Cross Country Riding

[ramdam1]

I am planning a ride from New York to Las Vegas. Planning to pick up a few rdiers along the way. Would like to hear from those that have done this for their input on such things as: how long a day can you really do back to back to back, what to pack, to book hotels or just wing it along the way. The good the bad and the ugly. Thanks!!

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by ramdam1

I am planning a ride from New York to Las Vegas. Planning to pick up a few rdiers along the way. Would like to hear from those that have done this for their input on such things as: how long a day can you really do back to back to back, what to pack, to book hotels or just wing it along the way. The good the bad and the ugly. Thanks!!

I have made several extended trips, I try to stay around 400-450 miles a day but have done nearly 600 in one day. I don't like surprises when touring, so I book my rooms in advance.

[ringadingh]

Ive done many 5-600 mile days without a problem, probably could have done another hundred or more on many of the days. I usually start looking for a room when I start getting tired. And so far Ive always managed to find one.

[Top Cat]

We have done a couple 600 mile days. Don't think I would want to do them back to back though.
We don't book in advance on trips as you never know where your going to be when you want to stop.
If you advance book and come across something you want to spend time at you don't make your motel and have to find other arrangements anyway.
My GPS has Motels listed. Only had a problem one time. Rode 2 hours at night to find a place to stay. Don't like to ride after dark.

[usranger74]

When I ride cross county I do not go on I-slabs and I have no problem finding clean mom and pop motels for under $50. I carry a small note pad and around noon will stop at a free wi-fy place and do a little research on where to stop for the night.

As far as what to take - there is an old saying about your saddle bags. There is not enough room to take all you want but there is enough room to take what you need.

What you have room for will depend on:

1. are you riding 2 up
2. do you have a tour trunk?

riding solo and with my tour trunk and several packs I have more room than I need.

[usranger74]

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...quipment+carry

This post may help.

[Loafer]

Bring your Plastic and hide some cash for emergencies.

[Netnorske]

Having done a lot of long-haul riding myself, here is my .02 cents worth...

Take lots of breaks....

Stay off the Super-Slabs if you can at all help it.....

Keep your day-to-day rides to about 350 miles per day to give you time to "stop and smell the roses" along the way. Otherwise you will just be blazing along for what will seem like forever. 500 to 600 mile days are all done on the Slab...and they suck.

Use Chapstick....all day every day....

Use your credit card for all gas, lodging and dining. Use your cash for smaller items like coffee and drinks....

Personally....I like to book my rooms ahead of time, but that is a personal choice. I like to arrive no later than about 4:30 or 5:00pm to allow time to unwind, refresh and relax before hitting the road again the next day about 7:30 or 8:00am....

Did I say take lots of breaks...?? While we can probably all ride tankful to tankful....get off for a few minutes every 75-80 miles between fuel stops. Hit a convenience store or just pull over on the side of the raod to walk and stretch a bit....then off you go. Stops can be short or long....but take lots....

If you sometimes party too much at night (I may have done this once or twice), and find your eyes getting heavy during the day, find a rest stop or grassy area to lay down and catch a quick cat-nap. DO NOT ride with head-nods...bad idea.....

Check in with your family regularly to let them know where you are and where you are heading....VERY IMPORTANT..!!!

You only need about 4 days worth of clothing....you can then wash the stuff at your hotel. Use your bag/trunk space for more important things, like your tequila..., laptop, extra gloves, pullovers, rain gear, etc.....

Get your rain gear on BEFORE you get wet.....just sayin'......

Every horizon brings a different view. Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy some more....

[Jared]

Here is information on a trip my wife and I took from Utah to Florida. We traveled between 250-650 miles a day. :) All depend on if you are just burning miles or site seeing.

http://www.utahmotorcyclist.org/2011...trip-2009.html

[blowndodge]

I did a bunch of 500+ miles a day with CJ a couple of years ago and that was a grind. I now do like Kris does and site see instead of trying to Iron Butt... If you take your time and smell the roses you'll do fine..

[Monkeyman]

Wet feet will make you cold and uncomfortable even if the rest of you is dry. Stop and take a leak before you "have to". If it looks like the weather is going to turn bad (more than just a nice gentle rain), just stop. Riding through a pouring rain just isn't fun. If you're in such a hurry that you can't take a break for a few hours, take a plane.

[usranger74]

+1 for taking your time and smelling the roses. In my book, it's the ride that counts not the destination.

[ramdam1]

A lot of great advice and a lot for me to think about. Thanks to all.

[waterman]

Doing long days with mile after mile is not fun but sometimes a necessity. In new areas I try to do fewer miles.

[ponch]

If you want to feel refreshed and ready when you get to LV, keep the mileage under 500 a day, may be even 400. You'll be able to enjoy the scenery a lot more, take more pictures and not feel shot when you get to your destination. Make sure you drink plenty of water and gatorade or eat a banana once in a while is a good idea, especially if the weather is hot. Also make sure the bike is in tip top shape before you leave. If you have any doubts about anything, fix or replace items before you leave and welcome to the forum from a former Long Islander.