View Full Version : First long trip
Saffrontiger
10-01-2009, 10:05 AM
Hey TWTrs. I'm going on my first long trip overnight from Dallas to OK to AR. Wanted to know i there were any tips/tricks/hints or kind suggestions. Should be doing roughly 900 miles. Thanks!
Jay
bullfrog
10-01-2009, 10:21 AM
Hey TWTrs. I'm going on my first long trip overnight from Dallas to OK to AR. Wanted to know i there were any tips/tricks/hints or kind suggestions. Should be doing roughly 900 miles. Thanks!
Jay
Camping or Hotel???
One night?
If hoteling it, pack ultralight. Take the clothes on your back plus your riding gear. In a small bag carry spare socks and underwear and maybe a spare T-shirt. Toothbrush and deodorant. Jacket liner, rain suit and cool weather gloves. Cash.
That's all you need.
If couch surfing/motel camping, that's all I carry for multiple day trips.
The addition of camping gear warrant additional discussion.
WoodButcher
10-01-2009, 10:23 AM
Take breaks reasonably often just to get the blood flowing to muscles that aren't getting used. Remember to fill the tank on the bike. Sounds obvious, but in the car you are used to going longer between fill ups and I've been lulled into not keeping track. Also stay hydrated. You use up plenty of fluids on the move.
As far as packing, you probably need far less clothes than you think you need. I always have to fit the urge to fill available space. Bike handles better loaded light.
Think of it as a series of short rides and not a long haul. It will be more relaxing that way.
Have fun.
blugu64
10-01-2009, 10:24 AM
Drink lots of water and have fun!
Obvious, but check your tire pressure, oil level, and coolant level if applicable. Take your time, smell the roses. Up there in Arkansas, do not try to outride your ability. (I have trouble with that one!) If people pass you, let them go. Ride your ride and have fun. It's an adventure.
On a Victory 8 Ball there isn't much storage. Try to tie a backback down instead wearing it, to save your shoulders from getting tired faster.
For 900 miles, only pack 1 change of clothes, swimsuit, and hygene gear. (You can wash anything that gets too dirty) For emergencies pick up a tire plug kit, bring your cell phone, and a map or GPS. I always pack a digital camera. (I take pictures for a living) That's all you need for a motel trip.
Take breaks every 50 or 100 miles and stretch. Get gas every 100 miles just in case. If you normally wear a half helmet or no helmet, then wear a full face for the high mileage days (200 or more) and you won't be as tired. Avoiding the helmet debate, it will help you ride further.
The main thing I have learned from years of long trips on sportbikes, cruisers, and now touring bikes is that you never need as much stuff as you think you do. Pack light and your bike will handle better in the turns of Arkansas. There is always a gas station or Walmart if you forget or need something. Have a great trip.
What they all said! Especially the stop and smell the roses part.
Keep your credit cards, driver's license, cash in more than one place on you and your bike. That way if you lose something it won't be everything!
And take an extra key along. You won't need it if you have it.
Enjoy! It's amazing how small the world is once you've taken that first step.
Voni
sMiling
schrec
10-01-2009, 01:14 PM
agree with everyone on the pack light.
One other suggestion dont just take some duffel bag or backpack and strap it to your bike. If you plan on taking more trips in the future, get purpose built motorcycle luggage. T-bag, or SAC makes good stuff. I have seen a couple of my hammerhead friends try and make do with strapping a duffel bag or a back pack to the bike only to have it fall off because it was not strapped down well enough. Like someone else stated, do not try and wear a backpack, that will just wear you out.
900 miles is a good distance for an overnight trip. that's 450 miles a day which could be a tall order if you are not used to riding that far. don't try and push it, if you get fatigued, take a rest.
Raingear, if you have it, take it with you.
My brother always duct tapes $50 in a ziplock bag to the bottom of his seat for emergencies. That way you need a key to get the seat off. (To prevent theft)
Saffrontiger
10-01-2009, 03:57 PM
You guys are awesome. Thanks! The extra key tip was smart thinking. We're riding w/ 4 other bikes and most have them have many years of experience. Very excited.
Jay
SL350
10-01-2009, 04:53 PM
I worry most about the cages and would avoid rush hour. Do you have time to load up and do a 50 mile tune up ride? Lots you can notice once on the road that is not obvious before. Travel light.
If you come to a big city always fight your way through the city before calling it a night. The worst thing ever is to wake up and have to fight traffic to escape a big city. I did this in Memphis and kicked my self for two hours in stop in go traffic.
Always check the luggage straps at every stop. I almost lost my tent last trip because the strap loosened up. If I hadn't caught it, I'd be out some cash on a new one.
rad3766
10-01-2009, 05:11 PM
Ear plugs. Noise fatigue can be an issue on longer rides.
Stay hydrated, and take rest breaks. :rider:
Saffrontiger
10-01-2009, 06:50 PM
+1 on the ear plugs. Thanks
rwbrown
10-01-2009, 08:10 PM
+ 1 more on the earplugs. Just finished an 800 + run today. I wore earplugs for the first time. Even with a full face helmet the made a world of difference. Never pass a gas station in the boonies. Rain gear! I was rained on most of the way from Austin to Dallas. No fun without rain gear.
humanrace
10-01-2009, 09:20 PM
Don't take anything "brand new". You'll quickly find the tight spot under the arm of the new jacket or get dry eyes from the new leaky helmet.
Rule of thumb: Take half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you'll need.
M38A1
10-01-2009, 09:28 PM
Yep on the earplugs.
Call your Creditcard company and tell them to NOT put the fraud alert on as you will be having a series of fuel charges across the central US and be eating meals too with a hotel charge. It's a bummer to have them stop it's use while on the road, so call 'em up with the dates you plan on being gone.
.
jsburton69
10-02-2009, 08:06 PM
A small camelback is useful not only for hydration but storage for your extra key and money. They are light enough not to strain your shoulders.
jsb223
10-04-2009, 08:28 AM
half the clothes you think you'll need and twice the money...
Don't forget the spare helmet shield...
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