Road Trip 2008

longtail · 09-06-2007, 6:13 AM

Hi, plans are coming on well for my America road trip next year and is sorted for 10weeks commencing Mid June.

The plan now is to ship my own Bird over to New York from UK, this will solve the foreseen insurance problems. I will then ride up to Niagra Falls before crossing the states to Seattle on US20, travel north and return to East Coast on US2 before dropping down to New York via a route running down roughly level with the appalachian trail. Bike will then be shipped back to UK via New York.

I am not making plans on where I will be staying, will just flop down somewhere at end of each days ride.

I am starting to gather kit, i.e. lighter summer mesh jacket (with waterproof liner) summer gloves and boots, however would like advice regarding crash helmet. I appreciate that summer temps on the great plain will be a lot higher that chilly UK but how high??. Will my reasonably well vented Arai Astro J full face be far too warm or would you guys advocate a flip up type helmet to shove in a bit more air.

You are the guys who ride in these high temps so you are the guys in the know. Any other tips regarding the way to deal with the weather would be appreciated.

Roll on June 2008 - can't wait

CanadianBird · 09-06-2007, 10:02 AM

I suggest you DON'T BUY A BLACK HELMET. They suck up too much heat. Ive found that when it's very hot, I keep my visor down as it's cooler. I've ridden Van-Toronto return on an /02 Bird's inagural road trip. Highway #2 runs coast to coast. Get used to riding in windy conditions expecially across the prairies and hot afternoons. Avoid wearing any black is my suggestion. Get a cooling vest, perhaps a camel back for water. I don't think you need gps as much as RADAR, I suggest 9500i, for the latest, it works. Avoid the Interstate highways, whenever possible. I never booked motels just started early and stopped before 6pm. You'll find gas, food, and lodging much more affordable in the US. Stay hydrated!! h2o, gater aid, red bull/red rain when you get tired but need an hour or two more on the bike. Don't forget your northern colony, we have great riding in Alberta/BC. Be patient with road work, some of it sucks. When it's really hot, start at first light and stop early. Stick to the recognizable gas stations. Use this site as it's a wealth of info on California roads California Motorcycle Roads - Pashnit Motorcycle Tours Maps, Passionate Scenic Rides Photos web site Why not post your itinerary as you get close to leaving? I'd be curious as to you exact route if you have one. Cheers

longtail · 09-06-2007, 10:29 AM

Thanks CanadianBird, good solid advice.

I will post nearer the time but on the return leg I would like to look at a little of Canada, Banff Jasper etc and a little further over detour north of the great lakes before dropping down to New York.

Have got GPS which I will use through Chicago and Seattle plus NY (the memory is not large enough for the whole trip and I don't want to carry a lap top)

Jason-1999-XX · 09-06-2007, 9:07 PM

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. When you reach Niagra be sure to ride across the bridge to Goat Island. This will give you the best views and killer pictures. I'm not the touring expert here, but being a Florida XX rider I can speak of the heat. Starting in mid June and ending late August you'll surely see highs in the mid 90's. Even along your northerly route. The gulf of mexico prevails east of the Rockies, and HIGH humidity and heat result. It will be more pleasant out west. Call me crazy, but my entire suit and helmet is black to match my blackbird. I run all Joe Rocket and Shoei. The 2 piece suit is completely perforated and keeps me comfortable (when moving) in 90 degree heat. The trick is to KEEP YOUR HEAD COOL. I do this by using a balaclava. I use a thin one and it's the best $4 I ever spent. Completely soak it in water and put it on. Keeping your lid vents closed keeps you cool for a good 50 miles, or open your vents for more cooling at a faster rate. I also use a lightweight cotton long sleeve t-shirt that you can also soak at rest stops. Obviously plenty of water with the occasional Gatorade, Powerade, etc. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion before you come over, if you feel overheated pull over and find some AC. The mornings will be beautiful, it shouldn't really get Hot until 11 am or so. I hope all my rambling gives a hand, and best wishes!

Toynut · 09-06-2007, 9:18 PM

You might want to consider a cooling vest for parts of the trip. A slightly modified bite valve that you can reach your mouth under the helmet chin bar, with a Camelback hydration system (make sure it's the newer anti-microbial bladder), that you can stuff with ice cubes and cold water is also a very good idea. Moisture wicking high tech underwear and socks would be another excellent purchase suggestion. You can also easily wash them in motel bathrooms, since they dry quickly. Check the Aerostich website for excellent ideas and travel gear.
Oh, and don't forget the anti-monkey butt powder!

CanadianBird · 09-07-2007, 10:45 AM

The truth be known, I have Joe Rocket mesh summer jacket, it's black. I pull a white, long sleeve tech shirt, Nike and the like, over the jacket in high heat, and it reflects heat away rather than sucking it up. I wear tech t's to wick the moister away from my body and they quick dry when you wash them overnight. All advice here is good.

longtail · 09-07-2007, 12:52 PM

All sounds solid advice. Have started sourcing some kit, think I will stick with my Arai as I know that is is comfortable all day long.

Will have to get myself a Camelbak as well and long sleeve wicking t shirts.

Bring it on, thanks.

Will keep you posted and will post my route nearer to June next year.

