Working on a 8-9 day trip from NH to the Dragon and back beginning on the 5th of July. I went last year in 4 days riding the Skyline and BRP down and taking the highway home. I had a couple 800+ miles days.

This time I'm bringing the wife and she is a new rider riding her 883 Super low. I avoiding the highway as much as possible as I'm sure she wouldn't enjoy hours on end with no fairing/windshield.

So far using the HD Ride Planner I have this:

Day 1 -home to Pine Grove PA 424 miles
Day 2 -Pine Grove PA to Blue Field WV 435 miles
Day 3 -Blue Field WV to Robbinsville NC 305 miles

Day 4 -Rest day -Riding local roads
Day 5 -Rest day -Riding local roads

Day 6 -Robbinsville to Roanoke via BRP 398 miles
Day 7 -Roanoke to Front Royal via BRP and Skyline Dr 221 miles
Day 8 -Front Royal to home 633 miles

I think I need to add a day at the end to split that 633 mile day up.

All the legs will be tentative as I will only reserve hotels for Robbinsville on the rest days. I could eliminate one of the rest days as well and spread the trip out even further.

I guess my question is to those of you who have toured with newer riders what kind of mileage goals do you set? Do you think I would be pushing to hard with what I have so far?

 

I started touring 2 years ago on an Ultra Classic. I have found my comfort threshold to be 300-350 miles per day. I personally have done 400 and 500 mile days and found it to be too much. Even a 300 mile day without a windshield would beat the hell out of anyone. Everyone has their own limits and tolerance for comfort. You could probably try a 150 mile day before your trip to test the waters and see how she feels. You will need to factor in gas and food stops also. Sounds like a great trip,take your time and enjoy yourself above all else.

 

Yea that's a good idea. I'll try to increase her riding time per day 150-200-250 and see how it goes. Her range will probably be 100-125 per tank so we will have to stop and stretch every couple hours anyway.

 

6-7 hrs of riding time, 2-3 hrs rest, fuel, food...That's a pretty good day.
Stay sharp and enjoy the sights. Marathon Ironbutts aren't for everybody.

 

Get her a windshield for starters and I suggest splitting that 633 mile day into 2 days. If you try to push it too hard it won't be an enjoyable trip.

 

I agree with the windshield and she was starting thumbing threw the catalog the other day. I may just rework each day to keep it to 300 miles max.

 

remember the BRP and skyline has a lot of rubberneckers and will slow you down...

 

I would recommend a removable windshield and "way to go girl" to your wife

 

Wife and I each have our own Dyna's and have toured 27 states and 6 provinces in the past few years...we avoid freeways and major cities like the plague and many days are less than 200 miles, allowing us to stop and smell the roses so to speak. We've gone as little as 6 miles before stopping again and as far as "reserve" on our fuel...the highlight for us is taking in all the interesting people and sights we ride by; sometimes a wave just isn't enough...hope you have a memorable trip; one that you will wish to repeat...

 

you can averageabout 50 mph with two pwople and rest stops and sight seeing.
anything longer that 350 a day she will not want to get out of bed the next day and will not have as much fun. seat is more important than winshield imo.
comfort water and breaks will make a happy wife.