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My first cross country trip; education requested
- Thread starter toddlamp
- Start date
I enjoy camping as well as Motel 6s. Take a Motel 6 location book with you. Travelling with a buddy, you may find the cost of M6 or small mom & pop motels to often be not more than the cost of camping. Motels have the advantage of showers, facilities and sinks for doing your laundry. Chose clothes that wash and dry overnight. Take your own flat rubber sink stopper for those sinks that don't have ones. When I travel, I have a rather basic outline of where I'm headed, but I don't rigidly stick to it. The unexpected events are often the most memorable parts of the trip.
globalrider
Alps Adventurer
I actually have been taking pictures of my plates...just to show what kind of a meal you can get at a very reasonable price in "so-called-expensive-Europe".
At the Kalte Kuchl in Austria enjoying a Wiener Schnitzel with potatoes, salad and great tasting beer...
There is something about eating outside that always makes it taste all so much better.
bobs98
Hey Chromehead !
Would like to do it again
Did a similar trip in summer 1981, 8000 miles in 30 days. A little too fast for my liking, but had to make it home for a friend's wedding. Didn't make it to Pacific Northwest, but did do the PCH from SF to LA.
Had a small tent and lightweight sleeping bag, used a couple of times. Stayed with friends and family of friends about 50% and a couple of motels.
On our weeklong +/- trips now, I plan on averaging only 40 mph. This allows for unplanned detours, sightseeing and extra time. How many hours you want to ride will tell you how far you can get each day. Pick your intended stop, enjoy the ride and stay flexible.
Did a similar trip in summer 1981, 8000 miles in 30 days. A little too fast for my liking, but had to make it home for a friend's wedding. Didn't make it to Pacific Northwest, but did do the PCH from SF to LA.
Had a small tent and lightweight sleeping bag, used a couple of times. Stayed with friends and family of friends about 50% and a couple of motels.
On our weeklong +/- trips now, I plan on averaging only 40 mph. This allows for unplanned detours, sightseeing and extra time. How many hours you want to ride will tell you how far you can get each day. Pick your intended stop, enjoy the ride and stay flexible.
The trip right now is ~8000 miles and I'm pretty sure that is optimized for highway. We will be making adjustments to stops in order to keep it at or below 8000 miles.
We want to be flexible. And my assumption is that in order to do that, we have to be prepared to sleep where ever we can. I guess I have this "illusion" that we will be out in the middle of nowhere and just stop and set up camp. I was hoping this could be the case rather than searching for an "official" campsite or hotel/motel.
We want to be flexible. And my assumption is that in order to do that, we have to be prepared to sleep where ever we can. I guess I have this "illusion" that we will be out in the middle of nowhere and just stop and set up camp. I was hoping this could be the case rather than searching for an "official" campsite or hotel/motel.
Don't forget the radar detector!
Hey, Todd;
+1 on the sink stopper for doing laundry or making sure you can have a tubfull of hot water at your motel; seems trivial but it's one of those items I never travel without.
Also hydrogen peroxide is excellent for minor cuts or scrapes and whenever you need it---a small first aid kit is always a good idea.
When you do motel it you also have the advantage of weather forecasts on the Weather Channel---saved my butt on my Georgia-California ride last October (just when the first winter storms swept across the route I origiunally planned).
Skimp on the bulky clothes you pack BUT make sure you have warm gear (electric is best) and a full rain suit at least.
Heated grips they're worth their weight in gold once the sun goes down---anywhere, believe me.
Take lots of breaks to stretch your legs and arms and avoid the Interstates as much as you can. As Paul said earlier, the best thing to take is TIME.
Whether or not you proceed at a leisurely pace I would definitely install a good little radar detector that is wired into your helmet; save $$$ on the numerous speed traps that are often found around podunk towns or in the middle of nowhere.
I use an old Cincinnati Microwave Passport (circa 1986) that I got off ebay for $25 and works like a charm. If you don't have an Autocomm or other intercom system to wire it into simply go to Radio Shack and get a tiny speaker that will fit inside your helmet---you will be glad you have taken the trouble to do so the first time you hear the beeps and look down at your speedometer...
