Thanks to you all!
I am overwhelmed with the positive comments and warm reception from you all! I honestly expected more comments along the lines of "you're crazy" but have received quite the opposite. In talking over the trip with a few friends that's generally the impression I've gotten and was looking for someone to validate my crazy! Sounds like I'm among like-minded people. I'll certainly
Apparently I missed that in my initial post. We do plan to hit both of those. Thanks for the reminder.
Good to know – I'll look into that. We've also questioned missing the Black Hills – It's definitely a balancing act about what we choose to see and don't. If we can fit it in, we definitely will. My grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew we'd be this close to Crazy Horse and not stop… he was obsessed with it's creation.
Glad to hear the pace is sustainable. I know we're going to have some rough days, but the conditioning hasn't been too bad I think we'll have decent luck with hotels following the method you (and others here) have mentioned. The difficult part will be trying to work in camping which generally needs advance reservations. Like I mentioned, we'd like to try to camp a decent amount to keep costs lower and reserve the hotel stays to recoup after a long/hard bit of riding or nasty weather. Anyone have thoughts on using Tentspace in this fashion?
Glad to hear it's reasonable… and I completely understand the toll of time. I've definitely learned I'm not getting any younger either!
Thanks again to you all for taking the time to help an absolute stranger. The community aspect was a large factor in my purchasing decision – I was looking at both Triumph and BMW (already owning a Triumph Scrambler) and where I live we have mega-dealers and a BMW dealer. I like the simplicity of that and it definitely feels like joining a club rather than going to the store to buy a bike. I'll continue to check in here as we continue our planning (and the dreaded packing!) Thanks again guys!
I am overwhelmed with the positive comments and warm reception from you all! I honestly expected more comments along the lines of "you're crazy" but have received quite the opposite. In talking over the trip with a few friends that's generally the impression I've gotten and was looking for someone to validate my crazy! Sounds like I'm among like-minded people. I'll certainly
sailorlite
You've planned a magnificent ride, IMO. However, to me it seems a shame to miss Zion and Bryce Canyon NP's in SW Utah. In any case, check out Hwy. 89 from Provo south instead of I-15. As you've probably noticed already, there will be no shortage of suggestions - you may have to start planning for next year's ride.
Apparently I missed that in my initial post. We do plan to hit both of those. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for that recommendation. Sounds like many others agree so we'll definitely adjust our route. Can't not see the geographical center of the country! Just the other week I randomly found the "geographical center of the lower peninsula as closely as can be determined" on a ride across the state. That stuff is travel gold!PGlaves
On your leg across Kansas and Missouri I would recommend US 36 rather than I-70. It is a much more pleasant way to go and not a whole lot slower. The extra hour is well worth not riding 70.
akbeemer
Instead of taking the interstate from the Rapid City area to Billings, take Hwy 212 from Belle Fourche to Crow Agency. Saves 50 miles and gets you off the interstate. You can make a deviation and visit Devil's Tower as well. The Black Hills of South Dakota are worth a day if you can fit it in.
Good to know – I'll look into that. We've also questioned missing the Black Hills – It's definitely a balancing act about what we choose to see and don't. If we can fit it in, we definitely will. My grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew we'd be this close to Crazy Horse and not stop… he was obsessed with it's creation.
cide1
I did 2500 miles in 6 days last September, from Indy to West Virginia, Virginia Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina, Tennessee (including Tail of the Dragon and Wheels Through Time), Kentucky, and back to Indy. The last day was probably the worst, doing about 550 miles, with the last 350 miles or so being one shot interstate home in the cold and getting dark. Overall it was a great experience, and the pace was sustainable for me as a serious but not super serious motorcyclist on an R1200R. I fit everything in the two system cases, although I will take much less on the next trip. I wore an Aerostich with a hoody, T-shirt and jeans underneath. I highly recommend Aerostich. I also used an Airhawk seat, which made a big difference. I booked the first two hotel rooms before leaving, and had a rough idea of the place I needed to be by certain times. The rest of the bookings I did from my phone the night before I needed them, using Google ratings to help me hit a certain quality for a certain price point (and trying to stay away from big cities where hotels cost more). For the most part this worked pretty well.
Glad to hear the pace is sustainable. I know we're going to have some rough days, but the conditioning hasn't been too bad I think we'll have decent luck with hotels following the method you (and others here) have mentioned. The difficult part will be trying to work in camping which generally needs advance reservations. Like I mentioned, we'd like to try to camp a decent amount to keep costs lower and reserve the hotel stays to recoup after a long/hard bit of riding or nasty weather. Anyone have thoughts on using Tentspace in this fashion?
hojoinsc
Your daily mileage seems very reasonable, this past year I did 6,000 miles in 11 days (took 3 days off hiking Glacier National Park) and the daily mileage was too much for my liking...I did the same amount 6 years ago and was surprised how much 6 years has taken it's toll on me.
Glad to hear it's reasonable… and I completely understand the toll of time. I've definitely learned I'm not getting any younger either!
And my wife thought it would be an overshare –*I told her, this is a bunch of BMW owners – they're going to ask these questions if I don't state them outright!From what you've shared of your background, plans, etc., (all good info to know)…
Thanks to you and AlanColes (et al) for reiterating that sentiment. I know it's a good thing to keep in the back of your head, along with adequate rest, hydration and off-the-saddle time.deilenberger
NEVER have to be anywhere on a motorcycle. Not having to be anywhere puts you into a much safer mindset and one more open to exploration. Don't plan the stops as "must stop and see" - plan them as "if I'm in the area.." sort of stops. Leave yourself the time and ability to change plans at a whim (or weather, or whatever.)
Thanks again to you all for taking the time to help an absolute stranger. The community aspect was a large factor in my purchasing decision – I was looking at both Triumph and BMW (already owning a Triumph Scrambler) and where I live we have mega-dealers and a BMW dealer. I like the simplicity of that and it definitely feels like joining a club rather than going to the store to buy a bike. I'll continue to check in here as we continue our planning (and the dreaded packing!) Thanks again guys!