East half USA ride 6200 miles

[Opelgt]

I am the middle of my 16k maintenance after my 6200 mile cruise in June and I have time to write becasue the bike is apart.

Left Houston, TX on my 06FJR and a friend on his VTX1300 June 19th and returned (no riding buddy) July 1st.

Took sort of North Easterly route through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, some Tennessee and S/N Carolinas…managed to slay the dragon (ohh…and drag some pegs). Ran into a little rain before cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway (definitely worth the time) I even got to see a black bear! Stayed out of the major cities and stayed off interstates for the most part. Ran up through the Virginias, Pennsylvania, NY, NH all the way through Maine (where my riding buddy split off to complete his ride to his parents) into Canada to Saint John, New Brunswick and stayed at my parents for 4 days to catch up with some old friends (beer consuming).

Hopped back on Sunday June 28th an ran back through Maine (in the rain), all the way across the Southern side of the great lakes and up around into Minnesota then mostly south back to Houston (which was unbelievably hot).

5 days up – 2700 Miles

4 days return – 3500 Miles

Total 9 days of riding and 6200 miles (yup I had a break in there)

I think the total was 25 States and 2 Provinces.

Highlights were:

Deals Gap

Blue ridge Parkway

Adirondack Mountains

Riding Along the Mississippi

I had fresh Metzler Z6 (first time for these) and they performed great and the rear actually made the complete trip to my surprise. I think I will stick with these for a while. The bike was flawless as always. I was not happy with the synththic oil in the FJR which I have used in other bikes without issues, but this time i heard a lot for "rattling" at idle than I am comfortable with. It may not be an issue with the oil, but I do not like the noise, so back to regular oil.

I saw many FJR’s on the road, but never saw any at fuel stops to be able to chat with them.

Planning next summer up into the Rockies.

Pics below....i hope.

Yes it was hot!!

North End of Deals Gap (the dragon)

This was a great road...need to go back

Blue Ridge Parkway, great road and views...yes that is me

Another BRP view

Still on the BRP...taking a break

Spot the horse...you knew you were hitting buggy country with all the droppings on the road.

This was one of the main goals....coffee at Tim's...by the way both me and my riding buddy are Cunucks

The St. Croix River crossing into Canada

One of the many windmill farms. Yes there were many bugs too!

Steel Grate bridges...yuck, but the FJR handles them well

Along the Mississippi in Iowa. This was a very nice area to ride.

What was left of the new tire after 6200 miles...not bad.

 

[MEM]

Ran up through the Virginias, Pennsylvania, NY, NH all the way through Maine (where my riding buddy split off to complete his ride to his parents) into Canada to Saint John, New Brunswick and stayed at my parents for 4 days to catch up with some old friends (beer consuming).
5 days up – 2700 Miles

4 days return – 3500 Miles

Total 9 days of riding and 6200 miles (yup I had a break in there)

I think the total was 25 States and 2 Provinces.

Planning next summer up into the Rockies.

Wow! Sounds like a great trip. You'll love the Rockies.

I'm 60 miles from Saint John. I rode to CFR in BC last month - 8 228 miles but I did it in 22 days

 

[wheatonFJR]

Ran up through the Virginias, Pennsylvania, NY, NH all the way through Maine (where my riding buddy split off to complete his ride to his parents) into Canada to Saint John, New Brunswick and stayed at my parents for 4 days to catch up with some old friends (beer consuming).
5 days up – 2700 Miles

4 days return – 3500 Miles

Total 9 days of riding and 6200 miles (yup I had a break in there)

I think the total was 25 States and 2 Provinces.

Planning next summer up into the Rockies.

Wow! Sounds like a great trip. You'll love the Rockies.

I'm 60 miles from Saint John. I rode to CFR in BC last month - 8 228 miles but I did it in 22 days

That was very good mem....and kudos to the OP as well. However, it didn't happen without pictures...as you know. Post what you got...to make it official. :clapping:

I had just shy of 6000 miles in 11 days on my CFR trip...Picture or two in my RR

 

[MEM]

That was very good mem....and kudos to the OP as well. However, it didn't happen without pictures...as you know. Post what you got...to make it official. :clapping:
I had just shy of 6000 miles in 11 days on my CFR trip...Picture or two in my RR

PM sent

 

[Opelgt]

Ran up through the Virginias, Pennsylvania, NY, NH all the way through Maine (where my riding buddy split off to complete his ride to his parents) into Canada to Saint John, New Brunswick and stayed at my parents for 4 days to catch up with some old friends (beer consuming).
5 days up – 2700 Miles

4 days return – 3500 Miles

Total 9 days of riding and 6200 miles (yup I had a break in there)

I think the total was 25 States and 2 Provinces.

Planning next summer up into the Rockies.

Wow! Sounds like a great trip. You'll love the Rockies.

I'm 60 miles from Saint John. I rode to CFR in BC last month - 8 228 miles but I did it in 22 days

That was very good mem....and kudos to the OP as well. However, it didn't happen without pictures...as you know. Post what you got...to make it official. :clapping:

I had just shy of 6000 miles in 11 days on my CFR trip...Picture or two in my RR

There! Pictures added. I have a video I will try to add later.

 

[phil]

I enjoyed your summary and photos. I'm doing a similar trip prior to EOM, riding from OK to Buffalo, NY, and then thru 4 provinces, if the Canucks will allow me into Ontario. Coming back down the BR Parkway south. Regarding your tires: Last year I ran a new set of Michelin PR2s for 7000 miles, thru 15 western states plus British Columbia. When I got home, those tire still looked great! Of course, it probably helps that I weigh 150 lbs.

 

[Opelgt]

I enjoyed your summary and photos. I'm doing a similar trip prior to EOM, riding from OK to Buffalo, NY, and then thru 4 provinces, if the Canucks will allow me into Ontario. Coming back down the BR Parkway south. Regarding your tires: Last year I ran a new set of Michelin PR2s for 7000 miles, thru 15 western states plus British Columbia. When I got home, those tire still looked great! Of course, it probably helps that I weigh 150 lbs.

Just leave your gun at home!

One thing about the border that a TX guy recently found out is that if you have had a DUI conviction in the last 5 years and they are checking your name in the computer (they normally do) you will not be allowed in to the Great White North. (not impying that you have one, but someone reading this that has had a DUI may want to check the www to get the details before headed that way)