Will be sorting out the shipping very early next year so that I can't back out of trip. - No chance of that, the wife is looking forward to 10 weeks to herself. A bit of peace and quiet!!!!

Don't know what she means.

If anywhere on US20 or US2 next June, July or August look out for a Blue Bird with Isle of Man reg plates.

CanadianBird · 09-07-2007, 9:12 PM

MMMM, Isle of Man, isn't that where they race rather fast? Are you sure you don't want radar? Remember, LEO is everywhere in the US of A. And they love to collect $ from foreigners.

Spicholy · 09-07-2007, 9:41 PM

+1 on the Camelback. I used one when I looped around Lake Michigan. Also pack a rain suit. Even during hot weather, riding in the rain can get cold.
Highway 2 in Michigan's U.P. is beautifull. You can stop and get a picture of the Mackinac Bridge. I wear a Technic Mesh jacket most of the year. In cooler weather I just put a nylon Columbia jacket over it. Pack a cell phone and make sure it is compatable with our systems.

You also mentioned Chicago. Take Lakeshore Drive for some good scenery.

Here is a picture of me with my Camelback on Hwy 2 coming into St. Ignace, MI.

CanadianBird · 09-08-2007, 6:58 AM

I've ridden Hwy 2 over that bridge, I think. I crossed into Canada at Seux St Mari. Highway two is an excellent road. Try www.destinationhighways.com

Toynut · 09-08-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Will be sorting out the shipping very early next year so that I can't back out of trip. - No chance of that, the wife is looking forward to 10 weeks to herself.

A bit of peace and quiet!!!!

Don't know what she means.

So,................... a chastity belt is out of the question, then?

Sorry, ......................been watching to many soap operas, I guess!

CanadianBird · 09-08-2007, 11:29 AM

longtail · 09-08-2007, 1:31 PM

Chastity belt for me or the wife??????

Toynut · 09-09-2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Chastity belt for me or the wife??????

Ok,.............. let's try to get our heads together on this a bit, shall we?

...............

Hmmm.........Let's see now............ So you are on your your "epic" journey for almost three months now............

Meanwhile, your beautiful young wife is sitting at home, stuck on a small, yet somewhat dull little island (not too many shopping centers or theatres I take it?), ...............

Soooooo..................She starts feeling a bit "randy"

.......................and an opportunity (or two or three) comes along to offer to scratch that certain "itch"

.........................

(you can see where this is headed) ...........................

Anyway you come back from your "Epic" journey to the congragulations of all of your mates

(who have to hear all about it with all of the details at the local pub)..................

And of course, eventually, to your ever-loving (yet surprisingly serene and content)

young wife..............

And things begin to settle down into their usual routines

(how cozy)............

And some time later...........................say............. sometime in following late spring......................

Voila!.....................

You are the "proud father" of a brand new baby

(or two)!

.............

hmmm.............. must have been a "premature" delivery

............. (Yeah, right)!

Are ya still paying attention???

All I can recommend

........... Keep the phone bill high, the local florist AND the local confectioner very busy, K?

(I told you, I watch way too much television)............

Or,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Do I???????????

(Finally ........properly illustrated for your benefit!)

longtail · 09-09-2007, 8:05 PM

Far, far, far too much TV or reading the wrong books!!

Toynut · 09-11-2007, 11:04 PM

Longtail,
Now that I've had a little fun with you (no emotional scars, I take it) and on a (slightly) more serious note, if you would want to consider a detour through lower Michigan next year, (you can always get here/re-enter Canada through Windsor), I would be more than happy helping you prepping and doing any necessary maintenance/repairs on your bike. Perhaps some of the local Michigan forum members wouldn't mind meeting up with you as well and breaking bread while were at it. Feel free to PM me as your plans and route begin to gel.

Spicholy · 09-13-2007, 10:00 PM

Ya, what he said. If we have the time nailed down, we may even be able to show you the "tunnel of trees" in northern lower Michigan.

raymondo · 09-15-2007, 8:12 PM

Toynut is 222 FUNNIE!!!!!!!

Toynut · 09-15-2007, 11:53 PM

Oh........, So now I amuse you too, eh?

Just how funny am I ???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_ff46b58Hk

longtail · 09-27-2007, 4:51 AM

Toynut,

Sorry its taken me a time to reply to your offer of a meet up but have been off island across in the UK on a boating holiday and just got back.

Yeah, a meet up would be good, however looking where you are on the maps I think a meet on my outward trip is better than on my return, therefore a meet mid June 2008 sounds good.

I intend travelling straight after the TT races here on the island so looking New York mid june, up to Niagra then out on US20, so mid late June if OK with you guys.

Keep me posted if that is OK.

Longtail

CanadianBird · 09-27-2007, 9:46 AM

Did you say you will be in the Seattle area? If so, when?

longtail · 09-27-2007, 11:00 AM

Hi again Canadianbird, yes running New York to Seattle US20 and return US2.

Would hope to be Seattle around mid to tail July, will spend a few days before the return trip.

Whole trip will be 8 to 10 weeks.

Toynut · 10-01-2007, 9:33 PM

Longtail,
Keep us informed as your trip plans/schedule start to gel next year. We will be more than happy to show you around a bit and help you get your bike in prepped for the remainder of your trip!