Road Trip! Need Your Route Advice

[holtjv]

From Simi Valley to Austin, Texas. I'll be riding this (assuming I can convince Mama, which I think I can). Thinking of riding halfday Wed the 5th thru full day Saturday the 8th, or 3.5 days:




My criteria/thoughts

1. 3.5 days of travel (assuming around 1600 miles)
2. Avoid highways where possible; prob will want to blow out one day on the highway to "make good time"
3. Scenic
4. Warm as possible
5. Riding a cafe racer, so real long days probably aren't going to be great
6. Ave speed won't be great with a ~130 mile tank

Am I being way too optimistic thinking I can ride 450 mile days? I really need to get home Saturday but could extend to Sunday if you think I'm totally crazy. Got a great back, etc. so not anticipating being too creaky.

Also, if any Pelicans along the way would like to get together for coffee or beer, I'm up for it!


Jack

[id10t]

For passing thru Arizona, I'd contact the Arizona Outlaws, the state 356 group. I'm sure they can recommend some fun roads to ride on.

http://www.az356outlaws.com/

[Rot 911]

450 mile days are realistic, but will seem like a long day. The seat on there is actually a great seat. I have it on mine. That cowl just covers the rear of the seat and comes off with two socket head screws. It has a layer of gel in it. The problem will be how well you do with the cafe handlebars. If you haven't ridden one it takes some getting used to. Remember not to rest your weight on the bars. Your wrists will give out and your hands will go numb. You use your knees to grip the tank. A tank bag will help considerably for the long haul. Fill it up, lean over on it and put your feet on the back pegs.

The short range is actually a blessing. I like to get off and stretch my legs every 100 miles anyway. It breaks up the day. Drink lots of water.

[daepp]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what kind of bike is that? And if the handlebars require a awkward long distance position, could you borrow a different set that would be more comfortable?

[fingpilot]

I have done many many 500 mile days. On a Gold Wing, or a Magna with a sheild. After the third consecutive day, you are stopping every 100 miles anyway, and counting the last 25 one-by-one.

I have done Vegas from LA and back in a single day (650 miles total) on Harley's and big Shadows, no screen. At the ned of that day, you are burned, beat and dry. The buffeting and strain of fighting the 80 - 90 MPH have taken the toll.

I have done the LA to Texas thing many times as well. Even on the Interstate the entire way, you are being optomistic at 3 days. West Texas can be brutal. It's getting cold in the high country.

I'd still do it in a heartbeat on your ride.

Most important thing is.... WATER! The wind strips the moisture from you. You get dehydrated, and the body doesn't do well in the areas you'll need most.

YMMV. and have fun, keep us posted.

[Rick Lee]

I did Fairfax, VA to Savannah, GA in one day, torrential downpour the whole way. You can easily make this trip in three days, but you might want to hit some highways too. There are some beautiful ones in AZ and NM.

[Rot 911]

Another thing to add. Don't plan on using that helmet in the picture on your trip. The wind noise and buffeting will drive you insane. Get a decent full face helmet for the trip and take it with you.

[holtjv]

Thanks (so far) guys. I drink a lot of water anyway but really hadn't thought about loading up more than usual.

As to the clip-on handlebars, it's a position I'm used to and actually prefer it.

The bike is a 2005 Triumph Thruxton (essentially a modded bonneville).

I had planned on getting a mini tank bag for gps/maps, along with a rear bag for rain stuff.

I'd never wear that helmet for safety reasons (and I'd look like a bigger tool than I already am),

[vash]

camelback and earplugs. i have ridden long and far. that bike is going to hurt.

[Rick Lee]

I'm riding to LA, SF, Sacramento and back in three weeks. Can't wait!

[vash]

rick.

damn, i wont be here! ride safe. you have a comfy ride.

[nostatic]

Ping me when you get into LA. You need a ride from the airport to Simi? You can ride beotch on the GS

I have a magnetic tank bag you can use if you want.

[71T Targa]

My longest day was Ft Collins CO to Rochester, MN. 882 miles according to Google maps. This was on an '84 VF700 Interceptor.

A tank bag is a must. Keep it full, and lean on it as much as possible.

[holtjv]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Ping me when you get into LA. You need a ride from the airport to Simi? You can ride beotch on the GS

I have a magnetic tank bag you can use if you want.

Thanks! I'll have to get one anyway so prob pass. I'm currently in negotiations with the spouse to drive it back. And it's not going so well...But what the hell--she suggested I get it so I can hardly complain.

[nostatic]

well, let me know. I currently don't have anything scheduled on that day that I can't move, so I can pick you up if you're flying into LAX. I have panniers and top box so whatever you're going to carry home on the Thruxton will fit on my bike.

[911boost]

Nice phred68, that is long ride.... Boring as hell.

[71T Targa]

Oh to be 20 again.

My friend and I went from Rochester to just inside of CO the first day. Camped and then went to Aspen to spend two days with my brother. Back to Ft Collins for two days with another friend, then the ride home.

Two days later we jumped in the car for Cape Canaveral Fl. (1600 miles in 24 hours flat).

[holtjv]

Originally Posted by nostatic

well, let me know. I currently don't have anything scheduled on that day that I can't move, so I can pick you up if you're flying into LAX. I have panniers and top box so whatever you're going to carry home on the Thruxton will fit on my bike.

I nuked the deal but thank you very much for the offer.

The sum of the odd things with the seller added up to ear-twitching and alarm bells.

Besides, there are 2 others cheaper, one with 1100 miles the other with 5000. Just need to put new pipes on it, but that shouldn't be worth the difference or the headache of dealing with a wanker.

J