Sometimes I'm forced to use the interstates to make time. Those are not the best "riding" trips. The interstate is mind numbing.

What I started doing a few years ago is to seek out quality mom and pop roadside motels on the back roads, usually in or near "old" tourist areas. They're almost always less than the chains, no dirtbags "living" there, and safe for the bike(s).

They're everywhere if you know where to look. I've stayed at some great Mom & Pop places in Cedar Key, Monticello, and Appalachacola FL, Blairsville GA, Luray VA, Belfast ME to name few. TripAdvisor is your friend.

 

You don't have to make all decisions before you leave, and you can change what you're doing at any point. And then change again if you take the notion to.

Leave early, keep your options open. Take whatever roads you feel like, and see how it goes. If you find that you like to take back roads and take your time, do that. If not, there's the Interstate. And stop part-way for overnight if you feel like it. If you still feel good, and want to keep on, do that.

 

Hell I used to tour on my Kawasaki 650. Went all over upper Michigan, and out to NY more then once.

I take back roads on the bike when I can. Usually more relaxed and a nicer ride than the freeway.

 

rdam do you happen to remember the name of the motel in Appalachicola? I'll be riding through there next month.

 

I like the highway because I need speed! Anything under 80 MPH puts me to sleep.

 

Gibson Inn. Right downtown. Old time small bar in the lobby, restaurants, bars and ice cream within walking distance.

 

A can of fix-a-flat has gotten me down the road a few times on my Heritages. If you've got spokes pick up a can.

 

Bad stuff happens when you are tired. Rest when you need to. End your day when you need to.

Pick a hotel with a restaurant and watering hole within walking distance. After a long day on the road, you may not want to get back on the bike to go eat. You can have a cold one or three without risking riding the bike.

Check for dry counties; they are out there and you may not want to end your day in one.

Good rain gear doesn't have to be expensive. Buy it. Take it. If you are covering 400 miles or so in a day, odds are you are going to get wet somewhere.

Personally, I hate to get my face wet and find the worse thing about the rain to be impaired visibility. Think about a face shield.

Have a good breakfast before starting your day.

Never ride over your head.

Have fun.

 

thanks

 

When I was a newbie rider, about 4 months experience I rode my Kawasaki 550 to Key West for the poker run. I had the BEST time EVER!