Big Trip Planning
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Big Trip Planning
I'm planning my first REALLY big trip on any bike. Next spring (in mid-May) I'll be taking 2 weeks and traveling from Elk Mound, WI to Albequerque, NM. I need to attend the graduation of a niece and my wife insists I go. I said "Sure, I'll ride. You fly with the kids." She agreed. 
It's about 1350 miles to Albequerque and I figured I'd leave about 3 days before them and take my time getting there, arriving the day they arrive. I'll spend some time around the area - going on a few rides in the mountains with my father-in-law and brother-in-law and then maybe take a different route back home. I was thinking up through the Dakotas... I'm guessing I'll put on about 4000 miles during this trip.
There's a couple things to take care of prior to departure. I'll need a new rear tire because I already have 8500 miles on my 2012 Ultra and I fully plan to have about 10000 on by mid-May. Of course, I'll need to get my 10000 mile service taken care of too. Other than those two things and packing a bag, I think I'd be ready to roll.
I'm looking for suggestions for experienced cross country riders on the following:
Additional items to take with other than the obvious.
Routes/areas to avoid.
Routes/areas that are must see/rides.
General tips for a trip of this size.
Thanks for the input everyone.
It's about 1350 miles to Albequerque and I figured I'd leave about 3 days before them and take my time getting there, arriving the day they arrive. I'll spend some time around the area - going on a few rides in the mountains with my father-in-law and brother-in-law and then maybe take a different route back home. I was thinking up through the Dakotas... I'm guessing I'll put on about 4000 miles during this trip.
There's a couple things to take care of prior to departure. I'll need a new rear tire because I already have 8500 miles on my 2012 Ultra and I fully plan to have about 10000 on by mid-May. Of course, I'll need to get my 10000 mile service taken care of too. Other than those two things and packing a bag, I think I'd be ready to roll.
I'm looking for suggestions for experienced cross country riders on the following:
Additional items to take with other than the obvious.
Routes/areas to avoid.
Routes/areas that are must see/rides.
General tips for a trip of this size.
Thanks for the input everyone.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 2,506
TOOLS-never leave home without them!!
tire repair-plugs and air pump
Leave a detailed plan of your trip with your wife stating where you are going and where you will be. Others will chime in with more suggestions. Have fun and ride safe.
tire repair-plugs and air pump
Leave a detailed plan of your trip with your wife stating where you are going and where you will be. Others will chime in with more suggestions. Have fun and ride safe.
good socks, underwear (skivies) a rain suit, cell phone, a map or garmin;in case you care, and money for gas. have a blast.
try and stay off the concrete slab (interstate) you can see so much more when your on the bi-ways.
try and stay off the concrete slab (interstate) you can see so much more when your on the bi-ways.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Central New Jersey
Sounds like a nice trip Chief.
I would take a hard look at that rear tire before replacing, I have over 20,000 on my original tires. Starting to get near the wear bars now.
As silly as it sounds, I carry a small hand towel in the tour pak. In the event of a long rain storm it is nice to be able to pull under a bridge and dry your face and hands while taking a break.
Enjoy your trip and ride safe.
I would take a hard look at that rear tire before replacing, I have over 20,000 on my original tires. Starting to get near the wear bars now.
As silly as it sounds, I carry a small hand towel in the tour pak. In the event of a long rain storm it is nice to be able to pull under a bridge and dry your face and hands while taking a break.
Enjoy your trip and ride safe.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Don't be too ambitious with your daily mileage. Look on each day like going to work; set off after a decent breakfast and stop along the way, take photos, have a light lunch. Call it a day at a sensible hour, leaving plenty of time to get clean, relax and have an evening meal. The next day will be the same routine!
It is easy to dress down if the weather is hot, not so easy to keep warm if it turns cool, so take truly warm clothes, also good quality waterproofs. Plan your route and where you are going to sleep, so when you get there you don't have to spend too much time finding that darned hotel/motel!
Have a great time.
It is easy to dress down if the weather is hot, not so easy to keep warm if it turns cool, so take truly warm clothes, also good quality waterproofs. Plan your route and where you are going to sleep, so when you get there you don't have to spend too much time finding that darned hotel/motel!
Have a great time.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
Long trips are simply a group of day rides all combined together. On my long trips usually means around 300/400 mile per day depending on how fast you want to go. I enjoy the back road rather than interstates freeways. Rain gear a must, tire repair kits, cell phones, and not to much clothing other than good leathers and jacket. I always take too much clothing. You can always buy things along the way. Enjoy the ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
At every motel ask for a couple of their *used* towels. Explain that you want to clean your windshield/bike & won't use their good towels. Every motel appreciates the courtesy & has plenty of old towels they use as rags.
A quart ziplock bag will hold 20 paper towels & take up very little space. Handy for wiping almost anything from sunscreen on your hands to checkin' oil. A couple of tall kitchen trash bags take up no room until you need 'em for dirty clothes, etc.
In mid May you'll still need a jacket, but don't over pack. Levi's can be worn for several days & you can wash clothes at your destination. Clean socks & underwear are important for comfort. Even on a warm sunny day a long sleeved denim shirt is comfortable in the wind.
If you're goin' solo you'll have more than enough luggage room on an Ultra. Never pack the rain gear on the bottom, when it rains you need it *now*! When you need tools you're goin' to be there long enough to dig 'em out..........
A quart ziplock bag will hold 20 paper towels & take up very little space. Handy for wiping almost anything from sunscreen on your hands to checkin' oil. A couple of tall kitchen trash bags take up no room until you need 'em for dirty clothes, etc.
In mid May you'll still need a jacket, but don't over pack. Levi's can be worn for several days & you can wash clothes at your destination. Clean socks & underwear are important for comfort. Even on a warm sunny day a long sleeved denim shirt is comfortable in the wind.
If you're goin' solo you'll have more than enough luggage room on an Ultra. Never pack the rain gear on the bottom, when it rains you need it *now*! When you need tools you're goin' to be there long enough to dig 'em out..........
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 507
From: Florida
Stay off the super slabs and you will discover a world rarely seen by the masses. As stated 300 to 400 miles a day is comfortable. Enjoy the adventure.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
The wife an I prefer 500+ miles a day. I also get up and get an hour or so in the saddle before taking a breakfast break. I avoid eateries where the big trucks stop. They are very limited to where they can park. I look for places where the local pickup's are parked to pick a place to eat. I avoid chains because I'm on an adventure. I would also avoid Oklahoma City, it's a mess to drive through. The Amarillo Steak House as seen on "Man vrs. Food" is an interesting tourist trap but I was disappointed in the food. If you get wet and chilled consider making it an early day, the miles will still be there the next day. Stay warm, stay dry, enjoy the miles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
I agree on the staying off the interstate, the trucks can really make the trip horrible.
I try to book the hotel each night on the far side of any town if possible, you don't have to fight the morning traffic the first thing each day, it can make for a much more pleasant start to a day.
Plan for rain somewhere, you will get wet, have pleaty of cold weather layers, long sleeve shirts, sweat shirts, a jacket that fits, meaning that the arms are long enough to reach the handle bars comfortably. It's amazing how something normally that insignifcant can really get to you after several hours and days on the road.
I try to book the hotel each night on the far side of any town if possible, you don't have to fight the morning traffic the first thing each day, it can make for a much more pleasant start to a day.
Plan for rain somewhere, you will get wet, have pleaty of cold weather layers, long sleeve shirts, sweat shirts, a jacket that fits, meaning that the arms are long enough to reach the handle bars comfortably. It's amazing how something normally that insignifcant can really get to you after several hours and days on the road.