New GS Owner, Old BMW(relative) owner

[rysterling]

Hello All,

Names Ry, hailing from Martha's Vineyard, MA but currently residing in Miami, FL. At 27 I've been riding my '78 r100/7 for over 5 years, I transformed the tank into a cafe and threw an old Heinrich tank on it that I found at a rally. I have loved every second on it but unfortunately with an accident or two under my belt and the incredible drivers of Miami I decided to opt out and get myself a GS, shipping my old girl north to the parents barn.

I've had the GS (2009 r1200GS Adventurer, 6500K miles) for a few weeks now and while I enjoy the comfort it is not my favorite city ride which I realize they were not designed for. The real reason for purchasing the bike is the nature of my work allows me to travel freely (for the most part) and I have decided to take a trip from Miami to Misoulla, MT and shake hands with about 50 prospective clients along the way (I provide software for industrial distributors, pipes, valves, fitting etc). Essentially shooting up 95/trunpike to Orlando,Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Columbus, Kansas City, Sioux Falls, Rapid city and then over to Misoulla. Once in Misoulla I plan on doing a 14 day off road trip down to Twin Falls, Idaho.

My question for you veteran road warriors is to find out the best scenic rides on the way up. I'm giving myself 14 days but open to any advice as this is my maiden voyage across the country. I'm a big hiker and mountaineer so I'll be camping along most of the way for the nights I can't find a comfortable bed to sleep in. Don't know how kosher it is here in the US to just pitch a tent over a hill. I leave August 1st so time is of the essence.

Thanks in advance.

Happy Riding,

Ry

[20774]

Ry -

Welcome to the forum! Glad you're making the transition to the GS for serious road miles. As for camping, I'm not sure I'd just drive down a road and over a hill to camp...could get into some trouble that way I think. Might want to check in the various towns, maybe check with the police or firemen and ask where it would be OK to pitch a tent.

[Omega Man]

Welcome to the forum RY.....WMVY bring back memories?
Have a safe trip. If you have your Anonymous Book, you may find there are Members along the way that will let you camp in safety in their yard.
There is also Camping with the Corp of Engineers. It's an easily obtainable reference book for quick and easy camping.
Gary

[okiegman]

Ry,

I'd have to agree you should check first before just pitching a tent along the road. Private land owners may object. Another good option is KOA - MOA members now receive a discount, go here to get your KOA card http://www.bmwmoa.org/?memberdiscounts. Look in your profile for your redemption code, click on the link to fill out the application, you can print your card at home.

As others have stated you can also look in your Anonymous Book for members who allow camping - if you find yourself in eastern Oklahoma, I have plenty of camping space and am listed in the Anon Book.

Good luck on your epic ride - I can tell you there is some great riding along the way, I try to stay off slabs and find that I enjoy backroads even across flatlandia when I get to see something other than the next truck stop.

Thanks for being a member

[Rinty]

Hi Ry, and welcome.

I can give you some suggestions for the last segment of your route. Aim for Sheridan in Wyoming, and take the 14 through Burgess Junction. Continue west to Cody, then north to Red Lodge. From Red Lodge, take the 212 over the Beartooth Plateau. You can do the Chief Joseph (290), and Yellowstone Park along the way. From the west edge of Yellowstone, go north to St Mary, then west over the Going to the Sun Road. Then make your way along the east short of Flathead Lake on 206 and 35, and you'll end up in Missoula. West of Missoula is the famous Lolo Pass route (12), if you have time.

If you want a break from camping, suggest you line up accommodations in advance in Missoula, as they can sell out if there is a sporting event on. If you stay downtown, there are lots of good bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Have a great ride.

[rysterling]

Hey everyone,
Really appreciate all the responses. New to this so just checked back in. I'll definitely take all your recommendations into consideration. Tomorrow it begins. Thanks again!
Ry

[rysterling]

92.7 WMVY and the mind minder. Grew up there so brings back quite a few. Thanks for your advice!

Welcome to the forum RY.....WMVY bring back memories?
Have a safe trip. If you have your Anonymous Book, you may find there are Members along the way that will let you camp in safety in their yard.
There is also Camping with the Corp of Engineers. It's an easily obtainable reference book for quick and easy camping.
Gary