Ride Texas to D.C. yes? no? maybe?

[Twigg]

The numb hand is the only thing I don't like about my '07, and I have tried everything short of the throttle spring release. Used to have Grip Puppies, they weren't bad, but have taken them off, and changed to BMW grips, which to me were better. I also have bar risers and Throttlemeister bar ends installed. Had a Crampbuster/Throttlerocker on, but took it off, as I don't like the size of the paddle right there on the throttle. As always, YMMV, keep trying stuff to see what works for you.

It might be your gloves.

 

[jmdaniel]

It might be your gloves.

Nah, I've tried all types. Just something I have to live with.

 

[HotRodZilla]

RyRec, do you have hydration on the bike? If you don't have a peg mounted thermos set up, get a CamelBak and wear it. Drinking water only at stops is not enough, and you'll get dehydrated. Trust me on this.

 

[RyRec]

RyRec, do you have hydration on the bike? If you don't have a peg mounted thermos set up, get a CamelBak and wear it. Drinking water only at stops is not enough, and you'll get dehydrated. Trust me on this.

I don't have any hydration set up. And on the outting last weekend, I only drank a little bit of fluids over lunch. And I know that's not smart. I will try a camelbak and will get a peg mounted thermos if needed. Thanks 'Zilla.

 

[HotRodZilla]

A 70oz pack is abut perfect. Plenty of water but not so much that it gets heavy and wears on you. When you make stops, be sure to put the bag where you can see it. Hang it on the mirror, or put it across your seat. I drove off with mine on my bags twice before I stopped putting it back there.

 

[jmdaniel]

RyRec, do you have hydration on the bike? If you don't have a peg mounted thermos set up, get a CamelBak and wear it. Drinking water only at stops is not enough, and you'll get dehydrated. Trust me on this.

+1 I rode out to New Mexico with some guys last September, and before we left, mentioned to the group that I always pack a Camelbak, and said it was a great way to have fluids available all the time, as well as keep the back cool. The collective scoff was almost audible through the interweb, but our trip back left Roswell with a party size of 7, and pulled into Austin with a size of 3, with the others dropping off because they were dehydrated.

 

[erixun]

One thing I have yet to see mentioned on this thread. If you and your brother don't yet have them seriously consider some form of Bluetooth communicators and a way to charge them for the ride. Wife and I have started doing some rallying and find the ability to talk to each other priceless. The simple things like bathroom breaks and gas stops or heaven forbid mechanical issues need to be communicated to your riding partner.
On my '07 I was normally riding with the seat in the low position all of the time. It was recommended to me that on long trips I try to ride with it in the high position. While it makes flat footing impossible for me it made a huge difference in rider comfort on the slab. Keeps your thighs and butt off the hard parts underneath the seat.

You can do this!

I can echo this post wholeheartedly after SWFOG, I have a Sena10 and used it to link my phone, music, GPS etc. But never linked with another rider, because I have been limited to riding with some locals, who are mostly pirates, and rarely wear helmets... (thats another discussion altogether and usually gets me in trouble) During SWFOG I finally got to link with other riders. WOW. It changes the ride, and for the better! If you don't get the Sena, get some other way to communicate while underway! You will not be dissapointed and then wonder how you ever did without this wonderful device. (I know, I know, I late to the party. And have been called worse than a slow learner, but I make up for it in perseverance.)

The higher seat position does make a difference as well, and for the better. I did not think I would like it, but it does help.

Oh, and plus one on the hydration thing. I put a Geigerrig in the cooler behind me and run the tube under my arm and then attach it to a retractable key ring thing, I like to use the passenger foot rests sometimes for my heels and the pegs for my toes so I cannot use the peg mounted thermos set up.

 

[RyRec]

One thing I have yet to see mentioned on this thread. If you and your brother don't yet have them seriously consider some form of Bluetooth communicators and a way to charge them for the ride. Wife and I have started doing some rallying and find the ability to talk to each other priceless. The simple things like bathroom breaks and gas stops or heaven forbid mechanical issues need to be communicated to your riding partner.
On my '07 I was normally riding with the seat in the low position all of the time. It was recommended to me that on long trips I try to ride with it in the high position. While it makes flat footing impossible for me it made a huge difference in rider comfort on the slab. Keeps your thighs and butt off the hard parts underneath the seat.

You can do this!

