Planning Stage!

[jmgrif]

I am in the early planning stage of a trip next year starting mid August from Vancouver to the Rock (Newfoundland) and then down to the Keys. From there over to the west coast again and then up to Vancouver! Not sure of exact route, but am not adverse to diverting to interesting roads and sites! I have followed AGirl's exploits and she really has her ssssht together on the long rides? Right now my friend and riding partner wants to travel across Canada before crossing down to the USA. He did the Canada thing many years ago and I think his reasoning is sentimental? With a trip of this size there are so many things to see it's hard to make up your mind about them all, New York city, Smithsonian plus others and of course "Roads"! If I get any feed back from this post it will be interesting to see other peoples idea of what one must do or see? Last year we did "Bike Week" in Daytona and after trailering to Phoenix we rode interstate 10 across and back! At that time I had a Liter Vstrom, now of course an FJR! Again deferring to my friend he would like to cross the states on a different route so we may have to return back on a few roads in order to do that? Thats about it so if you have suggestions, please feel free to comment! We do plan to camp, hostel, stay with friends and family when possible. Oh yeah we are a couple of old farts I will be 60 and Colin 61.

Thanks

Mark

 

[slomoshun]

Hi jmgrif, I hope that you and Colin have a great time. Here are a few thoughts that I have after a month long road trip through the states that I took this year.

1. Don`t try to see or visit all the great places along the way. Enjoy what you do see but there is just too much out there to see it all.

2. You have a long trip planned so look out for each other and make sure that you recognise the signs of fatigue.

3. Remember that you don`t have to seek out good roads, they`re going to find you.

4. Take a day off now and then to kick back and relax. (freeloading with friends).

5. Buy insurance.

6. Scraping pegs on some distant back road can be fun but you`re a long way from home....

7. Unless you have unlimited time for you trip don`t be too proud to use the Interstates.

Anyway I hope that you post again when your plans are more complete so until then good luck.

S#%t, I nearly forgot. If you wear earplugs bring lots so that you won`t be pulling the same old gungy pair out of your pocket or you could get an ear infection. :blink:

Slo.

 

[jmgrif]

Hi jmgrif, I hope that you and Colin have a great time. Here are a few thoughts that I have after a month long road trip through the states that I took this year.1. Don`t try to see or visit all the great places along the way. Enjoy what you do see but there is just too much out there to see it all.

2. You have a long trip planned so look out for each other and make sure that you recognise the signs of fatigue.

3. Remember that you don`t have to seek out good roads, they`re going to find you.

4. Take a day off now and then to kick back and relax. (freeloading with friends).

5. Buy insurance.

6. Scraping pegs on some distant back road can be fun but you`re a long way from home....

7. Unless you have unlimited time for you trip don`t be too proud to use the Interstates.

Anyway I hope that you post again when your plans are more complete so until then good luck.

S#%t, I nearly forgot. If you wear earplugs bring lots so that you won`t be pulling the same old gungy pair out of your pocket or you could get an ear infection. :blink:

Slo.

Thanks for the input. Even a small "get off" would be very unpleasant while on the road, and as the trip involves another person your mistake could ruin his experience. Does anyone out there recommend or know of a good trip planner? We have tried Google map and MapQuest without much success? My riding partner is the detail guy and he seems to be having problems saving his route plan and then going back to it to add or make changes? At least I think that is what his problem is?

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[jmgrif]

OK, 3 weeks to go and still haven't firmed up our return route? Leaving Nova Scotia to New Hampshire and then? I want to see N.Y. I never have! Would like to go to Smithsonian Aeronautical love planes? Because we don't know our exact route I'm wondering if people who are listed on the FJR Assist list would mind if they received a call out of the blue? Of course, most people travel at this time of year so, many assister's may not be home but without a firm route I can't ask ahead of time, a place to stay, or work on the bike, oil changes, tires etc? Or just advise, go here but don't go there! Our westcoast destination will be somewhere in southern California before turning north back to Vancouver, B.C. If you're on the list and wouldn't mind no prior warning would you be OK with a call? Just wondering?

