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Cross country ride?

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Fenixgoon

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Hey guys, I live in Maryland and I'll be working out in California for two months starting at the end of April.

Flying is convenient (already picked a flight out) but I remembered someone from another forum doing an annual cross country ride, and thought this might be the perfect excuse to do it!

Distance is about 2700 miles (shortest route) according to google maps. What are your guys thoughts on a solo trip? Company is welcome of course What kind of preparations might I need to make? I know I'd need camping gear, snacks, hardbags, probably a nicer seat, new tires (current ones have 6k on them and still look good, but why risk it?)

Part of me says just to take the damn flight, since it's for work. Another part of me says this is one hell of an opportunity

(yes i copied and pasted this from another forum i posted in).

anyway, input is welcome!
 
Where in California? Look me up if you end up riding out here. I'll take you to some epic roads in San Diego. Hell, look me up anyway if you're in the area.
 
What kind of bike? I don't think I'd try it on a super sport. Other than that, go for it. 300 miles a day is very doable. I wouldn't camp though, setting up camp every night and breaking it down every morning sucks. I'd hit hotels all the way. There is nothing better than hot shower after riding all day.
 
Greenman said:
What kind of bike? I don't think I'd try it on a super sport. Other than that, go for it. 300 miles a day is very doable. I wouldn't camp though, setting up camp every night and breaking it down every morning sucks. I'd hit hotels all the way. There is nothing better than hot shower after riding all day.
Click to expand...

yamaha FZ6R - sporty, but not supersport. much more upright. i've done a 200mile ride before and it wasn't that bad.
 
End of April might be the time, I leave to drive cross-country to CA from MA. I'll have a packed vehicle with dogs though.
 
Everyone should ride or drive across this country at least once in their life. The variety in the terrain is amazing. It will give you an appreciation for the explorers that crossed this country without all the modern conveniences.
Iron Butt! I'd try to get my SaddleSore (1000 miles in 24 hours) and relax the rest of the trip.
Iron Butt Association
Sport Touring Net
Honda Sport Touring Association (HSTA) is (was?) a good group too, but something is wrong with their website right now. EDIT: Just found out they had major site issue. Until that is fixed they can be found on http://www.sporttouring.us/ And they're also now the MSTA.
Find your local BMW riders group too.
They can all help you with ideas about what gear/equipment you'll need, routes, etc.
 
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Long rides are amazing, but I can't imagine doing it on anything other than a touring bike. If you're only going a few hundred miles a day that's one thing, but I've done 700 a day before and there's no way I'd want to be hunched over a tank. Give me a big displacement full dress tourer that can cruise at 70pmh at low RPMs.
 
Your choice of bike is fine.

1. Plan for weather. - Research the weather in the areas you will be passing through during that time of year, and be prepared to deal with rain (drive through it or spend time at a motel/etc. until it passes)

2. Calculate how man miles you will need to log in a day and allow for delays. 200-300 is easily doable, but when you start pushing 500-1000+ things will get a lot tougher.

3. Gear/Farkle Up! -
You will want a full set of bags (side, tank, and top)
You will need to carry some basic tools and supplies. (chain lube, rags, tire repair kit, etc).
Consider a center stand - They are invaluable when you need to do a little parking lot maintenance.
GPS and paper maps.

4. An adequate slush fund to cover anything unforeseen (towing, tires, repairs, bus/plane ticket, theft, etc.)

5. Make the following sites your new home for a while.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com
http://www.advrider.com/forums/
 
MiataNC said:
Your choice of bike is fine.

1. Plan for weather. - Research the weather in the areas you will be passing through during that time of year, and be prepared to deal with rain (drive through it or spend time at a motel/etc. until it passes)

2. Calculate how man miles you will need to log in a day and allow for delays. 200-300 is easily doable, but when you start pushing 500-1000+ things will get a lot tougher.

3. Gear/Farkle Up! -
You will want a full set of bags (side, tank, and top)
You will need to carry some basic tools and supplies. (chain lube, rags, tire repair kit, etc).
Consider a center stand - They are invaluable when you need to do a little parking lot maintenance.
GPS and paper maps.

4. An adequate slush fund to cover anything unforeseen (towing, tires, repairs, bus/plane ticket, theft, etc.)

5. Make the following sites your new home for a while.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com
http://www.advrider.com/forums/
Click to expand...

1. i'm planning on having both warm and cold gear, some layers available, and definitely a waterproof rainsuit/gloves/boots.

2.a little under 400mi/day is what i have planned and seems to be reasonable according to people. i also have an extra day if needed.

3. definitely investing in hardcases! and i have a center stand..makes maintenance a helluvalot easier.

4. slush fund is sufficient 😀

5. roger that 🙂
 
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