Interstate riding question
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
True that!!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 10
From: Moneta, Va.
I ride the Interstates every year to get from where I live to get to where my Brother lives in MN. The best advice I can give you is when you stop for gas, get yourself a sport drink. Dehydration will wear you down and beat you up by end of the day if you don't keep something to drink with you on the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 2,561
From: CT/FL
If I were the OP I wouldn't try to get used to interstate riding, I'd adjust my schedule to take longer trips on back roads. You said it yourself, that's why you ride and you enjoy it. Not only is its less stressful, the scenery etc is a lot nicer...
Last summer I took a day ride from Dayton OH to Indianapolis IN to see the Speedway. The way out I took back roads and returned on the interstate. The two hours on the interstate seemed a lot longer than the three hours on the way out.
Last summer I took a day ride from Dayton OH to Indianapolis IN to see the Speedway. The way out I took back roads and returned on the interstate. The two hours on the interstate seemed a lot longer than the three hours on the way out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
This years trip to the Black Hills has been plotted to avoid I90. I will mainly use Iowa RT20, and SD44. The estimated ride time will be a couple of hours more for the 800ish mile route, by using 2 lane roads. The estimated enjoyment level will be MUCH higher. I ride to enjoy the ride.
The destination is just a bonus.
The destination is just a bonus.
Last edited by shooter5074; Apr 2, 2015 at 09:33 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
.... freeways in metro areas can be frightening w/all the lanes filled & drivers merging & dodging
........ keep riding them ... experience breeds confidence which enables enhanced capability
....... once you get out of town & hit the cruise control, 4 or 5 or 8 hrs will be no biggie
..... and with the voice controls on yer '15, you won't even need to use yer hands
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
Sorry, but I will disagree with staying in the right lane. This is where most interstate highway accidents occur, entering and exiting form on/off ramps.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,080
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by beerlover2
However, once I get on the interstate and cars are pushing me at 70-75 mph, I seem to be able to ride for about 1-1 ˝ hrs before I need a break.
I did my first long ride (600mi all interstate one way) a couple years ago and felt fine at the destination. Stopped twice for gas and a drink on the way. Did an NC - CA with a couple buddies end of last summer and had a blast. We just set the cruise to 75.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
For me it's all about fatigue and how to avoid it. Stay hydrated and reduce ambient noise as much as possible. This is the main reason I use a stock exhaust and ride with earplugs and a full face helmet when going long distance. I can usually cover the distance it takes to run the tank out. I stop for a little break at fuel stops then ride again. Noise fatigue is one of the limiting factors many times, ever try to drive long distance in a convertible?