first cross country trip prep
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Atlanta
first cross country trip prep
OK guys I know this isn't the road trip forum, but it seem very few people scroll down that far on the home page, so here goes. In August or September my wife and I will be taking our first cross country trip to celebrate both our 50th birthdays and our 30th anniversary. we are shipping the bike to San Fransisco then going north to Oregon then south to Yellowstone then back south to Vegasbefore pointing it back toward Atlanta. Any advise on what to take, not to take, any special prep for the bike?
Thx. Mike
Thx. Mike
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RE: first cross country trip prep
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RE: first cross country trip prep
East of Yellowstone is Beartooth highway (US 212) and the Chief Joseph Highway (296) north of Cody, WY. These are two must ride rodes. I would recommend heading towards Billings from OR, then head south on 212, take 296 to Cody, then head west into Yellowstone. We stay at the Old Faithful Inn...very cool place to stay. Make sure when you head south towards Vegas that you go through the Grand Teton Nat'l Park. If it were me and I was that close to Glacier Nat'l Park, I would definitely do that again. Out of all the parks I've been to out west, that one is my favorite. Sept. may be too late to get across Logan pass though?? Many Glaciers Hotel is a great place to stay there.
Preparing the bike...make sure the fluids are fresh, the tires are in good shape. If your rear tire isn't new, plan on probably having to have it changed somewhere on the road. Also, don't forget to get the oil and filter changed on the road also. Make sure to take cold weather gear...it's cold in the mountains in the morning.
Take a lot of two lane rodes, ask the locals where's the best place to eat...I've yet to be disappointed. We have one rule on cross country rides...no chain restaurants, unless it's a Hooters.
Have fun...you'll love it!!!
Preparing the bike...make sure the fluids are fresh, the tires are in good shape. If your rear tire isn't new, plan on probably having to have it changed somewhere on the road. Also, don't forget to get the oil and filter changed on the road also. Make sure to take cold weather gear...it's cold in the mountains in the morning.
Take a lot of two lane rodes, ask the locals where's the best place to eat...I've yet to be disappointed. We have one rule on cross country rides...no chain restaurants, unless it's a Hooters.
Have fun...you'll love it!!!
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Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: first cross country trip prep
put a tour pak on the bike with a rack....wear helmets with intercom
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
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RE: first cross country trip prep
All they say... But the most important is to have fun. I went from Connecticut all the way to Key West and back. I brought enough close to wash every 4 days. most hotels have washers and dryers. I bought a nice LED maglite that was small so didnt take much room. I have a EGC so i put the rack on and bought a small tent and sleeping bag just in case. I bought a couple of rafting bags so things stay dry. Also was nice cause I bought shirts along the way and put them in the bag. held them in place with bungee cords, plastic ends. ride the distance your comfortable with. Some days are easier then others. oh another very important thing is MAPS! get them as you pull into a new state, mostly off highways. Back roads are nice to take but remember it will take much longer to get to your destination. I went across Rt 6 threw PA and it was a nice ride but it sure did take a long time.I actually had to cut down towards the end to the highway to get to southern Ohio before midnight... and barely did that. Well i can say alot more if you want just email me and we can chat more.
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