Should I Try It?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
RE: Should I Try It?
Go For It.
Ditto what Pastor John says. The more comfortable you are the easier the ride.
Three great Routes this time of year. 1 to 101, All 101 and I-5. Just came down the 101 about a month ago and lot of the ashpalt is new. I went up 101 to 1 at San Simeon. Break up the ride into two days if you think necessary and just cruise. There is a lot to see in between if you slow down.
Only part that is a pain in the waazoo is the LA interchange take the 210 and skip. Unless you want to go downtown.
I did the run on my 07 SG (Pre IDS install) so you are going to be styling and comfortable on your ride.
Lots of grear Harley Dealers in between so if you ride issues no problem.
Keep two on the ground and Get back to us when make it back to the barn
John
Ditto what Pastor John says. The more comfortable you are the easier the ride.
Three great Routes this time of year. 1 to 101, All 101 and I-5. Just came down the 101 about a month ago and lot of the ashpalt is new. I went up 101 to 1 at San Simeon. Break up the ride into two days if you think necessary and just cruise. There is a lot to see in between if you slow down.
Only part that is a pain in the waazoo is the LA interchange take the 210 and skip. Unless you want to go downtown.
I did the run on my 07 SG (Pre IDS install) so you are going to be styling and comfortable on your ride.
Lots of grear Harley Dealers in between so if you ride issues no problem.
Keep two on the ground and Get back to us when make it back to the barn
John
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 1,188
From: Anywhere we stop
RE: Should I Try It?
ORIGINAL: KindredSpirit
I am not new to HD's but am new to touring models. I have an 08 FLHT, totally stock, and haveaccumulated 1100 miles, mostly commuting 20 miles back and forth to work. By the way, I am not a spring chicken (55 y.o.) but I am not as adventurous as I was 30 years ago. The question is, I have an opportunity to ride solo over the next weekfrom Northern CA to Palm Springs,which is about 1100 miles round trip for me. Is this something you would do? Iknow it's December but here is CA the weather is supposed to be mild (50s to60s) for the next few days. Any encouragement would be appreciated. Or if you have taken a trip and wished you had stayedhome let me know why.
I am not new to HD's but am new to touring models. I have an 08 FLHT, totally stock, and haveaccumulated 1100 miles, mostly commuting 20 miles back and forth to work. By the way, I am not a spring chicken (55 y.o.) but I am not as adventurous as I was 30 years ago. The question is, I have an opportunity to ride solo over the next weekfrom Northern CA to Palm Springs,which is about 1100 miles round trip for me. Is this something you would do? Iknow it's December but here is CA the weather is supposed to be mild (50s to60s) for the next few days. Any encouragement would be appreciated. Or if you have taken a trip and wished you had stayedhome let me know why.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
RE: Should I Try It?
Hell, I'm nearly 61 and would ride across the country on my RKC if I had the time. 500 or so mile days will be a piece of cake on an Ultra. Just be sure to pack riding gear to cope with any weather, rain and or cold. Go for it, you'll be glad you did.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
RE: Should I Try It?
Go for it. My recent rental before I caught the Ultra sickness was on a FLHTC. Went from Tampa to Key West in about 8 hours-aprox 400 miles. Hadn't ridden in almost a year. Spent the night and returned the next day. Was on a mission and if you have several days to do it than take your time and smell the coffee...
I would recommend you take plenty of waterand drink some at every stop, and a couple of packs of crackers are a quick snack when getting gas. Chap Stick won't hurt either! Get an early start and have a go at it. Try to run till you really need a break but are not whipped. Don't over do it but you may find you are best at the beginning of the day. Get some fuel at each stop will help you to stretch and not take too long of a break. I like to keep a really wet, but not sloshing hand sized towel in a zip lock bag to put on the windshield to help melt the bugs off, put in the front of the right saddlebag and it will be really warm and assist you. Wipe it in an up and down manner as sideways will make future scratches more noticeable. Try to eat at times when everyone else is not will save some time too. Like was already posted, dress in layers, enjoy yourself and if ya don't have one yet you will prolly want a backrest by the time you get home...Love mine!! Quit thinking about it and hit the road Jack!
I would recommend you take plenty of waterand drink some at every stop, and a couple of packs of crackers are a quick snack when getting gas. Chap Stick won't hurt either! Get an early start and have a go at it. Try to run till you really need a break but are not whipped. Don't over do it but you may find you are best at the beginning of the day. Get some fuel at each stop will help you to stretch and not take too long of a break. I like to keep a really wet, but not sloshing hand sized towel in a zip lock bag to put on the windshield to help melt the bugs off, put in the front of the right saddlebag and it will be really warm and assist you. Wipe it in an up and down manner as sideways will make future scratches more noticeable. Try to eat at times when everyone else is not will save some time too. Like was already posted, dress in layers, enjoy yourself and if ya don't have one yet you will prolly want a backrest by the time you get home...Love mine!! Quit thinking about it and hit the road Jack!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Should I Try It?
Do it! You will always wonder how much fun it would have been if you don't
Whether your 20,50, or 80 if you're able to do it. Life is to short to pass good road trips and great memories.
Whether your 20,50, or 80 if you're able to do it. Life is to short to pass good road trips and great memories.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Should I Try It?
Go for it!!
[ul][*]Ensure you do all your pre-ride checks and don't rush yourself. If leaving at the crack of dawn, check things out the day before when your brain is clear and not thinking 100 miles down the road.[*]Ensure you pack for possible weather changes - don't gamble on good weather.[*]Take your time and enjoy the ride.[/ul]
[ul][*]Ensure you do all your pre-ride checks and don't rush yourself. If leaving at the crack of dawn, check things out the day before when your brain is clear and not thinking 100 miles down the road.[*]Ensure you pack for possible weather changes - don't gamble on good weather.[*]Take your time and enjoy the ride.[/ul]