Mark

Hi jmgrif, I hope that you and Colin have a great time. Here are a few thoughts that I have after a month long road trip through the states that I took this year.1. Don`t try to see or visit all the great places along the way. Enjoy what you do see but there is just too much out there to see it all.

2. You have a long trip planned so look out for each other and make sure that you recognise the signs of fatigue.

3. Remember that you don`t have to seek out good roads, they`re going to find you.

4. Take a day off now and then to kick back and relax. (freeloading with friends).

5. Buy insurance.

6. Scraping pegs on some distant back road can be fun but you`re a long way from home....

7. Unless you have unlimited time for you trip don`t be too proud to use the Interstates.

Anyway I hope that you post again when your plans are more complete so until then good luck.

S#%t, I nearly forgot. If you wear earplugs bring lots so that you won`t be pulling the same old gungy pair out of your pocket or you could get an ear infection. :blink:

Slo.

Thanks for the input. Even a small "get off" would be very unpleasant while on the road, and as the trip involves another person your mistake could ruin his experience. Does anyone out there recommend or know of a good trip planner? We have tried Google map and MapQuest without much success? My riding partner is the detail guy and he seems to be having problems saving his route plan and then going back to it to add or make changes? At least I think that is what his problem is?

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[Patriot]

call here anytime - I'm on the list

New Orleans is a great tourist meca and impressive place to see and experience

if you want a place to stay, free home cooked meals (restaurants on your nickel), and a personal guide or suggestions on getting around, we're here to please

some say a gift of the wife's and I is "hospitality"

ya podna seems pretty anal in the planning stage - I am too and BTDT

but I loosen up when the trip begins and just go with the flow

hopefully, this is how it'll transpire

calling folks on the list - I say call...the worst that can happen is no answer or "sorry, I'm busy with ....."

make ya call sound like you are just asking advice, "no" is an OK answer, and ask questions and wait and see if they invite you for an actual meeting

give them your number (hopefully a no toll call) and maybe they will call back after digesting and thinking about it after the surprise wears out

well, that's what I would do...

wishing and praying for a great, enjoyable, and safe trip all around,

Mike

in Nawlins'

 

[just roy]

i'm in upstate ny and not on your planned route but feel free to add me to the list. i'm in the directory.you would be the third canuk to stop in(the others were Ducatista though). like patriot i am ex military and am well trained in hospitality.

 

[jmgrif]

i'm in upstate ny and not on your planned route but feel free to add me to the list. i'm in the directory.you would be the third canuk to stop in(the others were Ducatista though). like patriot i am ex military and am well trained in hospitality.

Thanks very much! Still not sure of our route across the US? At present we plan to cross from Nova Scotia to New Hampshire. From there south and west? I have never been in the US north east and there is so much to see? I will be using the "Assist List" as much as possible! I don't know when exactly or where I will be but as the trip goes along there will be a need for 3 or 4 oil changes as well as at least one complete tire change? Of course dealers will be available but if not I would prefer to do my own work? We'll see!

Thanks again

Mark

 

[Geezer]

I am on the list and feel free to give me a call whenever you want.

Slomoshun put together a pretty good list. For myself I would add, don't over plan and be prepared to change your plans when ever you want to. Every day on the road is an adventure and that means that things can change so you need to be flexible.

 

[jmgrif]

I am on the list and feel free to give me a call whenever you want.
Slomoshun put together a pretty good list. For myself I would add, don't over plan and be prepared to change your plans when ever you want to. Every day on the road is an adventure and that means that things can change so you need to be flexible.

The closer the departure date comes the more worried I seem to be about lack of a firm route? I agree though that past experience has been to let things unfold as they will! New York is daunting and I do wonder how close we may be able to camp? Can we safely leave the bikes and bus or train into the city? In the past these questions answered themselves? Thanks for letting me know I can call!

Mark

 

[Larry33319]

Give me a call when you are in South Florida. I am on the list and have a couple spare rooms as well as a fairly well equiped garage. I will be gone the last week in August. I am taking the Auto Train to Va. then a ride thru Pa to upstate NY, Watkins Glen area then Niagra Falls and driving around the lakes to Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Then a jaunt down to Columbus for a trip to the Iron Pony then across Rt 50 back to Va to take the Auto Train back to Florida. All that in a week. But if you are in my area before or after, do not hesitate to call.