I'm sure there's more ideas I could come up with but that's it for now. Lots of other great tips here already so I'll turn it over to the next person...
At any rate, don't worry about things too much and once you get on the road things should naturally sort themselves out.
Hey, Todd;
+1 on the sink stopper for doing laundry or making sure you can have a tubfull of hot water at your motel; seems trivial but it's one of those items I never travel without.
Also hydrogen peroxide is excellent for minor cuts or scrapes and whenever you need it---a small first aid kit is always a good idea.
When you do motel it you also have the advantage of weather forecasts on the Weather Channel---saved my butt on my Georgia-California ride last October (just when the first winter storms swept across the route I origiunally planned).
Skimp on the bulky clothes you pack BUT make sure you have warm gear (electric is best) and a full rain suit at least.
Heated grips they're worth their weight in gold once the sun goes down---anywhere, believe me.
Take lots of breaks to stretch your legs and arms and avoid the Interstates as much as you can. As Paul said earlier, the best thing to take is TIME.
Whether or not you proceed at a leisurely pace I would definitely install a good little radar detector that is wired into your helmet; save $$$ on the numerous speed traps that are often found around podunk towns or in the middle of nowhere.
I use an old Cincinnati Microwave Passport (circa 1986) that I got off ebay for $25 and works like a charm. If you don't have an Autocomm or other intercom system to wire it into simply go to Radio Shack and get a tiny speaker that will fit inside your helmet---you will be glad you have taken the trouble to do so the first time you hear the beeps and look down at your speedometer...
I'm sure there's more ideas I could come up with but that's it for now. Lots of other great tips here already so I'll turn it over to the next person...
At any rate, don't worry about things too much and once you get on the road things should naturally sort themselves out.
Food shots can be fun. A burger at the Lodge in Garmisch. yes, ketchup.
Other than food, I'll generally figure on averaging 50 miles/hour over a full day including gas and food stops. Not so much for stopping beyond the gas/food breaks - museum, hiking, whatever. For me that's a fair way to ballpark anything from 200 to 600+ for THAT kind of day.
Then there are plenty of days this doesn't relate to. Like leaving the Vermont MOA rally and getting barely out the other side of town. I think it was 9 miles total! Nice motel! No not alone - with 4 others.
I completely agree with Paul (Hi Paul) and others regarding your plan feeling tight time-wise. I have done a similar trip over 5 weeks. Even the 5 weeks left plenty untouched and passed by, but didn't feel oppressive. 4 weeks would have been tougher than I desired.
Other than food, I'll generally figure on averaging 50 miles/hour over a full day including gas and food stops. Not so much for stopping beyond the gas/food breaks - museum, hiking, whatever. For me that's a fair way to ballpark anything from 200 to 600+ for THAT kind of day.
Then there are plenty of days this doesn't relate to. Like leaving the Vermont MOA rally and getting barely out the other side of town. I think it was 9 miles total! Nice motel! No not alone - with 4 others.
I completely agree with Paul (Hi Paul) and others regarding your plan feeling tight time-wise. I have done a similar trip over 5 weeks. Even the 5 weeks left plenty untouched and passed by, but didn't feel oppressive. 4 weeks would have been tougher than I desired.
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Bud
It is what it is.
By now you have had excellent advice and I see you are starting to take it into consideration.
When you are my age, 60's, you will look back at this trip as one of the highlights of your young life.
It doesn't matter if you make it to the PCH or not. You will have memories for a lifetime.
It bears repeating: Slow down, enjoy the ride.
PS
A lengthy trip report complete with photos (food of course among others) is REQUIRED after a planning post such as your's.
We will travel vicariously with you.
When you are my age, 60's, you will look back at this trip as one of the highlights of your young life.
It doesn't matter if you make it to the PCH or not. You will have memories for a lifetime.
It bears repeating: Slow down, enjoy the ride.
