Advice for a long ride
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Advice for a long ride
One month from now I'll be taking my 2008 883L on my first long vacation ride (850 miles to Eureka Springs, AR). \\; I've never ridden more than 100 miles at a time though. \\;
Any advice from those who ride long distances? \\; How often do you stop? \\; For how long? \\; Any learnings, hints or accessories that might be helpful. \\; The bike is mostly stock.
Any advice from those who ride long distances? \\; How often do you stop? \\; For how long? \\; Any learnings, hints or accessories that might be helpful. \\; The bike is mostly stock.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Advice for a long ride
Best advice I can give when traveling in the heat, is remember to stay hydrated. \\; Be sure to drink plenty of water, gatoraid etc. \\; Went you are moving, you won't feel as though your hot. \\; The wind will evaporate the sweat. \\; But you will be sweating just the same. \\; I learned this lesson almost the very hard way summer before last. \\;
 \\;
Pack the majority of the things you will need and ship them to your destination. \\; Leave extra room to pack any things you acquire, then pack it all back up and ship it back home. \\; That way you only have to carry the things you need for the travel on the bike. \\; Oh, and good luck if you make this on a stock seat...OUCH!!!
 \\;
Pack the majority of the things you will need and ship them to your destination. \\; Leave extra room to pack any things you acquire, then pack it all back up and ship it back home. \\; That way you only have to carry the things you need for the travel on the bike. \\; Oh, and good luck if you make this on a stock seat...OUCH!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 1
From: Saint George, Utah
RE: Advice for a long ride
Ride as much as possible, to attain "Iron Butt Syndrome". \\;Buy a camel back for liquids, last thing you want is to show up with heat stroke. Are you doing all 850 mi. in a day?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
RE: Advice for a long ride
What they^ said plus sunscreen even if it's not very sunny out. \\;\\\\\\; Maybe even something, (bandana/etc), to prevent windburn on your face. \\;\\\\\\; Stop as long as you want &\\;\\\\\\; whenever your butt, gas tank, or mind tells you too. \\;\\\\\\;
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
RE: Advice for a long ride
Thanks for the ideas.
I'm definately buying a camelback and I loved the idea of shipping everything ahead.
I'm not planning this all in one day, but will stop along the way somewhere.
Not sure I can build up any iron in my butt before I leave, so we'll just have to see how it handles the ride. \\; It may be so sore, I buy a new seat before the return trip.
I'm definately buying a camelback and I loved the idea of shipping everything ahead.
I'm not planning this all in one day, but will stop along the way somewhere.
Not sure I can build up any iron in my butt before I leave, so we'll just have to see how it handles the ride. \\; It may be so sore, I buy a new seat before the return trip.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
RE: Advice for a long ride
I took my first long trip (950 mi. roundtrip) over the Memorial weekend. \\; Took all backroads (no interstates), and I stopped every hour or so for a drink, not because I need to, but want to. \\; Bike has a HD solo reach seat modified by Allen from meancitycycles.com, and Aero vest from jacksflaps.com. \\; Real comfortable ride, no problem at all.
Only thing is boredom.... so I sang to myself, and it resonate real good inside a full faced helmet. \\; Didn't want to wear Ipod earplugs for safety reason.
Just picked up a HD hydration mesh jacket @ $175 from dealer. \\; Got pouches that you soak in water for several mins and they release mist as you ride. \\; Word of caution per instruction: "Do not soak pouches in water for more than 5 mins. \\; Pouches might explode!"
Only thing is boredom.... so I sang to myself, and it resonate real good inside a full faced helmet. \\; Didn't want to wear Ipod earplugs for safety reason.
Just picked up a HD hydration mesh jacket @ $175 from dealer. \\; Got pouches that you soak in water for several mins and they release mist as you ride. \\; Word of caution per instruction: "Do not soak pouches in water for more than 5 mins. \\; Pouches might explode!"
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 1
From: Saint George, Utah
RE: Advice for a long ride
If you can, do at least 450-500mi. the first day. That way it won't be as long on your tired day.
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 12
From: Mount Holly, NC
RE: Advice for a long ride
do not forget sunscreen. i saw some folks with sun poisoning in myrtle beach. miserable.
besides that, work on your iron butt if you can. the first 2/3 fillups aren't too bad but after that you find yourself stopping a lot more than you expected.
besides that, work on your iron butt if you can. the first 2/3 fillups aren't too bad but after that you find yourself stopping a lot more than you expected.