 

[jmgrif]

Give me a call when you are in South Florida. I am on the list and have a couple spare rooms as well as a fairly well equiped garage. I will be gone the last week in August. I am taking the Auto Train to Va. then a ride thru Pa to upstate NY, Watkins Glen area then Niagra Falls and driving around the lakes to Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Then a jaunt down to Columbus for a trip to the Iron Pony then across Rt 50 back to Va to take the Auto Train back to Florida. All that in a week. But if you are in my area before or after, do not hesitate to call.

Thanks very much! I'm not sure at this time how far south we will go on the eastern seaboard? I will have your info in my address book!

Mark

 

[fljab]

Give me a call when you are in South Florida. I am on the list and have a couple spare rooms as well as a fairly well equiped garage. I will be gone the last week in August.

I've done the Auto Train 3 times with the bike; it's not any faster than riding, but I like it all the same. Did coach the first time, never again, it's roomette all the way from now on or I won't go...

 

[Larry33319]

I've done the Auto Train 3 times with the bike; it's not any faster than riding, but I like it all the same. Did coach the first time, never again, it's roomette all the way from now on or I won't go...

I totally agree about the roomette. The main advantage is that you arrive the next morning fully rested and ready to start the ride. Yjis will be my third trip as well. Sorry about the hijack.

 

[jmgrif]

I am in the early planning stage of a trip next year starting mid August from Vancouver to the Rock (Newfoundland) and then down to the Keys. From there over to the west coast again and then up to Vancouver! Not sure of exact route, but am not adverse to diverting to interesting roads and sites! I have followed AGirl's exploits and she really has her ssssht together on the long rides? Right now my friend and riding partner wants to travel across Canada before crossing down to the USA. He did the Canada thing many years ago and I think his reasoning is sentimental? With a trip of this size there are so many things to see it's hard to make up your mind about them all, New York city, Smithsonian plus others and of course "Roads"! If I get any feed back from this post it will be interesting to see other peoples idea of what one must do or see? Last year we did "Bike Week" in Daytona and after trailering to Phoenix we rode interstate 10 across and back! At that time I had a Liter Vstrom, now of course an FJR! Again deferring to my friend he would like to cross the states on a different route so we may have to return back on a few roads in order to do that? Thats about it so if you have suggestions, please feel free to comment! We do plan to camp, hostel, stay with friends and family when possible. Oh yeah we are a couple of old farts I will be 60 and Colin 61.Thanks

Mark

OK things are starting to heat up! Getting very close to leaving on our trip I mean! Here's a question; one place we plan on going is NYC and I would like to "camp" fairly close yet be able to take, transit, train, bus or whatever into the city? Anyone know of a good spot? We should be there around the end of August or early Sept? We will be approaching from the North (Canada) so N or NE of the city would be the area we'll be entering? Also leaving the bikes in a safe place would be a good idea? Suggestions please!

Mark

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Here's a question; one place we plan on going is NYC and I would like to "camp" fairly close yet be able to take, transit, train, bus or whatever into the city? Anyone know of a good spot?... We will be approaching from the North (Canada) so N or NE of the city would be the area we'll be entering? Also leaving the bikes in a safe place would be a good idea? Suggestions please!

I'm not, currently, from that area -- but my first thoughts were to take the Orient Pt. ferry from New London CT to the end of Long Island. Probably the easiest, least traffic, sanest, approach...

There are some State Parks on Long Island and maybe some private campgrounds, too. Another place to check on camping is RV Parks -- they'll have showers, etc. and often a place to pitch a tent.

Transportation into the city from L.I. shouldn't be too much of a problem?

You know, there's often plenty of M/C only parking places in Manhattan... (with your experiences, riding in 'The City' may not be a big deal -- whether you guys choose to do it/or not?)

 

[jmgrif]

Here's a question; one place we plan on going is NYC and I would like to "camp" fairly close yet be able to take, transit, train, bus or whatever into the city? Anyone know of a good spot?... We will be approaching from the North (Canada) so N or NE of the city would be the area we'll be entering? Also leaving the bikes in a safe place would be a good idea? Suggestions please!

