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Destination unknown...

5K views 47 replies 24 participants last post by  chicago 
#1 · (Edited)
Greetings.

It’s cold, dark, raining and the phone isn’t ringing. I thought now would be a good time to ask. If it’s a question that’s been asked before – I apologize. Here goes…

I turned 73 this year. Been riding motorcycles for a long time. When younger, I took a few trips from HBG PA across a couple of states to see family and such. This trip will be different. It’s a Bucket list trip from NW NC with no trip direction or destination yet determined. That’s what I’m posting about.

My 2019 Wee AT is equipped and ready. I’m in good shape, physically and mentally. I have excellent all-weather gear. It’s simply a matter of packing. Tent / motel – undecided. Maybe both. Alternate. 2 nights camp – 1 night with roof and shower. Restaurants will have to suffice – no desire to deal with gas stoves, utensils, pots and pans. I do that at home, all the time.

I'll be riding solo so will be packing reasonably light.

As I live very near the BRP, my friends and I are blessed to be this close to some wonderful roads and scenery. But I want to explore some different terrain and territory. Fire roads and tarmac only. Daily travel distances will be decided by my surroundings and next destination, if I have one. Won't be on any tight schedule.

When: Spring 2020
Trip duration: 10 to 14 days total.

North, South or West, if you have any route / destination ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear from you. :mod2_scooter:

TIA.

Cheers.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
#7 ·
I over heard a conversation of some retired guys at a hot springs near Death Valley. In essence the one fellow said he was leaving in the morning. When asked what direction he was going he replied, "Depends on which the way the wind is blowing."
If you are at the liberty to the vagaries of the weather, go where you have a tail wind and explore the land.
Keep us informed of the travels.
 
#8 ·
Gentlemen,

I come to this forum because I enjoy the camaraderie of the good people here - always friendly - always helpful. Thank you for your comments. As each of you know, planning a trip of this kind is one of the most important parts of the trip. I am listening, taking notes, and very much encouraged by your recommendations.

Cheers.
 
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#9 · (Edited)
Best part of a trip like this is the discovery of things both exciting and beautiful that WEREN'T on the planned agenda. Most memorable and enjoyable trips I've taken out west were the ones where I got up in the morning, looked at the map, and picked the twistiest roads, the most remote roads, the roads that took me AWAY from the touristy areas to some place less well known.

Leave yourself enough time to stop and smell the roses...or whatever. Don't over-plan and don't try to cram in too many miles per day, so you have time to detour toward a new adventure, to stop in at an interesting little coffee shop or road attraction, or just linger at an overlook and enjoy where your bike has taken you.

Good travels!!!
 
#15 · (Edited)
Best part of a trip like this is the discovery of things both exciting and beautiful that WEREN'T on the planned agenda. Most memorable and enjoyable trips I've taken out west were the ones where I got up in the morning, looked at the map, and picked the twistiest roads, the most remote roads, the roads that took away from the touristy areas to some place less well known.

Leave yourself enough time to stop and smell the roses...or whatever. Don't over-plan and don't try to cram in too many miles per day, so you have time to detour toward a new adventure, to stop in at an interesting little coffee shop or road attraction, or just linger at an overlook and enjoy where your bike has taken you.

Good travels!!!
Understood and couldn't agree more BJ... thanks. Still a long ways from deciding, but TX, NM, UT, CO and WY are calling. :smile2: No real destination, just the journey. Am taking good notes on recommended routes.
 
#10 ·
You have enough time to go to the Pacific coast and back. Depending on how many miles per day you are comfortable with on that bike. The East coast has some wonderful riding. Much more technical.

But nothing matches the scenery of riding out West! 191 in Arizona. Much of Utah is breathtaking. Nevada north of Las Vegas, head to Beatty. Explore Ryholite then head across Death Valley. Some of California is simply beautiful to ride in.

A lot depends on the time of year. And that can take you further north if heat is an issue. Colorado's Million Dollar Highway then up into Wyoming via Leadville then into Montana.

There just isn't too many wrong turns when exploring!
 