I can echo this post wholeheartedly after SWFOG, I have a Sena10 and used it to link my phone, music, GPS etc. But never linked with another rider, because I have been limited to riding with some locals, who are mostly pirates, and rarely wear helmets... (thats another discussion altogether and usually gets me in trouble) During SWFOG I finally got to link with other riders. WOW. It changes the ride, and for the better! If you don't get the Sena, get some other way to communicate while underway! You will not be dissapointed and then wonder how you ever did without this wonderful device. (I know, I know, I late to the party. And have been called worse than a slow learner, but I make up for it in perseverance.)

The higher seat position does make a difference as well, and for the better. I did not think I would like it, but it does help.

Oh, and plus one on the hydration thing. I put a Geigerrig in the cooler behind me and run the tube under my arm and then attach it to a retractable key ring thing, I like to use the passenger foot rests sometimes for my heels and the pegs for my toes so I cannot use the peg mounted thermos set up.

Yes, I also have the Sena10 and agree, it changes the ride, for the better! Makes me wonder how I ever rode in a group without it. Maybe my next long ride I will try to higher seat. I tried it the other night driving home from my brother's house 15 miles. It does allow more room for the legs but it also changes the ergonomics of the handlebars and windshield. I need to spend some time in the higher seat and see if it helps on the long haul.

 

[RyRec]

So...I found a fellow forum member selling his FJR. The ad listed Seth Laam seats and a CalSci windshield among the list of add-ons. I sent him a message asking if he'd sell those items separately. He replied, saying he was working on a trade-in deal and to give him a couple days. 3 or 4 days later he worked the deal and I bought the driver and passenger Laam seats and the CalSci windshield. I rode today, and woooowwww!!!! I never knew what I was missing! You were all right, new seat and windshield is a game changer. Thanks for the advice! And thanks to Justin from the forum (dbleagle???) for the great deal! Before these additions, I looked at long mileage as a challenge. After today's ride, I'm seeing it as mileage of enjoyment!

 

[RyRec]

Well, it's been 5-1/2 months since my first post regarding this trip from Texas to D.C. Now the time is upon us. My brother and I will be on the road one week from today. Since that first post I have added some goodies to make the bike (Ron Burgundy) more comfortable for me. Most recently, heated grips (check out Koso heated grips with the integrated thumb switch, pretty sweet). We have our trip routed and our hotels booked. Thanks again to you all for the advice and the encouragement. My dad will be running the Marine Corps Marathon on the 25th and it will be a heck of a surprise for him when my brother and I show up 1260 miles away from home to watch him cross the finish line. When we return home and I'm back in the swing of things I'll post a ride report in that section of the forum.

-Ryan

 

[Cav47]

Good luck and Say Thank You to your dad for his service.

Also, keep your phone handy and post up your route and where you are staying. Lots of people along your route love reasons to get out and meet new FJRers.

 

[Intech]

+1 what Josh said. I will PM you my contact info. Feel free to get in touch is you need anything while you are in the area.

 

[BkerChuck]

Awesome! Do you run a Spot tracker or use Bubbler GPS on you phone? If so please post your Spot page for us so we can follow your trip.I may just have to get a pass from the wife and ride down to D.C. next Sunday....

 

[RyRec]

Awesome! Do you run a Spot tracker or use Bubbler GPS on you phone? If so please post your Spot page for us so we can follow your trip.I may just have to get a pass from the wife and ride down to D.C. next Sunday....

I will be looking into Spot tracking this weekend. I'm not familiar with these but like the idea of my family at home knowing my whereabouts. If I get something going, I'll post it here. And a pass from the wife would be great for next Sunday. 4th largest marathon in the States, should be a great and memorable event.

 

[BkerChuck]

If you have a smart phone just download and use the appropriate app. For Android based phones it's Bubbler GPS. I believe for Iphones it's s/w connect. I'm not using either yet myself but others on here can help you out.

 

[rushes]

Best wishes and good luck to your dad!

And enjoy your trip with your brother. I bet you guys have a great time.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Awesome man...Have fun, and ride careful.

 

[RyRec]

I'm keeping a log in Notes on my iphone. I'll post a copy in Ride Reports for those that want to read. In a nutshell...it has been a really good day. As smooth as possible. 770 miles and 15 total hours from home to Knoxville, TN. That leaves us 490 to D.C. tomorrow.

 

[erixun]

Keep us posted! Fair winds and following seas....

 

[Niehart]

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/165523-ride-texas-to-dc/?do=findComment&comment=1266632

Go here for the ride as they go report.