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freeway vs. back roads

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Old Jun 26, 2006 | 01:47 PM
  #21  
dert's Avatar
dert
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Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

Out here in West Tx. very few lights on back roads,for mile and miles...rarely use freeways ,seldom get over 60-65....lose my thought on the scenery and the ride.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2006 | 02:13 PM
  #22  
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jpnelson1978
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: champaign illinois
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

i second big bender here. id rather do some riding, then looking at the side of some semi-truck. + if im going 70 on the interstate it feels like a 100. if im in the backroads, its not nere as windy, so much smoother and you can stop off easy. my brother prefers the interstate, . he loves getting to where hes going. i just like cruizing and getting there when i get there. i do agree with the interatate on certain occasions such as nighttime (lots of deer). other than that its backroads.
ORIGINAL: Bigbender

I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
 
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Old Jun 26, 2006 | 02:17 PM
  #23  
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Szmytty
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Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

I feel bad for you guys that are too scared to ride on back roads. You're really missing out on the gems that are scattered around this country. I travelled cross country a couple of times, south to nouth, west coast up and down, west to east through Canada, and I've probably only racked up about 2000 miles on highways (I'm sure this is way off, but you get my point). The joy of riding is going new places, meeting new people, and seeing things that cagers miss out on. You're not going to see anything like that at 70 mph on a freeway, might as well put it on a trailer. Don't get me wrong, sometime you've got to make time and take to the freeway, or crank out 500+ miles through corn fields. I like to keep my days between 200 and 300 miles a day when on a long trip. It gives me a chance to stop and smell the roses and take detours just because you can. Keep your wits about you because other people don't.

1978 FLH w/93" Strocker
2001 Suzuki Hayabusa
2006 FLHXi
 
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Old Jun 26, 2006 | 02:52 PM
  #24  
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Bill918
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: New Jersey
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

Dont' got a tach, don't need a tach. Shift when it sounds right, cruise at what feels right.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2006 | 03:04 PM
  #25  
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Kahuna
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From: Arizona
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

I do agree that back roads can have less traffic and more scenic. But, I also agree with other folks about the complacency one gets when riding the back roads. I feel that when I'm on the freeway, I am more alert and more cautious. When I'm on the back roads, I would feel more complacent and would sometimes get into that false sense of security, that there would be less risks. I know that is completely untrue!

On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!

Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.

Just my humble opinion!


ORIGINAL: Bigbender

I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
 
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 01:05 AM
  #26  
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goodbirds
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: St George, UT
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

Much as I like cruising down the interstate at 75 mph, there is a place in my life for back roads. Here in southern Utah, we live in a motorcyclist's paradise.


[IMG]local://upfiles/11401/FEE5393020764EF48632ED35A4665E83.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 02:02 AM
  #27  
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RDKingRider
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Heart of Missouri
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

I like em all, I ride em all. Not crazy about animal cargo trucks/trailers, especially when raining. Here in Missouri, lots of various animals being hauled. Also it is hayin time and that can be a pain in the ****, too!
 
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 05:16 PM
  #28  
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04RoadKing
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Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

Riding back roads is always fun, but crusing at 85MPH down the interstate is too I do both.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 06:10 PM
  #29  
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FLHTC06
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Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

ORIGINAL: Kahuna

I do agree that back roads can have less traffic and more scenic. But, I also agree with other folks about the complacency one gets when riding the back roads. I feel that when I'm on the freeway, I am more alert and more cautious. When I'm on the back roads, I would feel more complacent and would sometimes get into that false sense of security, that there would be less risks. I know that is completely untrue!

On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!

Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.

Just my humble opinion!


ORIGINAL: Bigbender

I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
I have seen just as many deer on interstates as I have the back roads, just as many accidents and just as many idiots. Both have their place. I prefer the interstates. Maybe that's the truck driver side of me. I 've driven ( logged ) over 1.2 million miles as a truck driver and have well over 225,000 miles on a bike. I have learned that it is easier to read the traffic on the interstate than a back road. BUT !!! wait a minute here......... The back roads, alot of time are just as quick. And I like them too. I just made 2 round trips to Ellijay, GA from Jacksonville,FL totalling 1600 miles and very much enjoyed them. Just get out there and ride, I'm just trying to figure out how to get my bike to do only 1500 rpm's in 5th gear.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2006 | 08:21 PM
  #30  
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wldhogn
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Ventura County, CA
Default RE: freeway vs. back roads

I'm just trying to figure out how to get my bike to do only 1500 rpm's in 5th gear.
It's easy if you lug the crap of of it!!!!
 
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