Need some Advice...

[clayton]

Hello All,
The wife and I are planning our 1st trip on the Nomad in May.
We plan on riding out to the Dragon...from Cinci Ohio.
This will be our 1st trip (long trip) together and it will also be around the same time as our anniversary. which is on the 18th.
We will be heading out May 14th and returning on the 17th.
I figure 1 good day to get there and 1 good day to return, leaving a couple to play around or what ever we decide.
So in saying this I need some advice...
We thought about splitting it into 2 sections going up and coming back. Meaning a overnight stay in between.
I personally can ride all day but the wife's concern is herself. She has never been on the back of any one of my bikes for more than an hour at a time so I obviously need to take her into consideration.
Who knows we may just do it all in one feel swoop.
In any case what pointers/advise/direction can you Guys and Gals give so we can make this an enjoyable trip and not one that we will regret....hehe...
Thanks Much

[ringadingh]

Everybody's different, you won't know how she'll feel until you try it. Id take a test run of a good long day on the bike around home first, that may give you an indication of what to expect.
The temp and weather also play a large part in how long you are comfortable. Ive had three hour rides that I was sore and tired afterwards, and other days eight hour rides and I wasn't too bad.

[VulcanE]

With her not being used to riding long distances, I would suggest stopping about every 50 or 60 miles and letting her stretch her legs. Stop for a cold drink, and usually there be someone wanting to talk "Motorcycles". The only down side is loosing time, but like the saying goes "If Mama ain't happy, Ain't Nobody going to be happy"

I would also suggest taking several long day trips before hand, just to let her rump start getting used to longer rides, sorta like "breaking it in"

[clayton]

Yea I was thinking about doing the "loop" here in Cinci, which would be an hour drive on Interstate 275 then checking it out and keep doing so until she says "give" hehe...

[zoom45]

My wife was ready to go from the beginning. She has never complained how far we ride and occasionally I'll have to shake her leg to keep her awake. My limiting factors are gas, my butt and bathroom breaks. We stop at least every 90 miles for gas (1500 carbed) and that gives time to stretch our legs. You have plenty of time for break-in rides before May. Get her some music to listen too and comfortable clothes. That will keep her comfortable and occupied for long rides. Keep in mind that every stop at least just for gas or stretching is going to add a minimum of 15 minutes to your travel time. Figure how many stops you will have to make and add it up. It will surprise you how long it extends your trip. Oh, and be extra careful not to scare her. My wife is scared to ride in the car when I drive but she knows I'm extra careful on the bike.
Zoom45

[MAS Tequila]

If your going to be in the area that weekend come over and say hi.

http://sevroc2010.blogspot.com/

There will be quite a few there.

MT

[Netnorske]

As said...just make plenty of stretch stops. I can ride tank to tank, but the wife likes to make one stop in between....even if just for a few minutes to walk and stretch. Once the bum gets sore, its pretty much over, so take it easy.

Also...not sure if you still have the stock seat(s), but that seems to be an issue for most Nomad riders on longer trips....hence many of us have gone to aftermarket seats of some sort (of which there are plenty to choose from).

I would do some test rides before the "big one" to make sure of your comfort zones. One other piece of advice.....never go so fast or hard as to not appreciate the majesty of the scenery around you as you travel.... :) !

[dabull]

if momma not happy - nobody is happy...make the necessary stops

[petenomad]

Take at least a 150-200 mile local trip a few weeks prior to this trip to let her decide if this is something she is going to enjoy. Weather this time of year is a bit unpredictable so I agree this could be trouble.
I'd also question putting this so close to your anniversary. If after the longer warm up trip, she decides this is not going to be any fun, you may have some decisions to make about going without her and that would not be a good conversation to have right then. (Just my opinion after 24.5 years.) Obviously, you know your wife better than the rest of us.

[cactusjack]

Before I undertake a long ride, I condition myself by doing at least a few long day rides that would approximate the distance I hope to cover in one day. For instance, before the Custer Rally, I started about a month in advance and got in some good 300-400 mile days. Both you and your wife would need to participate, her stamina on the pillion seat is just as important as yours.

In my case, I can ride through the winter, so I don't go months without riding and I never really lose my "edge", it may be even more critical for you two to build your endurance up after a long winter without riding.

[bokobob]

I'd consider the suggested longish local ride of up to 200 miles as a dry run...then I'd consider a kidney belt for her to help hold the back erect (cinches around waist tightly) and also maybe a gel pad for her seating...Yes, hafta stop often..

[MAS Tequila]

Your looking at around six hours not counting stops. I'd do like everyone is saying and take her on a couple two or three hour trips. Conditioning is key. Then again maybe she'll be a natural. Three hundred miles is a piece of cake though. I'm looking at 1800 each way to Cortez CO this summer. Just have fun with it and don't HAVE to be anywhere at a certain time.

MT

[dank]

My wife and I have ridden across the country together and many other trips. She enjoys biking. She found the Nomad seat and ergonomics very comfortable. We go roughly 600 - 650 miles per day. If you want your wife to really enjoy the trip I have found that two things are essential:

1) Make sure she is warm. I carry chemical heat packs for hands and toes when we ride together, and a pair of heavy winter leather mittens she can use. She loves it. Keeps her hands and feet toasty warm. I carry it because she will use them at temps that I think are warm: 50's. The issues isn't whether you or I would think it is cold outside. The issue is making sure your wife is truly warm.

2) Absolutely get an intercom. We didn't have one the first few years. My wife enjoyed the rides together. Got an inexpensive wire-linked and rechargeable battery intercom system, and now she loves the trips. You'll like it better too since you can really enjoy the interaction of traveling together more when you can talk about what you are doing, needing, or seeing. I'll probably upgrade to a wireless system in the future since they are available and I know how much this enriches traveling together.

Can't rank those two. Both are essentials for a great trip with your wife.

[Netnorske]

Good point on the intercom! I bought a Cardo Teamset off of Ebay awhile back for about $150.00. It is wireless with re-chargable batteries. The thing works great and has really enhanced our tandem riding. It's nice not to have to scream while turning your head or taking your eyes off the road just to TRY to communicate. Both of you will enjoy the riding experience even more with an intercom of some sort!

[clayton]

Thanks very much for all of this advice.
Ya her and I have been talking and the one thing I stressed to her is "she needs more bike time".
So on the 1st decent day I am going to grab her and slowly break her into the style of riding I do.
Oh Yea "If Mama Ain't Happy There Ain't NO ONE happy" :)
I am going to look into a Gel pad for the stock seat. Currently I do not have the funds for a after market. However I do see myself getting one within the next year.
I will also look for one (gel pad) for the wife as well.
About a month prior to the trip I will be letting my local Kaw dealer do a complete service and a good once over to make sure the bike itself is good to go.
I am going to pack up a care package "so to speak" for the Nomad.
1st: the AAA card which has saved me once already for my previous bike. 2nd: Tools obviously.
3: tire repair kit to include plugs and small air pump. If I get stuck in the middle of no where then at least I might be able to repair the tire enough to get me to a local dealer.
4: Our rain gear and personal stuff.
The list obviously is longer :)
However is there any "1" thing I should take that I might not be thinking of?
Again...thanks a bunch