#11 ·
100% agree with this. Go west! You can be in Colorado in two days and explore from there.
 
#12 ·
Taidog1, a few years back I decided that I would take a 14 day ride. I had picked the area generally of the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. I allowed 2 days out and 2 days back. There would be 2 other guys going with me. I found and contacted a motorcycle tour company in that area. They catered to European and Japanese clients. They provided BMWs and it was all inclusive packages, hotels, etc.

After a couple of calls and stumbling on to a mutual acquaintance, he understood that we didn't need the bikes and I was not about to go into the tour business he agreed to sell me a set of route charts.

One of the first questions he asked was are any of you "peakers"? I thought he said tweekers! When I asked him what he meant he explained that some riders want to include the famous high mountain peaks. But also that those peaks are where all the motorhome folks go and the traffic can be slow and painful. I answered that we were not peakers. I mention that to you as a consideration to avoid super popular tourist destinations. In the end he planned 10 days of the most beautiful riding ever. He even noted a notorious speed trap which we putted through and gave the police a polite nod.

I agree that spontaneity can produce treasures. However, I'm positive that we never could have stumbled upon these roads and landed at a good hotel every 7 hours without his expertise.

Also check out https://www.bestbikingroads.com/
 
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#19 ·
Taidog1, a few years back I decided that I would take a 14 day ride. I had picked the area generally of the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. I allowed 2 days out and 2 days back. There would be 2 other guys going with me. I found and contacted a motorcycle tour company in that area. They catered to European and Japanese clients. They provided BMWs and it was all inclusive packages, hotels, etc.

After a couple of calls and stumbling on to a mutual acquaintance, he understood that we didn't need the bikes and I was not about to go into the tour business he agreed to sell me a set of route charts.

One of the first questions he asked was are any of you "peakers"? I thought he said tweekers! When I asked him what he meant he explained that some riders want to include the famous high mountain peaks. But also that those peaks are where all the motorhome folks go and the traffic can be slow and painful. I answered that we were not peakers. I mention that to you as a consideration to avoid super popular tourist destinations. In the end he planned 10 days of the most beautiful riding ever. He even noted a notorious speed trap which we putted through and gave the police a polite nod.

I agree that spontaneity can produce treasures. However, I'm positive that we never could have stumbled upon these roads and landed at a good hotel every 7 hours without his expertise.

Also check out https://www.bestbikingroads.com/
With a fee of course, would you be willing to share the source and/or routes? Good advice in your post. Thanks.
 
#13 ·
Nice to pick an event or a destination, then head that way with good detail secondary roads map. I'm bad for venturing off on river/ twisty roads that turn up on the GPS screen. Mind the fuel level, it's taken me years to break the habit of heading out of bounds with a 1/2 or less fuel.
AAA stopped posting camp sites on there maps. Now I use 5+ year old AAA maps.
Happy Travels
 
#14 ·
I'm 73 this year and did a cross Canada on the CB500x that matched the trip with my son in 2015 when I was on a Wee.

BUT .... I don't camp. AirBnB especially with a hot tub and failing that Super8 have been decent. I use an app ( TomTom ) that has a winding roads feature that takes you in the general direction you want to go but sniffs out the more interesting roads and you can set it to avoid both dirt roads and super highways.

Have had some really nice treats come out of that feature.

Good luck.

I'll likely do the East Coast in June this year... my fav time of year to ride.
 
#16 ·
Camping vs motels.

You simply cannot make as many miles a day if you camp. I have done it. Too much time setting up in the evening, too much time taking down a damp tent and gear in the morning. While I have tested and proven gear there is simply some time and trouble to deal it with when camping.

Motels are not cheap. But you wake up and can be on the road in 20-30 minutes. Refreshed and ready for the day. No worries about weather coming in while setting up camp. You can ride an hour or two longer. Really rack up the miles and feel better doing it.

I sometimes camp at the destination ( like going to the V Strom Rally at the Ironhorse ), but will stay a night or two at a motel while on the road getting there.

