First Big Roadtrip

[sgoyette]

So I've been riding for a year now and my longest trip has been 3 hours. In a couple of weeks a buddy and I are going to do a ride from Vancouver to Edmonton and back. This is roughly 3000kms (Approximately 1870 miles) and we're planning to do it 3 days each way (with a few days spent in Edmonton).
The question I'm asking (got here eventually) is if there is any advice you'd have for a big road trip newb like me?

[Rasta]

Drink lots of water when riding and snack too when stopping for fuel.Keep your body covered so you don't get dehydrated.If you get tired,stop and take a break. Most of all enjoy the trip!

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by Rasta

Drink lots of water when riding and snack too when stopping for fuel.Keep your body covered so you don't get dehydrated.If you get tired,stop and take a break. Most of all enjoy the trip!

What he said. Take your time, stop and stretch often, stay hydrated and enjoy the ride.

[manban9888]

Make sure to take a couple extra bulbs and fuses. If legal up there consider earplugs to give your ears a break. I usually wear my mp3 player. Stay hydrated and fed as others have said and stay alert but relaxed so you don't wear yourself out w adrenaline as I did on my 1st long trip. I highly recommend having AMA or AAA. I have both. I hope you have an awesome ride. There are few things I enjoy more than an extended trip by motorcycle. I enjoy all of it including the anticipation, getting the bike ready, even the planning. Once on the road the feeling of freedom, peace and fun are hard to beat. I hope this is your 1st of many. I'm heading to the national 2up w my oldest son. It's 2000 miles + each way. Gonna make some good memories w him before he goes off to college next year. I can't wait to get on the road

[sgoyette]

Awesome advice guys, thank you!!!

What about other things to bring? Will add bulbs and fuses to my list and have CAA (Same as AMA for Canada). I've got a good sized toolkit with (I think) the most important bits. Anything else spring to mind?

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by sgoyette

Awesome advice guys, thank you!!!

What about other things to bring? Will add bulbs and fuses to my list and have CAA (Same as AMA for Canada). I've got a good sized toolkit with (I think) the most important bits. Anything else spring to mind?

Somewhere on the site there is a list of things to take on a long trip. Keep a spare key somewhere but not in a locked bag! A flashlight, duct tape, cell phone and cash will fix just about any breakdown.

I would suggest keep everything simple and limit distractions (don't fiddle w/GPS or MP3 or phone while riding.) Stay on alert for wildlife. Don't be in a rush whether it be on the road, parking, getting gas, etc. Be prepared for your butt to get sore. Lots of preventions and remedies are available.

Most of all DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL until you are off the road for the day and keep in mind you will be getting up to ride the next day so limit yourself. I don't even know if you drink but if you do be smart about it.

Protect your eyes, it just takes a second for that big ugly bug to nail you in your eye and ruin your trip.

Going on long trips w/buddies is a blast. I find it addicting.

Sounds like you have allowed plenty of time for the mileage so that is good.

[Netnorske]

1800 miles.....3 days....thats 600 miles per day. That is a very long day in the saddle my friend....and that better be all superslab. Do the math...600 miles divided by 70 miles per hour is 8.57 hours ride time....and that is not including a single stop! Toss in butt breaks, fuel stops, and a good lunch break at Ma and Pa's Cafe and you are looking at at best a 12 hour day (8:00am to 8:00pm)...and forget stopping at any roadside attractions or historical markers along the way. I have ridden all over the western US and Canada. My longest day ever was 640 miles and I was sooooo ready to be off the bike (a 13 hour day in the saddle). I only rode that far because I wanted to make it home that day. I would suggest more modest mileage goals and allow more time for the distance you wish to cover. JMHO.

350-400 mile days are much more manageable, allowing for longer breaks, more sightseeing and just a more relaxed pace. It also allows you to take the roads less traveled, or deal with unforseen traffic delays. The slab sucks, but sometimes you just gotta cover ground. I'll be traveling from Washington to Colorado for the National soon....and all of my daily routes are planned for around 350 miles per day. I think anyone who rides a lot of long distance stuff would agree...but there are those who can grind out longer days than I can or care to.

I try to be on the road by 8:00 am and at my hotel by around 5:00 pm at the latest. That allows time to unload, wash your bike if it needs it, grab a shower, go have a nice dinner, tip a couple cocktails and be in bed in time to do it all again the next day. Your best riding will be early in the morning when you can click off miles before traffic gets too bad. Personally, I have gotten in the habit of taking a couple of Advil or Aleve at my lunch break to keep my knees from barking to much late in the afternoon...but that's just me. Wear foam earplugs when riding, not because of pipe noise, but because of wind noise. You will be surprised at how less fatigued you will feel by doing so, and how much more enjoyable the ride will continue to be throughout your trip.

Chapstick....all day, every day. If you don't, your lips will get wind burned and after they do it will be too late.....you'll suffer the rest of your trip. Put some on in the morning before you head out and tune it up every time you stop. Put a stick in your jacket pocket or dash bag if you have one. Same with sun screen if you are lucky enough to need it. Put your rain gear on BEFORE you get wet if the sunscreen is not an option. Stay hydrated and keep an eye out for wildlife....they seem to come out of nowhere. Use your credit card for all your purchases....fuel, lodging, food...then pay it off when you get home, and make sure you give a travel notice to your credit card company before you leave.


Ride like the wind my brother....ride safe and by all means, keep the shiny side up....!

[MarkG]

One thing to remember, Ride Your Own Ride! If you are tired or starting to make mistakes it is time to stop. It makes no difference if the other rider(s) feel they can go on or not. You do not have to get there. If I read the post right you are going to do around 240 miles a day. A fairly easy run with some time in between before starting back. Not bad you will be able to rest and do some sight seeing.

This is from the Iron Butt Association. They have some good information about distance riding. http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow.cfm

I stop every 90 miles or so for gas. Gives me a chance to get off the bike, stretch my legs, and get the circulation going. Seems like I do not get nearly as tired or sore. Hope you have an enjoyable ride.

[sgoyette]

That's a FANTASTIC resource. Some incredibly useful tips in there. Thanks @MarkG will augment my toolkit and follow through the other tips as well.

[Netnorske]

Remind me not to get on here after I've been drinking..... I thought you were attempting the entire 1800 miles over three days. I see now through clearer eyes you said three each way. Much more manageable ride that way....! Enjoy your trip....!!

[sgoyette]

@Netnorske Been there...done that :-)

[glwilson]

Some good advice.

I would also include an ICE Card and a spare key attached to a lanyard around your neck (under your shirt)...

Have a great trip!

[sgoyette]

@glwilson .. what's an ICE card?

[Loafer]

ICE = In Case of Emergency....Medication List... Contact People and Phone Numbers.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by sgoyette

@glwilson .. what's an ICE card?

Oh... sorry. That is an acronym for "In Case of Emergency".

It should contain:

Name & address
Several people to contact
Your primary physician's name and number
Blood type
Medicines you take
Allergies (to include medicines you are allergic to)
Any specific ailments or medical issues emergency personnel should know... and etc

There is a template on this site somewhere... I believe on the VBA Web link (far top of all screens) or in the Rides & Rallies section. Google it also.

It is hoped this is the biggest waste of your time, but in the event something does happen... it is a good idea. Be sure to wear it on your person -- NOT on your bike. In an accident you cannot be assured you will end-up where your bike does -- or whose bike is whose when time may be valuable.

Have a safe and fun ride!

EDIT: Here is a link to the one on this site. Scroll-down to find it on the right side. http://www.vulcanbagger.org/nationalrally2013.htm