Cross Country Riding

[aeropilot]

Cool, I will look into AAA plans. I have a SPOT Tracker that is nice for family peace of mind too.

I don't expect any trouble with the Nomad, been a great and stable rider since we bought it.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

Lots of ice in a "camel back" on a summer ride is nice until the pit stops catch up. If you have risers on a stock Nomad, a small piece of "Armorflex" foam pipe insulation on your handlebars makes a nice water bottle pocket next to the windshield.

There are tank bags with water bladders like that of a camelback. You can also buy the bladders separately. They are usually 2-3L.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by ponch

There are tank bags with water bladders like that of a camelback. You can also buy the bladders separately. They are usually 2-3L.

My Camel-back is 70 oz. If it's hot enough to want that much ice, having it in your shirt is a +.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

My Camel-back is 70 oz. If it's hot enough to want that much ice, having it in your shirt is a +.

I've never ridden in temps higher than 104˚F. I will say that the higher the humidity, the worse it is. 104 in Iowa is worse than 104 in Nevada. Just saying. I haven't tried ice though. I usually like my drinks neat.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by ponch

I've never ridden in temps higher than 104˚F. I will say that the higher the humidity, the worse it is. 104 in Iowa is worse than 104 in Nevada. Just saying. I haven't tried ice though. I usually like my drinks neat.

Let's just say that you haven't missed anything. Yes, you can ride in 110, 115 degrees even - it sure as hell isn't any fun. I don't care how much gatorade or water you have to drink.

The last leg of the ride home from Crescent City was miserable. I left Camarillo, CA (just west of the San Fernando Valley) at 0700 on a Sunday morning. It's close to the ocean and was very pleasant. About 90 minutes later, I was in Redlands and it was 105°, less than an hour later I was in Palm Springs and it was 110°, and it got worse from there. I stopped in Blythe CA for lunch and it was 115°, and it hovered around there for the remaining ride home. 300 miles in some of the worst heat you can imagine.

[markclark57]

That's about when I'd be looking at a night ride.

[waterman]

But it a dry heat Scott. At those temperatures nothing is fun. Just like when we hit below 0.

[jendesigner]

Originally Posted by aeropilot

I am also planning a long trip for next year, Philadelphia area to Oshkosh WI for EAA AirVenture at the end of July. These tips and posts are very helpful. Today, I actually looked at two 500 mile days to get there, but then three days of more relaxed routes home.

Anyone have tips on road maintenance or agencies to belong to for these long trips? My auto insurance offers towing and service, but I was thinking of making a list of Kawi dealers/shops along the route if something should happen.

Aeropilot not sure of the route you are planning but just to let you know that the Interstate around the Lake through Chicago to Wisconsin is a total PITA. Just make sure you don't plan on riding at the end of one of your 500 mile days. You will need to be rested when riding this area. After you get through Milwaukee the ride is very nice, I ride up to Green Bay several times a year.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by waterman

But it a dry heat Scott. At those temperatures nothing is fun. Just like when we hit below 0.

No, during the monsoon it isn't a "dry heat". Dry heat is < 10% humidity, but during the monsoon, we are around 30% or more. Big difference.

[mobandy78]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

Get a AAA card....but get the RV Plus plan. That is the plan that includes motorcycle towing and pickup....the regular plan is for cages. Seriously, don't leave home without it. They give you free maps, bring you gas if you need it....all kinds of stuff.

Skip AAA... Go to the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) and get their membership instead. It's cheaper than AMA and you get more benefits. Plus, the basic package covers everyone in the house and every vehicle, no add-ons per person or vehicle like AAA does.

As soon as I found out about the AMA benefits, I dropped AAA and signed up for the AMA.

[Netnorske]

This is worth looking into. Does the AMA plan provide coverage in Canada as well as the US...? AAA covers both, but if the AMA plan does both, does all vehicles with no per person add-ons, one would have to check it out!

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

This is worth looking into. Does the AMA plan provide coverage in Canada as well as the US...? AAA covers both, but if the AMA plan does both, does all vehicles with no per person add-ons, one would have to check it out!

Kris, I looked and couldn't find anything on if it is the US only.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

No, during the monsoon it isn't a "dry heat". Dry heat is < 10% humidity, but during the monsoon, we are around 30% or more. Big difference.

Unlike the 80% we get here. The east coast is worse.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Let's just say that you haven't missed anything. Yes, you can ride in 110, 115 degrees even - it sure as hell isn't any fun. I don't care how much gatorade or water you have to drink.

The last leg of the ride home from Crescent City was miserable. I left Camarillo, CA (just west of the San Fernando Valley) at 0700 on a Sunday morning. It's close to the ocean and was very pleasant. About 90 minutes later, I was in Redlands and it was 105°, less than an hour later I was in Palm Springs and it was 110°, and it got worse from there. I stopped in Blythe CA for lunch and it was 115°, and it hovered around there for the remaining ride home. 300 miles in some of the worst heat you can imagine.

I never said gatorade and water made it fun, just that it's the wise thing to do in heat.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by markclark57

That's about when I'd be looking at a night ride.

I wonder if the critters are out then too?