IL to San Francisco and back, Two up, Mid-summer

[Vasil]

Auburn, Wheaton

I tried riding with bicycle shorts a few times (padded around crotch/butt area) to place more cushion between my butt and the seat, and to be honest it felt horrible. I was extremely hot in the crotch area and I felt very constraint to say the least due to the nature of the tight fitting shorts.

Talk about roasting my beans! :blink:

You guys experience the same with LDComfort?

Oh, and we'll be using Cardo Teamset bluetooth communicators.

 

[c-zulu]

Vasil, I'm going west also in mid May, perhaps we could meet up in Lk Tahoe. I'm slab in it to Billings then Reno and hopefully a few days in Tahoe before going to San Fran.

 

[smokeFJR06]

Hey Vasil, if your wife is anything like mine, you'll need a Russell seat. I just about killed my wife on the stocker on a 4 day 1500 mile trip.
Your route sounds like a great one. The Rocky Mtn. National Park is excellent. While in San Fran. check out the Wharf area.....very nice. Otherwise, I can't help you much on your route and places to visit. The stretch between here and Lincoln, NE I would suggest staying all super slab to make most time. There's nothing to look at between here and there anyway. The left coast is where the action is. Someday, I hope to do a trip like you're doing.

Give us a report when you get back if you can. Good luck, be safe, enjoy God's country, and don't forget the Russell Seat!

Smoke

PS. One last thing, you're leaving in May so don't forget the rain gear!

Good advice Smoke.

That's exactly what I was thinking of, Interstate to Lincoln, NE to get some miles out of the way. I was actually thinking of getting a pair of Airhawks. Hopefully the wifey will be (somewhat) confortable.

-Vasil

The Airhawks will definately help comfort. You may have thought of this, but remember the Airhawks will raise you up a bit on the seat. Not sure of your height, just be aware of that though. I hope you both have a great trip.

 

[Lee B.]

Hi! I admit to just scanning these posts but I don't think anyone mentioned RMNP in May. YOu didn't say you were planning to traverse RMNP from Estes Park over Trail Ridge Rd to Grand Lake. If you are May and even June, heck July and August can be sketchy weather-wise. Just wouldn't want you to assume that you could scoot on across the park and have the road closed due to snow.

Western NE is a whole lot of nothing but I sort of like that route. Several times when making the KC to Estes Park run we have gone through Lincoln to I-80 and across to Cheyenne adn South to Estes Park on I-25. Western NE starts getting nice buttes and I love the terrain. But as another mentioned the wind can be fierce. Especially if it is gusty from the south.

My favorite part of N CA is around Sonoma. Definitely worth a stop or overnight for some winery tours before you hit thte GGbridge.

If your way brings you back southern route and you can hit Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, Santa Fe NM, over through northern AR and then back north to Peoria.

Best to you on your travels. I love planning trips almost as much as taking them. It would be hard for me to wait until May.

There is also the forum assistance list you should check out--don't leave home w/o it!

Lee

 

[wheatonFJR]

To be honest with you, the longest trip my wife and I had together was 150 miles on a Ducati Monster. Naked bike + tiny seat = not fun.However, the longest I have ridden solo was Washington DC to Key West, 3000mi round-trip on the Monster with no windshield.

Part of the reason I bought the FJR was to remedy the discomforts of a naked bike and to enable us to take comfortable trips together.

I should say that my wife is pretty enduring when it comes to physical comfort. Her petite frame (XS jacket size) allows her to get very cozy in car seats, planes and generally finds any seating/sleeping arrangements comfortable. She assures me she'll be fine on our long trip. I on the on the other hand have less faith in my own physical comfort as I have a bad back, bad shoulder and get pretty moody when either start to ache.

Regarding butt-monkey, I was thinking of borrowing a pair of Airhawks from a friend.

Personally, I would recommend that you and wifey take a long 2 or 3 day weekend or more trip with mileage each day slightly higher than you're going to attempt on your two-week trip. Call it a shake down cruise...put yourself in the same all day riding fatigue settings you will be in on your long trip. After you get back, talk to wifey about what worked and what didn't. Ask yourself AND her truthfully...was the daily mileage comfortable? Could I have done this for 10 or 11 more days straight.

I just say this because...I can do 700 miles and be good...but tired. The few times I have had wifey on the back, I am done at about 300 to 350 miles.

Best to find your limits before the trip.

If you and your wife still felt good after this shakedown trip, I would still have a backup plan just in case you decide you need to do less miles, one of you feels sick, etc. There's lots to see in this country...and you don't have to kill yourself to get some place first time out of the box. Quite frankly, it takes me a few trips to get my body saddle ready for a long trip.

Auburn, Wheaton
I tried riding with bicycle shorts a few times (padded around crotch/butt area) to place more cushion between my butt and the seat, and to be honest it felt horrible.