PS
A lengthy trip report complete with photos (food of course among others) is REQUIRED after a planning post such as your's.
We will travel vicariously with you.
JeffMunn
Just along for the ride
Loads of good advice here
Since you've planned on an 8,000 trip, before you depart make sure your bike is ready for that distance. If you don't have 8,000 miles left on your tires, start with new ones that will get you all the way home (unless you like buying and changing tires on the road). Same with your oil. That's a lot of mileage for dino oil. Synthetic could get you thru the whole trip.
Don't plan on camping in Yellowstone unless you have reservations (at least not in the summer). Fall might be different.
Buy an "America The Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass" It is good for one calendar year and gets you admission to all National and Federal parks with entrance fees. Trust me, it will be worth it.
and one pass will allow two motorcycles to enter, so only one pass is needed for both of you.
Finally, since this is supposedly one of the most civilized countries on earth, I wouldn't carry anything that could be readily found on the road.
Just do it. No packing list will ever be perfect. No trip will ever go as planned. The hardest part is deciding to do it and starting the actual prep. You have done that.
The rest will settle itself out. Good luck and have fun.
Since you've planned on an 8,000 trip, before you depart make sure your bike is ready for that distance. If you don't have 8,000 miles left on your tires, start with new ones that will get you all the way home (unless you like buying and changing tires on the road). Same with your oil. That's a lot of mileage for dino oil. Synthetic could get you thru the whole trip.
Don't plan on camping in Yellowstone unless you have reservations (at least not in the summer). Fall might be different.
Buy an "America The Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass" It is good for one calendar year and gets you admission to all National and Federal parks with entrance fees. Trust me, it will be worth it.
and one pass will allow two motorcycles to enter, so only one pass is needed for both of you.Finally, since this is supposedly one of the most civilized countries on earth, I wouldn't carry anything that could be readily found on the road.
Just do it. No packing list will ever be perfect. No trip will ever go as planned. The hardest part is deciding to do it and starting the actual prep. You have done that.
The rest will settle itself out. Good luck and have fun.
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Thanks. Those are all good suggestions. I will be them on the list. I already have heated grips and you're absolutely right, they're great!
I have an autocomm unit and will look into a radar detector. I just don't know where you mount it.
Yes, that is a #1 priority. We will be running some weekend trips to see if there are any issues and maintenance items will be dealt with accordingly.
Buy an "America The Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass" It is good for one calendar year and gets you admission to all National and Federal parks with entrance fees. Trust me, it will be worth it.
Thank you for reminding me!!! I didn't know that one pass will work for two bikes.
I was hoping to camp in some national parks, what's the best way to go about it? Do I have to make reservations for every one?
Bud
It is what it is.
S
Buy an "America The Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass" It is good for one calendar year and gets you admission to all National and Federal parks with entrance fees. Trust me, it will be worth it.
FYI and Update
When I bought my pass last year at Rocky Mtn. Ntl. Park, I was given a piece of paper that specifically pointed out that it covers ONLY one motorcycle.
Here is the quote from the web site:
"Provides entrance or access to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federally operated recreation sites across the country."
You may have had a gate tender look the other way, but the official policy is one pass, one vehicle.
Only to give a heads up to the young man so he won't be disappointed.
knary
looking for a coal mine
Research campgrounds ahead of time and along the way. Have your phone ready. There are many campgrounds around most of the National parks. Many encourage reservations, some are on a first come/first serve basis. As you're planning on traveling after labor day, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding spots at open campgrounds - especially during the week.
I rarely do, but many on a trip like yours know where they'll be staying that night, whether it be campground or hotel, before they depart in the morning. One of the benefits is that they roll in at an hour that allows them to set up in the daylight. If you try to find something as the day is winding down, as I usually do, you're often finding a spot after dark or having to put in some extra miles at the end of a day to find your spot.
Lastly, some travelers still head up a little logging road and pull over to set up camp where ever they can. Sometimes that works well, sometimes not.
