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.

 

I thought I was crazy when the wife and offered to deliver a car to Pheonix. She drove the car down, I rode the bike. We stayed in Pheonix for a day and then headed back. 4,000 miles round trip, 7 days. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Best way to see this great country. You have to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you.

 

Start riding longer and longer distances.

When you get up 300 mile Sunday afternoons your question will be answered.

Good luck to you.

 

Great advice. You have to train yourself to ride long distances, no matter what brand or model you ride.

 

Between now and then you'll have a good chance to build up your stamina or find out that it's just not gonna work. If my math is correct, you're looking at least 360+ miles per day. Hope your back holds up. Good luck.

 

You lads in the US have all the luck, if we planed them long trips we would just drive into the sea at the other end lol. If you have some sort of recovery plan then i would say go for it and good luck.
tbone

 

Very doable just get in ridign shape as others have said.

 

Thanks all for the tips. I know it will take me a bit to condition myself to ride this type of distance. Not only will I be working on putting on miles between now and then, but I will be also working with a yoga instructer for strengthing my back as well. I am pumped up for a trip like this, yet i know i need to listen to my body as I get closer to see if its possible.


Can anyone recommend a good solo touring seat with back rest, I have read Corbin and Mustand seats are good...any suggestion?

 

I would say get a rider backrest....i got one on the wife's FXDP from Protac... after the trip you can remove it...

 

Everyone tries to buy comfort.

Try experimenting with your stock seat to get it comfortable. I ride a stock seat on a Dyna with lambs wool and a very thin blanket over it.