I personally would feel uncomfortable in padded shorts...wouldn't like the feel. However moisture-wicking shorts are a must.

 

[Vasil]

Vasil, I'm going west also in mid May, perhaps we could meet up in Lk Tahoe. I'm slab in it to Billings then Reno and hopefully a few days in Tahoe before going to San Fran.

c-zulu,

Meeting up in Tahoe or along the way would be lovely. I'll certainly keep you updated via this thread when I head over there.

 

[Vasil]

Yep, that's exactly what we're planning to do, take 1-2 shorter weekend trips to shake things up. End of May is still early in the riding season for us here in Central Illinois, and I haven't been in the saddle for months. We'll be taking a weekend trip or two along the Mississippi and get a feel for the road, the bike and our endurance. We'll load the bike with all the planned gear and come to the conclusion we're bringing too much stuff as always.

Question....... considering our route will take us through the Rocky Mountains and the Nevada deserts, what riding gear do you recommend, leathers or mesh?

Just how cold and how hot does it get end of May/June in CO and UT/NE?

Lee B, Sonoma and wine country sound very inviting - I haven't even thought of it! Too may states and too many attractions to think about all at once. I'll definitely look into it, and my wife would really enjoy it..

I did sign up for the forum assistance list.

BTW, thanks to all for such great advice. I really appreciate it!

 

[Auburn]

To be honest with you, the longest trip my wife and I had together was 150 miles on a Ducati Monster. Naked bike + tiny seat = not fun.However, the longest I have ridden solo was Washington DC to Key West, 3000mi round-trip on the Monster with no windshield.

Part of the reason I bought the FJR was to remedy the discomforts of a naked bike and to enable us to take comfortable trips together.

I should say that my wife is pretty enduring when it comes to physical comfort. Her petite frame (XS jacket size) allows her to get very cozy in car seats, planes and generally finds any seating/sleeping arrangements comfortable. She assures me she'll be fine on our long trip. I on the on the other hand have less faith in my own physical comfort as I have a bad back, bad shoulder and get pretty moody when either start to ache.

Regarding butt-monkey, I was thinking of borrowing a pair of Airhawks from a friend.

Personally, I would recommend that you and wifey take a long 2 or 3 day weekend or more trip with mileage each day slightly higher than you're going to attempt on your two-week trip. Call it a shake down cruise...put yourself in the same all day riding fatigue settings you will be in on your long trip. After you get back, talk to wifey about what worked and what didn't. Ask yourself AND her truthfully...was the daily mileage comfortable? Could I have done this for 10 or 11 more days straight.

I just say this because...I can do 700 miles and be good...but tired. The few times I have had wifey on the back, I am done at about 300 to 350 miles.

Best to find your limits before the trip.

If you and your wife still felt good after this shakedown trip, I would still have a backup plan just in case you decide you need to do less miles, one of you feels sick, etc. There's lots to see in this country...and you don't have to kill yourself to get some place first time out of the box. Quite frankly, it takes me a few trips to get my body saddle ready for a long trip.

Auburn, Wheaton
I tried riding with bicycle shorts a few times (padded around crotch/butt area) to place more cushion between my butt and the seat, and to be honest it felt horrible.

I personally would feel uncomfortable in padded shorts...wouldn't like the feel. However moisture-wicking shorts are a must.

Definitely second on the short 2-3 day trip. Two or three might be good. So you can try different things before you are committed to the long trip.

The LD Comfort product is a moisture wicking material. Doesn't have padding in it. (I don't like the bike shorts either). Here is the website for LD Comfort.

LD Comfort I learned about the product form a couple of '07 Iron Butt participants (Iron Maiden and Big Chief Stinky Pants) last year. You should see a testimonial from Tobi Stevens (Big Chief Stinky Pants on the forum) They swore by it, and after wearing it, I understand why.

We actually each bought two sets of the long sleeve and long pants for use year round. It is worth every penny spent.

 

[Auburn]

Just saw that LD Comfort is running a 32% off on the tights. Don't know for how long

Clicky

 

[Tyler]

Ya know, I gotta say I love a thread where men talk about their undies.

 

[twistedcricket]

Question....... considering our route will take us through the Rocky Mountains and the Nevada deserts, what riding gear do you recommend, leathers or mesh?
Just how cold and how hot does it get end of May/June in CO and UT/NE?

It snowed on me the last week of May in Colorado last year. I was west of the Eisenhower tunnel (west of Denver). In the higher elevations it will be chilly and the weather changes quickly. I had my textile gear with their thermal liners and I stopped to put a fleece on under the jacket. I had thicker socks on so my feet weren't cold, but they were chilly. I kept them tucked close to the engine when I could. When the weather was nicer (in UT/NV) I removed and stowed the thermal liners, fleece and thick socks. Something to consider when you're planning your gear.