Now it seems the KOA's are not so cheap. Other places are hit or miss as to showers and bathrooms when camping.
 
#18 ·
OK - you saved me $200+ on a decent tent. I have, however, lost 1,316 hours researching and finally deciding which tent to buy.

This is why I've asked for suggestions here. Well said. Thanks.
 
#17 ·
Camping may be an issue for us older folks. I did it a lot when younger, but at 65 I don't want to sleep on the ground anymore.

Big plus for Colorado and northern Arizona. Mountain roads and beauty to rival anyplace on earth.
 
#22 ·
These are my favorite threads: getting ideas and guidance and tips from folks all over the continent and beyond. For persons like me who are still planning their first long MC adventure, the information I find in this type of discussion is hugely valuable and good reading. The first-hand experiences add a great deal to the other research and map-gazing I do.

For whatever weird reason, 35 pages of 'how long does your chain last' just doesn't have the same evocative appeal. So, thanks from me as well for all the great posts.
 
#24 ·
These are my favorite threads: getting ideas and guidance and tips from folks all over the continent and beyond. For persons like me who are still planning their first long MC adventure, the information I find in this type of discussion is hugely valuable and good reading. The first-hand experiences add a great deal to the other research and map-gazing I do.

For whatever weird reason, 35 pages of 'how long does your chain last' just doesn't have the same evocative appeal. .
From someone who carries tools on his bike in the hopes that someone will know how to use them...Amen Brother.
 
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#25 ·
"Now it seems the KOA's are not so cheap"

I joined Good Sam Club to get the towing Ins. They have some reasonably priced Ins packages. The Good Sam camp grounds I've visited make the KOA's look like hobo camps at the city dump.
Cost me 10 dollars to camp on green grass. Getting up early and being on the road in a hurry is a task that takes practice and good gear. If you are in no hurry then perhaps the travels will be more rewarding. I'm usually pounding miles and not really touring. More like see sighting at 70-75 mph. Taking the time to be a adventurer and not a traveler will allow better experiencing the opportunities as they come.
Besides, you can't be lost if it doesn't matter where you are.
 
#26 ·
Agreed, good type of thread: Traveling!

My favorite place to travel is out west, Less people and great roads, all TWO LANE for me. I've ridden out west the last four years, with the exception of this year. I moved last fall and needed a year at my new place. Now that is done, My this years trip will be next year. Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana are the core of my trips with Canada, BC and Alberta thrown in.
The roads between the NP's in Utah are awesome!
14 days is a little tight for a long trip out west but depending on how many miles you plan on traveling a day certainly can be done.
The point of my trips is NOT to see how many miles a day, but to see where the trip ends up taking me.

BTW, also 73 this year. I'm always amazed at how many old farts are here.:surprise::laugh2:

Have a great trip!
 
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#31 ·
Agreed, good type of thread: Traveling!

BTW, also 73 this year. I'm always amazed at how many old farts are here.:surprise::laugh2:
Old fart...senile...curmudgeon...acquired taste...Hey you...S'cuse me, Sir
I respond to many names. :smile2:

Rode up to Cashiers NC today - did our best to stay on almost deserted 2 lanes. Climbed multiple peaks. Cool temps - warm gear - blue sky - absolutely glorious. The Wee is so trustworthy, a joy and fantastic companion.

Cheers.
 
