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

[RyRec]

My dad is running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. this fall October 25th. My brother and I have half-heartedly joked about riding there to see our ole man cross the finish line. Because of my work, this would be a 5 day trip. Leave early Friday, arrive to D.C. late Saturday. Have all of Sunday to enjoy the marathon event and surprise our dad, then head out early Monday, and return home late Tuesday.

Sounds epic for us newbs. But we don't know the discomforts of 600+ mile days. I'll be on my FJR, and my brother on his '13 Tenere. I love the thought of making the memories but I also don't want to get halfway there and think what the hell are we doing.

To go? or no to go?

Looking for feedback/suggestions. Thanks everyone

-Ryan

 

[mcatrophy]

Can't think of a better excuse. What better way to learn about you and your machine on a long trip?

 

[Twigg]

The ride is straightforward.

What you need to worry about is the seat. If it suits you, and you have done long days on it already, all will be well. If not it could end up being a miserable experience.

This is an individual thing, so only you can know for sure.

Sounds like a fun trip.

 

[erixun]

I would say absolutely go! October is a ways away, giving you plenty of time to do some work up rides, maybe try to put in a long day and 'see' or 'feel' what you are comfortable with. I would advise since you are riding with someone else to get them on board with the work up rides as well, riding styles can be different enough to make a difference on longer rides that you don't neccessarily notice on shorter rides. That would be my biggest concern- contention between riders could sour the trip as well.

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

Do it....or you will always wish you had! (as you kick yourself hard in the ***)

 

[Cav47]

Do it....or you will always wish you had! (as you kick yourself hard in the ***)

^^^^ This is exactly why I would go. If you can get the green light from the home folks (if there is a wife and fam to ask) I would be all over this. A real "excuse" to get out on a partial cross country trip would not escape me!!

I once rode to California to see my brother on his birthday.

Some of us ride thousands of miles to eat. While a RTE is significant, not much else would be as important to go with my brother to see my dad run a marathon in honor of the Marines. Heck, I would go with you if I could get my wife to believe it was important enough to go. Take this opportunity and run ride with it. You will wish you went the next time you see your dad or brother. You may regret not going when he tell you how cool the marathon was when he finished!!!!

 

[rushes]

Yes.

600 mile days on a bike are easy compared to running a marathon.

Best wishes and good luck to your dad!

 

[FJReady]

I've done both. 600+ mile day on my FJR and run a marathon (3 actually) And riding 600 miles on a bad seat is harder than running a marathon. Make sure your seat is butt worthy before attempting that ride. And I predict you'll enjoy the trip. Road trips are great fun. Especially on the FJR. And congrats to your dad. Getting in shape for and completing a marathon is a major feat.

I'm sure your being there for him will be a very special moment for him. Good on you for planning it. Even if you don't ride there, you should go anyway. Those kind of moments don't happen often enough in life.

 

[erixun]

I've done both. 600+ mile day on my FJR and run a marathon (3 actually) And riding 600 miles on a bad seat is harder than running a marathon. Make sure your seat is butt worthy before attempting that ride.

1. I think running a marathon is insane.

(I say that because I hate running....) I do have the utmost respect though for the sheer amount of mental fortitude it would take to complete one, let alone three.

2. Totally agree with the seat issue. I once road a FZR 600 to California from Utah and took a couple of days to do it, and it damn near killed me. And I was in my twenties still.... by the end I could only ride for about 20 minutes before looking for a spot to stop and massage my butt. Probably caused some weird looks on the side of the road, but I didn't care.

If you have a stock seat and do not want to spend the cash on a RDL or LAAM, try an Airhawk. I have one and like it, however, my change jar has finally filled up enough that I am going for an RDL next month.

 

[Ignacio]

Sounds epic for us newbs. But we don't know the discomforts of 600+ mile days. I'll be on my FJR, and my brother on his '13 Tenere. I love the thought of making the memories but I also don't want to get halfway there and think what the hell are we doing.
To go? or no to go?

It's not a coincidence that 5 of the top 6 finishers in the Iron Butt Rally in 2013 were FJRs. 11,000+ miles in 11 days is common on this platform--they're the best long distance motorcycle in existence.

That said, I'd concur that a custom seat (Russell being the gold-standard) is one thing almost everybody gets. A short trip from Texas to D.C. and back you could do without one. That and hydration while you're riding. Maybe a throttle rocker or cramp buster too.

So, the answer is yes.

And a Tenere is doable too.

 

[RyRec]

Guys...y'all are getting me excited about this possibility! Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. This will be my dad's 3rd and final marathon and you all make a great point, I don't want to miss it. Thankfully I have a supportive wife who has given me the green light. Although, I've never been away from our two young ones for more than one night.

