Thinking of doing a trans continent ride

[Bullit]

I am nearing the end of a work term and would like to visit friends on the west coast (Victoria BC). I had looked at the route on some mapping software and it looks do-able within 7 days comfortably, via I-90 most of the way. I was just looking for advice from those who may have done this previously. I would like to do it 'on the cheap', as stated, I will be unemployed and looking for work afterwards. I plan to bring a tent and sleeping bag, possibly using truck stops for showers etc. Would there be a list of Hostels, or other cheap places to stay along the way? Perhaps I lean on some forum members to have a 'sleep over'? LOL!

Also, I had thought of approaching my local Yamaha dealer and asking them to sponsor me somehow, even for a new set of tires would be cool. Anyone ever do this? Worst comes to worst I could just fly, it would be much cheaper, but much less cool and too easy.

The wife thinks I'm crazy to want to try something like this solo, but to me it sounds like a great adventure.

 

[Canadian FJR]

Just be sure to schedule it around the ALDERS Rally.

"New set of tires from the Yamaha dealer"...........wonder where that idea came from ?

Canadian FJR

 

[BkrK12]

I am nearing the end of a work term and would like to visit friends on the west coast (Victoria BC). I had looked at the route on some mapping software and it looks do-able within 7 days comfortably, via I-90 most of the way. I was just looking for advice from those who may have done this previously. I would like to do it 'on the cheap', as stated, I will be unemployed and looking for work afterwards. I plan to bring a tent and sleeping bag, possibly using truck stops for showers etc. Would there be a list of Hostels, or other cheap places to stay along the way? Perhaps I lean on some forum members to have a 'sleep over'? LOL!
Also, I had thought of approaching my local Yamaha dealer and asking them to sponsor me somehow, even for a new set of tires would be cool. Anyone ever do this? Worst comes to worst I could just fly, it would be much cheaper, but much less cool and too easy.

The wife thinks I'm crazy to want to try something like this solo, but to me it sounds like a great adventure.

I did the exact route you are talking about three years ago, even to the same destination, leaving from southern New Hampshire. I averaged 650 miles/day and made it in 5 days. It was not "touristing", it was a mission. Let me know when you are planning on leaving and, if you are interested I might be able to provide some info.

 

[Bullit]

Just be sure to schedule it around the ALDERS Rally.
"New set of tires from the Yamaha dealer"...........wonder where that idea came from ?

Any good idea is worth stealing!! I wonder what else I could get out of them? Just in the brainstorming phase right now, I would have to average around 900kms/day, or 570miles for the 'metrically' challenged. I don't want it to become torture, it would be nice to be able to enjoy it slightly as well. Remeber, I'll have to ride it back, after a week chillin' in Victoria. I also thought about trying to write a journal about it and submit it to a magazine or something. As I said, just thinking about it now, ut it would be extemely cool to do, while I'm still young enough to do it. :to_become_senile:

Canadian FJR

 

[Canadian FJR]

If some old guy can do it on a Ducati in 51 hrs I'm sure that a rough and tumble Caper like yourself could do it in 5 days. I say go for it, a few home brew mixed with some of that Red Bull stuff and it should be a breeze.

Canadian FJR

 

[Bullit]

If some old guy can do it on a Ducati in 51 hrs I'm sure that a rough and tumble Caper like yourself could do it in 5 days. I say go for it, a few home brew mixed with some of that Red Bull stuff and it should be a breeze.






Canadian FJR

I'd need that damn 6th gear that I keep bitching about, so that I could get that tach down at 120k and then be able to get better mileage at speed. Maybe a power commander, set to a lean would increase distance/tank. Red Bull is bad, I drank two of them and then a coffee once, I was f*cked up for hours! And homebrew gives me the shits! Too much information?! :bad:

 

[gypsy]

If you plan on using hostels you should join the hostelling association for $35.

https://www.hihostels.ca/en/index.aspx?sortcode=2.2

They have a list of all hostels on their site. I think it is a great way to meet new and interesting people. I hadve stayed in hostels around the world and they are not all created equal but they are all interesting.

Here is a list of U.S. hostels.

https://www.iyhf.org/dba/country-US.en.htm

gypsy

 

[Bullit]

If you plan on using hostels you should join the hostelling association for $35.
https://www.hihostels.ca/en/index.aspx?sortcode=2.2

They have a list of all hostels on their site. I think it is a great way to meet new and interesting people. I hadve stayed in hostels around the world and they are not all created equal but they are all interesting.

Here is a list of U.S. hostels.

https://www.iyhf.org/dba/country-US.en.htm

gypsy

Excellent, I've bookmarked the site, looks like it will be very useful!