Big Trip Planning
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
Wife and I rode to the Adriatic sea (Croatia), a 2300 miles / 13 day trip early September. We had very cold weather (5degC) near Mt-Blanc then beautiful sunshine by the sea (28degC).
- We are both over 60 and can ride 8 hours everyday as long as we take a break while refueling every 2 hours; this means keeping our nose in the wind at least 10 hours everyday. We don't need sleeping pills...
- 500 miles per day on the interstate is not very interesting, but the EG is built to take much more than that: its a continuous duty machine, an exception of the kind.
- In densely populated areas 150 miles in 4 hours is common, so plan your trip with a Geo-political curiosity instead of simply the GPS.
- I inspect the bike thoroughly before the trip and forget about maintenance along the road. If service is due, service can wait a few more days because we have a comfortable margin.
- What technical stuff could block me on the road?
*no 40Amp fuse
*no spare FOB battery
*no proper tire inflation nozzle
*no Torx#27
*no jiffy stand spring
*no rain suit
*no tire repair kit
*no compressor
*no tools
All these tools and accessories fit in less than the volume of a shoebox.
- We are both over 60 and can ride 8 hours everyday as long as we take a break while refueling every 2 hours; this means keeping our nose in the wind at least 10 hours everyday. We don't need sleeping pills...
- 500 miles per day on the interstate is not very interesting, but the EG is built to take much more than that: its a continuous duty machine, an exception of the kind.
- In densely populated areas 150 miles in 4 hours is common, so plan your trip with a Geo-political curiosity instead of simply the GPS.
- I inspect the bike thoroughly before the trip and forget about maintenance along the road. If service is due, service can wait a few more days because we have a comfortable margin.
- What technical stuff could block me on the road?
*no 40Amp fuse
*no spare FOB battery
*no proper tire inflation nozzle
*no Torx#27
*no jiffy stand spring
*no rain suit
*no tire repair kit
*no compressor
*no tools
All these tools and accessories fit in less than the volume of a shoebox.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina-First to secede and hopefully the next.
To what's been said I would add a handful of Tywraps and a roll of black electricians tape. A small can of WD40 could also be handy. I like Mapquest to plan rides. It lets me see everything on the way (eats, gas, and hotels) and gives me an idea as to places to avoid traffic-wise. Plan your trip early and spend as much time as you like planning. It will make the difference between a pleasant journey and a dreadful trip.
Stay on the 2 lane roads, I'd give it another day and take my time. There will be places you will want to stop and it would be a shame to pass them by.
Stay on the 2 lane roads, I'd give it another day and take my time. There will be places you will want to stop and it would be a shame to pass them by.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
[quote=d-roadglidr;10581259I like Mapquest to plan rides. It lets me see everything on the way (eats, gas, and hotels) and gives me an idea as to places to avoid traffic-wise.[/quote]
I use Google-Maps to prepare a specific set of waypoints then let the GPS record the trip as we progress. I find it easier to search a waypoint when I need it rather than looking for "the red line" all day on my screen.
I use Google-Maps to prepare a specific set of waypoints then let the GPS record the trip as we progress. I find it easier to search a waypoint when I need it rather than looking for "the red line" all day on my screen.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Pay close attention to weather warnings. If there are severe wind warnings further south. Makes sure you have enough time for a low mileage day.
Keep hydrated. Even on cool days it makes a difference on long mileage days.
Keep hydrated. Even on cool days it makes a difference on long mileage days.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Thanks for all the replies. All good thoughts. It's sure to be an adventure. My plan is to travel HWY 63 pretty much most of the way to Kansas City and then head toward Selina and down to Dodge City. Has anyone ever ridden that route? It looks pretty good on the map but my butt may feel different if the roads aren't too good.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Take it from somebody that has ridden in Kansas for to many years, I lived in Olathe Ks 16 years. Kansas is a boring state to ride in and there is a reason for the saying" get the hell out of Dodge." Last summer we rode from Sedalia,Mo to Dodge City and spent the night. Whatever you do stay far away from the Cargill Meat packing plant. We stayed at a motel not far enough away and the stink was terrible. We all agreed to never stay in Dodge City again. Once we got out of Kansas everything was good. Enjoy the trip and remember it's more about the journey rather than the destination.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 7
From: Eau Claire, WI
Sounds like a great trip Chief! I hope to make that same ride in a couple years.
There are some great tips given so far, and I'd like to add a couple more. I always have a couple different pairs of sunglasses along. Just putting on a different pair each day or half way through the day will keep pressure points to a minimum by moving them to a different spot. And don't forget some aspirin! Getting rid of a low grade headache or providing relief from sore muscles from the ride is priceless and will keep your saddle time enjoyable!
ENjoy the trip and ride safe!!
There are some great tips given so far, and I'd like to add a couple more. I always have a couple different pairs of sunglasses along. Just putting on a different pair each day or half way through the day will keep pressure points to a minimum by moving them to a different spot. And don't forget some aspirin! Getting rid of a low grade headache or providing relief from sore muscles from the ride is priceless and will keep your saddle time enjoyable!
ENjoy the trip and ride safe!!