First Big Roadtrip

[nomadtom69]

I have a Road ID bracelett I wear with all my ICE on it make it a habit to put it on everytime I leave the house either on motorcycle bicycle or in truck.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

Remind me not to get on here after I've been drinking..... I thought you were attempting the entire 1800 miles over three days. I see now through clearer eyes you said three each way. Much more manageable ride that way....! Enjoy your trip....!!

I rest my case about drinking

Kris....remember to set the example not be the example:):)

[ivan]

Bring a small container of Baby Powder. Your ass will thank you after a long ride in warm weather.
Frogg Toggs Outerwear works great for wet weather riding. It repels water while allowing your body to breathe.
Don't forget ATGATT: all the gear all the time. Wear proper motorcycle (abrasion resistant and padded) clothing and a good helmet. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to repair road rash or broken bones in a hospital if anything should happen. High visibility vest will make you more noticeable to cagers.
Enjoy your trip!

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by ivan

Bring a small container of Baby Powder. Your ass will thank you after a long ride in warm weather.
Frogg Toggs Outerwear works great for wet weather riding. It repels water while allowing your body to breathe.
Don't forget ATGATT: all the gear all the time. Wear proper motorcycle (abrasion resistant and padded) clothing and a good helmet. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to repair road rash or broken bones in a hospital if anything should happen. High visibility vest will make you more noticeable to cagers.
Enjoy your trip!

Good tips and worth repeating!

[davidhollinger]

+1 on the chapstick and ear plugs. I did 868 miles in a day a few years back and an Ipod makes a big difference. I was sore the next day from pushing too hard and should have taken more breaks. Thank God for cruise control/throttle lock. Lots of good advice so far..just listen to your body and your bike. They will tell you when to stop and when its safe to continue. Good luck and have a great ride. Be sure to post pics and update us when you get back!

[elvis]

I used the following checklist when I had my 2008 Nomad (Suzi is my wife's bike):

Tire Pressure (Nomad Fore 38 Aft 41 Suzi Fore 29 Aft 36 psi)
Lights
Oil Level
Coolant Level
Lamp, Headlight Spare # (12V 60/55W (H4))
Lamp, Taillight Spare # (12V 5/21W)
Lamp Turn Signal Spare # (12V 5/21W)
Fuses (Nomad 10 A and 15 A, Suzi 30 A, 15 A and 10 A)
Nomad Oil filter: 16097-0004
Suzi Oil Filter: 16510-03G00-X07
Motor Oil: Shell T6 5w40 full syn motor oil with JASO certificate
Final Gear Oil (Nomad&Suzi): SAE90 hypoid gear oil, API GL-5
Kick-stand Footplate
Tire gauge
Tool Kit
4, 5 and 8 mm Allen wrenches
8, 10, 12 and 17 mm combination wrench
Needle nose pliers
Cleaning Rag/Towel
Spark Plug Spare
Registration/Insurance Papers
A roll of electrical tape
A small roll of duct tape
A roll of bare brass wire

Ride with the wind and due care!

[elvis]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

1800 miles.....3 days....thats 600 miles per day. !

Kris, I had to check the mileage. The return trip comes to about 1,800 miles and he plans to do it in 6 days, so therefore, he is riding about 300 miles per day.

Disregard my comment, just noticed Kris already addressed that..

[sgoyette]

Thank you all so very much!!! Lots of wisdom in these posts that I'm sure is the result of serious experience. Next up is deciding the date....if my buddy comes with me then we'll likely leave Vancouver (Maple Ridge) on the 15th in the morning. If not it will probably be the 21st. Should know in the next couple of days (I hope).

[elvis]

Originally Posted by sgoyette

....I'm sure is the result of serious experience. Next up is deciding the date....if my buddy comes with me then we'll likely leave Vancouver (Maple Ridge) on the 15th in the morning. If not it will probably be the 21st. Should know in the next couple of days (I hope).

Did you check the mountain passes? The Kootenay Pass would be the easiest for this time of the year:



Are you planning on riding the Icefields Parkway?

[fammdw]

Originally Posted by sgoyette

So I've been riding for a year now and my longest trip has been 3 hours. In a couple of weeks a buddy and I are going to do a ride from Vancouver to Edmonton and back. This is roughly 3000kms (Approximately 1870 miles) and we're planning to do it 3 days each way (with a few days spent in Edmonton).
The question I'm asking (got here eventually) is if there is any advice you'd have for a big road trip newb like me?

Full face helmet or at least a 3/4 with a shield. I did one long trip with a full face Shoei RF1100 and earplugs. Did another wearing a half helmet and no earplugs (Sena headset instead). I can tell you that there is a heck of a difference in rider fatigue between the two. The next long one, I will have more on my head than a half shell.

Wear light weight gloves or at least keep good sunscreen on the backs of your hands. If not, they will be like leather when you get home.

Take some clothes appropriate for colder weather at altitude. The temperature can fluctuate 25 degrees or more from the bottom to the top.

Call the banks that you have credit cards with and let them know where you will be traveling. If not, you will most certainly get fraud notices. If you do not respond to them in a timely manner the bank will cancel the card(s).

Ammens or Gold Bond medicated powder. Enough said...

If you do not have a custom seat, an Airhawk R cushion can save your behind.

[sgoyette]

Well, looks like that ride is cancelled. Thanks for all of the great advice though. I've created a checklist that I'll use next time and as well better equipped my bike for even around town.

Steve