I rarely do, but many on a trip like yours know where they'll be staying that night, whether it be campground or hotel, before they depart in the morning. One of the benefits is that they roll in at an hour that allows them to set up in the daylight. If you try to find something as the day is winding down, as I usually do, you're often finding a spot after dark or having to put in some extra miles at the end of a day to find your spot.
Lastly, some travelers still head up a little logging road and pull over to set up camp where ever they can. Sometimes that works well, sometimes not.
26667
the Wizard of Oz
envy
My first trip is the one I recall the most clearly and fondly. Me on my Honda 500 twin and my gal pal on her Honda 400! twin. 5000 mi in about 27 days. Chicago to Grand Canyon to Yellowstone and back to Chicago, essentially.
Try your best to stay off the interstates. You'll have more fun on the two-lanes and backroads, and you won't have to eat at the same restaurants over and over. Take it easy on yourself the first couple of days out. You need to get used to the whole deal and get your gear truly organized. No matter how well you pack prior to setting out, after a few days of opening and closing bags and trying to recall where you put one thing or another, you'll discover where that stuff really belongs. Learn to stretch while you ride. That is, stand on the pegs for a bit, or put your feet back on the passenger pegs for awhile, and lean on your tank bag, then feet forward on the engine guards or whatever's in front, twist your torso back and forth at stop lights and look over your shoulder. Breathe deeply. Sing loudly in your helmet. Take advantage of rest stops or gas stops, not just to adjust hydration levels, but walk around, touch your toes, whatever. You'll be happier in the saddle. Keep eye drops and lip balm handy. The wind will dry you out. Find a way to sip water periodically as you ride. It'll help your brain. Wear earplugs. Agree beforehand w your riding partner what you'll do if the guy following has a surprise stop. It seems counterintuitive, but if the tail guy wants to slow or stop, he probably needs to speed up to let the front guy know his wishes. Keep an eye on each other's machine. Is anything leaking, wobbling, coming loose? Mostly though, have a great time. Keep your wits about you. Likely, whatever problems you encounter will be solveable, and you'll continue along after fixing it. Have a ball! You're in for one you'll never forget!
My first trip is the one I recall the most clearly and fondly. Me on my Honda 500 twin and my gal pal on her Honda 400! twin. 5000 mi in about 27 days. Chicago to Grand Canyon to Yellowstone and back to Chicago, essentially.
Try your best to stay off the interstates. You'll have more fun on the two-lanes and backroads, and you won't have to eat at the same restaurants over and over. Take it easy on yourself the first couple of days out. You need to get used to the whole deal and get your gear truly organized. No matter how well you pack prior to setting out, after a few days of opening and closing bags and trying to recall where you put one thing or another, you'll discover where that stuff really belongs. Learn to stretch while you ride. That is, stand on the pegs for a bit, or put your feet back on the passenger pegs for awhile, and lean on your tank bag, then feet forward on the engine guards or whatever's in front, twist your torso back and forth at stop lights and look over your shoulder. Breathe deeply. Sing loudly in your helmet. Take advantage of rest stops or gas stops, not just to adjust hydration levels, but walk around, touch your toes, whatever. You'll be happier in the saddle. Keep eye drops and lip balm handy. The wind will dry you out. Find a way to sip water periodically as you ride. It'll help your brain. Wear earplugs. Agree beforehand w your riding partner what you'll do if the guy following has a surprise stop. It seems counterintuitive, but if the tail guy wants to slow or stop, he probably needs to speed up to let the front guy know his wishes. Keep an eye on each other's machine. Is anything leaking, wobbling, coming loose? Mostly though, have a great time. Keep your wits about you. Likely, whatever problems you encounter will be solveable, and you'll continue along after fixing it. Have a ball! You're in for one you'll never forget!
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JeffMunn
Just along for the ride
You will both have to sign the "Pass", to get both bikes is, but it is worth it. You can read the FAQ on it here on the USGS.gov website: Annual Pass
Under "Annual Pass Use" it states (as of today)
Line 6. What about motorcycles or scooters?
