walk in and pick a hall to walk down like you know where you're going. More than likely you'll stumble across a very clean, comfortable crapper. Truck stops??? Man, we don't have to live like savages out there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,301
Likes: 2,402
From: Florida
LOL...we all have our priorities. Bagga, you might like my hospital strategy. When I'm on the road and feel the need I just look for a hospital by following the big, blue H sign. Just walk in and pick a hall to walk down like you know where you're going. More than likely you'll stumble across a very clean, comfortable crapper. Truck stops??? Man, we don't have to live like savages out there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
10 hours a day is pushing it over the long haul, practice loading everything once or twice in the garage to get a feel of everything packed, maybe a good idea to take a practice trip to see what works its way loose around your neighborhood, not much more advice than what has been given but I will share a web site that makes a good editable list.
http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Eastern WA
Thanks for all of the advice! I really appreciate it. I won't be making the trip until August but I'm starting to plan it now.
After reading a bit of your replies, i'm wondering where i should stop and sleep at for the night if a rest stop isn't the best place. I can't imagine being allowed to camp at a city park for the night. I also don't want to plan to stop at set camp grounds cause that would mean i'd have set destinations each day instead of just going until i don't feel like riding any more. As always, i carrry my Ruger .38.
10 hours a day is pushing it. I'll probably back that down to 6-8, depending on how I feel. I know there are a few essentials that i will need but i'm planning on making this a light packing trip with only bringing what i need. If i was on a bagger, i might pack a little more but i'll be on my bare bones nightrain.
After reading a bit of your replies, i'm wondering where i should stop and sleep at for the night if a rest stop isn't the best place. I can't imagine being allowed to camp at a city park for the night. I also don't want to plan to stop at set camp grounds cause that would mean i'd have set destinations each day instead of just going until i don't feel like riding any more. As always, i carrry my Ruger .38.
10 hours a day is pushing it. I'll probably back that down to 6-8, depending on how I feel. I know there are a few essentials that i will need but i'm planning on making this a light packing trip with only bringing what i need. If i was on a bagger, i might pack a little more but i'll be on my bare bones nightrain.
Last edited by SwiftyBKells; Dec 21, 2011 at 06:24 PM.
