Any tips for long distance trip?

[DaSpyda]

I've been on a 9-day, 1,400 mile trip on a cruiser, but this is the first ultra long trip on the FJR...three days straight going up to Sturgis and also coming back down to FL.

I am a map person...no GPS for me

I have an iPod with 2.5 days of music on it, and SHURE noise-suppression earplugs

Reflective panels on bags

Hopko & Becker Rear Carrier and Topcase

ThrottleMeister Cruise Control

Stock bike

My list to get done:

Get ECU mod for 06 AE

New tires right before I go

Fluid change and safety inspection

Any other long distance/10 hour a day riding tips you'd care to share with me?

Thanks!

Don

 

[extrememarine]

Plan for the summer time heat; I like to use a camelbak so I can drink water while I'm moving. Stay hydrated. I also carry a tire plug kit /w air compressor for flats.

oh, and don't speed in Kansas...

-wr

 

[LDRydr]

Don't know how you do on the stock seat, butt a custom one is much better. Or at least an AirHawk cushion. I had just got my FJR last July when I headed out on a long trip that ended at the Iron Butt Rally finish in St. Louis. I'd completed a WA in-state Saddlesore the week before on the stock seat and KNEW I'd never make it 5000 miles on it. I found a used Airhawk, used it for the trip, and sold it after I got my Russell seat made.

Other tips:

Aux lights or upgraded headlights if you're going to run at night. Watch for forest-rats everywhere, at all times.

Take a flashlight and some tools, you'll use them somewhere, or you can help out somebody else.

Take a first-aid kit.

Take raingear unless you have waterproof textile gear, thunderstorms are common.

Pay attention to the weather warnings (like I have to tell somebody from FL that!).

Carry snacks, and as already mentioned drink lots of water all day long, even if you're not thirsty.

Consider a roadside assistance program. There's lots of them, search the forum for comments on the various ones.

Carry more than one credit card or gas card. Don't forget to call your credit card company and tell them you'll be making gas and food purchases many times a day, and in many different places all across the country. I give mine a stating and ending date.

Lastly, take lots of pictures so you can post them on your ride-report here. :lol:

Other tips for Sturgis:

Early reservations are a must unless you already have somewhere to stay.

Don't miss Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rushmore, Badlands, Devil's Tower.

A National Park Pass can save you money (and time) if you plan on visiting other parks along the way. They're good for a year and cost $80. LINK

 

[jekirby]

I travel to SD every year. August on the prarie and in the black hills is going to be HOT. Hydrate hydrate hydrate. I usually go in September, then still the weather can be unpredictable. As you travel west your options for routes seem to diminish, so there will be plenty of slab riding along the way. It is great country. Have a good trip.

This year I may consider one of those cooling vests.

 

[panayoti]

Invest in a cooling vest. Not sure what the accepted term is. You saturate them with water. As the water evaporates it cools your torso or core. This will also help keep you hydrated in an indirect way.

 

[BIODSL]

DaSpyda, have you gotten the message? Hydrate. Really. Put a Camelbak or Platypus in your tank bag and drink a lot. This is a must. Have fun!

Paul Peloquin

IBA #333

Monmouth OR

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I've been on a 9-day, 1,400 mile trip on a cruiser, but this is the first ultra long trip on the FJR...three days straight going up to Sturgis and also coming back down to FL.

Is that three 700 mile days in a row? I know it's not IBA stuff -- but, it's pretty substantial. Are you sure you want to do it that way? I'm just sayin' -- a little more time sure wouldn't hurt.....

I am a map person...no GPS for me

I'd recco being careful about your routing. For instance: being fatigued and handling Kansas City metro freeways is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. IOW, consider routing yourself around major metro areas. Having more time would allow you to avoid the super-slabs more, too. Take 'shun-pikes' when you can.

Any other long distance/10 hour a day riding tips you'd care to share with me?Thanks!

To continue on the 'hydrate' theme -- start early, don't wait 'till you feel thirsty. I like to stop and eat a sit-down meal (needn't be big) a couple times a day. Stop a few times and walk-around, too. Move your limbs on the bike (especially your legs).

You're welcome.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Not only hydrate, hydrate correctly.

Usually the first outward sign of dehydration is when your world starts going a little fuzzy. When this happens while riding, bad things can follow and follow rather quickly. But we humans are lucky. We have a natural dehydration indicator located between our legs.

When properly hydrated, your urine will be clear and copious. A change in color is the first sign you'll will receive when approaching dehydration. See a color change, drink more. This means of course more frequent stops until you rehydrate.

The key then is not to reach the color change point. How? Drinking 2 liters before you start will do it but that's a lot of water to get down first thing in the morning. 1liter will also work and is much more doable. The next part requires a little practice and you can do this while on the road. Drink constantly. Well sort of. Sipping is the term we're looking for here. By sipping, I mean that you take a very small amount from your hydration pack into your mouth, swish it around and swallow. This is much more effective than stopping and downing a pint every gas stop. It will extend your water supply, reduce your stops for "rock breaks" and most importantly, keep you properly hydrated. It takes some practice but after awhile you will develop a rhythm. When you stop to reduce your internal pressure, do a color check. Not perfectly clear, take a little bigger sip or increase the amounts of sips. Soon you'll find the amount you need to remain clear.