At sites that charge per vehicle entrance fees, the Annual Pass will cover entrance for the two pass owners on two motorcycles or scooters. Signatures of both people must be on the Pass and must match identification.
I can't speak for all National Parks, but I made the mistake once of trying to camp in Yellowstone in August. Spent 4 hours riding thru the park, only to find all campgrpounds were full, even though the signs at the entrance said most were not full. By the time I got to the campsites, they weren't any longer. If you are going later in the fall, that might not be the case.
Oh, and the pass is not valid at State Parks or local community sites. It is only valid at Federal recreation sites.
jeff
rdalland
Giddyap
On a number of occasions I have found folks willing to share their campsites. At these times I am usually just looking for a place to throw a sleeping bag down for the night, and move on first thing in the morning. I always offer a few $$$ or food or drink if I have it. Don't be afraid to ask.
Escort radar detector mounting
Wow, Todd, you keep getting loads of great tips---can't believe I forgot to include earplugs but see that someone else chimed in. This thread could and should become a "Sticky" here in our Forum!
I mounted my Escort with a Tech Mount (Aerostitch, @$67) onto the bars---but had to cut away a portion of the plastic cable cover in front of the dash first---tight squeeze but it works. I can postion it so I can still read my gear indicator and most of the tach and all of the other instruments. It sits on a flat plate I covered with velcro.
The ball mount on the left is for my Garmin GPSIII+, another item I enjoy having on the road as it displays my overall average speed, altitude, etc. Not necessary but still highly useful. I like to compute my ETA for my destination as I ride along and it's great for that alone.
Back to the radar detector: Since you have an Autocomm, you will also need to get an interface cable/box from them to hook up your detector's earphone/audio output into the Autocomm. I got a Part #1547 ($45 or so, unfortunately)) from them (seems like it is no longer available so they might suggest a different unit) that I run from the earphone jack all the way back to the Autocomm (mounted in the tail compartment). So when you hook up your helmet to the Autocomm you'll also hear your detector whenever it sounds off. They claimed the interface was absolutely necessary for use with a radar detector (maybe to prevent audio overload).
I also hard-wired a 9v power supply (voltage reducer) necessary for all Escorts into my Centech fuse panel so it is keyed on/off along with all my other accessories.
When I park somewhere unsavory I can simply unplug the power and audio plugs on the back and stash the Escort in my pocket or whatever and not worry about theft.
Let me know if you have any other questions about my installation; I'm happy to share anytime
Wow, Todd, you keep getting loads of great tips---can't believe I forgot to include earplugs but see that someone else chimed in. This thread could and should become a "Sticky" here in our Forum!
I mounted my Escort with a Tech Mount (Aerostitch, @$67) onto the bars---but had to cut away a portion of the plastic cable cover in front of the dash first---tight squeeze but it works. I can postion it so I can still read my gear indicator and most of the tach and all of the other instruments. It sits on a flat plate I covered with velcro.
The ball mount on the left is for my Garmin GPSIII+, another item I enjoy having on the road as it displays my overall average speed, altitude, etc. Not necessary but still highly useful. I like to compute my ETA for my destination as I ride along and it's great for that alone.
Back to the radar detector: Since you have an Autocomm, you will also need to get an interface cable/box from them to hook up your detector's earphone/audio output into the Autocomm. I got a Part #1547 ($45 or so, unfortunately)) from them (seems like it is no longer available so they might suggest a different unit) that I run from the earphone jack all the way back to the Autocomm (mounted in the tail compartment). So when you hook up your helmet to the Autocomm you'll also hear your detector whenever it sounds off. They claimed the interface was absolutely necessary for use with a radar detector (maybe to prevent audio overload).
I also hard-wired a 9v power supply (voltage reducer) necessary for all Escorts into my Centech fuse panel so it is keyed on/off along with all my other accessories.
When I park somewhere unsavory I can simply unplug the power and audio plugs on the back and stash the Escort in my pocket or whatever and not worry about theft.
