First long distance trip ever - advice?
#12
07-13-2016 | 06:04 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 13
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Pack light. I recently rode up to Vancouver, BC from San Francisco and back.
In my pack, I had:
1 jeans
1 shorts
1 shirt
3 sets of socks
3 underwear
Meds
1 tent
1 inflatable mattress
1 sleeping bag
tool kit
Rain gear (top and bottom)
That was all.
Take a break riding every 100 miles or every hour, whichever comes first.
In my pack, I had:
1 jeans
1 shorts
1 shirt
3 sets of socks
3 underwear
Meds
1 tent
1 inflatable mattress
1 sleeping bag
tool kit
Rain gear (top and bottom)
That was all.
Take a break riding every 100 miles or every hour, whichever comes first.
I wasn't sure were to post this question, so I guess I'll start here as I own a 2015 Ultra Ltd. Late September, early October I plan on riding from San Antonio, TX to Denver, CO for a business related activity. I've never made a trip of this length before. My max was a trip of a about 380 miles round trip on this bike. I've done number of overnight trips, but sadly no camping trips . . . but anyway what advice would you give on making such a trip? Any advice on route? My initial selection was from SATX to Lubbock, to Santa Fe, then Up 25 to Denver. On the way back do a more direct route . . . through Amarillo in the panhandle to shave some time off. I was thinking I could go out 10 on the way up there and drive north from El Paso . . . not sure. Also, what general advice would give? I've done the obligatory google search and came up with some good ideas . . . I'm not trying for Iron Butt, but who knows on the way back I might give it a shot! My goals are relaxation, scenery on the way ( from SATX to Denver) and for min time on the way back (Denver to SATX) . . . Any ideas welcome!
Mark!
Mark!
#13
07-13-2016 | 08:16 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 155
From: boston
Stay hydrated. That is the number one rule. Put a cup holder on your bike, if not there already and keep it filled. when you stop for gas, get more fluids.
Not sure if there is toll roads but would be a lot easier if you had a transponder. Out here in the east it is ezpass. Not sure about out thata way. I like to have my route planned ahead of time and know where I am bedding down every night. I usually call for reservations for the night as I am heading out of last nights room. Have several hotels in mind in case number one gets filled. this way you can do some research of the towns that you are staying at to ensure that you and your ride will be safe. When you park for the night, ask to keep your bike by the front door, under cover if you can. Have yet to be rejected. That way the night person can see your bike.
Not sure if there is toll roads but would be a lot easier if you had a transponder. Out here in the east it is ezpass. Not sure about out thata way. I like to have my route planned ahead of time and know where I am bedding down every night. I usually call for reservations for the night as I am heading out of last nights room. Have several hotels in mind in case number one gets filled. this way you can do some research of the towns that you are staying at to ensure that you and your ride will be safe. When you park for the night, ask to keep your bike by the front door, under cover if you can. Have yet to be rejected. That way the night person can see your bike.
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Oogie Wa Wa (07-14-2016)
#15
07-13-2016 | 09:37 PM
Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 247
Likes: 101
From: Texas Panhandle
#16
07-13-2016 | 09:40 PM
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 830
Likes: 121
From: Hill Country, Tx
From San Antonio I wouldn't go by way of El Paso. I've made that run and to me there was a whole lot of nothing from Las Cruces to Albuquerque going up I-25. Albuquerque up is a nice ride though. I've also been up to Denver by way of Amarillo and up US-287 and to me it was a whole lot of nothing as well. If it were me I would take this route: https://www.mapquest.com/directions/...nver-282041090. The only thing I would add to the gear suggestions is to take your leathers. That time of year the cold fronts will be coming through and it can get cold and nasty fast. Think rain gear. I found out the hard way one year. I ride to Colorado every September and I can't remember a year I didn't get rained on up there at some point of the ride.
#17
07-13-2016 | 09:47 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 333
From: Virginia Beach
buy a cool vest they really work and are a life saver. have AAA or HOG. Carry some cash on you. Carry water. During the day I eat beef Jerky and drink water or zero calorie drinks and 5 hour energy. Save heavy meal for dinner and beer. 1 coffee in the am with breakfast. good rain gear is paramount. sunscreen. mini first aid kit. Aspirin
#18
07-13-2016 | 10:20 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 204
Likes: 21
From: Boise, ID
What he said... Enjoy the trip and have fun. Anything you might forget to pack can usually be purchased along the way.
#19
07-13-2016 | 10:48 PM
The Scenic Route . . .
#20
07-13-2016 | 11:51 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 709
Likes: 96
From: Castle Rock, Colorado
Riding into Denver, CO in September/October, have you ridden in the snow before? You may be lucky, or not. For Denver the average first snow is October 19th, the average first freeze is October 7th. In 2012 the first "measurable" snow was October 5th.
Denver weather is something to think about when planning your trip. You could be lucky , last year I don't think it snowed 'til the first week in November. If you're in Denver in October it won't be like riding in Texas you will be cold (frozen), but on the other hand we've ridden in December in T-shirts. It will be a gamble.
Denver weather is something to think about when planning your trip. You could be lucky , last year I don't think it snowed 'til the first week in November. If you're in Denver in October it won't be like riding in Texas you will be cold (frozen), but on the other hand we've ridden in December in T-shirts. It will be a gamble.