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Chasten
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 04:57 pm: | 
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so i've been thinking of doing a long solo trip out to visit some family in San Luis Obispo, California. i've done this trip a handful of times in a car, with other people who can drive. the quickest route is ~17.5 hours (1100 miles), and we usually just tag-team it in one shot. it might be crazy, but i can't stop thinking about what it would be like to get out there on my bike.
here are some of the thoughts that keep surfacing...
* on my motorcycle, i've never tried to do anything like this trip before. is this biting off too much to chew?
* which route would i take to get there? seems like a terrible idea to take the interstate the whole time, as we've previously done in a car. i see a great opportunity to tour Colorado heading West...
* i'm riding a Lightning XB12Scg with no luggage. i'd plan on doing the whole thing with a 40L backpack. i'm good at packing light, but is this stupid?
* i'd want to get there in no more than 3 days. the return trip would probably be just as long, though not necessarily on the same route. that's six days of riding. i'm thinking it would be a ten-day trip.
so i'm posting this as a way to externalize these nagging thoughts. anyone here done any sport-touring, or solo moto travel? any suggestions or general comments about this idea? please help me work out some of the many details... |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 05:16 pm: |
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Jason, it will take longer on a motorcycle (stops for gas, rest, etc) If you stay off the interstate then plan your route and look at the time it will take ( I bet longer).
I have never ridden with a backpack, I just know I will not like it for long trips. I am sure there is a way to bungee some bags to that bike.
1100 miles in 3 days is easy but if you stay off the interstate and add a few 100 miles it might get interesting. Also, are you camping or staying in a hotel? Camping adds extra stuff to take but hotels can get expensive.
Is it stupid? No way. Bikes are meant to be ridden. Make sure you bike is in good shape and take a look at the BRAN on this site for people you can call if you break down. Drink pleanty of water. Stay alert and if you find yourself daydreaming stop for a few minutes.
Tell you what, scrap that trip and ride with me to WI in June for homecoming. It is about 1100 miles and I will do it in two days. I will be camping to save cash.
I might be up for a ride on Friday, I have to check with the boss. If she is working I am free. Of course I need to do a little work to the bikes so there is a good chance I will be garage bound. I wil let you know.
Last weekend I did 1200 miles on a vintage S2T with Lynn on her Sporty following me the whole way. And that include a lay down on Monarch Pass. Here is the link:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/681 7/460385.html?1242651761
Frank |
Chasten
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 05:30 pm: |
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hey Frank...
thanks for the feedback. i did read about your adventure on Monarch Pass. glad youse guys are ok.
regarding the camping/hotel debate... i'd like to not stay in a hotel, if possible, but i'd also like to not bring a bunch of camping gear along. it's one of the issues i forgot to mention in my original post. if it really comes down to it, i think the hotel wins the debate, though... i'm not planning on sleeping in any gas stations, etc.
regarding the backpack... i've ridden with one many times, for shorter distances. i think i'll try out a couple of really long trial loop rides, and take it along. it might not be too bad.
this might be dumb, but what is the BRAN you're talking about? |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 05:42 pm: |
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BRAN is the Buell Riders Assistance Network and you have to be logged in to see it. I think it is the 4th main section on the BadWeb page. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-auth.cgi?file=/42/42.html&lm=1242248051
It is a list of people that will help you out if you need it on your trip. You just need to log in to see it.
I will be interested to see what you come up with and how your trip works out. Take some pictures. Riding that distance on a motorcycle is always a lot of fun and full of adventure. Just talking to different people at gas stations is fun. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 09:57 pm: |
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Jason, you might want to talk to Spatten1. Looks like just did a great trip and packed very well too.
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/462980.html?1243385252 |
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Denver CO to San Luis Obispo CA - route plans