Need advice on Americade long ride
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
Need advice on Americade long ride
SO im from North NJ and I want to go up to Americade in Lake George in June. Its about a 4.5-5.5 hour ride. My local HArley is actually all meeting at 7 a.m an taking the ride in a group.
Now so far ive rode 1300 miles on the Road King an ride a lot of 2 up this is my 2nd bike not tons of exp but about 2 summers an 2000 miles (i started late riding a motorcycle being im 36)
Anyway does anyone have advice?
Being a newer rider im looking forward to the trip but am I taking on to much? Ill be going with my girl who loves riding with me. Is riding in a group smarted then alone an does anyone have info about Americade
Thanks Everyone!
Now so far ive rode 1300 miles on the Road King an ride a lot of 2 up this is my 2nd bike not tons of exp but about 2 summers an 2000 miles (i started late riding a motorcycle being im 36)
Anyway does anyone have advice?
Being a newer rider im looking forward to the trip but am I taking on to much? Ill be going with my girl who loves riding with me. Is riding in a group smarted then alone an does anyone have info about Americade
Thanks Everyone!
As long as you ride your on ride I think you'll be fine, I don't really like group rides but if people keep their distance it's not a bad thing, no reason to ride in a tight formation for many miles IMHO. The good thing about being in a group is that I bet you guys will take a lot of breaks, that will make the ride easier. Keep hydrated, and have snacks trail-mix, jerky etc. The next day can be harder if your only staying one night, to many beers or not enough sleep can make for a long ride back the following day, just saying. Go for it have fun and you'll have stories to tell when you get back, don't forget to bring a camera.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
Is it 4-5 in the group or 25-40? Large group riding is a pain whether you're experienced or not, in my opinion. People in large groups seem to do dumb things, such as ride too close to the bike in front of them, do not pay attention to the staggered configuration of group riding and get strung out. Anyway, you'll find more dumb things happening on a large group ride than riding alone or with 4-5 bikes.
If it were me and I wasn't feeling real comfortable about a large group ride, I find my own way to Lake George and meet them there. Or maybe find a couple other bikes to ride with, such that it's still fun, but you don't have to worry about so much "dumb" happening.
My $0.02
If it were me and I wasn't feeling real comfortable about a large group ride, I find my own way to Lake George and meet them there. Or maybe find a couple other bikes to ride with, such that it's still fun, but you don't have to worry about so much "dumb" happening.
My $0.02
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
4-1/2-5-1/2 hours of riding won't kill you at all. If you're not used to prolonged rides your *** may be a little sore, but no biggie. And riding with a group from a dealership may include a chase vehicle just in case, which is nice to have along. As someone stated above, make sure you drink plenty of water, take sunblock, and some snacks. If you see any "tools" riding with the group, distance yourself from them and just fall to the back.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 89
From: NewJersey
americade
I live in south Jersey, Burlington, and have done Americade a few times. Most recent was last year. Wife and I did the ride in one day, no problem. First time was on the major roads, NJT, GSP, and NY Thruway. Second time up was back roads into NY state, and then catching the NYT. If you have the time, cross over into Vermont and ride the road along the Green Mountains. Great ride on a 2 lane road with nothing but the scenery. If you to to Lake Placid on Rt. 9, be careful as you approach Lake Placid itself. There is a hellacious hill with a traffic light at the top! If your uncertain about being able to stop and take off from a dead stop on a steep incline, I would avoid going there on Rt. 9, there is an alternate loop to the west that goes to Lake Placid, and you can take 9 back down to Lake George. Be sure to bring rain gear, guaranteed to rain!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Branchville, nj
I live in Sussex County and go to americade regularly. It's about 200 miles from my door to the village. It's a nice ride take your time and enjoy. I do the ride in about 3.5 hours without flying. Have fun and enjoy. Try Georges for dinner, good steaks.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
You should ride up front with all the new riders. The more experienced riders like to hang back so they are not involved in any of the wrecks.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
I'm at exit 135 and have been to Americade 4 times. It's a 221 mile ride for me.
We (4 bikes) leave around 7 a.m. and have lunch at Lake George.
Like others have mentioned, I wouldn't particularly like riding with a large group. Too many opportunities for screw ups that could affect you. Plus, a large group tends to be slower. Maybe you could find 3 or 4 other riders who would prefer to go in a smaller group.
As for riding when you get there, you can have breakfast in Lake George, have a great back roads ride and have lunch in Lake Placid by 1 pm.
Last time we were there we decided to have lunch in Montreal. Left LG around 9 a.m. after breakfast, had lunch in Montreal around 1, did some sightseeing, and had dinner back in LG around 8 pm.
Sounds like we do a lot of eating, doesn't it. lol
We (4 bikes) leave around 7 a.m. and have lunch at Lake George.
Like others have mentioned, I wouldn't particularly like riding with a large group. Too many opportunities for screw ups that could affect you. Plus, a large group tends to be slower. Maybe you could find 3 or 4 other riders who would prefer to go in a smaller group.
As for riding when you get there, you can have breakfast in Lake George, have a great back roads ride and have lunch in Lake Placid by 1 pm.
Last time we were there we decided to have lunch in Montreal. Left LG around 9 a.m. after breakfast, had lunch in Montreal around 1, did some sightseeing, and had dinner back in LG around 8 pm.
Sounds like we do a lot of eating, doesn't it. lol
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Never heard that one before. If there's going to be an accident I'd much rather have it behind me than in front of me!