UT/NV were really comfortable. Getting through Reno and into Sacramento area was a bit chilly, but I hit Reno late in the day, around 5pm I think, and didn't get to my destination until well after dark. Around Lake Tahoe I was unhappy that I had removed my thermal liners in Reno, but I managed to get by. The road surfaces were crappy, so I'd recommend that you try to hit that stretch during the daylight hours.

I have a mesh jacket, but I really only wear that when I know it's going to be above 80 with 10% or less chance or rain and I'm just going for a quick run to a store. I don't like to wear it on a trip. It offers no protection from changing weather. It's a fair-weather-only garment to me.

LINKY to the pics

 

[twistedcricket]

Something else I thought of just now...if you find you've over-packed and need to get rid of stuff you can always ship it back..if there's someone around home that would sign for it. I would imagine that you'll want some souvenirs of the trip other than pictures. Maybe?? So you might have other things that you can't easily transport.

I'm guessing you've considered that most hotels have laundry facilities, or there should be some nearby...so you wouldn't have to pack as many clothes...

 

[wheatonFJR]

I think you'll have a great trip as long as you have an adventurous spirit...and don't assume that all days will be sunny and comfortable.

Take lots of pictures for this dream trip.

Enjoy and thrive in whatever adversity you come across.

Know how to fix a flat on the road before you go.

And come back alive...no unwarranted risks with yer honey on back. We all risk something getting out of bed in the morning...I am talking about stupid stuff that I sometimes do if I am feeling in a hurry or rushed.

Have fun on your trip.

 

[Murph]

I think you'll have a great trip as long as you have an adventurous spirit...and don't assume that all days will be sunny and comfortable.

+1

On a long trip, my wife and I are always good for about a half day of tension (usually early in the trip as we get readjusted to spending non-stop time with each other and getting comfortable on the bike). Now we just expect it, deal with it, and get on with the trip. Expect some bumps.

In fact, that's why I've created Murph's first law: Things always turn out .... just never exactly how you planned.

 

[Vasil]

Thanks for sharing your pics twistedcricket!

Last long trip I took from Washington DC to Key West in October (Daytona Beach Biketoberfest + Key West) I had my mesh jacket and froze my butt off half the way untill reaching Florida. I don't want to make the same mistake again. I'll stick with leathers this time around. Good advice on the temperature changes.

Ditto on the spousal tension. My wife and I have certainly experienced it on longet trips but we are quick to come to our senses and snap out of it.

My rule of thumb is: If she's happy then I am happy.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I'm guessing you've considered that most hotels have laundry facilities, or there should be some nearby...so you wouldn't have to pack as many clothes...

I tried riding with bicycle shorts a few times (padded around crotch/butt area) to place more cushion between my butt and the seat, and to be honest it felt horrible.

Ya know, I gotta say I love a thread where men talk about their undies.

My friend Charlie says, "You can wear a shirt/t-shirt more than one day..."

My friend Wally calls bicycle shorts: "Weasel Squeezers".

 

[ROBSMST]

Pillow, foam, etc. Some sort of cushion between your wife's back and the top box. Trust me. She may be able to handle short runs but on a long run, with the bumps etc, the thing will shake too much and cut into her back.

heated clothing (for SF). Yes it will be cold in May. I like warm and safe. CO2 cartriges and a flat kit (just in case). First aid. Diahrea medicine. Aspiring. etc.

Lots of stops to keep hydrated or some sort of hydration device.

Day Longs

 

[fjrboomer]

I have done a lot of two up long distance rides with the wife. Remember to make it fun for her by being willing to stop and sightsee or (Oh NO!) shop. We did all our two up on GWs and FLHTs which both provide great comfort for the pillion. I learned to plan a day off the bike about every 3rd or 4th day in a place she would enjoy. It became a pleasant break for both of us.

Examples of stops in CO were Estes Park just outside Rocky Mountain National Park and Durango where we rode the train. There are many great roads in CO but as mentioned by someone else be prepared for weather of any kind from rain to snow in the higher elevations.

We also got in the habit of shipping part of our "dirty clothes" home about 2/3 of the way through the trips so she would have room for any purchases she might make. We would send it UPS and most of the places we used would hold it for 3-4 days before shipping so it did not beat us home.

Also for the wife's comfort I usually only did about 500 mi/day open country and 300-350 in the mountains to allow for sightseeing and breaks to hydrate and give our buns a rest. I am sure you will have a great time as you have planned a great adventure. Stay safe

 

[cota95]

Rode solo cross country last May so I can't help much with the 2up part but I agree that ld comfort shorts are a must. Also be aware that the weather can be extreme. I had 96 degree days and 35 degrees (and raining)days. Be sure that you have plenty of layers available. There will be snow on the mountain passes!

 

[c-zulu]

What States did you travel west of the Mississippi?