Backpacking (where this all comes from) requires a greater amount of sipping than when riding but the technique is the same. With practice, you'll find that sweet spot that will keep you clear and reduce the frequency of those pressure relief stops. Also helpful is to drink Gatorade during your lunch/mid day stop. This replaces those electrolytes (whatever they are) lost during the morning session. Keeps you alert and refreshed.

Enjoy you trip and be safe.

 

[DaSpyda]

Outstanding pointers...thanks!

I also thought of getting a top-notch caliper/disc lock, and bringing a cover.

 

[TheAxeman]

Make sure you download the latest version of GYPSY'S FJR ASSISTANCE LIST. If you don't bring it, you will need it....Gypsy's Law.

 

[PapaUtah]

Sturgis in August...hmmm...better take a look at these to see what your in for...

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

As for the temperature...it could be 100 degrees each and every day...or it could be a repeat of 2003 and it could be 35 at night with a high of 55 during the day...plan for anything.

1,400 miles in 9 days??? 155 miles a day? My 9 year old can do that on his bicycle. Surely you jest. I am sure you meant 14,000 miles in 9 days. 1,500 miles a day sounds a little more like it around here.

 

[USMC CWO]

Don,

I'm also heading to Sturgis in August. I plan on being there for the first few days of the rally (Aug 4th to Aug 7th) and then down to Huron, SD to visit family. Perhaps we can meet along the way and ride together. I will be coming from VA and my wife will be following with a truck and trailer. Let me know if you would want some company.

 

[uctofeej]

In addition to what's already been said about hydration (especially how to properly do it), I would also say you need to be especially mindful when you pull off a long stretch for gas or a rest. The heat will have affected you more than you realize and you'll be more prone to drop it in a parking lot (not that I've ever done that ). Drinking will certainly help avoid this, but if you push too hard, you will feel the effects.

Last summer I did several 500-800 milers in 100+ degree heat right after I bought the bike. I found the stops to be more difficult than usual after a long stretch and eventually began stopping every hour to hour and a half to mitigate. I didn't have a hydration system, so I had to stop to get drinks.

 

[NightShine]

Sturgis in August...hmmm...better take a look at these to see what your in for...
Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Oh, yeah. I've been meaning to talk to you about these documentaries of yours, MNFJR05! I noted on the last report:

Well that’s our episode for tonite! Make sure to tune in next week for Episode 4 of “The Adventures of MNFJR05, Living with the Harley®-dite Tribe” as we get back to the real stars of the Black Hills Motor Classic…

Which, charitably put, seems to be late! Very late... :angry2:

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Advise you ask? Have fun and don't let the "Harley Guys" piss on your scooter. :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

 

[Silent]

Things I learned from a 5k trip to Calgary last year.

A bike cover to keep wandering eyes off your scoot at night.

Extra lighting for night runs.

Throttle lock.

CamelBack.

Ziplock baggies to keep your paperwork dry.

Cold and warm weather gear. (Mesh & 'Stitch for me)

Whatever security measures you think you'll need. Cable lock, Alarm, Disk lock, Glock (be aware of concieled weapons laws).

Don't over pack. 80% full = jam packed when you get home usually.

Tons of stuff over at the IBA site (don't have the link atm, someone will add it I'm sure.)

Ohh , and keep hydrated B)

Edit: Faster isn't always faster B)

 

[DaSpyda]

1,400 miles in 9 days??? 155 miles a day? My 9 year old can do that on his bicycle. Surely you jest. I am sure you meant 14,000 miles in 9 days. 1,500 miles a day sounds a little more like it around here.

Unlike this upcoming trip, that wasn't all traveling...we went to different places - including MS to do some hurricane relief work for a couple days - but I was on the bike everyday - not just at 9-10 hours.

 

[germany]

Don't over pack. 80% full = jam packed when you get home usually.

I went to Sturgis in 2005 at the start of a 21 day ride. I brought all of my old undies, socks and t-shirts and threw them out along the way. This meant I didn't have to pack dirty clothes (like sweaty socks), it made room for Souvenir t-shirts picked up along the way and the pack gets lighter.

Sturgis is nuts. Lots of flesh. Most of it, should not be seen by ANYONE. As for the flesh that you you do enjoy seeing, you'll likely want to take a picture of it (see MNFJR05's 2nd & 3rd episodes) so be sure you have extra camera batteries and lots of memory available.

Oh, and bring an extra set of keys. I zip tie mine to my belt loop.

And as you get closer to Sturgis, you will begin to see all of the Harleys being taken off of their trailers so they can be "ridden to Sturgis". Once off the trailer, they HATE it when you pass them. If you pass them, expect them to come running back up on you in a roar of obnoxiousness and show you what's what. But don't worry, drop that beautiful machine down to 4th gear, crack that throttle open and they'll be little specks in your mirrors in about 5 seconds. Or politely wave as you go by when they reach their 100 mile gas tank range limit and stop for gas.

 

[DaSpyda]

Well, here's what I think I might do...so flame on...

The Cubs play the previous weekend and I've always wanted to go to Wrigley Field in Chicago.

So, I'm going to fly there, hit the game, rent a Harley for the week, ride to Sturgis, ride back, and then fly back to FL.

I tried to find a place to rent a Yamaha, but I've been unlucky, so far.

I'll save my IB Ride for another time...