Saving $$$: Gig Harbor, WA to Tulsa, OK This Summer

[Smilin' Kyle]

I'm switching gears for this summer. Instead of doing a boundary ride of Washington state, I've decided to ride to Tulsa, Oklahoma, then central Texas. My niece has asked me to give her away at her wedding this July. I thought, hey, I've got the time--I want to ride the FJR and not fly.

Here's where you guys can help. I want to do about 400 miles a day. Is there a way I can do this not cheaply, but less expensively?

I've never camped. I've always used less expensive motels or hotels. Is the FJR okay around campgrounds? (I know it's not a BMW GS.)

After the wedding, I want to see my sister in DFW, then do some barbecue crawlin' in Taylor, Lockhart, etc. Geez, I haven't been to Cooper's in years. So many joints, so little time...

Next summer, I'll do the boundary ride and get serious about my barbecue catering business. If I'm going to take an extended trip to see the kin and get my Texas fix, this is it.

Thanks for the help folks! ANY and ALL imput will hellp.

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Motel 6, they'll leave the light on for ya. or Best Westerns' both are very reasonable...as I don't like the big luxury boxes when traveling on my bike.

Plus, you can get a floor level room and park your FJR right next to your door for safe keeping/security and all.

It'll probably be hot and humid, coming south in June; stay hydrated.

One way to save is spend more time than 400 miles a day on the road...600-800 would definitely save you 2/3 the cost of sleeping every night. You said you have a lot of neat places to see when you get to Texas, so hurry up and get here.

Thinking about it; why not roll long and hard and do a SS1/BB just for the heck of it. Sure would make the BBQ and Brews taste a whole heck of a lot better when you got here.

 

[happyPuppy]

I bet if you post your route , a lot of forum members would let you drop by for the night. As far as campgrounds some KOA's have these little cabins to stay in that are not bad.

 

[Hello Kitty]

I agre with what's been posted, but will add that your FJR is FINE for campgrounds. First of all, they often have paved roads through the place and then you pull off to park. Unless it's been raining and/or there's a lot of mud, you should be able to find a place to pull off the paved road without much fanfare. That said, riding more than 400 miles a day will help you spend less on hotels (assuming you are staying with friends/family when you 'get there') AND get you to where you want to be sooner.

Since you say that you've never camped, I'm assuming that you don't have camping gear. If you want to be comfortable, you're going to have drop more coin on gear than you'll save by using campgrounds. And you'll have to haul the additional stuff. You might be able to find places to stay for a night along the way if you post up the general area you're looking to bunk. Depending on timing and needs, I know I'd be willing to help out fellow forum members from time to time. I think many here would do the same! then for the cost of a 6 pack, you have a bed for the night.

Enjoy your trip. It sounds like you have a nice family, I'm sure your niece will love to tell the story about how her crazy uncle rode his motorcycle to her wedding!

 

[MCRIDER007]

Since you say that you've never camped, I'm assuming that you don't have camping gear. If you want to be comfortable, you're going to have drop more coin on gear than you'll save by using campgrounds. And you'll have to haul the additional stuff.

I disagree (at least partially). Summer camping gear is not that expensive, especially if it only needs to last a season, and can be pretty compact. I can put all my camping gear in a 30 inch outdoor bag that lays across the rear seat and leaves plenty of room to stack a second 30 inch bag on top that will hold all the clothes I need for a 3 week trip. That leaves the saddlebags for valuables and stuff that cannot get wet. Forget about packing food and cooking gear, that is not worth the trouble. Stay in campgrounds that have hot showers and get up early to avoid the rush (for showers).

 

[k7lvo]

I got hooked up with this group a couple of months ago. So far I've used them a couple of times with satisfactory results.

www.checkinncard.com

A friend of mine with a small trucking company uses them. I've seen Motel 6's for ~$30/night through them. They'll waive the $9.95 registration fee if you use referral code: 254985.

(Disclaimer: They don't say that I get anything if you use the number. )

 

[Hello Kitty]

\They'll waive the $9.95 registration fee if you use referral code: 254985.

Is that referral code a one time thing or can I use it too? I'm always looking to save a few bucks on motels! Do they still let you use 'frequent sleeper' cards or does the discount replace that?

Great tip, thanks!

 

[dustyrains]

If you camp, take earplugs and a sleep mask. Never know when your tent will end up beside a group of loud drunks or the freeway or right under a streetlamp. I have saved money by using MRE's (Meals, Ready to Eat), military rations for your evening meal. They are actually not too bad tasting nowadays. Works out to about 6 or 8 bucks for a dinner meal, with usually enough left over, crackers, spreads, cookies and such for breakfast, if you are camping. You don't have to carry any cooking or eating gear with this strategy, as the MRE's come with a heater pack and utensils. Even if you are planning to eat in cafe's all the way, take several along for that time when you end up camped in BFE with no place to buy food. Really gives you the freedom to camp where you want. Such as county, state, or National Forest campgrounds. I try to avoid the KOA's if I can. Too crowded during the summer and too expensive just to pitch a tent. You can camp overnight at state parks for 10 dollars or thereabouts. At least in Washington and Oregon.

 

[k7lvo]

\They'll waive the $9.95 registration fee if you use referral code: 254985.

Is that referral code a one time thing or can I use it too? I'm always looking to save a few bucks on motels! Do they still let you use 'frequent sleeper' cards or does the discount replace that?

Great tip, thanks!

It can be used over and over. They even have cards you can print and hand out. I think you probably can. You just hand them the Check Inn card like it was a regular credit card. Check Inn bills then bills your card. Once when I handed the card to the clerk, he had to check with someone in the back office, but then took it with no further discussion.