Let me know if you have any other questions about my installation; I'm happy to share anytime
correction: Passport (not Escort)
I also have an old Escort radar detector in my 4Runner and I forgot the radar unit I was referring to is a Passport (which was also made by Cincinnatti Microwave back in the eighties)---Oops! Didn't catch my mistake until I posted the above...
I also have an old Escort radar detector in my 4Runner and I forgot the radar unit I was referring to is a Passport (which was also made by Cincinnatti Microwave back in the eighties)---Oops! Didn't catch my mistake until I posted the above...
RE: Long trip
You have been given some great advice! I'll second the "time" comments. I'll also second the don't pack too much crap , have
plugs, lip balm,eye drops,under armour "style" underwear and so on.
As to camping in national parks-I'll say first that I really love national parks-some more than others obviously, but they are frequently NOT my favorite place to camp!!! Often times they are crowded,offer little privacy(if you like that) and can be very "shop worn" , not to mention that they are frequently unavailable as well. Now, if you plan to backpack in a national park, that is a different situation and you need to do your home work in advance for that too.I tend to prefer national forests and state parks in comparison, for general road camping. I look for wooded tree, separated spots with showers/toilet a priority. Pretty much anyplace will have at least a vault toilet. If you spend some serious time looking on the net at home before you leave it will be worthwhile. Lately this effort can be foiled by the fire problem in western forests to the extent that you will be unable to do what you planned in advance, but go anyway-just be prepared for disappointment along the way. This has been a problem for us in several western states on several trips, in that areas or whole large parts of if not all of a park has been closed. Some trips we were even unable to picnic or get off the road in public areas.
I also agree with the motel comments and that is how I travel in Mexico, except I use hotels. At 65, long bike miles dictate a real bed and a shower!!! You might want to mix the two, especially if you find yourself riding all day in rain,etc!
I will take exception to the radar detector comments. Not to start a controversy, but to give you another view: I have a heavy foot/wrist! That's a fact( I have had more tickets than most of you out there-what with years of bikes/sports cars, etc. will get you ) and I used detectors for years and they certainly can work but what works better is to know the limit and watch traffic flow and be sensible with your speed. Not preaching slowness, but saying that there is no future in detectors to save your butt compared to what I now do. On the slab I have become a " certain number of MPH over driver" rather than a fast guy with a hope this thing works guy. If you can afford the tickets go for it!My insurance , for the bikes, doubles if you get more than two in two years(I think I'm right?) and it just isn't affordable to risk it via detector. You can read up on detectors vs. the radar in use now days by most cops and then decide. I hope Greenwald or another cop picks up on this issue and gives you some expert comments above mine. Make your own choice, but I'm not going to rely on them for my approach to driving anymore.
I'll also ad that there are some places on your "to visit" list that I don't like. Lets say New Orleans for starters. Yes, I have been there lots and not always my choice to be there, but I would not go back. La is a great state to visit and hit the cajun areas of the state for scenery,food,culture and more!-I just do not like New Orleans and would probably like it less since Katrina, esp., since the National Guard has left and people that live there in some hoods are saying they are afraid to go out at night.
Another place you mention visiting is the badlands-I have heard some say(Americans and Europeans) it was the neatest place they have ever been, but for me it is not much. I'll say the same for the Black Hills area-while it is beautiful and scenic and has the presidents in the rocks,etc., it pales in comparison to pretty much everywhere I have ever been in any of the rocky mountains. If I had never been to the rockies(or alps,etc) and went there it would be really neat, but in comparison , for me not much. I am not trying to put down anybodies homeplace area, just trying to say that you may want to do some serious vetting as to where you are going to pass through and where you are going to stop along the way and actually get off the bike and see something.
My last point is this: Knowing how to travel long on a bike is one thing and Knowing how to travel "period" is another. For some a neat trip is to driv/ ride up to a Grand Canyon overlook , take a picture and say I have seen it. For others, (me) I need to hike down in there and experience it!!! What with some time constraints, you need to decide which places are a photo op and which are an experience. The web and asking questions here are the best way to do that, as many of us have traveled a lot, and the web is cheap and sorta quick. At least quicker than sending off for info via snail mail. Actually, snail mail will still get you some freebies about parks such as maps if you hit the right person/place. Have fun!
