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Mar 6, 2013 | 04:04 PM

#41

Road Fever

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Joined: May 2008

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From:

The thing to remember on rides like this is that whatever you do on the first day, you have to get up and do again. Just about anyone can put 500+ miles on in one day. It's a lot harder to do it several days in a row. 550+ for 2 days is doable, but you are going to be glad to get off the WG for a couple days when you get there.
My .02 for while you are on the road: Hydrate...a lot. When you stop, do a little walking around. This helps more than you might think. Advil or similar as needed, and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

Good luck and ride safe!

Mar 9, 2013 | 12:28 AM

#42

Mowinguy

Novice

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 15

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+1 on the air hawk. I could literally ride all day and never feel like it. Helps to a with road jarring.

Mar 10, 2013 | 10:34 AM

#43

MontanaRider

Advanced

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 97

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From: Texas

My 0.02. I drive from Dallas to Northern WI 2x a year in my lux SUV. 2 days is Mandatory! I have ridden 12 hr days (with food and gas stops) on my FLHT and while doable it's not the best plan if riding solo. All that being said a couple of 9+ hour days are doable and should work if you keep to the super slabs. Add time for back roads, gas and HD shop stops. I have herniated disks in L4 and L5. A backrest is a must have as well as a tall windscreen. Yoga is a good plan. I ride a stock HD Tall Boy seat without a sore butt. Get used to riding for 3 - 4 hours a day. When you get tired pull over and take a power nap then continue. No margn of error on the bike. As others have said, new rubber, full check up before & MO has a helmet law. I where one anytime I am on the super slab. Cagers scare me. Bottom line... Do it! I am planning a ride from D/FW to the WI Hog Rally this summer. These are the reasons why we bought the bikes. Enjoy!

Mar 10, 2013 | 02:05 PM

#44

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,856

Likes: 29,833

From: PNW

It's a pretty boring ride imo. Done it more times than I can count (maybe why it's boring). The minutes seem like hours from WI to St Louis. After St Louis the scenery is better, but it's still slab. Maybe consider flying down and renting a day or two in Texas? You don't say where in Texas you're going but there's some decent riding down there that you could focus on instead of the long, boring ride getting there. I know there's no challenge to that, but is challenging yourself in this manner really any fun? I guess I'm spoiled. I always use touring bikes to cover long distances. I can't imagine doing it on a WG, let alone doing it with a bad back.

Mar 11, 2013 | 09:45 AM

#45

see22ds

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 290

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From: Wisconsin

Lots of good advice coming from you guys, thanks so much. I know a good seat with backrest, and windshield are going to go a long way. It may be somewhat of a boring trip due to scenery....but given its scenery of some sorts and my first major trip...I think I am going to have a rather large smile on my face as I go. The weather is warming here this week, suppose to be in the 40's...so yeah....getting eager to get out and start racking the miles.
My trip will be from Milwaukee area to Amarillo, even though I have made this trip a few times by cage...this time is gonna be all new to me. I may try to squeeze a few extra days off of work if I think I will need it. I will keep you all posted as time gets closer. Thanks Again...really cool having this place to bounce ideas and thoughts off to.

Mar 11, 2013 | 06:40 PM

#46

Owtlaw

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,376

Likes: 36

From: Round Rock, TX

Amarillo is barely Texas. Nearest good riding is probably New Mexico. North of Albuquerque is nice I hear.

Mar 11, 2013 | 06:40 PM

#47

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,856

Likes: 29,833

From: PNW

Quote:

Originally Posted by see22ds

....but given its scenery of some sorts and my first major trip...I think I am going to have a rather large smile on my face as I go. The weather is warming here this week, suppose to be in the 40's...so yeah....getting eager to get out and start racking the miles.

That's the spirit! I scheduled my bike for pick-up (from storage) April 1st. I'll probably be doing much of that route to visit Dad in NW Ark right after I pick her up.

Looks like Springfield is your best layover point. Just a hair short of mid-way.

Mar 11, 2013 | 10:54 PM

#48

JackD

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 897

Likes: 26

From: Mid-West-YAY!

Quote:

Originally Posted by see22ds

Hello All,
Ok so I may be in need of a reality check...A few weeks ago I bought a 2001 Wide Glide...bike is mechanically sound, good rubber, and great shape...about 5000 miles. I am a 42 year old male is relatively good shape, back in 2009 i had a spinal fusion which since then I have had to give up other riding activities such as snowmobiling and four wheeling...my back just cant handle the jaring and i have not learned to go slow.

So here is my idea...In Late may my girlfriend needs to go back home for a family thing to Texas and she is flying. I want to ride down there from here in Wisconsin. I have not been on a bike in about 10 years, and I figure between now and then I will be hitting the local roads with a few longer weekend runs. It is about 1100 miles one way and I have 5-6 days to make the complete trip. Thoughts...am i bitting off more than I can chew?

Thanks for any input.

Pick anther ride!! If you have had back problems a 2200 mile ride will make you wish you never knew how to spell motorcycle, let alone ride one!! I'd fly with the girlie and come home and tour Wis, it's a great state!!!