#27 ·
Just Google it

Having retired from over the road truck driving, I have now shed 16 wheels and 79,500lb and stay away from Interstates as much as possible.
When planning a road trip, I start with the Google Maps app. It's free and has a lot of features for roughing out a trip. For a motorcycle, I select AVOID HIGHWAYS and AVOID TOLLS. The actual route can get to be a little wonky, as it tries exceptionally hard to route you within the presets selected. Fortunately, you can "grab" the route outlined with the cursor and move it to a more suitable route, even forestry & township roads and hiking trails. It automatically adjusts time and distance and has the ability to add waypoints anywhere along your route. the Street View feature is one of my favorites; I can virtually cruise down most any roadway and see what the surroundings look like. Once I have a pretty good idea where and how I want to go, I program it (manually) into my GPS. There I can lay out the same route using lat-lon coordinates where necessary. Using a paper map? A compass is a helpful tool for orienting your self to the map. I found it helpful to work up to a long trip. Plan a destination 100 miles away and ride there. Take a different route back. I worked up to 450 mi/day max-my personal self-imposed limit as fatigue sets in and turns enjoyment into poor judgement and irritability for me. I practice packing the bike to get the best compromise between security, accessibility and weight distribution. I then head out for a shakedown overnite to see what I brought that I don't use, and whatI didn't bring that might be handy to have. I've greatly reduced the amount of stuff I think I need. The more room I have, the more stuff I gather to fill it. It was a bit of an awakening how little more I pack for a 10-day than I do for an overnite.
 
#29 ·
I'll toss another option out: hosteling. Cheaper than hotels, more comfy than camping. And a good way to meet nice folks. Not always plentiful or easy to find, you have to do some homework, but could fit into a mix of camping and hotels if you're so inclined. I stayed at a bicycle-focused hostel last year, but they were happy to accommodate me.

Like motorpsych said, Google maps is a great way to get started, and you can download them to your phone so you can still use em out in the toolies. Be aware they delete themselves from your phone after 30 days or so, so don't download too far ahead of your trip.
 
#32 ·
The west coast is a minimum 4 day (at 9 hours a day of riding) drone on major highways from Charlotte, NC. That seems ambitious, I would say. If you were to take secondary roads, you could use your whole 10-14 days just getting to the coast and back, not that there's anything wrong with that.

It took me two days to get from Wytheville, VA back home to Hamilton, Ontario. It's only ~600 miles by the fastest routes, using interstates. It was more like twice that by the route I took (which included doing the Back of the Dragon over to Tazewell).
And that's only about a third of the distance from NC to the west coast.

I guess all I'm saying is don't bite off more than you can chew. Colorado seems like a nice destination.
 
#33 · (Edited)
Have started a Log. Keeping your good notes - where to go - where not - why. Definitely listening. Thanks everyone.

Lots of time left to decide. Starting to consider riding a counter clockwise circle towards Louisiana, across North TX, UT, North to CO, SD and then East, back home. Friendly roads, no special destination, loose time schedule. Bike and I are both capable of covering some distances when needed to get to more desirable areas. With the time I have available, exploring central America seems more attractive than doing a straight line to CA and back.

Cheers.
 
#34 ·
If there is any one thing I would suggest in prepping for this trip is.....Take an overnight trip with the bike set up like you are going to use it on the long trip.

This will tell you how many miles you are comfortable with in a day.

Two ways to do trips. One is to make every mile the purpose of the trip. Which is great in itself and the only drawback is being caught in areas not so exciting to be in. The second is to have waypoints or destinations to arrive at, then take your time exploring. The latter allows a much longer range of operation. Either have their place and satisfying result.

Comfort isn't just tent vs motel. How the bike is setup for you is EVERYTHING on this trip. I commonly do 800+ mile days in reasonably comfort. Sure I am tired. But not in pain. I am no different than anyone else, probably less of an "iron butt" than many. But I have the bike set up for long distance travel. This means my butt doesn't feel like it is sitting on a sharp knife after about 3-4 hours on the road. The windshield isn't allowing turbulence and excessive noise. Even learning how to pack and what gear to use makes a difference.

And that is what an overnight trip will tell you. If you cannot stand to be on the bike after 400 miles the first day, then you will probably want off at 300 miles the next day. Find out what YOU are comfortable with.
 
#40 · (Edited)
Wise words Real - very wise words. Thank you. Will definitely do. My 2019 seat is comfortable for about 2 hours+. Maybe that's why I've been called a hard ass so many times? :smile2: I'll stretch that considerably and see what happens. If that doesn't work out - then maybe a new seat???

Being 73, it's my knees that begin aching and I'm not sure lowering the pegs an inch or so would be worth it??
 
#41 ·
Thanks. Once I have a general direction / route I will definitely make the Butlers a priority.
 
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