wheatonFJR
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Very nicely put...wise words..
Staintune, I saw your post right away and had my own reaction, but kept it to myself. I don't like posts that don't offer anything constructive, and my reaction was negative. But others are working all around what I thought, without quite saying it. So I will:
In the nicest way I know how to put it, I think this trip is WAY ill-advised. Nothing but slabs for eight days, not much great scenery on the way (so I gather from other posters), no time to sightsee or follow any impulses along the way (the world's biggest ball of string, ten miles?), no allowance for the kinds of aches and pains or even mechanical issues that can cause unplanned breaks, and it sounds like no time at your destination to enjoy it. Already time to turn around and head back! Instead, fly to Rapid City and relax. Or take a ride on your FJR to some of the great roads in the Southeast and explore them in a series of MUCH lower-mileage days.
OK, Im really sorry to crap on your plans like this, honest, but I bet some others are thinking the same thing too. If you do go, though, I hope you can be flexible if you run into these kinds of things along the way. And seriously hope you enjoy your vacation, however you take it.
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If you had a lot more time...I would say go for it...wander the 2 laners, relax, have fun. Pushing it on the slab with the wife is not likely to engender great memories...other than "what were we thinking?" or "Let's NEVER do that again."
I will travel by myself 4-500 mile days on an extended road trip...and occasionally higher mileage when I have to get somewhere with limited vacation time for the trip. When I have taken trips with wifey for the weekend, I find that 300 miles can be a plenty long day, and I'm ready for a rest as well.
BTW, if you've done all this kind of travelling before and like it and all setup for it...then go for it. However, if you're asking advice, then I'd think that maybe you haven't done this before.
Some people have and do ride as a couple 2-up for 500 mile days successfully having fun. I know Bluebullet and wifey Bullet are doing that this summer with their tow behind camper out west to BC. But THEY are hardcore. I know I couldn't do that with wifey on the back...atleast not so that she'd ever want to get on the bike again.
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