Graduation and the cross country road trip

[doc_simple]

Well, got my grades a few days ago. Passing these courses pretty much guarantees that in june I will graduate with my degree in chemistry..... and be 3 months from my 40th birthday. Figured the best thing to do would be to do the graduation walk and get on my Fizzer to smell the ocean air - Atlantic ocean that is.

I will be leaving the morning of the fourteenth from Oregon, and supposed to be at a family event in Vermont on the morning of the 20th. 3072 miles according to google maps. About 512 miles a day for 6 days. Sounds pretty doable to me, but wanted to get some input from more experienced long distance traveling. On the way back, well that’s a trip of another flavor.

I plan on leaving about July 1st and heading back over 2-3 weeks. Probably stick to the northern half of the country, although I am open to the power of suggestion. As in, can you suggest anything north of the Mason-Dixon line between Oregon and the Atlantic that is a must ride? I considered heading south to ride the dragon but I will be on a fairly loaded down 600, and don’t want to ride an extra 600 miles to sit in a huge line of riders.

Thinking about what luggage and what places to stop mostly. Possibly any places to absolutely avoid. Its gonna be a long , cold six months but the reward at the end will be worth it

 

[Red Wazp]

500 + mile days on a FZ? Oh to be young again. Going over the maps is half the fun, I ride the scenic roads as much as I can.
The Dakota's can get a bit breezy. I like to stay in small town motels where I can park the bike in front of my room. Try to start early as it becomes harder to make up miles due to construction, weather etc. as the day wears on. Stay hydrated, a camelback or similar setup works well for sipping liquid on the go.
Can't really help you on routes as I only ride west of the Rockies.
Don't forget the chain lube.
Highly recommend going to the Iron Butt Assoc. web site and reading the "29 riding tips"
Some very good info for long rides.
Looking forward to a great ride report next summer.

 

[doc_simple]

Well, not quite so young

I will check out the riding tips. Been just sitting here dreaming of pavement. We got an unusual snowstorm here in Portland and going anywhere is pretty much not going to happen. So, I started making lists of what I need, then crossing out half of it and starting over. The incredible snowboarding the weather is bringing will keep my excitement in check for a while, but by May I will be physically present but mentally way far away......

 

[Red Wazp]

I hear you, we had 15 inches on Monday. Going to have rain for days now so that will get rid of the snow, YES!
My FJR is my long distance bike, after 250 miles on the 6 my butt is done

 

[doc_simple]

Laff, I have been considering:
1. A comfort seat, but a homemade one. Kinda scared, dont want to screw with my current seat, only to have no usuable seat. I have killed 400+ miles on it already so not to worrried.

2. Thinking of refinancing and getting into an FJR. I think I would like it but miss the "tossability" of the FZ.

I know, in a perfect world I could have both. Just not in the cards this year.

Found a route that takes me above lake Michigan and through Canada for a few hundred miles. Looks like fun, hopefully not a 25 mph road

 

[Ghost Weim]

Doc - as far as something north of the Mason Dixon... Don't know if you are into history or not, but a detour to Galena, IL and a short jaunt up or down the mighty Mississippi would be worth it. Galena is filled with awesome B&B's, has some excellent food stops and visually looks like a city that time forgot (architechture is unbelieveable) - with some pretty surrounding country to boot - lots of hills and twists and turns. We have been going there on a regular basis for quite some time and since getting the bikes will be planning a late summer trip there next year.

If your return trip takes you through Kansas City, be sure to stop and sample the BBQ. I lived there for a short period of time and miss the BBQ terribly. If you head through in the summer, you might be able to hit a BBQ cook-off in Lenexa, KS (near Overland Park) - getting hungry just thinking about it! Roads are pretty much straight, flat and broing in this part of the state. They don't call it tornado alley for nothing!

And, as you come thorough the KY area, definitely stray around the Louisville area. The Bourbon Trail is interesting, beautiful and very tastey! The roads are twisty and narrow - but fairly well marked to the destinations - perfect for a fun ride on the bike. Distilleries that I enjoyed were Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve. I think Woodford Reserve was my favorite - and it is nestled amongst thoroughbred horse farms. While in the area, you might also want to check out the Shaker Village - again, very historical and interesting.

Oh gosh - and how can you forget Asheville, NC? You said you would be hitting the Dragon's Trail - so I defintely think you would be close enough to stop. Again - history here (I am a history nut) - and the Biltmore mansion. Unbelieveable! And, awesome winery!

I so envy your trip! Have a wonderful time - please post some pictures.

And - :cheer: congratulations on your graduation! :cheer:

 

[Damnitsjeff]

Congrats!!! Oh yeah remember riding is for fun and don't make yourself miserable out there. Yeah you might crank out a whole bunch of miles and get some praise for it but if you don't have fun doing it and make yourself miserable.... wellllllll then it was not worth it..... Ride safe and have fun!!!!

 

[fz6joker]

Gratz on the graduation man. Good luck with your trip. Be safe out there.

 

[demilus]

Here I thought I was the only one graduating and planning a nationwide trip. Only difference is I'm waiting for spring to do my trip......and I'm graduating from high school and am about 22 years younger than you.

Good luck with your trip though! Keep the rubber side down!

 

[steveindenmark]

500 miles in a day is easily doable but what it is like doing it every day for 6 days, I don`t know.

If I were you I would not have too stricter timetable and give yourself 3 extra days, just in case the trip starts to get a bit boring. If you need the 3 days, you have them in your pocket and if you don`t so be it.

Steve

 

[doc_simple]

I wish i could leave some wiggle room in there but commencement is on the 13th and I need to be at another event on the 2oth. So, 6 days one way. I will take longer on he way back but have a tight timetable going out. I am going to check out campgrounds along the way. I can see it being pretty bad by the last day. I did find a route that runs through a piece of Canada which gets the total down to 2800 miles. The first day I will probably try to kill 800 miles. Then cut it down to 500 for 4 days and end with 350. In the first 2 days I will be passing through Montana, means 80 mph should not be a problem for the hundreds of miles that run through there.

Ghost - I am not running the southern route this time. I have before, in a cage many times, one time with a friend from KC. We did stop off for BBQ and it was fantastic. I actually said I am NOT going for the dragon, Cant see it being as much fun with a bike loaded down with camping gear.

Demilus - I wont be going till the spring either, enjoy your trip.

here is a preliminary route:

http://picasaweb.google.com/DocSimple1969/ScreenCaptures#5282833448602257970

 

[kananaskis]

Congrats on the grad!
I took a similar trip across HWY 2 going from Montana to Sault Ste Marie Ontario/Mighigan last year. There are several nice motorlodges I have found on that trip that allow secure motorcycle storage and one that even allowed me to wheel the girl into the spare room in!! :rockon:
There is also a slight deviation off HWY2 in northern Michigan that cuts some time off and allows for beautiful scenery (so long as you watch for moose and deer on the road).
Northern Ontario also has several hidden ways through and little off-shoots that are decent and worth the trip. I lived there most of my life and know what to hit and what to avoid.
PM me if you want any information... I plan on taking the same route later this summer but most likely around Aug or Sept.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!!!
Cheers and Merry Christmas

 

[VEGASRIDER]

You mentioned a loaded down Fizzer but with a destination on the east coast, I think Vermont? Fedex your luggage. That way, you ride light.