Starting my ride tomorrow from NJ to California. Heading out at 3 AM and hope to make St. Louis, MO around 7 PM. Will take 78 to 81 to 76 to 70 in Ohio to 71 through the edge of Kentucky, then 64 into St. Louis. Day 2 will take me to Amarillo, TX and Day 3 to Az. Hoping for clear weather and a fun ride. Will try to keep this updated with posts and pics as the ride goes along.
Ride across America
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Ok day 1 worked out great. 960 Miles from NJ to St. Louis in 17 hours and 20 minutes.
The DL1000 VStrom is an amazing touring machine. I am quite surprised. I have previously toured on my GL1200 and 2000 Royal Star Venture, and did not know what to expect. The Sergeant seat was the biggest surprise. I was comfortable the entire way. On shorter rides, its seems hard, but on longer rides it performs amazingly well. The Grip Puppies and $20 Throttle Lock are awesome additions. When I arrived I have to say I was not fatigued at all. The only part that is not working as well is the madstad bracket. At higher speeds it tends to loosen up. Not so much that it falls, but that it does not hold the higher position. I will have to see if I can add some washers or something to keep that from happening.
The ride was almost as perfect as you could ask for. 287 South to 78 West out of Jersey. Continued 78 West to 81 outside of Harrisburg. 81 to 11 to 76 and on the PA Turnpike. This merges with 70 and then south of Pittsburgh, stayed on 70 the entire way till 270 outside of St Louis. There were a couple lane closures, but the traffic always kept moving at 45 or so, and the rest of the time I was able to maintain a steady 72-75 Mph (GPS Tracked). Weather started off unseasonably cold, but by mid day warmed to a comfortable 77 for most the ride, and no rain. Truely an epic ride.
Was hoping to get out early today - but rain did rear its ugly head - so waiting it out for a bit prior to starting.
The DL1000 VStrom is an amazing touring machine. I am quite surprised. I have previously toured on my GL1200 and 2000 Royal Star Venture, and did not know what to expect. The Sergeant seat was the biggest surprise. I was comfortable the entire way. On shorter rides, its seems hard, but on longer rides it performs amazingly well. The Grip Puppies and $20 Throttle Lock are awesome additions. When I arrived I have to say I was not fatigued at all. The only part that is not working as well is the madstad bracket. At higher speeds it tends to loosen up. Not so much that it falls, but that it does not hold the higher position. I will have to see if I can add some washers or something to keep that from happening.
The ride was almost as perfect as you could ask for. 287 South to 78 West out of Jersey. Continued 78 West to 81 outside of Harrisburg. 81 to 11 to 76 and on the PA Turnpike. This merges with 70 and then south of Pittsburgh, stayed on 70 the entire way till 270 outside of St Louis. There were a couple lane closures, but the traffic always kept moving at 45 or so, and the rest of the time I was able to maintain a steady 72-75 Mph (GPS Tracked). Weather started off unseasonably cold, but by mid day warmed to a comfortable 77 for most the ride, and no rain. Truely an epic ride.
Was hoping to get out early today - but rain did rear its ugly head - so waiting it out for a bit prior to starting.
Yes, solo for a couple more days, then meeting 2 of my friends who are working their way down the Cali coast.
Ok, Day 2 St Louis to Amarillo TX.
After a late start due to rain, I got the Strom packed and ready to roll by 7:30 AM. There was a bit of congestion getting out of St Louis, but no real drama. Was very pumped as the day was shaping up to be gorgeous.
I rode down 44 towards Tulsa. And the weather and roads could not be more agreeable. Temps were comfortable 70's. Along the way, I noticed a sign for the Vacuum Cleaner Museum. It was not open yet, but I would love to go check that out (just for giggles). Then rode into Springfield, MO. Then drove through Joplin. You could see some of the damage from the Tornado. My hearts go out to those folks. Then into Oklahoma, which has the strangest Toll system in the world. I went down to Tulsa, then across to Oklahoma City. From that point west, the wind was Epic. The ride went along making it finally into Texas and Amarillo. Exhausted - 13 hours of riding. Tomorrow to Albuquerque and then possibly Flagstaff.
Ok, Day 2 St Louis to Amarillo TX.
After a late start due to rain, I got the Strom packed and ready to roll by 7:30 AM. There was a bit of congestion getting out of St Louis, but no real drama. Was very pumped as the day was shaping up to be gorgeous.
I rode down 44 towards Tulsa. And the weather and roads could not be more agreeable. Temps were comfortable 70's. Along the way, I noticed a sign for the Vacuum Cleaner Museum. It was not open yet, but I would love to go check that out (just for giggles). Then rode into Springfield, MO. Then drove through Joplin. You could see some of the damage from the Tornado. My hearts go out to those folks. Then into Oklahoma, which has the strangest Toll system in the world. I went down to Tulsa, then across to Oklahoma City. From that point west, the wind was Epic. The ride went along making it finally into Texas and Amarillo. Exhausted - 13 hours of riding. Tomorrow to Albuquerque and then possibly Flagstaff.
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