My First long ride, SOLO.

[sacred_dog]

I'm gonna ride from Amherst, Mass. to Sturgis, SD this summer. can anyone recommend equipment tips, riding tips, etc?

My longest ride in one day so far is 300 miles with NO problems whatsoever on a stock seat.

I bought a Ultimate Bigboy seat, have a windshield, leather like saddle bags, a back rest, and highway pegs.

I want to buy 6 inch aeromach risers, probably some sort of cruise control... (I have carpal tunnel).

Any suggestions regarding riding habits? Tools to bring? Long distance riding tips? etc? Equipment I should have?

I'd really appreciate any help out there... of ANY kind.

Tim

[Craigs1800Redretro]

hey Tim! awesome ride you're planning!
do you wanna ride solo? or maybe find someone to ride with.
company is a good thing on a long trek. (ok depends WHO it is)
if it's hot, drink plenty of liquids, i was surprised how quick i lost
my concentration in the heat.
plan enough time to enjoy the ride. don't make it a race.
risers & cruise sound like a good idea, you'll love that seat!
tools, honda's never break down! i brought a tire kit,
and a good assortment of hand tools, electrical stuff,
and i used a CD player to relieve to boredom.
good luck, Craig

[TTT]

Tim
I would suggest a trip to Wal_Mart or another retailer and find a compact tool assortment...one small enough to pack away easily...any improvements on the bike should be tested for compatability with your riding style and comfort before leaving. Also I carry a small head mounted light so both hands are free if needed. IN my experience the hardest part of any longer roadtrip is learning how to relax behind the bars and enjoy the ride...tension and fatigue are your worst enemies do your part to avoid both and youll have a more enjoyable experience. MIKE(TTT)

[doc_cj]

You’ve opened a can of worms with this one. There’s probably about as many different opinions on riding styles as there are opinions on how much chrome to add to your bike. For what it’s worth, here’s a couple tips I picked up over the last couple summers (about 12000 miles of touring in 2 summers).

1. The Aeromach risers are great, especially if you’re a bit taller. I’m just over 6’1” and they bring the handlebars back to a more comfortable riding position for me.

2. Cruise Control – I have both the Throttle Boss and a Vista-Cruise lock-in cruise control. The Throttle Boss isn’t so much a cruise control product as it is an ergonomic throttle twister. It won’t lock your throttle in a position but instead sits under your palm to help take the stress from the fingers. It is great for shorter distances or when you’ll need to do some throttle adjustment while riding (such as in the mountains or around lots of curves). It relieves some stress while giving you throttle control. The Vista-Cruise system locks the throttle into a position you choose. It basically fits between the throttle handle and the control piece on the handlebars and then uses a spring system to lock the throttle when it is closed.

Throttle Boss -- http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/store ... =456506766 (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=596&str=11&ID=456506766)

Vista Cruise – http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/store ... =456506766 (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=506&str=11&ID=456506766)

3. Distance – I’m not into the really long rides myself, and most of the folks I know won’t do more than 500 miles in a day. I have done 1000+ in a day, but it’s usually because I’m trying to get home after a long trip. The Iron Butt groups will go 750, 1000, and more in a day, and they live for that kind of stuff. Personally, if you’ve got the time to spend on the road then take the time. Stay off the interstates and major highways (anything wider than 2 lanes is a bad ride) and enjoy seeing the sites. I do between 200 and 300 in a normal day, but that will take me 6 to 10 hours, depending on how many times I stop for pictures and site-seeing.

4. Solo – That’s the way to go for me, but others enjoy the crowd. I’ve got a friend who won’t ride more than 50 miles by himself. Last year I logged more than 3800 in just one trip, all by myself. I was gone 15 days, on the road 12 of those, and had a blast. This summer I’ve got another couple trips planned, including one of just over 4000 miles. Advantages to solo is that you don’t have to worry about what anyone else wants to eat or when they want to pee. Disadvantages, there’s no one to help if you get stuck or break down.