I'm not, currently, from that area -- but my first thoughts were to take the Orient Pt. ferry from New London CT to the end of Long Island. Probably the easiest, least traffic, sanest, approach...

There are some State Parks on Long Island and maybe some private campgrounds, too. Another place to check on camping is RV Parks -- they'll have showers, etc. and often a place to pitch a tent.

Transportation into the city from L.I. shouldn't be too much of a problem?

You knolaw, there's often plenty of M/C only parking places in Manhattan... (with your experiences, riding in 'The City' may not be a big deal -- whether you guys choose to do it/or not?)

I wonder about parking and leaving bikes in the city? I have a few items located across the handle bar area which would have to be removed and stored at each stop? If I could leave the bike in a safe place then I wouldn't have to worry? I do understand that nothing is totally safe anywhere but!

 

[UHOH]

one place we plan on going is NYC and I would like to "camp" fairly close yet be able to take, transit, train, bus or whatever into the city? Anyone know of a good spot? We should be there around the end of August or early Sept? We will be approaching from the North (Canada) so N or NE of the city would be the area we'll be entering? Also leaving the bikes in a safe place would be a good idea? Suggestions please!Mark

used to live in NE, but drawing a blank. 'cept at Croton-on-Hudson (or is it Harmon?) 'bout 40-50 miles N of NYC on east bank of Hudson R is a major busy train stop, had manned ticket station. good size parking lot, but probably not 100% safe for stuff stored on handlebars all day long. Amtrack for long distance heading west, plus many commuter trains south into NYC ->which I didn't use, but would be for you. you'd have to search for camping near there, this is all I know.

I'd also try searching for / joining a hostel club and consider that.

when west suggest seeing Monument Valley and Zion Park, both ~ southern Utah. both camp sites available.

Mon.V. would have well packed dirt roads, Zion is beatutiful road and scenery ... latter, maybe PM for add'l info.

sounds like a tour of a lifetime. enjoy

 

[Geezer]

I can't think of any camping close to NYC. If you spring for a hotel you can easily take a bus into the city and leave your bike at the hotel, but that will take up most of the day to commute in, see stuff, and commute back out. If you do that, I suggest staying somewhere in Hasbrouck Heights near the intersection of I 80 and Route 17.

If you decide to ride into NYC, then you can park on the street if you are going to be near and won't leave it for long, otherwise you'll have to pay for parking and even then you can't be 100% sure your stuff won't be bothered.

Another option, if you want to park in NJ near a bus stop and take the bus in, I have family in Woodridge near a bus stop and I may be able to arrange a safe place to park your bikes. Send me a PM and we'll work it out.

 

[jmgrif]

one place we plan on going is NYC and I would like to "camp" fairly close yet be able to take, transit, train, bus or whatever into the city? Anyone know of a good spot? We should be there around the end of August or early Sept? We will be approaching from the North (Canada) so N or NE of the city would be the area we'll be entering? Also leaving the bikes in a safe place would be a good idea? Suggestions please!Mark

used to live in NE, but drawing a blank. 'cept at Croton-on-Hudson (or is it Harmon?) 'bout 40-50 miles N of NYC on east bank of Hudson R is a major busy train stop, had manned ticket station. good size parking lot, but probably not 100% safe for stuff stored on handlebars all day long. Amtrack for long distance heading west, plus many commuter trains south into NYC ->which I didn't use, but would be for you. you'd have to search for camping near there, this is all I know.

I'd also try searching for / joining a hostel club and consider that.

when west suggest seeing Monument Valley and Zion Park, both ~ southern Utah. both camp sites available.

Mon.V. would have well packed dirt roads, Zion is beatutiful road and scenery ... latter, maybe PM for add'l info.

sounds like a tour of a lifetime. enjoy

Thanks for the info; I have been to Zion and Bryce canyon a couple of times! Beautiful! On one trip we camped at Kodachrome just outside of Bryce on highway 12 and it is fantastic! I just came back from Colorado where we rode some passes at over 10,000' and I can't say enough about the beauty of that state either! In fact, here in British Columbia we're pretty proud of natures wonder around us but man all you have to do is get out on the road and there is beauty where ever you go! How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful and peaceful part of the world?

Mark