I will take the advice and work up to some longer rides, so I can get a glimpse of what 600+ miles days might feel like on the bike.

I appreciate each comment. Maybe if I go I can make sign that says "FJRforum wishes you luck", haha!

 

[HotRodZilla]

Seriously, that ride is pretty easy. Ridden from Albuquerque to South Carolina a few times. One of those times I rode 1400+ miles home from Dayton TN to Albuquerque, in 23 hours straight. I still have a stock seat.

Usually leave here and run about 900 miles the first day. Stop every 200-250 for fuel and break. The next day is shorter, which makes the ride seem easier. On the way home, I do the same thing. Made that ride with my brother twice. Two bikes is even easier.

If I were you, I would definately do it. I rode to Oregon for a Reuben sandwich, so my level of stupid may not be as high as yours.

 

[RyRec]

Seriously, that ride is pretty easy. Ridden from Albuquerque to South Carolina a few times. One of those times I rode 1400+ miles home from Dayton TN to Albuquerque, in 23 hours straight. I still have a stock seat.
Usually leave here and run about 900 miles the first day. Stop every 200-250 for fuel and break. The next day is shorter, which makes the ride seem easier. On the way home, I do the same thing. Made that ride with my brother twice. Two bikes is even easier.

If I were you, I would definately do it. I rode to Oregon for a Reuben sandwich, so my level of stupid may not be as high as yours.

Haha! That's a long ways for a sandwich. But I bet it tasted great!! You make a good point about doing more miles the first day. The second day wouldn't be as bad. Thanks for the suggestion. I too have the stock seat and find it to be comfortable. But only a trip like this would really let me know. And thanks to everyone for the encouragment. Hearing of these 1,000+ mile ventures are uplifting. I appreciate the encouragement!

 

[Fred W]

Plan your arrival and departure times carefully to avoid the dreadful DC traffic. It should be a great family trip.

 

[BigOgre]

+1^. Good advice and encouragement about making the ride happen but don't overlook planning your arrival and stay there, especially considering it's D.C. For instance, wherever you'll be staying will it have good, secure facilities to leave the bikes when off of them? But by no means should you be discouraged. This sounds like it could be a really memorable trip.

 

[danh600]

What did you do this weekend?

A. Just hung around the house.

B. I rode my motorcycle across America to see my Dad run in a Marine Corp Marathon.

 

[Fred W]

What did you do this weekend?
A. Just hung around the house.

B. I rode my motorcycle across America to see my Dad run in a Marine Corp Marathon.

 

[RyRec]

Plan your arrival and departure times carefully to avoid the dreadful DC traffic. It should be a great family trip.

I have no clue about DC traffic so thank you for the tip. I assumed it would be busy, especially with the 30,000 runners of the marathon. Not to mention their families and the spectators. And all of this being added to the normal number of tourists. Timing arrival and departure....noted.

+1^. Good advice and encouragement about making the ride happen but don't overlook planning your arrival and stay there, especially considering it's D.C. For instance, wherever you'll be staying will it have good, secure facilities to leave the bikes when off of them? But by no means should you be discouraged. This sounds like it could be a really memorable trip.

Secure place for the bikes...noted. I'm sure all of these seem so obvious but I'm making a list anyways.

What did you do this weekend?
A. Just hung around the house.

B. I rode my motorcycle across America to see my Dad run in a Marine Corp Marathon.

HAHA!! That really puts all of this into perspective. I got chills reading 'B'. Thank you!

We had beautiful weather this weekend and I was able to ride Saturday for 130 miles. It was a great time on the wooded 2 lane roads of east Texas! I hope you all were able to enjoy a ride and a good weekend.

-Ryan

 

[jmdaniel]

My dad is running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. this fall October 25th. My brother and I have half-heartedly joked about riding there to see our ole man cross the finish line. Because of my work, this would be a 5 day trip. Leave early Friday, arrive to D.C. late Saturday. Have all of Sunday to enjoy the marathon event and surprise our dad, then head out early Monday, and return home late Tuesday.
Sounds epic for us newbs. But we don't know the discomforts of 600+ mile days. I'll be on my FJR, and my brother on his '13 Tenere. I love the thought of making the memories but I also don't want to get halfway there and think what the hell are we doing.

To go? or no to go?

Looking for feedback/suggestions. Thanks everyone

-Ryan

I did 5250 in 10.5 days a few years ago, and am riding the same bike you are, the fantastic black cherry '07A. Also ran 925 from Denver to Austin in one day a couple of years back, got home just in time for dinner. So yes, it can definitely be done.