5. Tent or Motels – I’ve done both, and camping is cheaper. You’ll need to haul a tent and other basic supplies, but with the right bike it won’t be that hard. Depending on how far I’m going and what other gear I’ll take I will use one of two tents. The lightest weight is the Wenzel StarLite Tent - Ultralight Solo – that weighs in at just over 3 pounds. It uses fiberglass poles – which are light and easy to haul – and can sleep two, though 1 is more comfortable (especially if you’re storing gear inside with you). I also have the Eureka Getaway 2, which is a little larger. It also sleeps two, and actually has a bit more room inside. The extra room means a couple extra pounds though.

6. Tools – I don’t travel without some extra tools. The standard tool kit with most bikes is okay, but on the road I prefer a little useful items. One of the best tools I have is a folding Metric Hex Key set. My VTX has lots of hex head bolts and such, so this is a great tool for the road. It folds into a kit about the size of a large Swiss Army knife (which I also have my kit) and has come in very handy on more than one occasion. I mentioned the knife, but I actually carry 3 knives on long distance trips. One knife is a standard Swiss Army (I’ve had it for 20 years, so far), one is a Leatherman multi-tool, and one is a Spyderco Delica 4" VG-10, which has a serrated edge. I also take along a leather wrap with a 4” and 10” crescent wrench, vice-grips, slotted and Phillips screw driver, and a couple other small items. I recently purchased a “Pocket Tire Plug” kit as well, but have not had to use it.

7. Rain Gear – If you’ve not invested in some good rain gear then do so before you go. I’ve gone through a couple different sets, and they are well worth the money. I’ve used Tour Master and Dry Rider, which are decent brands, and I think I prefer the Tour Master line. I also have along a pair of the Tour Master Totes to cover my shoes, though they’re not really made for any long distance walking. They are really made for just riding, and that’s okay because I wouldn’t recommend hiking or site-seeing in that kind of gear anyway. A friend of mine had a pair of Teknic “water proof” gloves that weren’t. I have yet to find a pair of gloves that were truly water proof, so I usually have at least 2 pair on any trip just in case. Nothing worse than riding in dry weather with wet gloves.

8. Final thoughts – If I’m heading through mountains or especially beautiful country I’ll take along a small pair of binoculars as well. I think I got the set at Wal-Mart, and they were under $25. I’ve used them lots of times, especially when I spot wildlife up on a mountain or in a field. Something else I never go on a trip without is a compass. I know, real men don’t ask directions, and I like to think that I have a great sense of direction, but when you get into strange territory – especially on some back roads or in the mountains, the compass can help a lot. I just don’t admit to any of my riding buddies that I bring one along.

[hilf]

There are several websites that provide information for touring. Search the web. The American Motorcyle Association (AMA) has tips for motorcycle touring as does the Gold Wing Road Riders Assocation. I've used the site "webbikeworld.com" for information. Generally, make sure you have serviced the bike and check the tires carefully
Basically (not in order of importance):
1. good rain gear including footwear
2. waterproof luggage, waterproof storage bags
3. essential tools including flat fixing, hand cleaner, rags, tire guage
4. cell phone is useful
5. replacement bulbs
6. electrical repair items may be useful
7. a good cycle cover that is not too bulky
8. appropriate clothing for the conditions
9. extra socks, undergarments
10. $$$$$$$$$$

[hilf]

Correction: I should have listed the AMA as "American Motocyclist Association".

[hilf]

Correction again: American Motorcyclist Association. I must learn to check messages with preview before sending.

As I recall, I also carried a small 2-person tent, a portable stove, some dried soup stuff and other camping stuff. This was quite a load for me. Pack carefully.

I know some folks carry a minimum of things. A long trip requires careful thought. I had a AAA cedit card that I used for gas purchases. That turned out to be very good. A riding partner is a good idea. Finally, all decisions ultimately can reflect on the quality of your trip. Belonging to a riders association such as the HRCA is always a plus.