You have been given some great advice! I'll second the "time" comments. I'll also second the don't pack too much crap , have
plugs, lip balm,eye drops,under armour "style" underwear and so on. As to camping in national parks-I'll say first that I really love national parks-some more than others obviously, but they are frequently NOT my favorite place to camp!!! Often times they are crowded,offer little privacy(if you like that) and can be very "shop worn" , not to mention that they are frequently unavailable as well. Now, if you plan to backpack in a national park, that is a different situation and you need to do your home work in advance for that too.I tend to prefer national forests and state parks in comparison, for general road camping. I look for wooded tree, separated spots with showers/toilet a priority. Pretty much anyplace will have at least a vault toilet. If you spend some serious time looking on the net at home before you leave it will be worthwhile. Lately this effort can be foiled by the fire problem in western forests to the extent that you will be unable to do what you planned in advance, but go anyway-just be prepared for disappointment along the way. This has been a problem for us in several western states on several trips, in that areas or whole large parts of if not all of a park has been closed. Some trips we were even unable to picnic or get off the road in public areas.
I also agree with the motel comments and that is how I travel in Mexico, except I use hotels. At 65, long bike miles dictate a real bed and a shower!!! You might want to mix the two, especially if you find yourself riding all day in rain,etc!
I will take exception to the radar detector comments. Not to start a controversy, but to give you another view: I have a heavy foot/wrist! That's a fact( I have had more tickets than most of you out there-what with years of bikes/sports cars, etc. will get you ) and I used detectors for years and they certainly can work but what works better is to know the limit and watch traffic flow and be sensible with your speed. Not preaching slowness, but saying that there is no future in detectors to save your butt compared to what I now do. On the slab I have become a " certain number of MPH over driver" rather than a fast guy with a hope this thing works guy. If you can afford the tickets go for it!My insurance , for the bikes, doubles if you get more than two in two years(I think I'm right?) and it just isn't affordable to risk it via detector. You can read up on detectors vs. the radar in use now days by most cops and then decide. I hope Greenwald or another cop picks up on this issue and gives you some expert comments above mine. Make your own choice, but I'm not going to rely on them for my approach to driving anymore.
I'll also ad that there are some places on your "to visit" list that I don't like. Lets say New Orleans for starters. Yes, I have been there lots and not always my choice to be there, but I would not go back. La is a great state to visit and hit the cajun areas of the state for scenery,food,culture and more!-I just do not like New Orleans and would probably like it less since Katrina, esp., since the National Guard has left and people that live there in some hoods are saying they are afraid to go out at night.
Another place you mention visiting is the badlands-I have heard some say(Americans and Europeans) it was the neatest place they have ever been, but for me it is not much. I'll say the same for the Black Hills area-while it is beautiful and scenic and has the presidents in the rocks,etc., it pales in comparison to pretty much everywhere I have ever been in any of the rocky mountains. If I had never been to the rockies(or alps,etc) and went there it would be really neat, but in comparison , for me not much. I am not trying to put down anybodies homeplace area, just trying to say that you may want to do some serious vetting as to where you are going to pass through and where you are going to stop along the way and actually get off the bike and see something.
My last point is this: Knowing how to travel long on a bike is one thing and Knowing how to travel "period" is another. For some a neat trip is to driv/ ride up to a Grand Canyon overlook , take a picture and say I have seen it. For others, (me) I need to hike down in there and experience it!!! What with some time constraints, you need to decide which places are a photo op and which are an experience. The web and asking questions here are the best way to do that, as many of us have traveled a lot, and the web is cheap and sorta quick. At least quicker than sending off for info via snail mail. Actually, snail mail will still get you some freebies about parks such as maps if you hit the right person/place. Have fun!
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